In search of a multigas computer...

[brianstclair]

as i see it from the posts, i really do have only two options. VR3 & DR He. Saw other computers on the market, such as that from suunto (3 mix) but i am not inclined to getting that.

Don't forget the Cochran EMC-20H and the HS Explorer. They both have either a much smaller user base, or a less vocal one, so you don't hear as much about them, but they are both work looking into. Both will handle trimix.

Brian

 

[Doubles]

One thing to keep in mind is that the Nitek HE has been discontinued. D.R. has completely sold out. I wanted to get one while they were so cheap, but I couldn't. I have people complain about the small numbers on the HE display. I'm leaning more towards the VR3 to buy next year.

FD

Maybe thats why the DR Rep asked if I wanted to sell my 2 HE's.

I was talking with them as the B button was stuck on one of them. Turns out there is a keyway under those, and it seems to twist every now and then. Now I know to just give it a little twist back and it works again.

I have 2 issues with the HE - the gas mixture print is really small for us geezers so I am going to have to get a bifocal mask. The other issue is they seem to have problems downloading - DR will fix that for you for free, but they wipe out all of the data when they fix it. The good news is that the HE will display the dive information right on the screen so you can take all the notes you want and not have to download it.

Cheers

steve

 

[beezwax]

One thing to keep in mind is that the Nitek HE has been discontinued. D.R. has completely sold out. I wanted to get one while they were so cheap, but I couldn't. I have people complain about the small numbers on the HE display. I'm leaning more towards the VR3 to buy next year.

FD

I got my Nitek He from Dive Rite Express a few months ago at the sale price. Their webpage still lists it as in stock....

http://www.diveriteexpress.com/computers/nitekhe.shtml

By the way, I also ordered the PC download kit, but I find both the software and the serial connector to be klunky. I like the computer very much, but if I could do it over again I would skip the PC kit.

 

[OceanSailor]

I presonally like the VR3. I have to say that I have never owned or used a Nitek He, but have dived with folks who used one. The VR3 is a rugged and its features can be easily upgraded by a PIN available (for a fee) from the manufacturer, Delta P Technology in the UK. The downside is that for major firmware upgrades or repairs the VR3 must be shipped to the UK and may take several weeks to return.

Cap'n Ed