Aqua Vu SV100 catches FIRE

[Bass_junky]

I am curious if anyone else has had any issues with Aqua-Vu cameras.  I have and I needed to vent a bit so here is my hhistory with Aqua-VU.

I purchased on in spring of 2005 (SV-100).  It was a fine tool, when it worked.  I had to send it back befor the summer was over due to distortion in the screen.  This was covered under warranty.  3 weeks later I received a replacement, Great!!  Summer of 2007 on my first trip out, I dropped the camera in the water and yep, screen distortion again.  So, I ended up paying a user replacement fee.  Basically, I paid for a new camera at a reduced cost.  During the spring of 2008 i could not get any picture on my screen, so once again, i had the camera replaced.  Now, when I received this back, i plugged it into a outlet in my kitchen.  Being my wife was at work, I pre-heat the oven to fix myself a hearty meal (frozen pizza) and I am watching re-runs of Bass Pro's and I smell something burning.  My first thought was she left something in the oven, but nope all clear.  I look at my Aqua-Vu and the charging cord was on FIRE!!!  Yep on fire.  Luckily, the wife was at work (i can't clutter up the kitchen with my toys, she says) or I would have had this in the garage charging and who knows what the outcome would have been.  I called Aqua-Vu and sent the camera to them.  I followed  up and they stated "you must have reversed the polarity on the charger....When I calmed down, I explained that was not correct.  I correctly connected the battery and had taken a photo just in case it became an issue.  Seems to be that the rectifier malfunctioned overheated the charger and caught fire.  Anyway, after many discussions they sent me a rebuilt unit.  When it arrived the screen mounts were broken.  But here is the catch, it never worked!!!!  Didn't bother calling back, just pitched it in the garbage.

[.dsaavedra.]

that sucks dude!

[Big Tom]

I though this was going to be another "one and done" threads where someone has one bad experience with a product and swears it off without really trying to do much about it.

You have consistently had bad experiences with this unit.  The customer service doesn't sound to shabby but they definitely have production issues.

Thanks for the heads up.

[Sam]

Wow! What a story.

And glad you avoided a tragedy at home. A kitchen fire usually starts in a toaster.  The fire department would have had a lot of fun telling that story about how a fishing camera burned a house down.

My wife was going to get me an Aqua Vu for Christmas but I told her to forget it.

I have too many gadgets and do not need another one.

Anyway, I can just hear the guys in my bass club when they find out that I have one.

Now, if it picks up football games while on the water that would be another story.

Thanks again for the report. I will be sure to strike the Aqua Vu off my list of things to get that I don't need.  ;D

[Pitchinkid]

That is indeed terrible. I have seen and used one and have always wanted one, but seems like yours was nothing but a hassle.I hate to hear that. Kind of makes me wanna stay away from it

[BUCKEYEone]

sounds to me like you stayed the course a lot longer than I would have!  As stated above, at least they have good customer support, but if the products never work that doesn't do much good! Time for you to take up scuba!