which computer is the best VR3 or HS explorer ?

Skipbreather · 14th September 2005, 16:45

Quote: (Originally Posted by Crazyduck)

Cochran did sell the Navy units but have discontinued the units and support there have been quite a few disappointed users.

Almost correct. The Navy was not, I believe, ever sold to the general public- only to the military. Its predecessor Cochran Lifeguard was the model unleashed on the unsuspecting general population.

The entire subject was pretty thoroughly thrashed in a thread last winter, but since new eyes will be drawn to this discussion, I’ll repeat just the high points:

1. Cochran sold me a very expen$ive high end loop integrated dive computer.

2. Cochran knew, BEFORE it left the factory, that they no longer had the ability to repair it should it malfunction.

3. When it did malfunction just 3 months out of warranty Cochran did absolutely NOTHING to make it right.

As a matter of fact, Cochran’s attitude when I was attempting to get repairs could be summed up as ‘We made a bet your Lifeguard would make it out of warranty. We won by 3 months. You lost. Don’t call us. We won’t call you’.

One must carefully consider the character of the company to which one entrusts not just his spinal cord, but indeed his very life.

If you see a used Cochran Lifeguard on ebay my advice would be to not just walk, but run as fast as you can in the opposite direction.

Hope this helps,
Ken

trey · 14th September 2005, 17:02

Right, what I meant was I think Cochran is only selling the units to the US Navy (like mil spec only) now. Looks like the Lifeguard WAS the civie version...what an ass-biting story. One of the other major dives I'm planning is Bikini Atol...their DS web site states specifically NOT to use a Cochran computer...they won't allow it! Wonder why?

CCR-Wrecker · 14th September 2005, 17:48

Joseph,

I have owned an Explorer and I now have a VR3. I traded the Explorer for the VR3.
I liked the Explorer, it was RGBM has big numbers and pretty user friendly. I also like the VR3 it is a "Tank" solid piece of gear, I like the algorithm for stuff less than 150'(45m)but I found when taken deeper the shallow stops are longer than my VPM tables. I haven't had it that long so I'm sure there is a way to "massage" it into a more agreeable profile. VR2 might also be a option.
My $.02
Andy

Crazyduck · 14th September 2005, 17:55

Quote: (Originally Posted by Skipbreather)

Almost correct. The Navy was not, I believe, ever sold to the general public- only to the military. Its predecessor Cochran Lifeguard was the model unleashed on the unsuspecting general population.

Hope this helps,
Ken

Thanks Ken,
You can tell that I have a such compassion on this subject.- NOT.

Andrew

***jradomski*** · 14th September 2005, 17:56

Quote: (Originally Posted by tlessard)

Right, what I meant was I think Cochran is only selling the units to the US Navy (like mil spec only) now. Looks like the Lifeguard WAS the civie version...what an ass-biting story. One of the other major dives I'm planning is Bikini Atol...their DS web site states specifically NOT to use a Cochran computer...they won't allow it! Wonder why?

The cochran thingy at bikini keeps comming up.. its basically that the guys using it were asshokes and didnt read the instruction manual.. If you cna actually find a copy of the original report they say that all the computers gave them "wacky" deco requirements.. like being almost clear then allof a sudden showing 86 minutes remaining (or somehthing like that)..

They wnet as fars as sending pics to cochran (I got to see one of them).. The 86 degress was the temperature, which is NOT displayed when their is a ceiling (they share the same display location)

The computers since the commander have been rock solid, one of the most dependable computers I have used..

trey · 14th September 2005, 18:03

Sounds like Ken got his ass handed to him though...

Crazyduck · 14th September 2005, 18:07

Quote: (Originally Posted by tlessard)

Sounds like Ken got his ass handed to him though...

I am getting in the Bunker- getting out of the way of flying Debris!

Crazyduck · 14th September 2005, 18:14

Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski)

The computers since the commander have been rock solid, one of the most dependable computers I have used..

Joe,
Is there any way we can set up something with Cochran to do some DEMO days or something????

Give them the opportuntiy to stick there head out and have a measure of good faith towards this new possible product?

Andrew

***caveseeker7*** · 14th September 2005, 18:25

Quote: (Originally Posted by Crazyduck)

Cochran did sell the Navy units but have discontinued the units and support there have been quite a few disappointed users.

The "Navy" computer is just a computer based on the rather agressive USN dive tables and is for obvious liabilty reasons not sold to the public. The cell-integrated computer was the Lifeguard.

Quote:

Other options might be crossing over other platform hardware/software- IE the Hammerhead and the other decompression platform being used by the Meg (sorry don’t have the name off the top of my head.) If these could be crossed then you would have a decompression platform.

It looks like that could happen soon with the Shearwater.

Quote: (Originally Posted by bgpartri in another thread)

I will have three products at DEMA, two rebreathers and a wrist computer.

Quote:

Then again I know the perfect man but his wife would KILL me for even mentioning it- wouldn’t she Stefan?

You don't wanna go there. Look at your avatar. Remember the woodchipper scene in Fargo.
Combine the two ...

Crazyduck · 14th September 2005, 18:34

Quote: (Originally Posted by caveseeker7)

You don't wanna go there. Look at your avatar. Remember the woodchipper scene in Fargo.
Combine the two ...

Dude,

OUCH.....,

,

14th September 2005, 16:45	#11 (permalink)
Skipbreather Reads the fine print Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet MK 15.X Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA Posts: 555	Quote: (Originally Posted by Crazyduck) Cochran did sell the Navy units but have discontinued the units and support there have been quite a few disappointed users. Almost correct. The Navy was not, I believe, ever sold to the general public- only to the military. Its predecessor Cochran Lifeguard was the model unleashed on the unsuspecting general population. The entire subject was pretty thoroughly thrashed in a thread last winter, but since new eyes will be drawn to this discussion, I’ll repeat just the high points: 1. Cochran sold me a very expen$ive high end loop integrated dive computer. 2. Cochran knew, BEFORE it left the factory, that they no longer had the ability to repair it should it malfunction. 3. When it did malfunction just 3 months out of warranty Cochran did absolutely NOTHING to make it right. As a matter of fact, Cochran’s attitude when I was attempting to get repairs could be summed up as ‘We made a bet your Lifeguard would make it out of warranty. We won by 3 months. You lost. Don’t call us. We won’t call you’. One must carefully consider the character of the company to which one entrusts not just his spinal cord, but indeed his very life. If you see a used Cochran Lifeguard on ebay my advice would be to not just walk, but run as fast as you can in the opposite direction. Hope this helps, Ken
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14th September 2005, 17:02	#12 (permalink)
trey Total NOOB Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 108	Right, what I meant was I think Cochran is only selling the units to the US Navy (like mil spec only) now. Looks like the Lifeguard WAS the civie version...what an ass-biting story. One of the other major dives I'm planning is Bikini Atol...their DS web site states specifically NOT to use a Cochran computer...they won't allow it! Wonder why?
(Offline)

14th September 2005, 17:48	#13 (permalink)
CCR-Wrecker Classic KISSer #276 Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New York Posts: 225	Joseph, I have owned an Explorer and I now have a VR3. I traded the Explorer for the VR3. I liked the Explorer, it was RGBM has big numbers and pretty user friendly. I also like the VR3 it is a "Tank" solid piece of gear, I like the algorithm for stuff less than 150'(45m)but I found when taken deeper the shallow stops are longer than my VPM tables. I haven't had it that long so I'm sure there is a way to "massage" it into a more agreeable profile. VR2 might also be a option. My $.02 Andy
(Online)

14th September 2005, 17:55	#14 (permalink)
Crazyduck Underwater Mechanic Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS, Dallas/ Ft.Worth Posts: 712	Quote: (Originally Posted by Skipbreather) Almost correct. The Navy was not, I believe, ever sold to the general public- only to the military. Its predecessor Cochran Lifeguard was the model unleashed on the unsuspecting general population. Hope this helps, Ken Thanks Ken, You can tell that I have a such compassion on this subject.- NOT. Andrew
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14th September 2005, 17:56	#15 (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: 2,993	Quote: (Originally Posted by tlessard) Right, what I meant was I think Cochran is only selling the units to the US Navy (like mil spec only) now. Looks like the Lifeguard WAS the civie version...what an ass-biting story. One of the other major dives I'm planning is Bikini Atol...their DS web site states specifically NOT to use a Cochran computer...they won't allow it! Wonder why? The cochran thingy at bikini keeps comming up.. its basically that the guys using it were asshokes and didnt read the instruction manual.. If you cna actually find a copy of the original report they say that all the computers gave them "wacky" deco requirements.. like being almost clear then allof a sudden showing 86 minutes remaining (or somehthing like that).. They wnet as fars as sending pics to cochran (I got to see one of them).. The 86 degress was the temperature, which is NOT displayed when their is a ceiling (they share the same display location) The computers since the commander have been rock solid, one of the most dependable computers I have used.. __________________ 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)

14th September 2005, 18:03	#16 (permalink)
trey Total NOOB Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 108	Sounds like Ken got his ass handed to him though...
(Offline)

14th September 2005, 18:07	#17 (permalink)
Crazyduck Underwater Mechanic Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS, Dallas/ Ft.Worth Posts: 712	Quote: (Originally Posted by tlessard) Sounds like Ken got his ass handed to him though... I am getting in the Bunker- getting out of the way of flying Debris!
(Offline)

14th September 2005, 18:14	#18 (permalink)
Crazyduck Underwater Mechanic Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS, Dallas/ Ft.Worth Posts: 712	Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski) The computers since the commander have been rock solid, one of the most dependable computers I have used.. Joe, Is there any way we can set up something with Cochran to do some DEMO days or something???? Give them the opportuntiy to stick there head out and have a measure of good faith towards this new possible product? Andrew
(Offline)

14th September 2005, 18:25	#19 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,496	Quote: (Originally Posted by Crazyduck) Cochran did sell the Navy units but have discontinued the units and support there have been quite a few disappointed users. The "Navy" computer is just a computer based on the rather agressive USN dive tables and is for obvious liabilty reasons not sold to the public. The cell-integrated computer was the Lifeguard. Quote: Other options might be crossing over other platform hardware/software- IE the Hammerhead and the other decompression platform being used by the Meg (sorry don’t have the name off the top of my head.) If these could be crossed then you would have a decompression platform. It looks like that could happen soon with the Shearwater. Quote: (Originally Posted by bgpartri in another thread) I will have three products at DEMA, two rebreathers and a wrist computer. Quote: Then again I know the perfect man but his wife would KILL me for even mentioning it- wouldn’t she Stefan? You don't wanna go there. Look at your avatar. Remember the woodchipper scene in Fargo. Combine the two ... __________________ Cheers Stefan "Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.!"
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14th September 2005, 18:34	#20 (permalink)
Crazyduck Underwater Mechanic Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS, Dallas/ Ft.Worth Posts: 712	Quote: (Originally Posted by caveseeker7) You don't wanna go there. Look at your avatar. Remember the woodchipper scene in Fargo. Combine the two ... Dude, OUCH....., ,
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