HS Explorer what do you think of it?

mpain · 4th February 2008, 10:20

I had one when they were first released as an Abyss Explorer.

It was then recalled due to cracking and was sent back to the States.

It came back with a scratch on the face plate across the gasket and was sent back to the States.

It stopped reading depth correctly (handy in a Deco device) and was sent back to the States.

It started to misread depth again.

HSE has not replied to any of my emails reagrding the latest failure.

It spent a lot more time on airplanes than it did underwater and you can have it if you pay postage.

mverick · 4th February 2008, 12:30

For me it was a Complete POS.

Bought new,

Used 5 dives and starting eating batteries. Capacitor turned into a Resistor.

Got it back 3 months later and dive season here was over.

Dive it again and Deco numbers are all messed up. Send it out to someone else cause I thought it was me and past 100ft half the display dissapeared. Send it back,

Get it back first dive flooded. Send it back and ask for my money back. Get the unit back and no money and no call's or returned emails.

Tried it right afterwards and after you turned it on it would go to sleep or whatever and wouldn't turn back on.

It is now a $1400 brick with 10 - 15 dives on it.

Gene was always nice till I said I wanted my money back. Then no answers to calls or replies to Email's. I told him also I was a little tired of beta testing it.

When I saw he came out with a rebreather I about pee'd myself. What failures that thing is going to have.

DIR-PRO · 4th February 2008, 13:46

I have been diving one model M, from 2004 and never had a problem.The august 2007 i send the unit to Gene Melton for the firmware upgrade.For me the customer service is nothing short of amazing.

**rigdiver** · 4th February 2008, 16:05

I have one I'll sell. Never flooded and have had no issues with it. I have 2 VR3's and just don't need it. Maybe 20 -30 dives at most on it. First $600USD can have it. Plus Shipping of your choice.
Bill

Numpty diver · 5th February 2008, 07:41

I have two Explorers , so that i have a spare when one goes wrong.
I liked them a lot until they were returned with oil inside..
Both have big bubbles of air that always gets in the way of the information you need to read !!.
Can this oil be removed ??
The oil also gets extra thick in the cold , so its hard to move the bubble out of the way.
The backlight is also kinda in effective now, so ive moved the explorer to my right hand to be able to use my torch on it.
On a plus side.. while doing deco its fun to trying to move the bubble to all four corners without letting it leave the edge of the sreen.
I still prefer the explorer to other computers.

jkaterenchuk · 5th February 2008, 13:08

Quote: (Originally Posted by Numpty diver)

I have two Explorers , so that i have a spare when one goes wrong.
I liked them a lot until they were returned with oil inside..
Both have big bubbles of air that always gets in the way of the information you need to read !!.
Can this oil be removed ??
The oil also gets extra thick in the cold , so its hard to move the bubble out of the way.
The backlight is also kinda in effective now, so ive moved the explorer to my right hand to be able to use my torch on it.

When was the backlight ever effective?

Did you recently send yours back for service and they were then filled with oil?

I like my HSE and have not had any problems. Used if for about 100 dives over the last 1 1/2 years. Nothing past 50m yet. The only two things I dislike so far are:

1) The backlight is useless even in low light conditions.
2) The data transfer cable is not robust enough for the multiple attaching that is needed over time.
3) The cable connection for a 4th cell is on one side and for me its the wrong side. I have to wear it on my right arm. It fine if I wore it on my left arm but with the HH controller already there I cannot see the HSE. Guess my mother should have ordered longer arms.

The things I like are:

1) Battery life is great. I am still using the same battery.
2) Its easy to program with or without the data cable.
3) I can easily read the information.....without corrective lens.

John

silent running · 5th February 2008, 17:25

Just a thought: Anybody thinking of buying an HE should consider whether they really need the O2 sensor/port. I bought one without the inline O2 sensor with the idea that it would lessen the chance of leaks and improve reliability-less holes in the case. As I dive an ECCR, I don't have much use for a 4th sensor and so far no problems with the HE to 104m...

Numpty diver · 6th February 2008, 07:02

HI John
Did you recently send yours back for service and they were then filled with oil?

Yes both returned after repair ,mostly filled with oil.
I mailed hs and asked why ..no reply yet.

Would love to remove oil myself!! .,.might try when next one goes wrong.

The things I like are,
1) Battery life is great. I am still using the same battery.
2) Its easy to program with or without the data cable.
3) I can easily read the information.....without corrective lens.

Also like the above.. most important to me is i can see it at depth.
The waters here are very dark.
Dean

chunter · 6th February 2008, 19:32

I want to hear from somone who has owned both a HS Explorer and a VR3 for any period of time who prefers the HS Explorer. My feeling is that they are either nuts...or don't exist.

Even at half the price, I wouldn't touch the HSE again. In my earlier days of diving, I simply didn't know better. I wouldn't wish that mistake on anyone (well...maybe just a couple of people

).

silent running · 6th February 2008, 19:55

Hi Charlie, well last time I checked, I still exist. This post from earlier in this same thread sums up my living experience with both comps... -Andy

Quote: (Originally Posted by silent running)

I like mine a lot, no problems at all and it's 2nd hand. I traded an English guy my VR3 for it.

Because dive computers will need regular updates, I would recomend that you buy a computer that is made in your home country or in one which is nearest to you. I had trouble getting service for my VR3, which was also purchased 2nd hand. When my local dealer found out that my unit was 2nd hand, they were shitty with me about sending it back for an update and actually never did. They wound up keeping it for 2 months and never even sent it back to the UK in the bundle of other VR3s sent back for updates. No explanation why it never was sent, just a perfunctory apology. I called Delta P complained and was treated like a leper. For $100 Gene updated my HE software, gave me new straps and spent a lot of time talking me through the unit's functions and the RGBM theory and implementation, a very nice, knowledgeable guy.

The buttons are a bit hard on the hands, the battery replacement procedure must be done exactly as the manual says and the RGBM algo is not currently properly implemented for air dil, but the HE also gives you choices of algos, not just different levels of conservatisim. The main reason I switched was to get the RGBM algo for tmix, which I prefer to the VR3.

To sum it up: Where do you live and which algo makes the most sense to you? IMHO, these are the main factors for deciding which computer to go with... -Andy

4th February 2008, 10:20	#21 (permalink)
mpain New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Australia Posts: 2	Re: HS Explorer what do you think of it? I had one when they were first released as an Abyss Explorer. It was then recalled due to cracking and was sent back to the States. It came back with a scratch on the face plate across the gasket and was sent back to the States. It stopped reading depth correctly (handy in a Deco device) and was sent back to the States. It started to misread depth again. HSE has not replied to any of my emails reagrding the latest failure. It spent a lot more time on airplanes than it did underwater and you can have it if you pay postage.
(Offline)

4th February 2008, 12:30	#22 (permalink)
mverick ScubaPimp Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 511	Re: HS Explorer what do you think of it? For me it was a Complete POS. Bought new, Used 5 dives and starting eating batteries. Capacitor turned into a Resistor. Got it back 3 months later and dive season here was over. Dive it again and Deco numbers are all messed up. Send it out to someone else cause I thought it was me and past 100ft half the display dissapeared. Send it back, Get it back first dive flooded. Send it back and ask for my money back. Get the unit back and no money and no call's or returned emails. Tried it right afterwards and after you turned it on it would go to sleep or whatever and wouldn't turn back on. It is now a $1400 brick with 10 - 15 dives on it. Gene was always nice till I said I wanted my money back. Then no answers to calls or replies to Email's. I told him also I was a little tired of beta testing it. When I saw he came out with a rebreather I about pee'd myself. What failures that thing is going to have.
(Online)

4th February 2008, 13:46	#23 (permalink)
DIR-PRO New Member Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Greece Posts: 2	Re: HS Explorer what do you think of it? I have been diving one model M, from 2004 and never had a problem.The august 2007 i send the unit to Gene Melton for the firmware upgrade.For me the customer service is nothing short of amazing.
(Offline)

4th February 2008, 16:05	#24 (permalink)
rigdiver LEARNING CONTINUALLY Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Megalodon Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS Posts: 418	Re: HS Explorer what do you think of it? I have one I'll sell. Never flooded and have had no issues with it. I have 2 VR3's and just don't need it. Maybe 20 -30 dives at most on it. First $600USD can have it. Plus Shipping of your choice. Bill
(Online)

5th February 2008, 07:41	#25 (permalink)
Numpty diver Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Dolphin Ray Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Ray Home Build Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Norway, Bergen Posts: 204	Re: HS Explorer what do you think of it? I have two Explorers , so that i have a spare when one goes wrong. I liked them a lot until they were returned with oil inside.. Both have big bubbles of air that always gets in the way of the information you need to read !!. Can this oil be removed ?? The oil also gets extra thick in the cold , so its hard to move the bubble out of the way. The backlight is also kinda in effective now, so ive moved the explorer to my right hand to be able to use my torch on it. On a plus side.. while doing deco its fun to trying to move the bubble to all four corners without letting it leave the edge of the sreen. I still prefer the explorer to other computers.
(Offline)

5th February 2008, 13:08	#26 (permalink)
jkaterenchuk . Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Megalodon Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lititz, PA Posts: 749	Re: HS Explorer what do you think of it? Quote: (Originally Posted by Numpty diver) I have two Explorers , so that i have a spare when one goes wrong. I liked them a lot until they were returned with oil inside.. Both have big bubbles of air that always gets in the way of the information you need to read !!. Can this oil be removed ?? The oil also gets extra thick in the cold , so its hard to move the bubble out of the way. The backlight is also kinda in effective now, so ive moved the explorer to my right hand to be able to use my torch on it. When was the backlight ever effective? Did you recently send yours back for service and they were then filled with oil? I like my HSE and have not had any problems. Used if for about 100 dives over the last 1 1/2 years. Nothing past 50m yet. The only two things I dislike so far are: 1) The backlight is useless even in low light conditions. 2) The data transfer cable is not robust enough for the multiple attaching that is needed over time. 3) The cable connection for a 4th cell is on one side and for me its the wrong side. I have to wear it on my right arm. It fine if I wore it on my left arm but with the HH controller already there I cannot see the HSE. Guess my mother should have ordered longer arms. The things I like are: 1) Battery life is great. I am still using the same battery. 2) Its easy to program with or without the data cable. 3) I can easily read the information.....without corrective lens. John
(Online)

5th February 2008, 17:25	#27 (permalink)
silent running Mature mouth breather Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: U.S.A. Brooklyn, New York Posts: 1,814	Re: HS Explorer what do you think of it? Just a thought: Anybody thinking of buying an HE should consider whether they really need the O2 sensor/port. I bought one without the inline O2 sensor with the idea that it would lessen the chance of leaks and improve reliability-less holes in the case. As I dive an ECCR, I don't have much use for a 4th sensor and so far no problems with the HE to 104m...
(Offline)

6th February 2008, 07:02	#28 (permalink)
Numpty diver Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Dolphin Ray Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Ray Home Build Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Norway, Bergen Posts: 204	Re: HS Explorer what do you think of it? HI John Did you recently send yours back for service and they were then filled with oil? Yes both returned after repair ,mostly filled with oil. I mailed hs and asked why ..no reply yet. Would love to remove oil myself!! .,.might try when next one goes wrong. The things I like are, 1) Battery life is great. I am still using the same battery. 2) Its easy to program with or without the data cable. 3) I can easily read the information.....without corrective lens. Also like the above.. most important to me is i can see it at depth. The waters here are very dark. Dean
(Offline)

6th February 2008, 19:32	#29 (permalink)
chunter I like diving Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss MK 15.X Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Classic Kiss Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Honolulu Posts: 473	Re: HS Explorer what do you think of it? I want to hear from somone who has owned both a HS Explorer and a VR3 for any period of time who prefers the HS Explorer. My feeling is that they are either nuts...or don't exist. Even at half the price, I wouldn't touch the HSE again. In my earlier days of diving, I simply didn't know better. I wouldn't wish that mistake on anyone (well...maybe just a couple of people ). __________________ "Foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." - Emerson "Hobgoblin is a cool word." - Charlie
(Online)

6th February 2008, 19:55	#30 (permalink)
silent running Mature mouth breather Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: U.S.A. Brooklyn, New York Posts: 1,814	Re: HS Explorer what do you think of it? Hi Charlie, well last time I checked, I still exist. This post from earlier in this same thread sums up my living experience with both comps... -Andy Quote: (Originally Posted by silent running) I like mine a lot, no problems at all and it's 2nd hand. I traded an English guy my VR3 for it. Because dive computers will need regular updates, I would recomend that you buy a computer that is made in your home country or in one which is nearest to you. I had trouble getting service for my VR3, which was also purchased 2nd hand. When my local dealer found out that my unit was 2nd hand, they were shitty with me about sending it back for an update and actually never did. They wound up keeping it for 2 months and never even sent it back to the UK in the bundle of other VR3s sent back for updates. No explanation why it never was sent, just a perfunctory apology. I called Delta P complained and was treated like a leper. For $100 Gene updated my HE software, gave me new straps and spent a lot of time talking me through the unit's functions and the RGBM theory and implementation, a very nice, knowledgeable guy. The buttons are a bit hard on the hands, the battery replacement procedure must be done exactly as the manual says and the RGBM algo is not currently properly implemented for air dil, but the HE also gives you choices of algos, not just different levels of conservatisim. The main reason I switched was to get the RGBM algo for tmix, which I prefer to the VR3. To sum it up: Where do you live and which algo makes the most sense to you? IMHO, these are the main factors for deciding which computer to go with... -Andy
(Offline)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode