How to change the battery in Suunto Solution / Buddy Nexus dive computers

If you want to save yourself £20 or so and a few days (even weeks) wait then why not change the battery in your dive computer yourself?
This works for all flavours of the Solution range (Nitrox / Vario, Solution, Alpha) and the Buddy Nexus.

First things first, I know this info can be found on Dave Cordes site, but having tried this for myself, I have decided to present my findings here.

What you'll need:
A medium sized crosshead (Phillips) screwdriver, some silicon grease, sticky tape and a new battery

If you're in the UK, there is a mail order company www.watchbattery.co.uk that does the Sonnenschein 1/2AA 3.6v lithium battery required. At the time of writing, you'll find this battery about 2/3 of the way down this page and costs £5.50 Delivery is really quick. Some people report less than 24hrs, mine took 1.5 days...which is still fast!

Another UK supplier is Cell Pack Solutions www.cellpacksolutions.com who will supply a suitable battery (code LS14250) for £5.88 incl vat and delivery. Make sure you specify the 3.6v 1/2AA battery as they also stock a 3v 1/2 AA battery (code CR1/2AA-DIVERS). This 3v cell is no good for dive computers. You need the 3.6v cell.
There is also a higher capacity 3.6v cell (1.4Ah opposed to the 1.0Ah for the other battery) available for £7.05 all-in. The code for this is: LS14250C
At time of writing, both cells can be found on this page

1. Cover the metal contacts on the front of the computer with tape
2. Remove the 4 screws holding the plastic backing plate in place
3. The back of the computer will now be revealed. The business part is all sealed in a flexible gel type sealant making it impossible to flood (unless of course you damage the gel). The battery compartment is seperated from the electronics and is sealed with a clear plastic cover and a sealing 'O' ring.
4. Carefully prise the plastic cover off - it may be slightly stiff.
5. Remove and inspect the O-ring. If its damaged, obtain a replacement (I've not had to do this, but it should be possible to get one fairly easily from your local dive shop)
6. Remove the old battery
7. Insert the new battery observing the correct polarity
8. Clean and lightly grease the O-ring with silicon grease. Lightly grease means that the O-ring should look shiny - lumps of grease should NOT be present.
9. Clean both the plastic cover and battery compartment where the O ring will sit. Make sure there are no hairs etc otherwise it will flood.
10. Place the O-ring in the channel of the plastic cover.
11. Carefully push the plastic cover onto the battery compartment. Note, it will not seal itself and try to push away again. Persevere and it'll eventually stay in place.
12. Place the plastic backpiece back onto the computer module and replace the 4 screws.
13. Remove the tape from the contacts and switch the computer on.

On first power up, the battery indicator may remain on. It should go out after a short while. Or.....in the case of mine just give up the ghost entirely. This needed another strip down to get it functioning again.