Uwatec Aladin sport dive computer questions

[KeithG]

I have the Aladin Sport (with the holes in the silver pins). I just had a quote from the local dive shop to replace the battery for $200. They send it off to Uwatec & it gets shipped back & forth, so a bit of extra cost. Given that the device is at least 10 years old and that an up-to-date model is going for around $350, I think I'll take the risk & try doing it myself.

I've seen a few videos out there that walk through the process, so I'll post the outcome (and the method I used) once I work up the courage to take a crack at it.

(my model is shown in the attached image)

I think your LDS was being less than truthful. AFAIK Scubapro has not provided battery replacements for many (many!) years for these computers. Some shady LDS will give you a quote and then later tell you "no go, but we can give you a deal on a new one...". Slime.

Check the side of your computer. It will be embossed with a tested date. Mine is "tested 07.95". So my sport is just over 20 years old...

Make sure you buy a battery that has the tabs. SAFT LS14500 comes in 3 different models: button top, axial lead and tabs. A quick check of ebay indicates the price has gone way up. $18 canuck for 2 batteries, free shipping from china.

The hardest part is getting it back together and NOT having an air bubble. I have had more success with a very deep container of oil to reassemble it in. Bubbles will affect the accuracy of the depth sensor. Not sure by how much.

 

[Ed Fandangle]

Hi giffenk, thanks for your quick reply. I suspected the same . There's a complete walkthrough that looks like my model at "Aladin® PRO / SPORT and DIY battery exchange" that I think I'll follow. The details I have on the side of mine are "tested-AL" on one side & "55415" stamped on the other. Not sure if that can be resolved to a date, but it's too old for me to remember exactly.

Great tip on the oil bath. The vid I've referenced above uses a clever syringe approach, but I can see that air bubble removal will be a pain point when reassembling.

I'll take your advice & take care when selecting the battery. I reckon the price is fine compared to a new computer (and the exercise is kind of an interesting task to have a crack at).

I've also gone searching the web for the original DataTrak software & hardware interface and have found a few sites that have some options there, so I might even play around with soldering up a new interface (Aladin-Interface), even though it's only the one-way data transfer.

 

[DIVEWATCHDOCTOR]

We can replace the battery on your Aladin Pro for $ 65, plus about $ 10 return shipping to lower 48 states. We are in down town Fort Lauderdale. Check our website: www.divewatchdoctor.com. Trouble is not only to solder the new battery to the circuit board, refilling the mineral oil but, afterwards, knowing how to reset it to indicate 99% charge.