Need some help diagnosing a problem with a Oceanic Datamax Pro Plus

[ATL_Diver]

I have had my Pro Plue since late 2000 which is a long run for a dive computer but I'm afraid it's been sacrifices to the dive gods. I had my computer, along with my other gear, serviced a few weeks ago for an upcoming trip to Belize next week. When I dropped off my stuff I told the service tech the battery was really low on my Oceanic hence it wouldn't successfully boot up pass the diagnostics. I dove my Oceanic for 3 dives last summer without any problems so I assumed I just needed a computer. When I picked up my stuff from service, the tech told me they replaced the battery and pressure-tested it as I had asked but no information about a potential problem.

Fast forward to this weekend where I started getting all my gear together for the trip. I go to test my computer as I always do and the computer starts up the diagnostic slowly, right away I notice something isn't right. The display counts down from 9-0 where it flashes all 0's at the end and shuts off. At the end of the diag it is supposed to go into surface mode but that wasn't the case now. I noticed this on Sat night but my service shop won't be open until tomorrow but honestly I don't see what they can do.

I tried another new battery with the same results so I think it's broken. Is there anything else I can check with the Pro Plus? What is Oceanic customer service like?

Thankfully, I have an old spare ScubaPro EDI I can dive but I might be open to buying a new computer. Honestly, I'm not sure I wouldn't opt for something like the Oceanic VT3 or similar. I plan on calling Oceanic on Monday to see if they have any attractive upgrade options.

[navyhmc]

Have you thought about taking the battery out for about 20 minutes and then reinserting? A guy I know had a similar problem and for some reason, that fixed it.

[rox@ucf11]

what navy said, you will lose all your logged dives but it may reset the computer thus fixing the problem

[RoyN]

And to followup, if worst comes, then your computer has passed on to the next life. You can trade it in for another Oceanic computer and they'll give you a discount on it. Not sure how much but I did that to my scubapro smartcom.

[ATL_Diver]

I'll try that when I get home but honestly if that does work I still may look at deep six'ing it soon. I did call Oceanic, they are offering an upgrade on the DataMax Pro Plus II at half price but I'm leaning away from another console. My service center is giving me an 'upgrade' to an Aeries Epic wrist computer with wireless air-integration for half price as well. Maybe he feels a little guilty for 'servicing' my Pro Plus right before it went out?

After looking at the two options in front of me, I'm leaning towards that Aeries for a few of reasons. One, I can choose to use the wireless transmitter or replacing it with a SPG. Second, I can buy a transmitter to attach to my wife's primary and keep tabs on her tank pressure since she's new to diving. Third, since it's a wrist-mount I can have a little more streamlined setup while having extra portability.

[ATL_Diver]

Oh well....Farewell old friend.

[RoyN]

An SPG shouldn't cost too much. My giant dive rite was only $101 and I use it more then the transmitter.

[navyhmc]

My condolences on your loss. The good news is that you're getting a good deal on a new one. The bad news is you've losta good piece of equipment.

[Zenagirl]

Sounds like it's simply time to upgrade! We upgraded to hoseless AI computers last year and absolutely love our new computers (VT3). Since Aeris is basically the same company as Oceanic, you have nothing to fear in switching from your Pro Plus to the Epic.

[ATL_Diver]

I'm heading over to my shop to pick up the Epic today. Until I get comfortable with the wireless transmitter I plan on using a SPG also. I already have an old 2" one I can throw onto my setup without spending any more money. I've resisted the wireless setups now as I don't completely trust the RF signals u/w but I like the option of having the feature while trusting a SPG.

I consider a 9 year run and hundreds of dives well worth the lifespan on the Oceanic. Besides, a new diving toy is always a lot of fun.