Suunto Stinger/Spyder battery replacement

[h2odiver]

Thought I'd share something that I found recently which may be of interest to Suunto Stinger and Spyder owners.
Smartinterface in Germany supply batteries, 'O' rings and the tools you need to replace the batteries yourself. You can also download a pdf of the instructions on how to change them from their website.
The tool kit and 1 x battery and 1 x 'O' ring costs 25 Euros and further battery kits cost 4.5 Euros each.
I know Suunto state that they must be returned to the dealer to be changed. So, before I get loads of flak..... I'm not recommending that anyone changes their batteries themselves but with dealers charging between £40-50 the savings are huge.
They also supply batteries for other models.

Smartinterface

[divingdoc1]

however, changing the battery itself is not the only job suunto do, they also preassure check the system

[h2odiver]

(16-11-2008 06:17 PM)divingdoc1 Wrote:  however, changing the battery itself is not the only job suunto do, they also preassure check the system

Do you know how the pressure check is performed? I guess it's not something that can be done without specialist equipment.
I've ordered one of the battery and tool kits and I'm wondering how important the pressure check is. I may be wrong but with the number of computers and other dive equipment such as lamps that have user changeable batteries that don't require a pressure check I would have thought that it shouldn't be a problem in my Stinger.

[aquafan]

I purchased a new battery, 'O' ring and grease for £11. I fitted this myself. I've been using this for 2 months without any problems now. This is an older Favour model and is designed for the user to change.

(16-11-2008 07:52 PM)h2odiver Wrote:  

(16-11-2008 06:17 PM)divingdoc1 Wrote:  however, changing the battery itself is not the only job suunto do, they also preassure check the system

Do you know how the pressure check is performed? I guess it's not something that can be done without specialist equipment.
I've ordered one of the battery and tool kits and I'm wondering how important the pressure check is. I may be wrong but with the number of computers and other dive equipment such as lamps that have user changeable batteries that don't require a pressure check I would have thought that it shouldn't be a problem in my Stinger.

[divingdoc1]

(16-11-2008 07:52 PM)h2odiver Wrote:  

(16-11-2008 06:17 PM)divingdoc1 Wrote:  however, changing the battery itself is not the only job suunto do, they also preassure check the system

Do you know how the pressure check is performed? I guess it's not something that can be done without specialist equipment.
I've ordered one of the battery and tool kits and I'm wondering how important the pressure check is. I may be wrong but with the number of computers and other dive equipment such as lamps that have user changeable batteries that don't require a pressure check I would have thought that it shouldn't be a problem in my Stinger.

basically its a little sealed chamber with the equivent of a pmp that you can increase the preassure inside (i presume that suuntos equipment is a bit more sophisticated than that). Wether its that important or not, I can honestly say i dont rightly know, just that i would prefer to have mine properly checked and is worth the extra £20/£30 to ME! Especailly where potential warranty is concerned

[Bristolmilo]

I did pay £40 for my new battery to my stinger, but i gotta say i am tempted to buy a kit for it next time. I know people who have done it and had no probs. Granted it is a bit of a gamble, but i do believe that local dive shops are doing the same. I've seen that chamber that is used, but i don't believe for a second that if i went back and told him my stinger is flooded he'd give me a new one.

[aquafan]

Good point. Mine was easy to do. I know mine is a bit older than yours but I think the idea is the same.

(16-11-2008 10:37 PM)Bristolmilo Wrote:  I did pay £40 for my new battery to my stinger, but i gotta say i am tempted to buy a kit for it next time. I know people who have done it and had no probs. Granted it is a bit of a gamble, but i do believe that local dive shops are doing the same. I've seen that chamber that is used, but i don't believe for a second that if i went back and told him my stinger is flooded he'd give me a new one.

[Bristolmilo]

That said, it is an expensive gamble ha ha

[aquafan]

Too right, obviously for me it's worth me having a go. But for you, you may want piece of mind. I've alreay broken my suit dump valve from having a go. That cost me £50

(16-11-2008 10:41 PM)Bristolmilo Wrote:  That said, it is an expensive gamble ha ha

[O2 Steve]

Personally I'm not going to fiddle with mine - Stoney Cove do a cheap deal on Stinger battery swaps (including the test) and if owt goes wrong I know I can get restitution!