VEO 250 Dive Computer

[scubadon64]

Doug Krause,

Thanks for the reply. I've also been a loyal Oceanic customer for 15+ years. So I'm interested in resolving the issue in a financially reasonable manner rather than dumping my Oceanic equipment and moving to another vendor. I know Oceanic has stood behind is products in the past and posted recalls such as this one on the Versa Pro ( CDNN :: Scuba Recall :: Oceanic Dive Computer ). I expect Oceanic to once again step up to the plate and do the right thing.

Cheers y'all!

 

[ktomlinson]

Scubadon,

Thank you for the advice on the computer! I really appreciate it. I can't tell you how many times I had to plug/unplug my cable before it worked. To make things worse my computer is in the hall closet and my display is my tv so I had to keep walking back and forth..I'd guess at least a dozen times. I am pretty new to oceanic, less than 10 dives on the computer. Since we just got my wifes yesterday and can return it, I think I'm going to get out while we can. I figure I can sell my 180 and cable and go for an air integrated computer that does gas switching up to 100% o2 since that is something we plan to use in the future.

 

[craracer]

I'll call Oceanic on Thursday and report back.

I started thinking about what would be solved by calling them.
I don't know how many others have talked/written to Oceanic regarding the VEO issues, but they have been well documented on sites such as this. Would my voice be the one to tip them over the edge? I highly doubt it.

Would my call resolve the problem that has plagued the last 3 VEO computers I've owned? Historically speaking, and betting on the spread, I would have to say no.

Would my confidence in the ability of the replacement, for the replacement, for the replacement computer increase because I made the call? No. Actually, a second time failure should have been an indication for striking out.

Today I had to laugh when, put in the context of this post, I received notice of a class action lawsuit against Honda due to windshields cracking on the Element model.

 

[scubadon64]

Thanks CraRacer!

I don't want to digress this thread into a discussion of how many corporatations (like Toyota) let things evolve into massive lawsuits, choosing quick profits over long term customer loyalty and safety. Or how the whole system has become bogged down with lawsuits. Seems like I get a new notice over a class action suit every few month. I just got another one concerning lawn mower motors where the horse power was overrated. I think every one who applies is getting $35 for that one. It's a sad state.

Back to the issue at hand. It would be interesting to know, if possible, can a firmware update be applied to the computer, without sending the computer to Oceanic for service. Depending on the type of chips used in the construction of the computer it may or may not be possible to update the firmware code. I'm a software developer by trade who has also worked closely with some hardware manufactures. The technology is available, but not always externalized. Assuming this is an issue with the firmware, it would be nice if people can simply download a new version from Oceanic and apply the update through the external cable. For those without a cable, they could go to their local dealer. This would save both Oceanic and their customers the cost of shipping the units back and forth. Again, this may all be a mute point. The only solution may be a complete replacement of the computer. If that's the case, then I would suggest a complete redesign which would allow such an update to be made.

The other item which comes to mind, is why the warranty is limited to 2 years? Many of my friends who dive, only do it during the summer or while on a trip. This limits the actual number of uses to a low number in most cases. I understand the technology is constantly evolving, but 5 years seems much more acceptable for defects unless they think the seals and buttons (etc) won't last that long.

If you have information from other web sites or know other people having issues, please post the information or have your friends post the information.

I see there is another new thread here about Versa Pro computers dying also and having to be replaced.

Thanks!

 

[ktomlinson]

I'm a marketing manager at the brokerage I work for and I know that if I received a message from an industry forum that I would at least reply to it. I just got the lawnmower notice too...usually I don't join class actions that I get notices for, but in the lawnmower case those companies were colluding with each other to misrepresent their products so I will this time. Oceanic isn't doing that, but it does appear by the marketing managers lack of a response to show indifference to your plight. If there really is a known problem and it ends up being a factor in an accident, I wouldn't want to be in oceanics shoes.

 

[scubadon64]

ktomlinson,

I didn't actually get the notice for the lawn mower case, just had some one tell that there was one. Other than that, I haven't actually looked at the details, but it sounds from your description it should be interesting enough to read.

Back to Oceanic, my concern as well as others here is that these computers can and do loose dive information which could lead to a miscalculation of nitrogen saturation. The people I dive with typically take ample time between dives but this issue still could lead to people entering into a situation where decompression stops are required without the computer properly reporting the situation. Since there has never been a disclosure or explanation ( other than it sounds like a hardware failure ) to why this happens, everthing becomes conjecture and speculation. You can buy a Casio watch which can last over ten years without ever having an issue, so I'm a bit confused why these computers ( both VEO and Versa ) begin failing shortly after the warranty expires with only a limited number of dives and you have to send them back to Oceanic for replacement. I have 2 older Prodigy computers which are still functional and many years old, so I know they can build products that last. Maybe one of their suppliers sold them a bad batch of chips or circuits. In either case, the current state is unacceptable.

 

[scubadon64]

Found some more issues reported on Undercurrent.org with Oceanic computers. In one instance the owner had a Datamax Pro Plus which failed. Paid his $120 to have it "repaired". A year later the computer went erratic a different way, and he sent it back in again, and it was replaced with another Oceanic Datamax Pro Plus 2. Not sure what happened after that...

Found another article on the same website, where one user had 3 Oceanic Data Plus II computers fail. Oceanic also replaced those, according to the article even with waranties expired.

 

[craracer]

Anyone heard anything from the Service Department yet? I've been working 12 hour shifts for what feels like forever. Calling them is on my to-do list for this Thursday.

 

[danwig]

Nope... nothing.. only crickets... 4 sets of regulators, 2 wetsuits, 4 computers, booties, mask.. all Oceanic, now I am fixing to never touch their stuff again. Not only that, I encouraged people on Oceanic because of support, quality, etc. Now they are going to hate me because I am going to be the guy who tells everyone why NOT to buy oceanic in scuba shops, clubs, dive rags, online, etc. But hey, they protected their $120 service fee, guess they know best.

 

[craracer]

I called Oceanic today.

In a nutshell, they indicate that when units are returned, a complete overhaul is initiated and all components are tested. Typically, you will not receive the same unit back (same serial number computer) as they have a stock of refurbished computers on hand. This reduces the wait time to receive a unit.

The representative said that he has been made aware of this thread, but has not had time to respond. He also stated that he has seen a couple of units, which have had problems not unlike mine.

What he has asked me to do is return my unit with documentation showing the last time I had the unit serviced (with payment of $120). Unfortunately for me, I have the receipt for the original return (9/2008), at which time it was an under warranty repair, but I'm not sure I will be able to find the latest receipt showing payment.

To make matter worse, the LDS that I purchased the unit from, and whom sent the computers back to Oceanic, has gone out of business.

Oceanic would still like me to send the computer back if I am unable to produce the last receipt.

For giggles, I turned the computer on today. It's showing a full 3 bars of battery power.