Suunto has elaborated on what the software glitch that caused the recall of the D6 and D9 computers is:

     The software bug may activate when the D9 and D6 automatically recalibrate to keep the correct time, or the user manually updates the seconds in set mode. Suunto approximates that there is 0.6% (a six-tenths of one percent) chance that the software bug may appear during a dive. When the dive time is incorrect, every fourth second is not registered in the dive time and surface interval time, i.e., dive time goes 25% slower than actual time and tissue loadings are recorded at 25% less than actual loadings. As a trained diver you understand that this could affect your decompression requirements and that the length of a dive is one of the key factors in determining those requirements.

     Even though the D9 and D6 will function correctly approximately 99.4% of the time during a dive, Suunto wants to eliminate the very small possibility of recording the dive time incorrectly. Therefore, Suunto is requesting that all D9 and D6 shall be returned for a software update that eliminates this issue. To date, there have been no known injuries related to this issue.

   See full article here

    Suunto D6 and D9 Dive Computers Recalled Due to Software Bug

          Suunto Oy has identified a software bug in the D9 and D6 diving instruments. The software bug may cause the D9 and D6 to incorrectly track dive time on rare occasions, potentially causing a risk to the diver. For further information please read more here. Therefore, Suunto is requesting that the D9 and D6 products with the serial numbers listed below shall be returned for a software update that eliminates this issue.

The products affected are:

D9 serial numbers 62102582 and below
D6 serial numbers 62103693 and below

Suunto strongly recommends that D9 or D6 should not be used for diving before the unit has been updated with the latest software. If the product is used before updating the software, backup instrumentation must also be used.

Suunto will provide a free software update to fix the bug. Please bring your D9 and/or D6 to your nearest local authorized Suunto retailer for the software update as soon as possible. For contact information please visit our web site www.suunto.com If that is not possible or if you require any further details, contact the Suunto Help Desk at SuuntoD9-D6@nordictelecenter.fi To contact Suunto by phone, call toll free 1 800 543 9124 in the USA and Canada, or +358 284 1160 (international call rates are applicable) from all other countries.

As a complimentary service Suunto will at the same time replace your battery and perform a pressure test free of charge.

Suunto apologizes for any inconvenience.

         this video shows US Navy divers on the USS Oriskany the day after she was sunk off Pensacola.  very good look at what the island and the deck look like.

    the video:  http://easylink.playstream.com/220so...water_high.wvx

   something that struck me about the Navy divers was how much they use their hands to fin.  also, when the divers landed on the deck, they landed vertically.  i had expected them to remain horizontal (anyway, that's what i would have done). 

    here's a reprint of the recall notice (my emphases added).  the good news appears to be that it's a manufacturing error affecting only a small number (about 670) regulators, and not an intrinsic design flaw.  in other words, the regulator design is a sound one, it's just that a few of them weren't made properly.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: ScubaproŽ X650 Second Stage Regulator

Units: About 670

Manufacturer: ScubaproŽ with global headquarters located in El Cajon, Calif.

Hazard: A manufacturing error could cause the main housing of some regulators to change shape over time, which could cause the cover and diaphragm to become dislodged. If this occurs, air flow will be interrupted and the regulators will no longer function, posing a drowning hazard to users.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description and Models: The recall involves some X650 second stage regulators. All X650 second stage regulators are clearly marked with a blue capital "X" next to the numbers "650" in white. Affected regulators have a visible bump located on the right side of the unit between the letter "C" and where the mouthpiece attaches to the regulator body.

Sold at: Authorized ScubaproŽ dealers in the U.S. from June 2005 through May 2006 for between $400 and $670

Manufactured In: Genova, Italy

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact ScubaproŽ to determine if they have an affected second stage regulator. If so, they will receive a free replacement regulator. The company is contacting registered owners of the product directly.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact ScubaproŽ at (800) 808-3948 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit their Web site at www.scubapro.com

Firm's Media Contact: Cynthia Georgeson at (262) 631-6600

     after nearly a full day of suspense ... it appears the buzz was

right:  the Orisknay sank as expected and settled into the bottom

sand upright.

   a report from an on-site diver has the top of the structure at

69 feet and the flight deck at 130 feet.

   there may be a tilt to the deck, which may explain a conflicting

report of the deck being at 150 feet.

   all in all, it looks like the Mighty O behaved quite well.

yesterday, May 17, 2006: explosives go off to start the sinking only 30 minutes behind schedule

   here's the link to the Pensacola Diver's Forum, where the report of

the Orisknay's position and depth were first made.