Suunto import

[lscline]

Hi, where is the Suunto database file on Mac OSX? I'm trying to migrate my data from DM3 on Windows to DM4 on Mac (and then to Dive Log), but after importing once, I noted some issues so I need to delete the Suunto database file on Mac and try to import again. Suunto DM4 doesn't seem to want to import dives that it thinks it has already imported. I haven't been able to find where the database is located, and I have gotten no response to this question (e.g. where is the database) from Suunto support.

[support]

I know! The database files can be hard to find as the starting point is a "hidden" file in your home directory. The easiest is to use Terminal as opposed to Finder. So in Terminal, make sure you're in your home directory to start. (Just enter cd with no arguments to take you there)

Then it's
.config/Suunto/Suunto DM4
(note the "dot" in front of config - it's important and what makes it a hidden file)

Then it's release dependent from there:
Either 1.1.6.2198 for the old release and 1.1.7.2946 for the latest release.

The database file is always DM4.db

The software does allow you to take a backup, so it's probably good practice to always take a backup before you download your dive computer. That way if you needed to, you could restore the backup on top of the new one to get back to where you were and start again.

I have never understood why dive computer logbook software doesn't allow you to do multiple DC downloads. But it's common, not just Suunto.

HTH,
Janice
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[lscline]

Thank you! I would never have found it there (and I'm very familiar with hidden files/dirs (I'm a longtime unix fiend), but they picked an odd one!).

I got it cleaned up and got a good set imported. I don't know if I'll keep using Suunto DM4 though; it's pretty awful. I use a KVM, and it takes over the USB ports so that I can't even use the keyboard and mouse for anything when it's running (I have to reach over to the laptop and use the keyboard/trackpad there). I may just use MacDive (which I use already, but hadn't been using for downloads) and use that to sync to Divelog. I'll see, I have always liked to keep a "master" copy of the dive data in a Suunto log so that it gives me some flexibility to move around to different log software.

thanks so much for your help!

[support]

No problem - glad to help.

Although I have to ask - is there a reason you don't want to use Dive Log Manager to import from the Suunto DM4 database and sync to Dive Log? I only ask because yours is exactly the problem we are trying to solve so if we're not solving it, then we'd like to know.

Thanks,
Janice
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[lscline]

Well, the problem is that I don't think I want to use DM4 at all. And I already use MacDive for my Mac desktop software.

I used to have a complicated scheme:
SDM 1.6 (Win) -> Dive Log (OSX, which isn't being kept up anymore) -> Dive Log Manager (from youse) -> Dive Log (iOS, from youse)

Then I changed to another complicated scheme:
SDM 1.6 (Win) -> DM3 (Win) -> MacDive (OSX and fairly well supported) -> Dive Log (iOS)

The reason being that I actually liked to be able to look at the dive data in SDM 1.6, but wanted a native OSX app for my main viewing and use and iOS version for quick lookups. Of course, both of the above schemes were complicated because it was never a straightforward export/import process, but frequently I had to munge the data (sometimes even bringing it up in Access on Win and searching and modifying fields by hand, or running scripts on the output to fix things). Now I have bought a Suunto D4i, which has the problem that neither SDM 1.6 nor DM3 are compatible, so I"m forced onto something else. I'm hating DM4. Is the Windows version any better? It doesn't even number the dives.

Anyway, being that I already use and like MacDive, and it can download from the D4i, I'll probably go to this scheme: MacDive -> Dive Log (iOS) and skip Suunto software entirely.

Linda

[Phil]

I'd love to use divelog to import straight from my computer, however just like Linda mentioned. I too would like to avoid the Suunto software. DM4 for osx is just terrible.

If it was simple as booting up DM4, loading the data from my computer and then closing it before going into Dive Log. However, DM4 for osx is really clunky and even that simple process encourages hair pulling. What I do is connect it to DM4 on my networked PC. Export each individual dive as an xml file to a dropbox folder, move to my Macbook and then import via Divelog / Suunto > xml file. It gets the job done, but an easier method would be appreciated <3

I looked at the libraries/extensions you use for dive log to be able to read computers, and it suggests downloading from Suunto computers is now available. Could this be possible in a upcoming version?

[support]

Direct download of Suunto dive computers now available Please contact us if you have any problems.
Cheers,
Janice

[Phil]

I just downloaded my first dive direct from my D6i using Dive Log DT. Didn't have to use that horrible program DM4, nor use my PC. Is it wrong to feel so pleased about something so trivial.

Thanks for the hard work guys <3