VDO A4+ Cycle Computer problem

matterai
matterai Posts: 176
edited July 2009 in Road buying advice
Sorry if this is in the wrong place.

I bought one of the above wireless units. All seemed to be working fine but then the screen display started to fade. I didnt think the battery would have run out already but replaced it less than two weeks ago.

Within 2 days the digits faded again and made it nearly impossible to read. It has been getting worse since then.

Has anyone got one of these units and have you come across this problem? The unit was cheap but I thought it may last a little but longer given the good review it received on this site.

Thanks

Matt

Comments

  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    Not had this problem, used VDO's for years. Are the batteries good quality ones? I get about a year out of mine. I think it sounds like a battery problem, but could be a problem with the unit. Your retailer should help you, however I found VDO in Germany to be fantastic, they replaced my unit with a newer, higher spec model FOC after mine went t*ts up after 8 years!
  • matterai
    matterai Posts: 176
    thanks alphablue

    One battery was the one that came with it and another was one my Dad gave me. I doubt he would have bothered ensuring he bought a good battery.

    Its nice to hear that VDO have good CS. I might email them and see what they suggest. I want one showing average speed. Maybe I will drop that in the email to see if they upgrade me. :D
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    Sounds like the battery then (nothing against your Dad), some of these cells are designed for only light use. I get Maxell or Sony ones, can usually get 5 for a couple of quid on eBay.
  • matterai
    matterai Posts: 176
    I spoke to him tonight it was an Energizer one so I guess that is reasonably good. I wouldnt expect a cheap battery to fade after 2 days.

    The display was fine on my ride tonight but nearly invisible yesterday.

    Contacted VDO and they gave me an address in Germany to send it to. I suppose it could come in handy as a spare when I upgrade.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    Just a thought, do you wear sunglasses with polarising lenses?
  • matterai
    matterai Posts: 176
    I like your thinking. I wear these so I guess they are not.

    http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... rror-31984

    I and my Dad have both seen the display looking very faded without sunglasses on. I did mention that to him yesterday incase sunglasses were the cause of the problem.

    thanks
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    Ah, was just clutching at staws :) I wear Oakleys with polarised lenses and at certain angles my computer screen goes invisible.

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