Inspo Vision + VR3?

Twain

Hi folks, long time reader but first time poster so please bear with me.

(I've searched the forums a bit and read the vendor's online material but haven't seen a conclusive answer. I'd also like to see what real divers are doing, not just what the marketing says.)

So, question: is the VR3 redundant with the Vision electronics that come with the new Inspiration/Evolution? The Vision computer appears to mate a CCR control with dive computer. So why bring a VR3? Yet I frequently see it described and pictured as part of folks' dive setup.

Related question: what about Hammerhead electronics? It is described as an upgrade to the Inspiration, but it's not clear if this is the Vision package or the non-Vision package. Is there any reason to get Hammerhead instead of Vision? What about Hammerhead + VR3?

Looking for advice on what people actually use, for various types of diving.

jptaylor9

I use my VR3 as a backup on most dives, is set to 0% conservatism & actual set point. I dive thru the 1st VR3 deep stop, it sulks, then goes into use tables mode. The profile then isn't far off the Visions, the VR3 clears a few minutes afterthe Vision.

I carry it rather than backup tables, on general dives (for specific dives I will carry backup tables).

I like the larger depth & run time digits on the VR3 screen.

Note: I don't use a 4th cell.

jt

colinicky

Agree with JP above use it as back up normally end up with it clearing a few minutes after my Vision but I tend to do all the stops .

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Colin

I trust my rebreather completely ,
I just don't trust the user

onwards & downwards

Gill Envy

For now I do not carry a back up computer with my vision. I am considering getting a Shearwater GF, which more closely matches the decompression of the vision. I'm considering adding a 4th cell to the vision and plumbing the Shearwater and making it so that I can swap over two of the 3 remaining cells in the event of a vision solenoid failure or any other vision failure that can lock you out of both controllers...you don't want to ever see a circuit failure cause the screen to read "no controller one, no controller two, NO DIVE!" and not be able to do anything about it. On long far away trips you want to be able to run your rig totally manually... aside from the other benefits and safety of redundancy, being able to run your rebreather fully on the Shearwater with 3 cells hooked up can really save a dive trip as carting around an entire extra vision head is just not practical to me. Redundancy is a good idea on any rebreather as there are common failure points... in particular, one solenoid.

hope that helps,

g

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schford

Backup computer - Very good...

I think VR3 with VPM and GF on Vision dream combo - as you clear 2 different deco algos.

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Monkey

VR3 is a third party computer....for people who dive units with built in DECO software like the inspiration/Vision or the Optima... the VR3 is a redundant computer.

for people who dive units with no built in DECO software like the MEG/Apex 2 or the Kiss or COPIS MEG.. the VR3 is there Primary computer...


based on you post I think you don't realize that rebreathers are made up of 2 major componets... the body and the head.. (I am over simplifying).. for example

the Megalodon body can have an APEX2 head, a HammerHead, COPIS head, Shearwater head.

the Inspiration Body can have an Vision head,Classic head, a HammerHead ect..


The Hammer head.. is a third party upgrade...and it works with a lot of rebreathers.... and its actually the one that comes standard on the Optima Rebreather.

so to try to answer your questions.

question 1: yes the VR3 would be redundant to the Vision electronics.
Question 2: you bring a VR3 because you bet your ass you should have redundancy...

question 3: see above
Question 4:hammerhead or Vision? don't dive them so I will not answer this.
Question 5: Hammer head + VR3? triple redundancy is not unheard of...


this is my 2 cents ......... and I am no authority on any thing.


BAM

Grahjam

I bought my VR3 for oc nitrox diving (and gas switching etc) several years before I moved to ECCR. Yes I fell for the sales pitch of "The only dive computer you will ever need," but my then current computer had croaked and needed replacing and my intentions were to move to oc trimix and eventually a rebreather, so bought the future proofing that the VR3 provided.

Then along came the vision electronics, so was stuck with the dilemna of my VR3 being redundant and ready for e-bay. However, I'm still diving with the VR3 on the CC mode upgrade mode and like the deco redundancy/back up that this provides.

On comparison the VR3 (which is what I dive to) does keep me down a little longer than the Vision deco algorythm, but at the end of the day there are plenty of divers out there who have got bent when their computers say they should be fine so I do n't mind doin a bit longer hang time between algorythmns.

What you may have picked up on (my guess) is divers who had the VR3's prior to th CC switch - whether I would buy a VR3 after the CC switch I can't answer - but my regular CC dive buddy is considering exactly that. The switch to a 4th cell is another debate

Hope this helps

Dave Faye

I do the same. Run 0% conservatsim on VR3 (sometimes switch between Buhlmann and VPM-B) and 15/85 GF on my Vision. I Don't use a 4th cell with my VR3. Profiles are generally pretty close. I run a 1.3 sp on Vision and 1.25 on VR-3. Carry preprinted IANTD 1.2 and 1.3 ppo back-up tables. 4th independant cell is not a bad idea. I know lots of ccr divers like to have a redundent ppo monitoring system. It is calibrated on its own so it does create one more thing to do before dive.

I like the Vision software very much. Only tried the HH on a meg once though so I can't really compare.

If you dive in Boston PM if you want.

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schford

I believe that Twain used the work Redundant to mean no longer needed rather than backup.

Eg The same use as when a person is made Redundant (no longer needed by employer)

So the question was ... As a vision uses a built in computer is a VR£ no longer needed (redundant)

Isn't english such a marvelous language! :-)

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CharlieT

J P Taylor 9 is my main CCR buddy and I also use my VR3 as back-up and wouldn't dive 50m+ without it.

I, like Jon, also have a Uwatec bottom timer which is often (particularly 30m and shallower) the best of the three devices for seeing what depth I'm at. I also use the Uwatec for length of dive as again it presents this in a nice large number.

I am very happy with my Vision deco software but there's that bloke, Mr Murphy, who enjoys diving with us sometimes!

I run my VR3 with light always on and use Energiser Lithium AA batteries.

Charlie