fins wake once bubbled...
... to Stefan's (as usual) excellent post you might find the following comparison useful:
http://www.hs-eng.com/Comparison.htm
(Please note that this is HS own comparison [for bias purposes], however at first glance it seems fair and comprehensive.)
I've never used the HS Explorer and theoretical comparisons can't compare with practical experience. Stefan's and Geoffrey's comments are therefore duly noted.
Before Gene published his comparison, I joked he had to many "no" entires in the comparison, I believe its a fair assessment, he didn't try and publish a chart that just showed his strengths.. There are also other things that aren't listed that the original VR3 said the explorer didn't do (so of them were only true for the original software release).
The big thing I remembered was being able to reprogram the po2 underwater and choose whatever you felt like, on the first release this was true (no many people ver had it).. Both the VR3 and explorer do it equally well.. but in all cases reprogramming the explorer is considerably easier..
one thing thats handled differently between the VR3 and explorer is how mixes and po2 mode are handled..
ont the vr3 any of the 10 mixes can be po2 or open circuit, the explorer handles it a bit differently for simplicity..
in the non intergated version, all 10 mixes can be open circuit or first 5 po2 second 5 open circuit bailout,
on the integrated version, all 10 can be oc, or 5 ppo2 and 5 oc with the first when in po2 mode can be programmed tio use the cell or use a fixed po2, 4 and 5 are for a fixed po2, the last 5 for oc bailout...
this may seem like a deficiency but it has definate advantages, lets take an example.. I am going to use the computer for a constant po2 dive (the last mixes are oc bail out), I'll program mix 0 with, my diluent and cell set to on (1st 3 (0-2)are all either on or off), then mix 3 I set as the same diluent but with a pre selected setpoint... if I am having tbl with the cell, I can just do a gas switch to the mix thats a fixed po2 and not have to worry about shutting off the cell (and then setting a po2)..
On the vr3 you have to shut off the cell (effects every mix) then manually chose a setpoint, while going through multiple menus...
on the explore the switch is simple hold 2 buttons for 1 second, advance the mix 3 presses then hold the left button for a 3 count to confirm the switch..