Vr3

JaceCady

The VR3 looks pretty sweet, although it's overkill for me at the OC beginner level...I'll just get a plain old basic SPG/compass double gauge. About when would I start needing a serious dive computer? I'll probably bite the proverbial bullet and get a VR3 then, as I don't want to buy anything I'd have to replace anyway when I get to technical diving stage.

Deepthought_reloaded

When.... Now would be good... will add so much more to your diving

Yes, few people now get a depth gauge - a basic dive computer can be had for only little more cash than the difference between a 2 and a 3 gauge console - does depth and so much more

I see you mention a RAY?

How do you plan to track your PO2? really got to be thinking Oxygauge, VR3 or an Aladin

you could consider a used aladin air ZO2 - will get you familiar with diving a computer even on OC/nitrox plus it can be linked to tank contents and ultimately to an Oxy2 on the Ray

Trouble is a new C1 VR3 enabled for ppO2 monitoring can cost more than a good S/H dolphin - ouch, BUT used ones are often older SW and by time upgraded can be nearly as much as new...

gottrimix

I have monochrome VR3 with big graphics. Very easy to read, Have had it on deep dark lake dives and deep cave dives..no problems.. TTS is just a push button away for those that want to know. Keep in mind VR3 has no frigging idea how much back/deco gas you have? All the dives I do are planned using V-Planner. Run time tables with contingency tables to go along. Sometimes if the dive is turned early we may use VR3 to get us out of the cold ass water quicker, otherwise we stay on tables.

Bottom line VR3 color is a gimmick IMHO. Big graphics work very well.

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Steve

www.lakemeadtechnicaldivers.com

JaceCady

Dunno what a RAY even is to be honest.

I really like the Megalodon so that's what I'm aiming for, I'm trying to make all my starter OC gear compatible with the future rebreather rig so I don't end up ditching any expensive gear.

diverklondike

Big graphics with the option to keep the backlight on while wet is a great combination and AA batteries are cheap...

decoweenie

Just curious, have you seen or used a color VR3 screen u/w yet ?

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gottrimix

Yes I have... friend is one of the US reps for Delta P (VR3). He let me demo it on a few dives before it was available to the puibic. I tried one again cave diving a few years back. Bill at Cave Excursions let me take one as well.

IMHO I don't think it is worth the extra money if Big Graphics mode will work for you instead.

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Steve

www.lakemeadtechnicaldivers.com

decoweenie

Fair enough, then you would be the first person I know that actualy used one u/w and didn't like it. There is always one in a crowd...

Personally, I don't like the VR-3 algorithm and size, but I can't think of any other screen that I have used u/w that I like better.

If Bruce would ever give the option to have such the screen on his superb Shearwater computer (in compromise for long battery life, I understand that), I would be the first one in line.

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Mark Chase

No make that two people including me.

Color screen is fine but I don't need it. If it cost less Id get one just for the hell of it but they are quite expensive so i didn't bother.


However i have sold both my VR3s now and bought a Shearwater which whilst being far from perfect in many ways, is very interesting from a deco point of view.

+ Points.

GF deco various settings.
Can connect to all three cells for PP02 read out
Full trimix CCR for 600+ + P&P and in port duty. £135
Nice contrast on screen and pezo switches
Simple to use / intuitive
Amazing battery life
Single switch to ALLL pre set bailout gases with the unit picking the most suitable gas for immediate use and recalculating OC ascent.

-Points

it is frigging massive, I lovingly have christened it the brick

You cant rotate the screen so it only goes on one arm. The wrong arm when the PP02 link is attached (major PITA)

You can only run the diluent you are using for the dive. All others have to be deleted completely from the list or it will include them in deco. So there is no tagging system of active gases like on the VR3

The straps are too strong and don't pull tight from loose I simply couldn't use them and swapped then for Hammer Head ones.

The screen in comparison to the body is small. If your going to make a computer half the size of a house brick you might as well give it a big screen

ATB

Mark Chase

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decoweenie

Yeh, but your vote doesn't count since you went ahead and bought 3 more units of something that didn't work on the first try...

Did you own a color or were both of yours B&W ?

Regardless, I think it is cost issue on your case whereas we were just talking about the functionality issue (independent of cost). And I understand anyone could make a case of cost "affecting" functionality...

__________________
"...after a while you get bored offering advice to a bull that like to keep butting the fence with its head rather than walking through the open gate..."

- Rebreather World PM