Problems with AP service

chrismc

I'm another one having problems with their inspiration and was hoping someone would be able to offer some advice.

I bought a classic second hand about a year ago, it hadnt been used for a while and I bought it through an instructor. It was in perfect condition and had never been flooded.

Approximatly 4 months ago the unit started failing up at scapa flow, the controllers not coming on. Tried the normal thing replacing batteries etc. and ended up giving up and sending the head back to AP.

They analysed the unit and recommended a full service, and new cells (as mine werent AP), + some other bits and the bill came back as £350. This included a full test. I went ahead with their recommendation, paid them and received the new head.

Over winter I took the unit out to test it. The secondry did not come on and after replacing the battery and a bit of messing finally it came on. The dive was ok, but the cells deviated a bit. Maybe I missed the calibration.

The next time I took it out the same thing happened the controller not coming on, and the cells deviated more. Pissed off I completly checked the head ensuring everything was completly dry (in case it was affecting calibration), clean and there was no visible damage, new batteries. Then took it another dive, and it did the same again. The cells were so bad now that a regular beep beep happened.

I sent the head back to AP, and they have now recommended another service and replacement of the loom (which has now gone). So I'm looking at another £300+. They also recommend upgrading to coaxial so this would mean another £180 in cells.

In total this means I would of paid £730 for what is effectively a 5yr old classic head.

From my perspective this was the problem I reported originally and they failed to fix it adequotly. Thay are now trying to make me pay again. I'm happy to pay for the loom, if its gone, but why pay for another service because they failed on the first one?

Anyone got any idea of my rights on this? what I can do. If I'd known of this total cost I would of thrown the head away and bought a hammerhead from the US. I'm relucatant to pay as I could be shelling out more in the future and its just not worth it.

Chris

jradomski

The units I see that have turn on problems can be traced to 2 problems.. One is dirty contacts in the battery box.. Very commonwith old systylebut no so common with th enew box..

The second is a corroded microswitch in the handset.. Moistire always gets in the handset and if the handsets are not left to adequately dry (leaving the hed exposed to air) the siwtch corrodes.. This will also hasten the corrosion of the loom as well..

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Joe Radomski
CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer
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PhilSiswick

Chris,

Do they offer a warranty on their service work? If so, you should have some redress, at least for the service costs. If not, you're probably stuck with it.

Have you sent Martin a mail to raise your concerns with him? I've found him very responsive so far - he may be able to either explain what has happened and/or provide some 'compensation'.

Good luck.

Cheers,

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Phil (WSKD 0001)

I have always felt that the dive I am on is not nearly important as the dives I plan to be on the rest of my life. Tom Rose, 2007

The person who gets the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure thing boat never gets far from shore. Charles A. Lindbergh

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BrianG

Chris,
One of the major considerations when buying an Inspiration was my previous experience of the excellent after sales service provided by AP. In the last three years I have only had one problem with my unit requiring it to be returned to APD and they provided excellent service. As already suggested I advise you to contact them and state your concerns.

Best of luck and hope you are soon enjoying the unit.
Brian.

CharlieT

Why is it that I have the feeling that if one of us were able to probe into Martin Parker's head, we would find out there were a number of other elements at play here.

Citizens Advice Bureau hand out free legal advice if you feel you really have a case against AP.

Note to myself: if your Vision goes wrong don't whine about it on RBW.

Sorry, mate, there have just been too many of these posts on RBW.

What makes you think any of us can do anything about this?

Charlie

Mark Chase

Charley M8 your starting to sound like a sales rep for AP. We have a right to be pissed off when these things hapen and airing them can forwarn others of the issues an posably help them to avoid the same ones.

The story above is all too familure I have herd almost exactly the same story from Howard the Dude except his unit was I beleive, only two years old.

ATB

Mark Chase

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See my "Doing It Chasey" video where I'm locked into a padded room, naked, with two ball bearings and within an Hour, I manage to lose one and break the other!!!

Kevin Juergensen 16/11/08
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Barrie Law

Hi Chris,

Copy and paste your above concerns and email them to Nicky Finn at

nicky AT apdiving.com (replace AT with @)


Please let us know the outcome.

Regards

chrismc

Thanks for the help from those of that provided it.

I am still talking to AP, but my next step will be to get all the details in writing and then speak to trading standards.

As for why I'm sharing it, this isnt inspo bashing. I'm trying to work out what to do about it, and other people have experianced the same so may be able to help on how they resolved their problem.

As for those that have never had a problem, yes your lucky. I was in this position uptill 6 months ago.

CharlieT

M8 I've never been to the factory, never even met anyone at AP!

I am sorry (and have said so in a number other posts) if any Inspo owner has a problem with their unit but this weekly airing of our dirty linen while Meg owners remain quiet about their problems and issues is surely becoming undignified?

All of us have to try and understand just how few Megs there are out there against how many Classics, Evolutions and Visions. Inevitably there will be a greater number of complaints because of the disparity in numbers but it doesn't mean that AP are offering a poor service or selling poor products.

As you and others have posted, the AP range is as good and as bad as all other units. Some prefer them, some prefer Megs or Ouroboris's.

I would encourage anyone seeking advice or help about an Inspiration problem to PM several active Inspo users when they want some help.

On this basis, I am more than happy to provide any help, advice or tips I can.

If someone feels that my speaking to Martin Parker about their problem would bring some progress, give me your consent to do so and I will have a go.

I do not support poor customer service and nor should any other rebreather owner regardless of which make.

Hope this helps to clarify my position.

Charlie

decoweenie

Or just wait until Mark Chase bought a Meg...

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