Computers in the water

Janos

I've dived the Shearwater both OC and CC, not connected to the 'breather. There's a little cap that plugs the fischer port on the Shearwater so I'm confused by the above.

Janos

__________________
You can lead a horse to water but you can't climb a ladder with a large bell in both hands - Vic Reeves
www.hellfins.com/shed

rdriver

I have too.... it's no different than Diving the VR3 OC
Rob

mverick

I would steer clear of the Explorer. I have had mine for about 4 years and might have 7 dives on it. It keeps dying. And, good customer service isn't what I received. He doesn't want it back. I did tell him I wanted my money back and was tired of testing it. After 4 years I'm a little tired of it not working. And, have something die 5 different ways isn't a quality and well worked out product. Ask how many people have had a HS that wasn't flawed. And had to go back. I'm thinking not many. All I want it to do is work. And, he can't do that. Consistently.

Have a VR3 and no problems with it. BUT, it's more conservative then I like. It is not the VPM model. But, from the schedules of VPM I've seen posted. It wasn't what I liked either.

I have a old Shearwater and no problems. Will be looking at a new Shearwater. Old Shearwater is permanent on my MEG. So, no OC.

silentscuba

If I was going to purchase a computer that fits this request knowing what I know now, I would just purchase a Shearwater right out of the gate. That's why I now own 2 Shearwaters and have sold my HSE and VR3.

It is very easy to switch the Shearwater from OC to CCR. The Shearwater has truly addressed many of the negative issues that the other computers currently have.

Bruce is very easy to work with and has provided great customer support .

__________________
Curt McNamee
rEvo CCR Diver
KISS CCR Diver
www.silentscuba.com

cameron

I would imagine that it would even be difficlut to pull the plug out. After you get some depth and pressure that is. The O-ring seal should keep 1ata inside the fischer and the outside ambient should just help push the plug in more..

No?

divelermentov

I am using a VR2, backup with an HSE Trimix backuped by a Mares M1 in depth gage mode and tables.

I found the VR2 great, due to I am not doing any trimix dive.
Easy to swith to oc bailout etc.
And if you dive it OC it will allow you to do 3 gas swithches. This was so far enough fo rme.

Only bought teh HSE as a backup and possibly will use it later for trimix diving.

This all has worked pretty well for me, however only have 75 hours on the unit and not doing trimix
cheers
christian

__________________
May The Sorb Be With You

fubari

Well, here is my story...
I had a vr3 that lost a 3 pixel row across the middle of the lcd. Time to send it in for service (from Chicago). 2 months later the unit comes back - a mere $600 for a software upgrade and a screen replacement (I stayed with monochrome, as I didn't want to drop another $300 to get color). Maybe they had to drop in a new circuit board, too. Maybe it was really rather hard to fix and I'm not being understanding enough of the complexities their technicians had to handle. Anyway, I hope that little bugger runs for a longgggg time now since I won't know if sending it in was a wise choice for another dive season or three.

John G.

grandizer52

Wow this is some growing feed back...you all want free beer that bad hahaha kidding, I don't think i mentioned, i'm diving a dolphin that's still SCR less some parts i got from tecme. As I listed before, all i have to monitor the gas is my oxygauge. Also did a homemade jobber from a kit online. the thing is, the numbers fluctuate "ALOT" I watch the oxygauge and it stayed solid. Isolated the supply tank, and watched the oxygauge slowly drop, but the homebrewed dropped jumped. At one point it went to like 10%, then to 30%. YOU CAN'T LIVE LONG ON 10% (unless your on a sub...they'll crank the O2 less than that). Please give me more input. I was going to get a new Computer on friday, but it sounds like i should wait and get somemore feed back from the rebreather forum family
thanx
laytah
steve

GKAM

IMHO both the HS Explorer and VR3 are about the same in terms of reliability these days. Both have their initial issues sorted so picking one over the other comes down to a] deco algorithm, b] maintainance and support c] User Interface d] upgradeability

The Explorer features RGBM and comes with a full range of features unlocked, incl. the interface cable and software. This allows you to dive OC/CC with all features unlocked and download everything. You pay once and you get the lot. Fom my experience, Gene has a great turnaround time. Usually a unit is ready in a week or less if you need smtg done to it. On the down side, the PC software could do with a retouch. (It reminds me of the DOS days...). I think Gene is working on a dive profile viewer at the moment 'cause otherwise you have to view your dive profile in Excel.

The VR3 is more expensive to upgrade and service. I does not come with a d/l cable and the IR is locked by default. You also have to pay for each feature you unlock plus the prices for any upgrade are just plain ridiculous. Non-VPM units are way too agressive for my liking unless you run them at 20% conservatism. I also find the screen too small. Then there is the issue of geographical location. If you are in the US, I see little point in purchasing a VR3. Sending it back to the UK to fix or upgrade smtg can be a pain plus it takes ages for them to return it.

I cannot comment on the Shearwater units since I have not seen one live yet. Specs are good though....

__________________
Stay #

Scuba_Vixen

The Explorer Vs VR3 debate will continue for a long time yet to come. Both had considerable issues after introduction.

Explorers have had a history of case issues and flooding. I've has several over the years, and only one that haven't gone back at least once. Once Gene gets your unit right, it's workhorse from then on.

VR3's often take forever to get back, and cost often cost outrageous amounts for what should have been warranty service.

If the price is in the same ballpark, I'd be inclined to go with a Shearwater if I were to buy another computer.



Darlene