Delta P VR3 Computer

[dandrian]

I see a lot of posts discussing recreational computer use, but after searching I didn't find much on the tech computers. I realize that there are more rec divers than tech, but I am in the process of starting to transition into the tech diving and I need some advice on equipment.

Specifically, a new computer that has both decompression and mixed gas capabilities. My research has turned up the Delta P VR3 as a good possibility. VR3 Web Site I was wondering if anyone has used this computer or any computer of similar caliber that you could give me some direction on.

I don't really want to turn this into a discussion of conservative vs. liberal decompression algorythms but more about reliability, ease of use, and general functioning. Actually, cost isn't my foremost concern either.

I guess I would like to know what computers are worthy of consideration and which ones are crap.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

David

 

[diverbrian]

I see a lot of posts discussing recreational computer use, but after searching I didn't find much on the tech computers. I realize that there are more rec divers than tech, but I am in the process of starting to transition into the tech diving and I need some advice on equipment.

Specifically, a new computer that has both decompression and mixed gas capabilities. My research has turned up the Delta P VR3 as a good possibility. VR3 Web Site I was wondering if anyone has used this computer or any computer of similar caliber that you could give me some direction on.

I don't really want to turn this into a discussion of conservative vs. liberal decompression algorythms but more about reliability, ease of use, and general functioning. Actually, cost isn't my foremost concern either.

I guess I would like to know what computers are worthy of consideration and which ones are crap.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

David

I use one for Tri-Mix diving. The VR-3 is actually a very nice dive computer if not a little pricey. The display is large and relatively well thought out.

I do recommend taking a night or two and simulating some dives so that you can get a feel for the displays and how to tell the VR-3 that you changed gases. It's pretty straight forward once you learn the controls, but not as intuitive as you might think.

 

[teknitroxdiver]

Most technical divers will use a couple of bottom timers and cut tables with something like vPlanner.

If you do go the computer route you will pretty much have three options:

VR3
Dive-Rite Nitek HE
HS Explorer

The VR3 and the Nitek HE seem to be the more popular ones. I suggest you check out www.thedecostop.com, but I warn you that most there will strongly suggest a bottom timer and tables approach.

 

[Padipro]

While many of tec divers only use bottom timers and cut a set of tables for every dive I like the idea of cutting a set of tables for the dive but having a computer as a back up incase I have to abort the dive early and need to get out of the water ASAP. With only a set of tables I have no way of knowing exacty what my deco obligation is because my plan has changed, a computer can tell me exactly what I need to do to get out of the water based on the depth and time I've actually been in the water. I don't use the computer to control the dive only as a back up to my tables. I also have a bottom timer that I actually use to monitor the depth and time during the dive but have the Nitec He as a back up.

The Nitec He is a good computer but a little conservative. The display is easy to read and gas switching is a breeze. I've been diving with it for a couple of years now and like it.