What computer to buy---Please help

gasdiver · 5th December 2005, 11:16

hi,
I am new to the rebreather world and would like some advice. I do a lot of air and nitrox diving on normal scuba gear . I will aslo be teaching semi closed (dophin ) next year . I am unlikely to do trimix in the near future but may one day . I have looked at both the VR2 and VR3. Both seem to fit the bill but i am unsure as to whether the extra cost of the VR3 can be justified for my type of use. I see they can be be linked to the rebreather and wonderd what experiences people have had with this system . Thanks for taking time to read this and i look forward to your advice

The Purist · 5th December 2005, 11:29

Take a look at the Tachyon from Heliox Technologies - it must be due to hit the streets fairly soon and from the specs it may well give the VR2/3 a run for their money (or for less money!)

CCR900 · 5th December 2005, 11:41

What about the Buddy Nexus OC/CCR dive computer. It's a cheap (er) option. Doesn't do SCR though.

F

Ben Field · 5th December 2005, 11:51

Ditto HS Explorer.... look abit deeper and there are more and more Rebreather friendly computer appearing all the time, if you're in no rush then don't limit yourself to the VR series.

IF you have to go that way then I would reccomend you future proof yourself and get a VR3, buying the 2 now and upgrading will be a false economy.

I'm not sure how "usefull" the 4th sensor hook ups really are at the end of the day, the majority of people don't have it and get along just fine.

BEN

rogeringebo · 5th December 2005, 12:22

I own a Vr3 and Im very happy with it,i plugged it in to my Classic KISS and it works really well.....gives you "live" deco and bailout plans......
Expensive but you can upgrade it to do whatever you need in the future....solid design......dont know much about the other brands but Im really pleased with what I got
Cheers Rodge

***jradomski*** · 5th December 2005, 13:14

Quote: (Originally Posted by gasdiver)

hi,
I am new to the rebreather world and would like some advice. I do a lot of air and nitrox diving on normal scuba gear . I will aslo be teaching semi closed (dophin ) next year . I am unlikely to do trimix in the near future but may one day . I have looked at both the VR2 and VR3. Both seem to fit the bill but i am unsure as to whether the extra cost of the VR3 can be justified for my type of use. I see they can be be linked to the rebreather and wonderd what experiences people have had with this system . Thanks for taking time to read this and i look forward to your advice

I would look at the hs-explorer.. It might be a bit more than you want to spend at the start, but compared to the cost of a full blown VR3 its a bargain..
Also don't believe the marketing hype from Delta-P.. Some of the "upgrades" cost almost as much as a new computer.. If what you need is already in the computer and only has to be activated by a pin, its great, but otherwise the upgrades can get costly. Each company has its own view what customer loyalty is worth...
The most costly upgrade from Hs-enginerring, is going from no oxygen interface to adding one (its better buying it from the start only a $100 difference).. If I remember correctly the upgrade is around $300
The VR3 is only available with the connector now.. My Vr3 didn't have one and it cost me around the same as The HS-upgrade, the difference was the VR3 upgrade was added to my computer, the Hs-upgrade was a computer swap out....

To dive you an example of how Gene treats his customers.. Originallly the explorer was buhlman only., he worked over 1.5 years getting RGBM into his computer.. It was never advertised as a function.. He offered it as an upgrade to any previous owner for $50.. On the VR3 the VPM option costs more than that.. for older Vr3 owners the upgrade could be as much as $1000!!!

Genesis · 5th December 2005, 13:37

Well, now in all fairness, the VPM "upgrade" for older VR3 owners is a new computer, because the processor doesn't have enough memory in it to handle the algorythm. If you have an older one, eBAY it and buy a new unit. That's the best deal in that case. Of course this puts the lie to the claim "The last computer you will ever need to buy"......

I do agree that Delta-Ps recent view on "upgrades" has been more than a bit disappointing. OVer $300 for the VPM algo? I'm considering doing it anyway, but to say that I'm happy about that pricepoint when I was sold "the last computer you will ever need to buy" would be more than a bit misleading....

I do like the VR3 - a lot - for what it is - and what it isn't. It isn't a nanny, it IS a decent deco computer, I've had no trouble with either it or my body using it as intended...... I really did/do want the VPM algo though as that's what I cut backup tables on and prefer to dive in terms of a deco algo - so this winter while I have some "downtime" I will likely send mine in and get it retrofitted....

The other thing to be aware of is that if you're in the US there is no US-based repair/upgrade depot - they have to go back to Delta-P directly to be worked on. This sucks rocks and a number of people have had severe trouble with customs "deciding" that this is a commercial shipment and holding it up as it comes into the UK. For this reason I'd send it through one of their dealers (DiveRiteExpress is handling them now) to avoid this problem, lest you wind up missing your computer for a couple of months instead of a week or two.

Delta-P should REALLY open a US-based repair/upgrade center and fix this problem for good. IMHO its one of the major "gotchas" with their computers - and given the concentration of sales here, it would seem only appropriate to do something about it.

All in all I like my VR3 though....

TR300 · 5th December 2005, 13:48

For me it is the VR3, because he has the best housing (made from seawater alu)
both the VR2 and the HS-Explorer has plastic housing (at the VR2 the rubberband holder often breaks) at the HS-Explorer the display will have scratches after time. (and for the metric market i dislike the deep gauge). Also the menu and the user interface is better at the VR's.

Holger

Explorer · 5th December 2005, 15:15

VR3 for sure. It has all the bells and whistles you need for OC and CCR and it's programable. I bought mine because of going to CCR soon and it's a solid unit.

Nick uk. · 5th December 2005, 16:40

Quote: (Originally Posted by CCR900)

What about the Buddy Nexus OC/CCR dive computer. It's a cheap (er) option. Doesn't do SCR though.

F

Did i get it right when i read apv web site. The nexus is only operable to 64.5 meters!

A bit dissapointing.

View Poll Results: Which computer
VR 2	2	2.35%
VR 3	63	74.12%
H-S Explorer	20	23.53%
Voters: 85. You may not vote on this poll

5th December 2005, 11:16	#1 (permalink)
gasdiver New Member Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: malta gozo Posts: 9	What computer to buy---Please help hi, I am new to the rebreather world and would like some advice. I do a lot of air and nitrox diving on normal scuba gear . I will aslo be teaching semi closed (dophin ) next year . I am unlikely to do trimix in the near future but may one day . I have looked at both the VR2 and VR3. Both seem to fit the bill but i am unsure as to whether the extra cost of the VR3 can be justified for my type of use. I see they can be be linked to the rebreather and wonderd what experiences people have had with this system . Thanks for taking time to read this and i look forward to your advice
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5th December 2005, 11:29	#2 (permalink)
The Purist New Member Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: UK Posts: 99	Re: What computer to buy---Please help Take a look at the Tachyon from Heliox Technologies - it must be due to hit the streets fairly soon and from the specs it may well give the VR2/3 a run for their money (or for less money!)
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5th December 2005, 11:41	#3 (permalink)
CCR900 Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Ouroboros Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: England Posts: 332	Re: What computer to buy---Please help What about the Buddy Nexus OC/CCR dive computer. It's a cheap (er) option. Doesn't do SCR though. F
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5th December 2005, 11:51	#4 (permalink)
Ben Field CK+Shearwater Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: London, England Posts: 1,621	Re: What computer to buy---Please help Ditto HS Explorer.... look abit deeper and there are more and more Rebreather friendly computer appearing all the time, if you're in no rush then don't limit yourself to the VR series. IF you have to go that way then I would reccomend you future proof yourself and get a VR3, buying the 2 now and upgrading will be a false economy. I'm not sure how "usefull" the 4th sensor hook ups really are at the end of the day, the majority of people don't have it and get along just fine. BEN __________________ Know your PPO2, Pre-breath, Use checklists, Validate cells at 6mtrs, Use pure O2 at or near surface, Use a BOV, Don't dive Solo, Change Slime and Cells as recommended by Manufacturer and RTFM! Beware Fridge Suck! www.hugsac.org.uk
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5th December 2005, 12:22	#5 (permalink)
rogeringebo Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Pelagian Other Rebreather/s: Megalodon Classic Kiss Pelagian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockholm Sweden Posts: 702	Re: What computer to buy---Please help I own a Vr3 and Im very happy with it,i plugged it in to my Classic KISS and it works really well.....gives you "live" deco and bailout plans...... Expensive but you can upgrade it to do whatever you need in the future....solid design......dont know much about the other brands but Im really pleased with what I got Cheers Rodge
(Online)

5th December 2005, 13:14	#6 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 3,005	Re: What computer to buy---Please help Quote: (Originally Posted by gasdiver) hi, I am new to the rebreather world and would like some advice. I do a lot of air and nitrox diving on normal scuba gear . I will aslo be teaching semi closed (dophin ) next year . I am unlikely to do trimix in the near future but may one day . I have looked at both the VR2 and VR3. Both seem to fit the bill but i am unsure as to whether the extra cost of the VR3 can be justified for my type of use. I see they can be be linked to the rebreather and wonderd what experiences people have had with this system . Thanks for taking time to read this and i look forward to your advice I would look at the hs-explorer.. It might be a bit more than you want to spend at the start, but compared to the cost of a full blown VR3 its a bargain.. Also don't believe the marketing hype from Delta-P.. Some of the "upgrades" cost almost as much as a new computer.. If what you need is already in the computer and only has to be activated by a pin, its great, but otherwise the upgrades can get costly. Each company has its own view what customer loyalty is worth... The most costly upgrade from Hs-enginerring, is going from no oxygen interface to adding one (its better buying it from the start only a $100 difference).. If I remember correctly the upgrade is around $300 The VR3 is only available with the connector now.. My Vr3 didn't have one and it cost me around the same as The HS-upgrade, the difference was the VR3 upgrade was added to my computer, the Hs-upgrade was a computer swap out.... To dive you an example of how Gene treats his customers.. Originallly the explorer was buhlman only., he worked over 1.5 years getting RGBM into his computer.. It was never advertised as a function.. He offered it as an upgrade to any previous owner for $50.. On the VR3 the VPM option costs more than that.. for older Vr3 owners the upgrade could be as much as $1000!!! __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.
(Online)

5th December 2005, 13:37	#7 (permalink)
Genesis Bubbless Box of Death Current Rebreather/s: Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Home Build Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sunny Florida Posts: 1,395	Re: What computer to buy---Please help Well, now in all fairness, the VPM "upgrade" for older VR3 owners is a new computer, because the processor doesn't have enough memory in it to handle the algorythm. If you have an older one, eBAY it and buy a new unit. That's the best deal in that case. Of course this puts the lie to the claim "The last computer you will ever need to buy"...... I do agree that Delta-Ps recent view on "upgrades" has been more than a bit disappointing. OVer $300 for the VPM algo? I'm considering doing it anyway, but to say that I'm happy about that pricepoint when I was sold "the last computer you will ever need to buy" would be more than a bit misleading.... I do like the VR3 - a lot - for what it is - and what it isn't. It isn't a nanny, it IS a decent deco computer, I've had no trouble with either it or my body using it as intended...... I really did/do want the VPM algo though as that's what I cut backup tables on and prefer to dive in terms of a deco algo - so this winter while I have some "downtime" I will likely send mine in and get it retrofitted.... The other thing to be aware of is that if you're in the US there is no US-based repair/upgrade depot - they have to go back to Delta-P directly to be worked on. This sucks rocks and a number of people have had severe trouble with customs "deciding" that this is a commercial shipment and holding it up as it comes into the UK. For this reason I'd send it through one of their dealers (DiveRiteExpress is handling them now) to avoid this problem, lest you wind up missing your computer for a couple of months instead of a week or two. Delta-P should REALLY open a US-based repair/upgrade center and fix this problem for good. IMHO its one of the major "gotchas" with their computers - and given the concentration of sales here, it would seem only appropriate to do something about it. All in all I like my VR3 though....
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5th December 2005, 13:48	#8 (permalink)
TR300 Holger Berghäuser Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Other SCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other CCR Dolphin Other SCR Home Build Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Weinheim, Germany Posts: 208	Re: What computer to buy---Please help For me it is the VR3, because he has the best housing (made from seawater alu) both the VR2 and the HS-Explorer has plastic housing (at the VR2 the rubberband holder often breaks) at the HS-Explorer the display will have scratches after time. (and for the metric market i dislike the deep gauge). Also the menu and the user interface is better at the VR's. Holger __________________ If it makes bubbles it means its brocken Visit: www.tr300.com, Missions: www.rebreatherteam.de
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5th December 2005, 15:15	#9 (permalink)
Explorer I will teach you a..... Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 773	Re: What computer to buy---Please help VR3 for sure. It has all the bells and whistles you need for OC and CCR and it's programable. I bought mine because of going to CCR soon and it's a solid unit. __________________ 20 dwarves, 20 dwarves, 20 dwarves took turns doing handstands on the carpet
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5th December 2005, 16:40	#10 (permalink)
Nick uk. Made in England. Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Azimuth Other Rebreather/s: Azimuth Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Viale C.Colombo 75 Marina di Carrara. MS 54036 Italy Posts: 575	Re: What computer to buy---Please help Quote: (Originally Posted by CCR900) What about the Buddy Nexus OC/CCR dive computer. It's a cheap (er) option. Doesn't do SCR though. F Did i get it right when i read apv web site. The nexus is only operable to 64.5 meters! A bit dissapointing. __________________ If it aint broke....don't fix it, and if it is.............well......get another one! divechief2000@hotmail.com
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