Thoughts on how many years we should expect our dive computers to function properly.

[DeputyDan]

I own three dive computers and all three have started "acting out".
As an example, for one of them the default setting is metric, by you can change to feet.
I can no longer get mine to change. It works fine in metric but won't switch to feet.

I was thinking of purchasing a new model that is easier to read due to the fact that I have a hard time reading my current one on night dives - old eyes - small watch face - it's an Xtender and is no bigger than a wrist watch.

BTW - all three computers are at least 18 years old

DD

 

[scubadada]

Eighteen years is pretty good. My Oceanic VT3 is a little over 10 years old, 1509 dives, 1592 hours. It's not just age, but also use. That is my current standard...

 

[broncobowsher]

I would expect 15-20 years. Unless they have a built in rechargeable battery, then things get dicey. I think it is the Liquidvision where if the computer looses power (during a battery swap or just a really dead battery) it won't boot back up. It will need to be booted by a company that is no longer around.

But the basic replacable battery dive computer, a couple decades.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

My Suunto Cobra is over 20 years old and still going strong.

 

[tbone1004]

what other electronics do you have that you expect to last that long?
Phones- 2 to 4 years?
Laptops- 2 to 4 years
TVs- 4 to 10 years?

I'd expect dive computers to last about 10 years max, but I think that's pretty darned good to have them at 18 years. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with some of the new offerings

 

[scubadada]

what other electronics do you have that you expect to last that long?
Phones- 2 to 4 years?
Laptops- 2 to 4 years
TVs- 4 to 10 years?

I'd expect dive computers to last about 10 years max, but I think that's pretty darned good to have them at 18 years. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with some of the new offerings

Pretty low expectations, you're likely younger than I am

 

[Centrals]

Aladin Pro Nitrox bought in 1997 and is still my primary dive computer.
Keep It Super Simple.

 

[davehicks]

I had a pair of Cochran EMC-20's that I bought in 2007, one of which was used and years older. Both of them failed in 2019. One had a failure of the temperature sensor which locked it out from use. The other had it's LCD screen fail probably due to failing solder joints. I tried to cannibalize one to save the other but it didn't succeed. They were both backup computers at this point for our CCR's. I had a fond spot for them as they were tough and reliable, and probably only had 2 batteries in 12 years. That was a pretty good run. I put them to rest in an quiet, shady spot in my junk drawer.

 

[MargaritaMike]

what other electronics do you have that you expect to last that long?
Phones- 2 to 4 years?
Laptops- 2 to 4 years
TVs- 4 to 10 years?

I'd expect dive computers to last about 10 years max, but I think that's pretty darned good to have them at 18 years. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with some of the new offerings

I agree with @scubadafo once. My phone is over 4 years old, my laptop is almost 10 years old, if it hadn't been for a lightning strike, my TV' would be more that 10 years old.

Cheers,

 

[Centrals]

The TV in my spare room is well over 20 yrs and is still working fine, of course it won't receive HD signal.
However, my main 3 yrs old LED TV is already on the way out!!!!