Bulova Computron has problems

[dodger1954]

Hi gang, I've got this really cool Bulova Computron that I just received, but it has problems:

1) At first, when I would press the button, it would stay on for about 7 seconds, before finally turning off. But then, the more I pushed the button to see how long it would stay on, the longer the interval got, so now it stays on for about 25-30 seconds, before going off!

2) The watch runs really, really slowly, as well. I put it into the setting mode for minutes & seconds, and where it would normally count off the seconds at 60 per minute, THIS watch seems to take about FOUR seconds, on average, to advance ONE actual second!

I know this is probably not something that can be fixed inexpensively, but I thought I'd see if you guys could suggest someone to send it to for repair (does Ed still do repairs, anymore?), and maybe get an idea of the cost. Ohh, and I did take the back off to take a look, even though I knew there was nothing I would be able to do to repair it, and the module looked exceptionally clean. Also, the batteries tested as new, so I reinstalled them. Thanks a bunch!

P.S., I tried to attach a picture, but got the message: "Sorry, the board attachment quota has been reached". I don't know what's up with that, as I had already removed pictures I had uploaded, in previous posts...?

[retrowrist]

I am not sure if you stated that you tried new batteries. Did you try new batteries? Also, as a side not: Never trust any batteries that came with any watch off eBay Renata, Energizer, or Duracell, you will get burned if you trust they are testing new. If the watch is behaving strangle, go back to the fundamentals and change the batteries even if you have to buy new ones.

A while back I bought an LCD off eBay that kept great time, and all the worked except for the light! It turned out that all I needed to do is change the battery to get the light to work. This would have saved me money and hassle for sure.

- Patrick

[dodger1954]

Hi Patrick, thanks for your reply! After reading your suggestion, I went and installed new batteries, but unfortunately it didn't quite solve the problems:

1) Now, it stays on about 4 to 5 seconds before going off, which is an improvement;

2) The timekeeping has improved a little, too. It's still very slow, but in timing it, it counts off about 35 seconds, when I time it for 60 seconds. So, it's sort of runnig at half-speed, I reckon.

So, I guess I'll have to find someone to fix this otherwise nice looking Bulova Computron driver's watch. Thanks, for the suggestion regarding possible bad batteries, though!

[BENRUS]

If your button is sticking at all...It will display the time longer.
Try removing the module completely, and clean the case. Then lubricate the button area.

[retrowrist]

Also,

The trimming screw on this module should be able to increase the speed/sync of the time. Some LED modules are different than others, but generally the screw turned to the right will increase the measure, and to the left will reduce the time measure. But before you even try that at all, I would have someone look over the module, and see if the circuit board is alright. What make is the module anyway? Does it have any model numbers around the edges or the center?

- Patrick

[dodger1954]

Hi Patrick, I know that some of them can be adjusted, if you maybe had an oscilloscope and knew the ideal frequency it's supposed to operate at. But, I don't have that capability.

When I had the back off it, I did notice a number, but I've since forgotten what it was. Also, I did try to pick the module up out of its' square driver's-watch case, but it resisted being pulled out of the case, so I decided ot leave well enough alone.

Regarding getting someone to check out the circuit board, I guess that's what I really need, is a suggestion from someone about where to send it for repair. I'd also like to see if anyone has an idea of what a repair should cost.

Otherwise, I suppose I'll just have to sell it on eBay, or something. But, unlike some people do, I'd certainly tell buyers everything the watch is doing, or not doing...I just HATE it, when sellers claim "unknown/untested" with regard to their watches, only to find out later that the watch HAD, in fact, been opened up and tinkered with.

Ohh, and incidentally, I do have the Computron boxes for it, as well. Now, I just need it fixed.