which computer is the best VR3 or HS explorer ?

Joseph Grech · 14th September 2005, 13:42

I am in need of a new dive computer with sensor. My diving is mainly in the 30 - 45 meters with a converted Azimuth Kiss type. No Helium or different mixes required as only air is used for dilutant.
You

experienced guys please let me know the pros and cons of both units.

Nad · 14th September 2005, 13:56

Quote: (Originally Posted by Joseph Grech)

I am in need of a new dive computer with sensor. My diving is mainly in the 30 - 45 meters with a converted Azimuth Kiss type. No Helium or different mixes required as only air is used for dilutant.
You

experienced guys please let me know the pros and cons of both units.

Hi Joseph,
If don't need more, you can go with VR2 - 4 mix (air, nitrox), SCR, CCR.
The tech support for the VR computers is very good, I don't know about the Explorer.
Visit their site www.vr3.co.uk

Best,

Nad

Mark Chase · 14th September 2005, 13:56

They are both good.

VR3 can be purchased as a base model and upgraded as you go by just down loading pin numbers. New ones are available with the VPM algorithem and the (do your realy need it) colour screen.

I have now run two VR3s for about 2 years without major issue. I have the obligitory missing pixle line but apart from that they work fine. Some minor fiddly bits that you need to get used to but that only takes a few dives IMHO.

Which ever unit you get I would think youd be pleased.

Major advantage with the Exp is a much shorter rout to OC bailout plans.

ATB

Mark Chase

Mark Chase · 14th September 2005, 13:59

Quote: (Originally Posted by Nad)

Hi Joseph,
If don't need more, you can go with VR2 - 4 mix (air, nitrox), SCR, CCR.
The tech support for the VR computers is very good, I don't know about the Explorer.
Visit their site www.vr3.co.uk

Best,

Nad

Personaly I would cough up for the VR3 as it will cover you for future developments in diveing and its strong on resale. There is a SH T/Mix one up for sale for £500 on YD.

ATB

Mark Chase

Mario · 14th September 2005, 14:08

Hello,
I haved a very bad experience with Hs-Expllorer "O" model, in few dives I haved a lot of problem:

-no deco calculation after 28' @ -56mt!

-auto "turn off" during 2 differents dives

- virtual dives (@ -261mt) in download (it was a pressure sensor problem)
- a lot of other little problems....

So I decided for a VR3...another story...another dive computer...realy performace

Best regards

Mario

trey · 14th September 2005, 14:23

I dunno...I researched both and kinda liked the HS for user friendliness. Also, SUPER easy to get someone (the designer) on the phone for a consult, so I imagine tech support on this side of the pond would be a breeze. Delta P was a little more difficult on the support I needed on mine...quite slow in follow up e-mails etc. That said, they did get the problems solved for me...just took about 3 months.

Other nice things...the O model HS can be had NEW from scuba.com with cable and connector (p, and pretty much anything else you'd want...comes from Oxycheq) for $1327.95 with nothing else ever to buy or unlock! You get the DL kit AND it's unlocked for everything you'd ever want to use it for!

Ben Field · 14th September 2005, 14:38

Hmmm

I'm sort-of in the market for a more "technical" (Hate that word in relation to diving) computer, I have a Vyper at present and its flawless, but its perhaps not the best match to a Rebreather.

While choosing if I should get a HS Explorer or VR3 is complex, it is less concerning to me that the fact that BOTH of them get equally huge buckets of abuse on here (and elsewhere) I'm pretty amazed that BOTH are so badly tested and bug ridden, apparently. I know both get the ocassional praise too but people with working computers tend to feel less motivated to comment than those who's computers have crapped out on them!

Are there any other optionr?

trey · 14th September 2005, 14:44

Yeah, some other options would be nice...but I think those are the only two available for public consumption anymore. Cochran used to make one with O2 monitoring, but I think I read that they are only supplying the Navy now. Anyone else know of anything?

Nad · 14th September 2005, 15:00

Quote: (Originally Posted by Mark Chase)

Personaly I would cough up for the VR3 as it will cover you for future developments in diveing and its strong on resale. There is a SH T/Mix one up for sale for £500 on YD.

ATB

Mark Chase

Yes, of course, I didn't take in consideration the possibility to go ahead. You're right.

Nad

Crazyduck · 14th September 2005, 15:18

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

It would be nice to see more depth in the market of these computers but the combination of liability and size of the market seem to be sticking points.

There have been other businesses that have threatened to bring out products but to date I have not seen them. Also, whoever brings this to market is going to have some serious background experience in this.

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.

I for one considered this as a potential market, even contacted someone who had an existing decompression software but it died on the vine. Designing a system with the- correct connectors, electronics, heavy testing and beating it on a rock, proper memory, idiot factor and the killer- “product liability insurance” or my favorite saying- “you want to do WHAT?”

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

14th September 2005, 13:42	#1 (permalink)
Joseph Grech Joseph Grech Current Rebreather/s: Azimuth Other Rebreather/s: Azimuth Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Malta Posts: 104	which computer is the best VR3 or HS explorer ? I am in need of a new dive computer with sensor. My diving is mainly in the 30 - 45 meters with a converted Azimuth Kiss type. No Helium or different mixes required as only air is used for dilutant. You experienced guys please let me know the pros and cons of both units.
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14th September 2005, 13:56	#2 (permalink)
Nad Rebel to the Bone Current Rebreather/s: Ouroboros Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Europe Posts: 976	Quote: (Originally Posted by Joseph Grech) I am in need of a new dive computer with sensor. My diving is mainly in the 30 - 45 meters with a converted Azimuth Kiss type. No Helium or different mixes required as only air is used for dilutant. You experienced guys please let me know the pros and cons of both units. Hi Joseph, If don't need more, you can go with VR2 - 4 mix (air, nitrox), SCR, CCR. The tech support for the VR computers is very good, I don't know about the Explorer. Visit their site www.vr3.co.uk Best, Nad __________________ The Impossible is often the Untried
(Online)

14th September 2005, 13:56	#3 (permalink)
Mark Chase I go down for ages Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kent Posts: 2,700	They are both good. VR3 can be purchased as a base model and upgraded as you go by just down loading pin numbers. New ones are available with the VPM algorithem and the (do your realy need it) colour screen. I have now run two VR3s for about 2 years without major issue. I have the obligitory missing pixle line but apart from that they work fine. Some minor fiddly bits that you need to get used to but that only takes a few dives IMHO. Which ever unit you get I would think youd be pleased. Major advantage with the Exp is a much shorter rout to OC bailout plans. ATB Mark Chase __________________ Is it supposed to make that noise ? I took my unit to the dive shop and demanded they bolt on every thing that would fit. Join my elite diving teem and get a Tshirt "Doing It Chasey"Hammerhead Eccr Advanced Diving System
(Offline)

14th September 2005, 13:59	#4 (permalink)
Mark Chase I go down for ages Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kent Posts: 2,700	Quote: (Originally Posted by Nad) Hi Joseph, If don't need more, you can go with VR2 - 4 mix (air, nitrox), SCR, CCR. The tech support for the VR computers is very good, I don't know about the Explorer. Visit their site www.vr3.co.uk Best, Nad Personaly I would cough up for the VR3 as it will cover you for future developments in diveing and its strong on resale. There is a SH T/Mix one up for sale for £500 on YD. ATB Mark Chase __________________ Is it supposed to make that noise ? I took my unit to the dive shop and demanded they bolt on every thing that would fit. Join my elite diving teem and get a Tshirt "Doing It Chasey"Hammerhead Eccr Advanced Diving System
(Offline)

14th September 2005, 14:08	#5 (permalink)
Mario New Member Current Rebreather/s: Ouroboros Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Ouroboros Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rome Posts: 48	Hello, I haved a very bad experience with Hs-Expllorer "O" model, in few dives I haved a lot of problem: -no deco calculation after 28' @ -56mt! -auto "turn off" during 2 differents dives - virtual dives (@ -261mt) in download (it was a pressure sensor problem) - a lot of other little problems.... So I decided for a VR3...another story...another dive computer...realy performace Best regards Mario __________________ Mario http://www.rebreatherworld.com/images/smilies/demon.gif
(Offline)

14th September 2005, 14:23	#6 (permalink)
trey Total NOOB Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 108	I dunno...I researched both and kinda liked the HS for user friendliness. Also, SUPER easy to get someone (the designer) on the phone for a consult, so I imagine tech support on this side of the pond would be a breeze. Delta P was a little more difficult on the support I needed on mine...quite slow in follow up e-mails etc. That said, they did get the problems solved for me...just took about 3 months. Other nice things...the O model HS can be had NEW from scuba.com with cable and connector (p, and pretty much anything else you'd want...comes from Oxycheq) for $1327.95 with nothing else ever to buy or unlock! You get the DL kit AND it's unlocked for everything you'd ever want to use it for!
(Offline)

14th September 2005, 14:38	#7 (permalink)
Ben Field CK+Shearwater Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: London, England Posts: 1,627	which computer is the best VR3 or HS explorer ? Hmmm I'm sort-of in the market for a more "technical" (Hate that word in relation to diving) computer, I have a Vyper at present and its flawless, but its perhaps not the best match to a Rebreather. While choosing if I should get a HS Explorer or VR3 is complex, it is less concerning to me that the fact that BOTH of them get equally huge buckets of abuse on here (and elsewhere) I'm pretty amazed that BOTH are so badly tested and bug ridden, apparently. I know both get the ocassional praise too but people with working computers tend to feel less motivated to comment than those who's computers have crapped out on them! Are there any other optionr? __________________ 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
(Online)

14th September 2005, 14:44	#8 (permalink)
trey Total NOOB Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 108	Yeah, some other options would be nice...but I think those are the only two available for public consumption anymore. Cochran used to make one with O2 monitoring, but I think I read that they are only supplying the Navy now. Anyone else know of anything?
(Offline)

14th September 2005, 15:00	#9 (permalink)
Nad Rebel to the Bone Current Rebreather/s: Ouroboros Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Europe Posts: 976	Quote: (Originally Posted by Mark Chase) Personaly I would cough up for the VR3 as it will cover you for future developments in diveing and its strong on resale. There is a SH T/Mix one up for sale for £500 on YD. ATB Mark Chase Yes, of course, I didn't take in consideration the possibility to go ahead. You're right. Nad __________________ The Impossible is often the Untried
(Online)

14th September 2005, 15:18	#10 (permalink)
Crazyduck Underwater Mechanic Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS, Dallas/ Ft.Worth Posts: 711	Cochran did sell the Navy units but have discontinued the units and support there have been quite a few disappointed users. It would be nice to see more depth in the market of these computers but the combination of liability and size of the market seem to be sticking points. There have been other businesses that have threatened to bring out products but to date I have not seen them. Also, whoever brings this to market is going to have some serious background experience in this. 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. I for one considered this as a potential market, even contacted someone who had an existing decompression software but it died on the vine. Designing a system with the- correct connectors, electronics, heavy testing and beating it on a rock, proper memory, idiot factor and the killer- “product liability insurance” or my favorite saying- “you want to do WHAT?” Then again I know the perfect man but his wife would KILL me for even mentioning it- wouldn’t she Stefan?
(Offline)

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