Defective & Dangerous Sensors

NEwreckdiver

Hi Chris,

Since July 2007 a number of us have been dealing with this issue with SMS-202 sensors, which first became apparent to me when we replaced all our sensors in 2 rigs. We are now up to 13 sensors between 2 rigs and replacements. In July we received the first sets: the first 6 read between ~17-18 mV new, and had generally unstable bench readings over several time points of measurement. Finally in November, SMI replaced them when they began to fail to hit 1.6 ata on a loop flush at 20'. The second 6 all read even lower ~17 mV new. We reported this, tracked this... you name it.. we were told the sensors were fine and they'd be replaced if they "failed." Well, 2 weeks ago one of my replacements officially "failed' when it would not achieve 1.2 SP or 1.6 on a loop flush on 2 consecutive dives. I alerted SMI, cell was promptly replaced. I received the replacement and it read all over the map: 14.8, 15.8, 15.2 mV out of the box when I checked the cell over a few times. This is as of last week. I won't put this sensor in my rig. SMI is apparently closed until Jan 3rd. As soon as SMI is open, I plan to call again to discuss the issue.

What concerns me is there are no explanations for the problems with sensors since JULY. No solutions apparently either.


Heather Knowles

Janos

IMHO there's nothing wrong (and a lot right) with flagging up a potentially dangerous batch of sensors.

Which reminds me, I must remember to hassle AP about the two sensors of mine they've had since October.

Janos

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jepuskar

Janos,

I most certainly agree with that..however, until Heather just posted with more detailed info...it seems the next step was just to ask questions that only SMI can answer. Making others aware of the issue and finding out if others have been affecting is beneficial..my problem was that some of the questions..although possibly rhetorical, cant possibly be answered by anyone other than SMI.

It appeared to me that SMI was contacted about the issue, sent defective sensors to replace already bad sensors and then that was it. Heather's post tells me that they are working with SMI actively on the issue and that is not something I got from the OP.

Chris

Hey Jeps
You sound like Stefan used to, have you been to SMI, I think Pete has a secret brain washing machine as you walk out of that place.

Best thing SMI could have done getting out of Rebreathers, customer service from them is some of the worst I have ever had the misfortune to deal with. Many many months of denial from SMI as you seem to be getting now and painful back and forth Emails and phone to get anything done.

We can only hope Oceanic can pick up the ball and run with the PRISM II. If SMI was to do the right thing they would give some of that cash back to Oceanic to offer support for the exsisting PRISM divers out there.

Cheers
Chriso

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bendomatic

there are a number of other threads about the boards about the failings of AI (and their rebadged) sensors failing. even recalls instituted by some resellers. so have a read. it will give you some more info for dealing with the relevant people. good luck.

rachel

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why deal with idiots on the net when you have to spend all day dealing with them at work.

jepuskar

Chriso my diso,

I would have reacted the same to any complaint posted in that manner for any rebreather.

The OP has no way of knowing that the sensors arent being checked at AI or SMI...or that SMI knowingly sent bad sensors out. These are the questions that only AI and SMI can answer. Until that is known for fact than it shouldn't be implied...as all that does it start rumors.

I hope they get it resolved, I certainly would be on the phone seeking answers.

Ohh and BTW, never been to SMI.


Jeps

caveseeker7

Quite well, actually, just talked to them.
They're on a vacation trip and will be back in the office on the 3rd.

Shas said that all the sensors that were returned to SMI have been sent
back to Analytical for analysis, they were still awaiting to hear from them
when they left.

__________________
Cheers
Stefan



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jepuskar

Stefan got da hookup!!!

Underwaterbear

I didn't see this thread until just now but I got the same info as Stefan over a month ago while on the phone to Shas. Pick up the phone people.

Chriso, what do you care anyhow...don't you dive one of those unbreakable Megs now?

decoweenie

Chriso just reacting the same way most people would after getting poor service from any supplier - case in point, read mverick's post each time someone asks about HS Explorer.