F A Q   -    frequently asked questions (and answers)

Question

Answer

TOP query: Do the new DiveManager Versions 2.x support your DIY Interface?

My interfaces do not work with many DiveManager versions 2.0 and up. The links on the download page point to the versions that work fine. To install 2.1.5, you have to install the 2.1.3 full version first and then upgrade to 2.1.5. See also the new compatibility list for reference.

I have no serial interface on my new notebook computer. It only has USB. Can I still use the dive computer interface?

Yes, but you have to buy an adapter cable. It is a so called USB-to-RS232 converter. It uses a driver that fakes the Windoze device manager to be a COM port. You can get it in every computer shop. The prices are often quite high, but there are also cheap ones for less than 20 US-$.
New: build the integrated USB interface.

What about the rumour that the Suunto Gekko profiles can be transferred like a Vyper?

This is no rumour. It is true. There is a program that can change a bit in the Gekko memory, which will fake the DiveManager to appear as a Vyper. Its name is Gekko2Vyper. Some freeware/shareware logbook programs have the feature built-in. Peter sent me an e-mail with instructions and links to these programs. Read it HERE (text in German only).

The COM port on my PC seems to be broken down completely. The interface works on other computers but not on mine. What can I do?

You touch upon a problem that is seen very rarely but can be very annoying. The behaviour was first reported from some Dell notebooks under WinXP but can happen to every other computer as well. It is often related with the COM port settings in the device manager. To solve the problems, see "if the COM port refuses to work".

Can I use the circuit for other computers (EON, Solution, Solution Alpha), too?

NO. These computers use a three-wire-interface. However, there are DIY - instructions for these computers as well. See, for example Dave Cordes' site.

Can I use the circuit on my PDA (Palm, Psion...) to transfer the dive computer data?

I have mentioned the necessary changes to make the circuit work on the low level COM-ports of some PDA's. As none of the PDA's have a standard D-Sub-9 male connector, you need a special cabling or an adaptor like this one (but male-male). For Palm logbook projects see the download/links page.

Can I use your USB interface with my PDA/PocketPC?

Sometimes it is possible. You need a full-blown USB host controller in your PocketPC, then it may work. Use the FTDI drivers for Win CE, and carefully read the instructions. The link to the FTDI drivers is on the download page. USB ports only used for PC connection can not recognize the USB interface.

Is there a logbook software based on Linux for Suunto dive computers?

I have found something recenty. Logbook and readout program are separate programs, however. They use the UDCF format as their common interface. I have no experience with it. See www.linuxdiving.org. (The link points to a web-archive, since linuxdiving.org is no longer online)

Can DiveManager and the interface also be used on Apple computers?

Since there is no serial COM-port on these computers, it was not possible to use the interface with these computers. But I have good news for you: There is a solution with VirtualPC and a USB-to-serial adapter cable. I found a post in a discussion and made a copy. See "DiveManager on Apple Computers".

I want to program an application for my Palm/Psion/Win-CE-Gameboy/Linux/Mac.... to interface my Suunto computer. Do you know the data protocol?

No. I'm more interested in the physical layer of the interface - the hardware. But here is the protocol in detail.

Why don't you sell the commercial interface to other countries than the EU and Switzerland?

Because I'm not familiar with the customs regulations in other countries. On the other side I think the shipment and taxes will be so expensive that you would better buy the genuine Suunto part in your country. Maybe you can find someone who likes to build one for you in your neighbourhood or among your friends or relatives. In the links section you will find a source for kits and interfaces the U.S.

I saved a lot of money when I built the DIY interface. I could save more money if I could do the expensive and frequent battery changes myself. Do you know how?

I have been watching that process once and noted some details: see here.

Can you tell me where to purchase the spring loaded contact probes?

All the bigger electronics distributors have these parts. They are used for in-circuit-testing of PCB's and normally found in the product range near PCB processing. Look at Farnell, for example. The ones I use I purchase directy from the manufacturer (Ingun, minimum buying volume = 100 pcs). Other manufacturers are: Feinmetall, Everett-Charles. I use the rugged ones for 2.54mm (1/10") mounting pitch. They cost about 2.5 EURO per piece.

What is the overall material cost of the DIY Interface?

If you make a single piece, it will be around 20 US-$. Often the cost for shipment and payment are higher than the sum of the parts cost.

I own the DIY interface or the genuine Suunto one and often have problems with the data transfer. What shall I do?

Find here some hints for Spyder und Stinger and here for Cobra und Vyper.

I want to build the DIY interface. Can I harm the dive computer if I make a mistake?

YES. A unit which is correctly assembled won't harm neither the dive computer nor the PC. A mistake can be critical. The voltages on the PC COM-ports can be well above 24 Volts, while the dive computer uses 3 Volts levels. Better buy the original part from Suunto if you are not confident in your skills.