WARNING: Oceanic / Huish Outdoors no longer services most transmitters!

[tmassey]

Looks like Oceanic / Huish Outdoors now refuses to service the transmitters with BM serial numbers -- which is the vast number of transmitters out there. These are the typical MH8A transmitters that are used by lots of different computers out there.

I bought an Oceanic computer and transmitter combination on eBay. I really just wanted the transmitter, but it was a reasonable price, and it was sold as "barely used". When I got it, the computer was fine, but the transmitter was in rough shape, including being obviously flooded inside.

I did some research and found that Oceanic would service the transmitter for $120. So I told the lying eBay seller that I would either return it or keep it if I received a $120 credit, which he agreed to. So I prepared to send my transmitter to Huish.

In order to send something for service, you need an RMA number, which you can seemingly only get by sending an e-mail, so I did. I received an e-mail that they do not service out-of-warranty transmitters. I sent a link to the Oceanic page stating that they do. I received an e-mail stating that the transmitters with BM serial numbers are discontinued, and that they only service those that start with FP.

The only thing they could offer me is their standard "trade in trade up" program. A quick Google shows that it's 'up to 20% off MSRP'. Given that the transmitter price is now $400 (the same as a Swift), you're looking at $320 at the cheapest, or 2.5 times higher than the service price they advertise on their website.

So, it seems I now own a dive computer I didn't want, and a useless broken transmitter, for which I paid too much money.

I just want to make sure everyone else out there knows: Oceanic / Huish Outdoors will no longer service the vast majority of transmitters. They will only service new ones that have serial numbers that start with FP!

Be careful when you change batteries, everyone...

 

[scubadada]

This is a shame. The transmitter service, specifically with the BM serial number prefix, still shows up on the Oceanic website

I assume this change in policy took place relatively recently as I received this email from Huish on March 13, 2024:

Good afternoon,
Thank you for reaching out! I cannot speak for other brands, but our Oceanic serial numbers have the BM and FP prefix at the beginning. The FP is manufactured more recently than the BM and that is why there was a serial prefix change. Both of these are able to be serviced! The service fee is $120USD + tax and shipping. This will get you a serviced replacement unit in like-new condition with a one-year warranty.
Please let me know if I can assist you further!
Kindly,

I have been using Oceanic MH8A transmitters since 2010. I have had two transmitters fail, one due to a non-characterized hardware failure, the other due to failure of the over pressure valve. Both were replaced by Oceanic/Huish for $120. One was replaced in May 2017, most recently in April 2022. Both had just under 900 dives on them. I currently have 3 BM prefixed Oceanic transmitters. My current primary transmitter has a few less than 300 dives on it.

 

[OMyMyOHellYes]

So you're saying the "BM" series is crap?

"Isn't ironic, don't ya think? A little too ironic ...."

 

[SpeedyJ]

This sucks, and seems totally in-line with Huish's ongoing commitment to poor customer service.

 

[scubadada]

This sucks, and seems totally in-line with Huish's ongoing commitment to poor customer service.

I have always had very good service from Oceanic/Huish. Besides replacement of the two transmitters in 2017 and 2022, I had 3 very old Pro Plus 2 consoles replaced in which the pressure sensors had gone out, two in 2017 and one in 2019. All three are working perfectly and are the favorites for my wife and daughter. They also replaced a compass module in which the gimbal broke. I have no complaints.

 

[scubadada]

And, so the plot thickens. I emailed Huish and asked about service for BM prefixed transmitters. I received this very prompt reply:

"We can service transmitters with the BM serial number, as long as they are not flooded, outside of the warranty period. If the unit is flooded and was purchased outside of the 2-year warranty period, it unfortunately cannot be serviced due to limited parts."

I asked if flooding was from the battery cap or included failure of the over pressure valve and got this immediate response:

"It would be flooding due to any type of reason, battery compartment or pressure valve."

So, it would appear that BM prefixed transmitters will be serviced as long as failure is not due to flooding outside the warranty period. I would seem that a hardware failure would qualify for service. Not as good as in the old days but better than nothing. Most dive equipment has no coverage outside of warranty.

 

[SpeedyJ]

I have always had very good service from Oceanic/Huish. Besides replacement of the two transmitters in 2017 and 2022, I had 3 very old Pro Plus 2 consoles replaced in which the pressure sensors had gone out, two in 2017 and one in 2019. All three are working perfectly and are the favorites for my wife and daughter. They also replaced a compass module in which the gimbal broke. I have no complaints.

I guess they just hate me. Last time I needed a small piece of plastic they (both the HQ and Rep) never returned emails or phone calls. One of the local shops couldnt get an answer from them either. I finally got the piece through their Australian distributor thanks to a shop I visited in Sydney.

 

[scubadada]

I guess they just hate me. Last time I needed a small piece of plastic they (both the HQ and Rep) never returned emails or phone calls. One of the local shops couldnt get an answer from them either. I finally got the piece through their Australian distributor thanks to a shop I visited in Sydney.

I have had very good success communicating with Huish directly
TAC@huishoutdoors.com

 

[BoltSnap]

Parts are simply not available for these very old transmitters. They can't do much about that.

 

[scubadada]

Parts are simply not available for these very old transmitters. They can't do much about that.

These are not old transmitters, being produced today