USD Matrix computer cracking

On Wed, 8 Sep 2004 21:26:07 -0500, "Andy K." <Krapchaa@bellsouth.net>
wrote:

>I e-mailed Genesis on this problem and they will not deal directly with the
>end user. This is their reply:
>
>"It is hard to estimate what the computer is doing and why without have it
>diagnosed. It has found a flaw in the computer and that is why it is
>shutting down after the initial scroll. This is a built in safety in all
>our computers. You can take the computer to any authorized dealer and have
>them service the unit or there are upgrades available to the newer models.
>To better understand the options we prefer you do that through an authorized
>dealer. If you need help finding a local dealer, please reply back with your
>city and zip code and we would be glad to help."
>
>The nearest authorized dealer is not very "near" to me. Genesis used to deal
>directly with the customer. I don't have anything against dealers making
>money, but I don't need to drive to a middle man that can't do anything for
>me.
>
>The computer has not been anywhere near water for at least 3 years and is in
>like new condition. I could understand if it was in use or slammed around.
>Two sets of batteries and it's still a no go.
>
>"nonerequired" <fmerk@_KILLSPAMERS_att.net> wrote in message
>news:QIE%c.567228$Gx4.177186@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
>> I ended up fiberglassing the base of the Matrix. I put new lithium 2032
>> batteries in and it seemed OK but when I took it diving it would shut
>down. I
>> replaced those with "standard" silver oxide and it's back working again.
>>
>> Your problem is exactly the same as my wife's old Source, goes through
>check-out
>> and shut down. I'm not sure if it's some internal life-limit of some
>circuit or
>> trace moisture that gets in from the cracking and finally takes something
>> critical out. I'm taking the next one that fails apart.
>>
>> Fritz
>>
>> Andy K. wrote:
>> > FWIW, the first Genesis ReSource computer that I had was repaired after
>a
>> > crack formed in the housing where the back screwed in. After the repair,
>it
>> > cracked and flooded. The computer was replaced under warranty, but now,
>> > after taking it out of storage, it just goes through it's surface mode
>and
>> > shuts down. New batteries don't do crap for it and Genesis just says to
>> > return it to an authorized dealer.
>> >


My old Matrix started giving me erronious data. At the start of the
dive it would quickly go into Deco..... I know I wasn't in anywhere
near long enough for it to be real. Luckily, I've always (well at
least since computers became fasionable) dove with a backup computer
of some sort on me. My advice... it's served it's purpose. Time for
a new one!
>

Suspecting that this would happen I do have a backup computer. On my last dive
it "booted" and when I entered the dive it shut down. On land it seems to be OK
again. I'm not sure what is going on but my confidence is fading.

I'm getting a first hand account of computer algorithms. The Matrix (simple air
computer) is more liberal than my backup Nitrox computer set to 36%. They would
probably be equivalent if set to 40% based on a half dozen comparison dives.

Fritz

<cagoldberg@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:51ekk0d3pdpgodrhk2ani49507si1b412q@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 8 Sep 2004 21:26:07 -0500, "Andy K." <Krapchaa@bellsouth.net>
> wrote:
>
> >I e-mailed Genesis on this problem and they will not deal directly with
the
> >end user. This is their reply:
> >
> >"It is hard to estimate what the computer is doing and why without have
it
> >diagnosed. It has found a flaw in the computer and that is why it is
> >shutting down after the initial scroll. This is a built in safety in all
> >our computers. You can take the computer to any authorized dealer and
have
> >them service the unit or there are upgrades available to the newer
models.
> >To better understand the options we prefer you do that through an
authorized
> >dealer. If you need help finding a local dealer, please reply back with
your
> >city and zip code and we would be glad to help."
> >
> >The nearest authorized dealer is not very "near" to me. Genesis used to
deal
> >directly with the customer. I don't have anything against dealers making
> >money, but I don't need to drive to a middle man that can't do anything
for
> >me.
> >
> >The computer has not been anywhere near water for at least 3 years and is
in
> >like new condition. I could understand if it was in use or slammed
around.
> >Two sets of batteries and it's still a no go.
> >
> >"nonerequired" <fmerk@_KILLSPAMERS_att.net> wrote in message
> >news:QIE%c.567228$Gx4.177186@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> >> I ended up fiberglassing the base of the Matrix. I put new lithium 2032
> >> batteries in and it seemed OK but when I took it diving it would shut
> >down. I
> >> replaced those with "standard" silver oxide and it's back working
again.
> >>
> >> Your problem is exactly the same as my wife's old Source, goes through
> >check-out
> >> and shut down. I'm not sure if it's some internal life-limit of some
> >circuit or
> >> trace moisture that gets in from the cracking and finally takes
something
> >> critical out. I'm taking the next one that fails apart.
> >>
> >> Fritz
> >>
> >> Andy K. wrote:
> >> > FWIW, the first Genesis ReSource computer that I had was repaired
after
> >a
> >> > crack formed in the housing where the back screwed in. After the
repair,
> >it
> >> > cracked and flooded. The computer was replaced under warranty, but
now,
> >> > after taking it out of storage, it just goes through it's surface
mode
> >and
> >> > shuts down. New batteries don't do crap for it and Genesis just says
to
> >> > return it to an authorized dealer.
> >> >
>
>
> My old Matrix started giving me erronious data. At the start of the
> dive it would quickly go into Deco..... I know I wasn't in anywhere
> near long enough for it to be real. Luckily, I've always (well at
> least since computers became fasionable) dove with a backup computer
> of some sort on me. My advice... it's served it's purpose. Time for
> a new one!
> >
>

I visited an authorized service center and this is what occurred.

The batteries were removed and checked with a multi-meter. First off, this
is not the way to check a battery. You can't check to see if they have any
potential unless they have a load applied. Batteries read the proper
voltage.

That was it, properly diagnosed as bad and would have to go back to Genesis.

Well, no shit, my 27 years as an electronics technician got me to that point
long ago. I just don't want to have to deal with a middle man.

Andy K.

I've got a US Divers Matrix, one of the Pelagic "hockey puck" computers. Its
probably got 400 dives on it. Low battery yesterday got me taking it out of the
console and while checking/cleaning the battery door/seals I noticed the base of
the clear housing is cracking. It appears that the whole bottom is screwed into
the top. There are cracks along this threaded portion in both directions. There
appears to be a black band below this (seal) and so far no water has gotten into
the unit that I know of. The battery compartment was dry and clean and it
functions fine. If I hadn't looked at it carefully I wouldn't have known it was
there.

Is this a known problem or just a fluke? Anyone get a replacement or upgrade for
a great price from USD? I haven't contacted them yet but plan to.

My wife's Sherwood Resource (same Pelagic manufacturer) died recently. In
contacting Sherwood I was told by the technician there that they have a lifespan
of about 400-500 dives. Hers didn't leak, it just quit working. I don't think it
had cracks. They did an "upgrade" to a newer similar unit for a decent price but
not a jumping for joy price ($175).

Fritz

nonerequired wrote:
> I've got a US Divers Matrix, one of the Pelagic "hockey puck" computers.
> Its probably got 400 dives on it. Low battery yesterday got me taking it
> out of the console and while checking/cleaning the battery door/seals I
> noticed the base of the clear housing is cracking. It appears that the
> whole bottom is screwed into the top. There are cracks along this
> threaded portion in both directions. There appears to be a black band
> below this (seal) and so far no water has gotten into the unit that I
> know of. The battery compartment was dry and clean and it functions
> fine. If I hadn't looked at it carefully I wouldn't have known it was
> there.
>
> Is this a known problem or just a fluke? Anyone get a replacement or
> upgrade for a great price from USD? I haven't contacted them yet but
> plan to.
>
> My wife's Sherwood Resource (same Pelagic manufacturer) died recently.
> In contacting Sherwood I was told by the technician there that they have
> a lifespan of about 400-500 dives. Hers didn't leak, it just quit
> working. I don't think it had cracks. They did an "upgrade" to a newer
> similar unit for a decent price but not a jumping for joy price ($175).
>
> Fritz

As far as I can remember, there are two main suspects for
the cracks. First (and most likely) is a clumsy technician
that pried out the instrument improperly while doing
regulator service. The second is exposure to aerosols. I
recall that there is something in aerosol (such as silicone
spray) that causes some plastics to craze or crack.

Check with USD and see if they have any suggestions for you.

Good luck!!

Just my $.02
--
Ray Contreras
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This is a common problem with the Matrix and any other Pelagic computers
with the same case. (Oceanic, ...) It is caused by interaction of the
clear plastic and an oil substance in the boot. The plastic becomes
brittle and cracks under the pressure of the o-ring seal. US Diver no
longer repairs these because they ran out of parts. Keep using it until
the seal fails and it floods. From time to time, some brands offer a
tradein, so save this for future use. USD may offer you a tradein for
yours now.

(rayc, I expected a better explanation from you. It is not caused by
prying it out of the console)

nonerequired wrote:
> I've got a US Divers Matrix, one of the Pelagic "hockey puck" computers.
> Its probably got 400 dives on it. Low battery yesterday got me taking it
> out of the console and while checking/cleaning the battery door/seals I
> noticed the base of the clear housing is cracking.

--
Terry Brady tbrady@fred.net http://www.brassanchor.com
Brass Anchor Scuba Center, 519 E. Church St. Frederick, MD 21701
Phone 301-663-9363 Fax 301-694-8947
Subscribe to store/club list by writing tbrady@fred.net
List of used & new clearance items at http://www.brassanchor.com/used

Very common with this computer. My wife had two of them crack like this and
it had nothing to do with the service technician at all. One of them started
cracking right after the very first dive with it. USD replaced one under
warranty and the second was traded in for another computer. The LDS I work
at stopped carrying these and other Pelagic gauges because so many were
failing like this. I see that USD now uses the Suunto gauge having given up
on the stuff from Pelagic.

Scott

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-------------------------------------
"nonerequired" <fmerk@_KILLSPAMERS_att.net> wrote in message
news:GxxRc.188115$OB3.171901@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> I've got a US Divers Matrix, one of the Pelagic "hockey puck" computers.
Its
> probably got 400 dives on it. Low battery yesterday got me taking it out
of the
> console and while checking/cleaning the battery door/seals I noticed the
base of
> the clear housing is cracking. It appears that the whole bottom is screwed
into
> the top. There are cracks along this threaded portion in both directions.
There
> appears to be a black band below this (seal) and so far no water has
gotten into
> the unit that I know of. The battery compartment was dry and clean and it
> functions fine. If I hadn't looked at it carefully I wouldn't have known
it was
> there.
>
> Is this a known problem or just a fluke? Anyone get a replacement or
upgrade for
> a great price from USD? I haven't contacted them yet but plan to.
>
> My wife's Sherwood Resource (same Pelagic manufacturer) died recently. In
> contacting Sherwood I was told by the technician there that they have a
lifespan
> of about 400-500 dives. Hers didn't leak, it just quit working. I don't
think it
> had cracks. They did an "upgrade" to a newer similar unit for a decent
price but
> not a jumping for joy price ($175).
>
> Fritz

I did call Aqualung (USD). I could just tell the customer service person on
their side kind of wilted when I explained my problem. As you said, no parts, no
repair. No pro-rated trade-in available.

I'm trying an experiment. I filled the cracks, including the interface area
between the bottom and top, with epoxy and put a band of fiberglass around the
side. This is after drying the unit in a warm spot for about 48 hours. I put
batteries in last night and all seems normal. I guess I'll see if it keeps
working. I wish I would have looked more carefully at my wife's. I just assumed
the electrics failed.

Thanks for the info. Now I can point the problem out to other people.

Fritz

I just checked my wife's. A Oceanic Data Plus2 (Nitrox, 2-button, slightly
different construction but appears to possibly of Pelagic manufacturer) shows 2
minor cracks. It kind of has a step-down base area. A newer Genesis ReSource
(almost identical to my Matrix) is fine.

Fritz