VR Technology VR3 HD Air/Nitrox/Trimix - 10 Gas - Computer

[BathTubDecompression]

Hi I'm looking for a new DC so I have a backup and something that works with every gas just in case I decide to go all the way to (Tec Trimix Diver.)

The one I'm currently looking at is the VR3.

I would like to know if there is anyone here who has used one or has some feedback on the VR3 to give me a better idea on what to do.

Here are some Specs:
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# Air/nitrox/open circuit
# Easily upgradeable to Trimix and Closed Circuit with optional pin number
# NEW High Visibility Backlit White Screen on ALL models
# Upgradeable from Single Color to Multicolor by PIN
# Faster & more user friendly screen navigation
# NEW Mini-Screen Pre-Dive Check Feature
# Revolutionary NEW INTERACTIVE Display Modes Feature-Allows the diver to CHOOSE which information is displayed on the dive screen!
# NEW user friendly Dive Profile and LOOK AHEAD GRAPHIC feature on the dive screen
# VPM (Variable Permeability Model) algorithm available as a PIN upgrade
# Ability to toggle between decompression algorithms between dives
# No Lockouts due to decompression violations during or after a dive
# User Modes for both NEW and ADVANCED VR3 Divers
# New Q mode is ideal for new VR users. It gives the user a simplified display layout.
# New X mode with advanced diver features: Optional timed screensaver, Bailout profile and
2nd dive screen with resettable average depth feature.
# Easy to read font, temperature graphing, and PO2 graphing
# Use with open, semi or fully closed circuit breathing equipment
# Up to 60 hours of dive logging
# Up to 99 levels of decompression
# Dive plan mode--enter gases, depth, and time, and the unit calculates a list of stops
# Dive profile graphing during and after dives
# Heavy duty, durable aluminum case construction
# Gas blending function
# Fully programmable with up to 10 gases which can be switched at any time during a dive
# Ability to change gas lists at anytime during the dive
# Video Games included to keep you occupied during those long decompression stops
# User Changeable Battery (uses single AA battery which can be purchased anywhere world wide)
# User changeable Imperial/Metric
# PC downloadable with optional download kit (see below to order)
# Upgrades available via a unique PIN number system allowing you to purchase additional features as you need them
# NOAA (National Oceanic and Atomospheric Administration) Approved
# DEPTH: 1000 Feet

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Pic:

Link: http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear-17/009022/VR-Technology-VR3-HD-Air-Nitrox-Computer.html
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Also anyone know if it's wireless? So you can view your tank psi/bar.....

If anyone can help and give me some advice on what to do that would be great thank you.

 

[BabyDuck]

it is *not* air integrated. it is huge & heavy. it is expensive. i don't find it to be intuitive, but others do. it won't lock you out - if you bend it, it goes to gauge mode. being able to change your own batteries is usually thought to be a plus since you don't have to send it back to the dealer.

most tech folks in the market lately have been looking at either the shearwater pursuit or the liquivision x1.

i have an older model with monochromatic screen that works fine that i'll sell for 600 usd if you want a stepping stone to the big buy.

 

[BathTubDecompression]

The liquivision x1 might be the way to go. Nice and bright! and quite compact....

I was thinking about it but was more at the bottom of my list and not at the top.....

Thanks BabyDuck.... You reminded me that Big is not always better. (Cheers.)

 

[Puffer Fish]

If I understand correctly.. the shearwood is now the "Predator" and has a color screen...it has replaceable batteries... which the X1 does not. although the X1 does have 3 years on the battery and then a $400 charge to replace the batteries (if they go bad... which one can assume will happen).

 

[The Chad]

If you think you might be going a bit further in your diving...the VR you can't beat IMO. If you blow all your profiles for some emergency it might be the only thing thats going to get you out. Just remember you have to pay for every code VPM, big numbers, tmx and so on. Plus there is nothing like being able to plan your dives off it, lost gas planning and who doesnt wanna play ink the octopus on your stops???? lol The "brick is the bomb"

 

[BlueWaterDiving]

The VRX is good I had both the VR3,VRX and like them both. The newer VRX is lighter and has a rechargeable battery. Witch is good.

 

[BathTubDecompression]

If I understand correctly.. the shearwood is now the "Predator" and has a color screen...it has replaceable batteries... which the X1 does not. although the X1 does have 3 years on the battery and then a $400 charge to replace the batteries (if they go bad... which one can assume will happen).

Good point about the X1 and the batteries....
Thank you for your advice on that.

If you think you might be going a bit further in your diving...the VR you can't beat IMO. If you blow all your profiles for some emergency it might be the only thing thats going to get you out. Just remember you have to pay for every code VPM, big numbers, tmx and so on. Plus there is nothing like being able to plan your dives off it, lost gas planning and who doesnt wanna play ink the octopus on your stops???? lol The "brick is the bomb"

Hmmm....

Very good point.

Thanks!

The VRX is good I had both the VR3,VRX and like them both. The newer VRX is lighter and has a rechargeable battery. Witch is good.

Even better of a point........

Thanks!!

Can anyone tell me if it's linkable/wireless so you can read your tank psi/bar from the computer?

And what's the going price for one of these bad boys in Aus, somewhere around Sydney.

 

[The Chad]

I have an older vr3 color and browseing thru the manual I didn't see anything about the wireless deal..you can analize gas with it( I never have). IMHO if your going the tech route I would not want that feature...if your computer goes you have to go to a back-up or tables and your SOL on psi.

 

[rongoodman]

I have a Liquivision although I'm not trimix certified yet, because I like the display and like toys. That being said, I think the way to make the decision depends as much on the deco model you like as the hardware. If you like a bubble model, VPlanner Live on the X1 makes sense. If you want Buhlmann with gradient factors, look at the Shearwater. I think the VR3 is Buhlmann with added Pyle stops, but I'm going to work and don't have time to dig into it right now. If you haven't done so, pick up a copy of Deco for Divers by Mark Powell before you make any decisions--that should give you a good base to start with.

 

[BathTubDecompression]

Thanks for the advice guys. ;-)

But after looking around more and looking at my diving style I'm leaning to the NEW: HelO2

Very nice looking DC, has everything I want in a DC and at a good price, so I think I'm might just go with that.

Other then that what are your thoughts on the HelO2?