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sunkmail · 13th May 2008, 16:03

I did both.

I bought the VR3 and URM initially, and wanted to have a second computer for backup.

You can get a shearwater and a (custom) double-ended Fischer cable and plug it right into the 'backup display' port on the URM.

No fussing, no problems. The shearwater also works if the VR3 is off, or not even plugged in.

No extra load on the cells, and you get 2 real-time deco computer.

The down side, cost.

others will say that it has multiple failure points. Personally, I have found they are very minimal -
- The cables are pretty much permanent, you aren't likely to have connection problems with a connector you don't touch. The main failure point here is the connection to the computer itself (those I do use), but that would be the same as any other system.

- The 'extra circuitry' ... I can draw you a pretty good schematic of what the insides of the URM probably look like (I didn't design it, nor have I opened one to look, but from the way it functions, it isn't hard to imagine the best and most obvious solutions). I'm comfortable trusting that it isn't going to fail. and, as mentioned, even if the URM craps out on you while underwater, the shearwater connection is still going to be intact.

- extra fuss with 2 different systems. Really? Neither are that difficult, and both have some desireable features that the other doesn't. The additional task loading is minimal, and given that you are on CCR, you have lots of time for anything (other than an emergency bailout :P ) to get it sorted out without risking your safety. You can set the shearwater to be very close to the VR3 for deco schedule. So far it hasn't been much out of line, but I may adjust the settings slightly when I get into longer deco to match them even better.

It's your call, but if you want any extra info, let me know, I'd be happy to help.

Oh, and one more thing ... VR3 did get a bad batch of fischers a while back. Mine got one of these faulty ones. After sending it back once, problem solved. absolutly no complaints on teh unit. Built like a rock. They have probably solved the connector batch problem by now, so any new VR3 shouldn't have an issue.

One other thing to consider - VR3, England. Shearwater, Canada - Is shipping an issue for you to either?

13th May 2008, 16:03	#5 (permalink)
sunkmail New Member Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North Vancouver, BC, Canada Posts: 39	Re: vr3 or shearwater...? I did both. I bought the VR3 and URM initially, and wanted to have a second computer for backup. You can get a shearwater and a (custom) double-ended Fischer cable and plug it right into the 'backup display' port on the URM. No fussing, no problems. The shearwater also works if the VR3 is off, or not even plugged in. No extra load on the cells, and you get 2 real-time deco computer. The down side, cost. others will say that it has multiple failure points. Personally, I have found they are very minimal - - The cables are pretty much permanent, you aren't likely to have connection problems with a connector you don't touch. The main failure point here is the connection to the computer itself (those I do use), but that would be the same as any other system. - The 'extra circuitry' ... I can draw you a pretty good schematic of what the insides of the URM probably look like (I didn't design it, nor have I opened one to look, but from the way it functions, it isn't hard to imagine the best and most obvious solutions). I'm comfortable trusting that it isn't going to fail. and, as mentioned, even if the URM craps out on you while underwater, the shearwater connection is still going to be intact. - extra fuss with 2 different systems. Really? Neither are that difficult, and both have some desireable features that the other doesn't. The additional task loading is minimal, and given that you are on CCR, you have lots of time for anything (other than an emergency bailout :P ) to get it sorted out without risking your safety. You can set the shearwater to be very close to the VR3 for deco schedule. So far it hasn't been much out of line, but I may adjust the settings slightly when I get into longer deco to match them even better. It's your call, but if you want any extra info, let me know, I'd be happy to help. Oh, and one more thing ... VR3 did get a bad batch of fischers a while back. Mine got one of these faulty ones. After sending it back once, problem solved. absolutly no complaints on teh unit. Built like a rock. They have probably solved the connector batch problem by now, so any new VR3 shouldn't have an issue. One other thing to consider - VR3, England. Shearwater, Canada - Is shipping an issue for you to either? Last edited by sunkmail : 13th May 2008 at 16:06.
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