Smart Pro, Aladin Tec, VR3, or keep the IQ800?

[teknitroxdiver]

I have had 3 computer failures in 1 week. Two were at retardedly deep depths. All were with the same computer. None were confidence-inspiring. One almost bent me.:11:

So I'm not thrilled with my computer. But it's getting fixed. So in theory it will be safe to use again. But I don't know. What if it flips out again, and I don't noticed the logic-free readings?

Which has brought me to thinking about selling it and getting a different computer. I want deep stops and reliability in a non-integrated console or watch computer that does not have the name Suunto or Tusa on it.

I like what I read about the Uwatec Smart series. Aggresive algorithm, deep stops, big screen, the older Pro is non-integrated, same with the Aladin Tec. I plan to get into rebreathers and helium next year, that screams VR3. But VR3 screams $1000.

I'm basically looking for a hold-me-over computer that I can pretty much trade my Tusa straight across for. That means sub-$450 or so.

Anyone have ideas, insight, philosophical ramblings?

 

[rookers]

CCR and Helium and the VR3 screams $1400.00. But its got video games... I have a similar dilema in that I am getting into Trimix and am really not happy with what's available. I believe we are on the cusp of a new generation of computers and I may wait a while and stick to cutting and diving tables. I use an integrated Uwatec for recreational diving, but it does bupkus for me in gas switch dives.

 

[Henry]

Interesting. I don't usually even glance at postings like yours except that your post had the word VR3 in it, so I had to look. I wish I hadn't. Here goes...

You do know that the computer didn't almost bend you. You almost bent yourself. With rescue and nitrox training, that does not give you any training in the decompression diving field. If you go retardly deep (I can only assume that is deeper than 60 or 100 feet), you are only asking for trouble.

Even if you had actual computer failure, any true tec diver worth his/her salt would simply continue or end the dive knowing exactly how much obligation he/she would have because they would have it written down or at least memorized for the profile they are diving. (read back up bottom timer)

You say that you are pissed at a computer that almost bent you and yet you want a computer that has aggressive algorithms. That sounds like an oxymoron to me.

You profile says you are 17 years old. I hope you live long enough to see 20. The last 19 y/o to die in our local waters was someone with the same training as you and he thought he was invincible as well.

Good luck.

 

[Jason Ooi]

VR3 comparison chart
http://www.vr3.co.uk/vr3/main.php?content=comparison
We are the dealer in HK, If you interested please PM.

 

[teknitroxdiver]

Interesting. I don't usually even glance at postings like yours except that your post had the word VR3 in it, so I had to look. I wish I hadn't. Here goes...

You do know that the computer didn't almost bend you. You almost bent yourself. With rescue and nitrox training, that does not give you any training in the decompression diving field. If you go retardly deep (I can only assume that is deeper than 60 or 100 feet), you are only asking for trouble.

Even if you had actual computer failure, any true tec diver worth his/her salt would simply continue or end the dive knowing exactly how much obligation he/she would have because they would have it written down or at least memorized for the profile they are diving. (read back up bottom timer)

You say that you are pissed at a computer that almost bent you and yet you want a computer that has aggressive algorithms. That sounds like an oxymoron to me.

You profile says you are 17 years old. I hope you live long enough to see 20. The last 19 y/o to die in our local waters was someone with the same training as you and he thought he was invincible as well.

Good luck.

I'm well aware that I am not invincible, and have no doubts that you're correct about back up equipment. That's another part of my equipment-upgrade plan. Thanks for the input.

Let me explain the part about 'almost bent me'. We were on the Oriskany, dropped to the flight deck for 3 minutes first thing. My buddy (diving a much less conservative Aeris) went up to the superstructer because he was running out of time. I was fine on time. I took a few more pictures then joined him at the formerly-glassed-in control room thingy.....he stayed about 2 minutes and left. I piddle around for another 5 minutes in there looking at stuff, then exit to find him headed for the anchor line. I've still got 15 minutes NDL. I ask him whats up and he gives me the deco sign. ??? Ooookay I think....just where were you at while I was in there? I look around the top of the superstructure near the line for another 10 minutes then head up too.

Basically he had done a more conservative profile than me, on a more aggressive computer, and ended up with a minute or two of deco. I had 5 minutes NDL left. He was still on the anchor line when I went up, he again told me he had been in deco then went to the boat. I did a 10-minute safety stop. So it didn't 'almost bend me' per se. But if I hadn't have had a buddy to point out that our computers were not jiving it very well could have.

 

[ianr33]

How did your computer nearly bend you? I assume this was not a planned deco dive? (Your profile states you to be nitrox trained only) If the computer fails on a NDL dive you can just ascend.

Only way it could bend you would be by giving false information. Thats one of the reasons I carry a bottom timer as well as a computer

 

[teknitroxdiver]

How did your computer nearly bend you? I assume this was not a planned deco dive? (Your profile states you to be nitrox trained only) If the computer fails on a NDL dive you can just ascend.

Only way it could bend you would be by giving false information. Thats one of the reasons I carry a bottom timer as well as a computer

It was giving false info.