VR3 Software version

[Alun]

I've just bought a second hand VR3, and when comparing it to a friends unit, I've noticed that I've got a lower software version number to his. Mine is showing version 2.1CXR. What is the difference between this version and the latest software? Is it a worth bothering with an update or will this be fine as it is?

Ok, yes I know it'll be fine as a computer/un-necessary death trap (delete as applicable), but are there any extra features that I'd get with the newer software? Not bothered about ever going for the colour screen, so is there owt else?

Thanks, Alun.

[nigelH]

Originally Posted by Alun

What is the difference between this version and the latest software? Is it a worth bothering with an update or will this be fine as it is?

Mostly toys. I upgraded when I changed the display but for what I really use it for it made no real difference. Getting involved with Delta-P's concept of maintenance is a bad move anyway.

[vid]

Originally Posted by nigelH

Getting involved with Delta-P's concept of maintenance is a bad move anyway.

please explain, as my long term buddy and a few friends are just about to buy vr3's.
is there service poor? in which case does this affect the decision to buy one?

vid

[bang-on]

Alun,
The Version you have (2.1) is quite recent and will do the job as it is.
The later versions 3.03 etc are more to support additional options like the colour screen.
Delta P are releasing their version of VPM-B on the 6th November 2005 and the older version units will cost more to have the VPM-B option installed.
The later version units have a PCB capable of running VPM-B, the older units would require the new PCB to be fitted and so cost more.
This is the info from Delta P;

An optional new variation of the VR decompression algorithm incorporating a variable permeability model

We are pleased to announce, in response to the many requests we have received over the last few months, that an upgrade will be available soon which will enable VR3 owners to use both the standard VR decompression algorithm AND a new variation of the algorithm that we have developed which incorporates a variable permeability model. We are calling this the V1 upgrade and it will provide selection of either model on a single VR3.

What it does.

The new algorithm is based on VPM BE and depending on gas selection and dive depth and time, it will in some cases, provide a reduced decompression requirement, although this is not always true. What the new algorithm does is smooth out the decompression profile. There are no deep micro-bubble stops and ‘normal’ decompression stops begin much deeper. Generally speaking, the intermediate stops are longer compared with the standard VR algorithm and shallower stops are shorter.

A unique feature of the V1 upgrade is that, once enabled, divers can switch to the algorithm they prefer for the type of diving they are doing, even in between dives if they wish. On every dive the VR3 records tissue and bubble states using both algorithms so divers can swap between the two without compromising their ability to switch back.

Product Compatibility

When V1 is released, new VR3s may be ordered via Delta P dealers with the V1 upgrade already installed. Current VR3 owners may upgrade by returning their existing computer to the factory via their dealer for the work to be done. The amount of work required and the cost of the upgrade depends on the age and capabilities of the unit being upgraded.

VR3s manufactured since October 2004 which have Software Version V3.03aC installed are already armed with the expanded memory required to run the V1 upgrade. Therefore all that is required is the software upgrade itself. This will cost £195.00 in the UK incl. VAT. This will also be the price to have the V1 upgrade enabled on a new VR3.

If your computer has the later body style (circlips visible behind the switch pockets and a 7 pin I/O connector) and has software version V2.1 CXR or V3.03aB installed, you will need to buy the expanded memory required and the software upgrade. The price for this will be £393.00 incl. VAT.

If you have a computer manufactured before June 2003 which either has no I/O connector on the side or takes a 2 pin connector and which has no visible switch circlips, then your current box cannot be fitted with the expanded memory required. So you will also need to upgrade the box to the new body style. Together with the expanded memory and software upgrade this will cost £643.00 incl. VAT.

When considering upgrading one of these older units, owners using analyser or rebreather cables should be aware that the new box will have a 7 pin connector, not a 2 pin connector






Cheers
Barrie

[Janos]

Originally Posted by bang-on

Alun,
The Version you have (2.1) is quite recent and will do the job as it is.
The later versions 3.03 etc are more to support additional options like the colour screen.
Delta P are releasing their version of VPM-B on the 6th November 2005 and the older version units will cost more to have the VPM-B option installed.
The later version units have a PCB capable of running VPM-B, the older units would require the new PCB to be fitted and so cost more.

Hi Barrie.

Do you know how much extra Delta-P are wanting for VPM-B? Is it around the £100 mark?

Janos

[bang-on]

Originally Posted by Janos

Hi Barrie.

Do you know how much extra Delta-P are wanting for VPM-B? Is it around the £100 mark?

Janos

Janos
I have added the latest info to my previous post.

Cheers
Barrie

[Depth-junkie]

If your computer has the later body style (circlips visible behind the switch pockets and a 7 pin I/O connector) and has software version V2.1 CXR or V3.03aB installed, you will need to buy the expanded memory required and the software upgrade. The price for this will be £393.00 incl. VAT.

Jeeeeeeesus at that price i will stick to my V2.1 and just curve the profile myself. I was going to upgrade to the VPM-B but not at that price, i think delta-p are taking the p#ss a bit.

on all my mix dives i cut a slate from v-planner and run both during the dive, I.E VR3 2X deep stops, then on to the slate for all stops from 33m to 18m, then back on the VR3 from 18m to the surface, works for me and at £393 i will continue to do it.

ATB
Gareth

[Garf]

400 bloody quid to upgrade a machine less than a year old! I was shouting for vpm-b from the rooftops, but they can shove that right up their arse. I'll continue padding the curve manually I think

New machines cost an additional 195 to have it installed as well, making them now £800+ plus!

Ludicrous.

[nickb]

V2.1BXB here.

£643 is more than I paid for the fucking thing in the first place. Still, they've been threatening the VPM-B upgrade for a long time now and have failed to meet every promised release date so far, so I'd take the 6th November with a pinch of salt.

[Darren A]

Bloody hell £400 quid for a software upgrade. Do the guys from DeltaP go to work on horses, wearing masks and shouting "stand and deliver"!!

I sold a 2 yr old C3 VR3 for not alot more than that to a YD'r recently. But only coz I'm a twat, and benchmarked the price against a C2 on ebay!!

I reckon he got a bargin, eh Alun