My Neptune is acting funny

[riddler 0]

I spent last week in Eloy and made some jumps. I drove back Saturday and Sunday, and now I'm at home reviewing my logbook. I notice that my Neptune seems to be activated. It says "Very Slow Climb" (the same thing it says when I'm on a Casa ). It won't really turn off. Alt: 1200. Climb: varies between -136 and +100 ft/min.

I've noticed in the past that the batteries have drained very quickly on this altimeter - every few months, and I might do only 30-50 jumps in that time. I'm wondering if it's related.

Any ideas what to do? I'm thinking I should pull out the battery and reinsert it. Is there a manual reset for the Neptune? I don't see anything about it in the owner's manual. I upgraded the firmware last year, but I may need to check for newer updates.

Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

[MrBrant 0]

yes, this was an bit of an issue with an older firmware version. It has been fixed.

The latest version of the Neptune is V. 2.6.0

Get your local Field Support representative to take a look, and get your Neptune updated

Click This thing-a-ma-bob here

[IanHarrop 42]

You can reset your Neptune at anytime by pulling the battery. That way you can continue to use it until your firmware is upgraded.

"Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me" Dorothy

[brianfry713 0]

To check your Neptune version, either look at the screen when it first starts up or go to Menu->System->Modes->Demo and the first screen will display the version.

If it's been a year since you've updated, there are newer software upgrades available. The battery meter in the new version is also much better than some older versions.

If you want to try to update it yourself, see this page.
http://www.alti-2.com/Neptune_Owners_Pages/neptune_updater.htm

Also try using Menu->DZ Setup->I'm on DZ(or GND) to get out of airplane mode. Pulling the battery will reset it, but it shouldn't be necessary.

[ZigZagMarquis 9]

Well, tell it to get serious, straighten up and fly right otherwise you'll make it spend some time sitting in the corner in the rigging loft rather then out playing with its friends!

[hobbes4star 0]

mine does samething I just changed batteries and it seems to be working.

if fun were easy it wouldn't be worth having, right?

[idoru99 0]

Mine was acting funny in almost the same way. I'd sit at home updateing my logbook and afterwards it would show that I was climbing (at 5000 ft/min). After a minute or so, it would sound one or two freefall alarms and then the process would start over. I called Alti-2, they sent me a new one (mine had the latest firmware update). If you're worried or concerned about it, give thema call. They've always helped me out.

<><><><><><><><><><><>

The greatest risk you take in life is the risk you don't take.

[riddler 0]

Thanks all for the replies! I took out the battery and replaced it, and the problem seemed fixed. Then for good measure, I updated the firmware to 2.6.1a - FYI, the existing version on my device was 2.1.2. I've updated the firmware a few times already, so this wasn't too hard to do again.

Anyone else think the rubber seal around the battery cover is a pain? Mine popped out not long after I got it, and the hardest thing about taking the cover off and on is getting that seal to set right. Would appreciate any tips for keeping it in the groove when putting the cover back on.

Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

[kelpdiver 2]

a tiny amount of silicon gel gives the seal a bit more stickiness. Standard supply for the underwater photographers.

Petroleum gel would probably help, but would likely eat at the rubber over time.

[pilotdave 0]

Altimaster field service members have a supply of grease to re-set the seal. Makes it much easier.

Dave

[katzurki 0]

Quote

Altimaster field service members have a supply of grease to re-set the seal, among other things. Makes it much easier.

Dave

Fixed it for you

Seriously, start at any one point (preferably not a corner) and gently force the rubber ring into the groove and keep running your fingers over it until it's totally inside the groove. Works without the gel, too.

[mjosparky 4]

Buy a ProTrack!

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[pwln 0]

That must have been a slower than normal casa.

That is also why I don't use my neptune anymore. I had it replaced once and I had other issues with it.

I updated firmware I don't know how many times. It's nice to have updates to fix issues, but some companies wait until the product is ready before shipping it.
Maybe the newest firmware has most everything fixed, but I gave up at the end of last summer.

The Customer support was great, like I said, they DID send me a new unit.