Oceanic Geo computer "EL 2" problem

[RockDoc]

Last year I purchased an Oceanic Geo wrist computer. When I took it into my LDS dive tank, to test it out, it would register "EL 2" - Interesting, considering we were in Dallas TX (645' amsl). I swapped it for a new one. My wife got one for Christmas - on her first dive trip with hers (Cozumel) it reported "EL 3" as she sat on the gunwale of the dive boat - about 2' above sea level. Looks like Oceanic has some calibration/quality control problems...

[TX1Chica]

I just got mine my for Christmas and only have 5 dives on it. I hope I don't have any problems with it. Are you going to get another new one? Have you spoken to the manufacturer?

[RockDoc]

Originally Posted by TX1Chica

I just got mine my for Christmas and only have 5 dives on it. I hope I don't have any problems with it. Are you going to get another new one? Have you spoken to the manufacturer?

If you were going to have problems, I think you would know already.

With the first one, when the LDS called Oceanic Oceanic said that having it say EL2 was not a problem... The LDS and I both agreed that it was, so the the LDS arranged for a swap for one that worked. I thought that it was a "one-off" problem until my wife's did it too (actually worse with EL3). So I'm heading back to the LDS to see if they will arrange a swap again. I have since seen the "demo" Geos in more than one LDS reading El 2 or 3 in the showcase at 450' amsl. I'm thinking (hoping) that it was a calibration problem with early models and they have since figured out how to calibrate them correctly.

[Doug Krause]

The elevation reading is based on barometric pressure - that and the fact that you're approaching the Level 2 elevation would explain periodic L2 readings.

Doug Krause
Oceanic

[fireflock]

I had a 2003 or so Aeris that went wonky with regards to elevation after being turning on in the cabin of an airplane (at altitude). It seemed fine during the flight (looking at logs) but was messed up next time it was used at sea level. A night with the batteries removed fixed the problem.

I know that story is weak on scientific evidence, but it might be worth a try.

[RockDoc]

Originally Posted by Doug Krause

The elevation reading is based on barometric pressure - that and the fact that you're approaching the Level 2 elevation would explain periodic L2 readings.

Doug Krause
Oceanic

Doug:
Thanks for the reply
OK - I understand that if we had low barometric pressure in Dallas it might "fool" the Geo to say "EL2" on occasion, but that does not explain why one GEO says "SEA" while another (2' away) says "EL3" while both were <3' above sea level.

[wolfen42]

Just reporting another wonky GEO. Mine is reporting EL2 after sitting in my bag in a pressurized airplane cabin. My wife's is fine...

Guess I'll be leaving mine with the battery out for a day or so... hope that fixes things.

[mitsuguy]

Mine has never not said EL2, and I've been diving in San Antonio, which is 700' above sea level... my wifes has always said "SEA" I don't think its anything to worry about, they both read the same the whole time (there's hardly any correction for 2000' feet above sea level), but it would be nice to have them say the same thing...

[wolfen42]

Yeah, I'm at about 400' above sea level IIRC so it makes me feel a bit paranoid...

[mitsuguy]

mine went away...