VR3 or Vytec

[Andy Winterburn]

I have permision from her-in-doors to change my dive computer. I am trying to justify a VR3 to myself (she doesn't know the cost of that), common sense and cost say that I should go for the Vytec as at this stage I don't and can't afford to do Trimix. However I have been offered a VAT free VR3 Trimix brand new for £550.
I don't want to change again if I go to Trimix, so how many out there still dive with tables and a guage?

[Davey Willo]

I'm fairly sure that there's a greater percentage of Trimix divers that use nothing else but tables, usually using a Palm PDA and some software like DecoPlanner to cut the tables for the dive, infact I've read many a debate on the reasons why NOT to use computers although I'm not totally convinced, I still cannot grasp the reason not to use the technology when it's there.. even our esteemed Andy Hayhurst (Dalesdiver) only uses tables and no doubt as I progress into Trimix with him I'll be shown the light but at the moment I'd like nothing better than a sexy looking VR3 strapped to my wrist...

You've obviously been salivating over Bretts little number eh... me too ;)

BTW Andy theres a few of us turning up for some skill set dives at the Cape next Saturday 4th dunno if you fancy it or not.

[Andy Winterburn]

Dave I would love to, but I have an ear infection just now ,and until the Doc gives me the OK I'd rather not risk it. I'll take a rain check on it for now mate

[Rob Evans]

Go for the VR3 if you can.  It'll handle whatever sort of diving you find yourself doing in the future, and in the way it works and the flexibility it offers it's like nothing else on the market.  Yes, take tables and a timer down with you - you can never rely on a pooter not to conk out on you - but for multi-levelling on big wrecks it's a god-send.

[Mark Chase]

The Vytec is very very good but I only got my one because I couldent justfie the expence of the VR3.

To get the VR3 I would sugest you should be at a level where you are at least doing acelarated deco using high 02 mix stage bottles.

The Vytec shows deco for the gas mix you were diving at that time so for instance when I dived the Mol it showed 49mins deco on air after 25mins on the bottom. Then as I ascend and switch to 50% it droped to 25 and when I switched to 85% it droped to 11min. All in all I did about 33 mins deco in total to clear the computer.

I beleive the VR3 will show you total ascent time bassed on the gas available including all deco mix's. That is a lot more usefull if you decide to overstay your planned bottom time it will give you total ascent time including gas switches. So as long as you have enough spair deco gas you can alter the dive plan on the spot. Yous can do this with tables but there is a limit to how many tables you carrey before it gets silley. I do Plan, Plan +5mins, Plan -5mins, Lost deco gas and bail out mid plan.  

At advanced nitrox level this is very usefull but the full extent of what the computer can do is truley incredabul. Tables are fine but a multy gas computer is lightyears ahead of tables in the safety stakes IMO. Obviously it goes without saying that back up tables and a redundent bottom timer and depth gauge are essential (Unlesss that is you can afford two VR3's. MMMMMMMMMM nice.

Mark Chase  

Problem

[Andy Winterburn]

Thanks for the reply Mark, I have been reading some of the posts on Dnet and alike.
I presume the Vytec doesn't prompt you for gas changes? But other than that I think the Vytec will do what I need for now, the other thing I was sold on was the re-sale value of the VR3 should you need to get rid of it.
BUT,,, I know, I know the Vytec is only £240.
Now can anyone get rid of a conscience? Blasted thing.

[Andy Phillips]

Yeh, put it on plastic with a direct debit to pay the minimum and ignore the bills as they arrive. At the same time start doing the lottery. Tell yourself that WHEN you win you will clear it off.

[simon]

Since doing my ext range course then into tri mix, i have been looking at an all gas computer. I owned a Nitec 3 for some months (wish i hadn't sold it) Bret bought a VR3 for his rebreather it got me thinking, i want one, loked into them price use etc.Came to the conclusion that i want one. Put a post on ukdiver wanting one , got one offered at £550 brand new not been in water. Then it sinks in £550 for a computer on your wrist, and you still dive tables, so im not buying one, just bought another dive timer. sold the worst computer that i ever owned a VYPER CRAP !!. (my opinion)

Hope this helps

Simon

[Mark Chase]

Yes the Vytec DOES prompt gas switches. You set the PP02 for each mix like 1.4 for bottom gas and 1.6 for deco gas. At the depth where the PP02 is met the computer bleeps and the Mix percentage flashes continuly recommending a switch to the richer mix. The three mix options can be switched on and off seporatly so you can dive one or two seporate deco gas mixes without the computer flasing to recomend a change that isnt available at the time.

As I said it is very good and streats ahead of the general compatition IMO but not quite in the Urber Tec VR3 mold.
£550.00 for a computer on your wrist that saves your life and preserves your health whist maximising your diving pleasure dosent seem a bad deel. The computers we are using for this web chat probably cost more and are far less important.

Just a thaught

Mark Chase  

[Mr T.]

Just blagged this from the D-net News Page:

* VR3 DIVE COMPUTER UP FOR BUSINESS 'OSCAR'

The VR3 dive computer has been shortlisted for New Product of the Year in the prestigious Confederation of British Industry awards.

The computer is the first to be able to give both mixed gas and Inspiration closed circuit rebreather divers 'live' decompression profiles while on a dive, as well as the capability of acting as an additional oxygen (ppO2) monitoring device for the rebreather. These innovations have made it hugely popular with technical divers.

The VR3 is one of only 3 products shortlisted in the New Product of the Year category of the Confederation of British Industry Growing Business awards, and is believed to be the first diving product ever to be honoured in this way.

"We're chuffed," commented Kevin Gurr, who designed the VR3 "especially as it was our bank who nominated us for the award! The VR3 has come a very long way in a short period of time, which is why they put us forward."
Posted: 17 December 2002