Data Cables for Dive Computers...

[lonestardiver]

This is more of a gripe but why do USB Data Cables for dive computers so expensive for what they are? ... I know that supply and demand is in play here but I cant believe that these are being sold at cost + 10,20, or 30 %... It has to be much more.....

Maybe someone could enlighten..... Your thoughts......

[lonestardiver]

** And yes, I am looking to buy one for my Zeagle N2ition and had sticker shock!**

[scubadiver888]

It kind of depends on what is in the cable. If the cable is just a piece of wire and some resistors than they are totally ripping you off. If the dive computer needs special integrated circuits to support data transfers to your desktop computer then it is a different story.

Having manufactured hardware I know a few things:

1) to keep costs down they might have left out key components from the dive computer so it is just a dive computer and needs a LOT more to communicate to the desktop computer.
2) it would be cheaper to bundle the cable with the computer then sell them separately (cost of packaging, inventory control, paperwork, etc.)

As an example, if the computer sells for $300, the cable sells for $100, if we package them together we could make the same profit margins selling them for $370. The question becomes, do enough people want the computer cable to make it worth the extra $70? If the majority of people don't buy the cable then the manufacturer is adding $70 to the cost of the computer. On the other hand, if the majority of people want the cable, the manufacturer is saving the consumer $30.

These numbers are fictional but hopefully you get the idea.

On a side note, did you know many of the 'surge' protected power bars are the $3.95 power bar with one to three $0.59 MOV but they often sell for $10.95. People will pay the extra $7.00 for a few dozen power bars.

[CompuDude]

This is one of the reasons why I bought a Uwatec computer, which uses a standard IR interface, which is built into many laptops, or $10 if you need to pick up an IR dongle.

[lonestardiver]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

This is one of the reasons why I bought a Uwatec computer, which uses a standard IR interface, which is built into many laptops, or $10 if you need to pick up an IR dongle.

Note to self...... get the Uwatec Computer next time.......

[Coastie6]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

This is one of the reasons why I bought a Uwatec computer, which uses a standard IR interface, which is built into many laptops, or $10 if you need to pick up an IR dongle.

Now that is a cool selling point. Yes, note to self.

[chicken]

Originally Posted by lonestardiver

** And yes, I am looking to buy one for my Zeagle N2ition and had sticker shock!**

OK, try this. I paid the big bucks for the data cable for my N2ition. The software does not work with Vista and the new N2ition 3 software won't work if you have loaded or tried to load the old version.

So now I have this expensive Zeagle cable and can't use it. Sweet.

[Coastie6]

Originally Posted by chicken

OK, try this. I paid the big bucks for the data cable for my N2ition. The software does not work with Vista and the new N2ition 3 software won't work if you have loaded or tried to load the old version.

So now I have this expensive Zeagle cable and can't use it. Sweet.

Sounds like you might have a buyer.

[lonestardiver]

And Yes... The question begs.... Chicken, do you want to sell your cable for a "reasonable" price?....

[rawalker]

Originally Posted by chicken

OK, try this. I paid the big bucks for the data cable for my N2ition. The software does not work with Vista and the new N2ition 3 software won't work if you have loaded or tried to load the old version.

So now I have this expensive Zeagle cable and can't use it. Sweet.

I'm sure that the registry keys of the old version could be purged so the new software could be loaded. I'd give Zeagle a call.
I do however agree that the cost of download adapters for many dive computers are excessive. Most are nothing more than USB serial adapters and as such cost a few dollars to produce. They could be sold for half the price they sell for now and still be highly profitable products even considering packaging costs.