Dive Rite NiTek 3 User Guide

NiTek3DiveComputer

UserGuide

Dateofpurchase:

www.diverite.com

Content

DEVELOPED BY

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Dive Rite 175 NW Washington Street Lake City, FL 32055 Phone: 386.752.1087 Fax: 386.755.0613 Web: www.diverite.com

You may not reproduce, translate, transcribe, or transmit any part of this manual without express, written permission from Lamartek, Inc. dba Dive Rite.

Dive Rite will—at its sole discretion—repair or replace NiTek3 components proved to be damaged by faulty manufacture or material, at no cost, for a period of up to one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.

This warranty applies only to the original retail purchaser. It does not cover commercial or rental use, nor does it extend to units purchased from other than an authorized Dive Rite dealer.

This warranty specifically excludes battery depletion or other conditions resulting from misuse, negligence, alteration, accident, or unauthorized repair.

To make a claim under this warranty, the owner must have registered his/her warranty using Dive Rite’s website (www.diverite.com). He or she must then return the damaged items to Dive Rite, along with a copy of the original purchase invoice or receipt. No warranty service will be performed for other than registered owners.

This warranty becomes void if NiTek3 components are damaged by anything other than normal recreational diving use, or if they have been serviced or repaired by other than authorized Dive Rite dealers.

Repairs made under this warranty will not extend the warranty period.

All further claims, especially for damage after diving accidents, are excluded from coverage under this warranty.

Dive Rite has no obligation to honor any extension of this warranty.

This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied. No other person or representative is authorized to assume for Dive Rite any other liability in connection with the sale of this product.

NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual i

Content

Table of contents

Chapter 1 Introduction • 1

Overview • 2 Features and functions • 3 Specifications • 5 Warnings • 6

Chapter 2 Using the NiTek3 • 9

Getting started • 10 Accessing display modes and screens • 11 Surface mode • 12 Setting the dive options • 14 Using gauge mode • 17 Understanding default mode • 18 Plan mode • 20 Dive computer mode • 22 Gauge mode • 29 Surface mode (upon surfacing from a dive) • 30 Log mode • 32 Profile mode • 34 PC transfer mode • 36 Altitude operation • 38

Chapter 3 Care and maintenance • 41

Proper handling techniques • 42 Low battery warning • 44

Index • 47

ii NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual

Chapter 1

Introduction

Summary

This chapter provides an overview of the NiTek3, lists the NiTek3’s features and functions, and covers warning information that should be read before using your NiTek3.

Content

Overview • 2 Features and functions • 3 Specifications • 5 Warnings • 6

When diving… • 7

NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual 1

Introduction

Overview

Congratulations on your purchase of the NiTek3 dive computer. The NiTek3 is a sophisticated and comprehensive dive computer that was designed to offer you the latest in dive computer technology, safety, and reliability.

The NiTek3 dive computer is a multifunctional computer for recreational diving, providing information on depth, dive times, no-decompression and decompression times, and nitrogen absorption and elimination during all dive phases, including ascent, surface interval times, and subsequent dives.

This information is displayed on an easy-to-read display, providing simple and direct communication between the diver and the computer. With an easy-to-read display, the diver has no problem following and reading the displayed information.

The NiTek3 comes standard with a number of modes, including a dive set mode, dive plan mode, log mode, profile mode, PC transfer mode, and dive mode.

Note: It is extremely important that you carefully read and

understand this manual. Make sure you fully understand how the NiTek3 operates before diving with it.

This manual has been divided into three chapters:

• Introduction: Covers the features and functions,

specifications, and warnings for the NiTek3

• Using the NiTek3: Covers the operation of each mode for

the NiTek3

• Care and maintenance: Covers how to properly care for

and maintain the NiTek3 and change the battery

2 NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual

Introduction

Features and functions

The NiTek3 incorporates a number of important modes and features:

• The NiTek3 turns on automatically upon descent

• On the surface, the NiTek3 constantly displays a minimum of date and time

• The NiTek3 uses easily accessible and highly reliable push buttons instead of exposed electrical contacts

• The NiTek3 can be programmed to monitor exposure to three different gas mixtures during a dive. Gas mixtures including combinations of oxygen and nitrogen can be programmed. Underwater, NiTek3 users can switch between mixes at the push of a button.

• The NiTek3 is capable of functioning up to a depth of 328 feet (100 meters) when in dive computer mode and 656 feet (200 meters) when in gauge mode

• The NiTek3 automatically adjusts for altitudes up to 19,685 feet (6,000 meters)

• The NiTek3 displays a variety of data underwater including: date, time of day, current and maximum depths, nodecompression dive time elapsed and remaining, and water temperature

• The NiTek3 displays data specifically related to the use of Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) including: fraction of oxygen (FO2) setting, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), and an oxygen limit index (OLI) representing the cumulative effect of a diver’s exposure to elevated PO2s (the theoretical “CNS clock”) as a bar graph

• Through a combination of audible and visible alarms, the NiTek3 helps to alert the diver to a number of possibly hazardous situations including: violation of ascent rate, nodecompression state, and whether mandatory decompression stops are necessary or if the diver has ascended above a mandatory stop ceiling. Nitrox specific warnings occur when the diver approaches or exceeds a limiting PO2 of 1.6

NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual 3

Introduction

atmospheres depending on what is set, and when cumulative exposure to elevated PO2s exceeds recommended limits.

• The NiTek3 can be programmed to display data in Imperial or metric units

• Dive depth can be displayed in fresh or salt water equivalents

• Special mode indicators makes it easy to determine what display mode or screen you are in at any time

• The NiTek3 glows in the dark after exposure to light

• The NiTek3’s memory capability enables it to hold and display log data on up to 10 dives

• Detailed dive-profile information can be stored for each dive through user-programmable sample intervals of 5, 10, 20, 30 or 60 seconds (longer intervals allow data for a greater number of dives)

• Dive data can be uploaded and stored in a dive log format on a desktop or laptop computer using the NiTekLogic™ software and optional PC interface

4 NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual

Introduction

Specifications

Algorithm: Modified Buhlmann Sample tissues: 9 Tissue half-lives: from 5 to 640 minutes Size and weight

Length: 4.25 in (10.8 cm) Height: 1.25 in (3.2 cm) Weight: 8 ounces (226 g)

Display face

Low battery indicator Two user buttons Water immersion switch

Depth sensor

Sea and fresh water calibration Measuring range: 0 to 328 feet (0 to 100 m) measured every second (Gauge mode 656 feet (200 m) Accuracy: +/- 3% + 2 feet (0.5 m) Surface interval time: from 0 to 48 hrs Diving time: from 0 to 599 minutes Ascent rate warning: 26 to 52 feet per minute (8 to 16 m)

Thermometer

Measuring range: 23 °F to 104 °F (-5 to 40 °C) Accuracy: +/- 4 °F (2 °C) Measurement interval: Every minute during dive mode

Clock

Accuracy: +/- 30 sec on average per month 24-hour display

Altitude

Altitude function monitoring: from 0 to 19,685 feet (6,000 m) Measurement interval: Every 10 minutes

Battery

Li/MnO2 CR 123A 3V button battery Average battery life: About 3 years (50 dives/year) Replacement: User replaceable

Breathing gas

Mixes: 3 gas settings O2 setting range: 21 to 99 percent O2 setting: 1% increments

Dive log

Dive logging: Maximum of 10 dives Profile sampling rates: 5, 10, 20, 30, or 60 seconds

NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual 5

Introduction

Warnings

This information has been developed for your safety. Please read and understand this manual completely before using your NiTek3 dive computer.

Important safety information:

• Before using your NiTek3, it is extremely important that you read the following points—as well as similar warning and caution notices that appear throughout this manual. Failure to do so could result in damage to or loss of equipment, serious personal injury, or death.

• The NiTek3 is designed for use by certified divers who have maintained a sufficient level of knowledge and skill proficiency through a combination of formal training, ongoing study, and experience. It is not intended for use by persons who lack these qualifications and thus, may not be able to identify, assess, and manage the risks scuba diving entails. Use of the NiTek3 in conjunction with Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) requires that divers be trained and certified for Nitrox diving.

• The NiTek3 is not intended for use by commercial or military divers whose activities may take them beyond the commonly accepted depth limits for recreational or technical diving.

• Although the NiTek3 is capable of calculating decompression stop requirements, users must remember that dives requiring mandatory stage decompression carry substantially greater risk than dives made well within nodecompression limits.

• The NiTek3 is designed for use by one diver at a time. Divers should not share a single NiTek3—or any other dive computer—on the same dive. Additionally, no diver should lend their NiTek3 to anyone else until it calculates that no measurable residual nitrogen remains after previous dives and no longer displays the “desaturation time” indicator while in time mode. Further, no diver should use their NiTek3 for repetitive dives—unless that same properly functioning NiTek3 has accompanied them on all previous

6 NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual

Introduction

dives in the same repetitive dive series and is thus, accurately monitoring the diver’s total exposure to oxygen and nitrogen.

• Neither the NiTek3—nor any other dive computer— physically measures the amount of nitrogen present in body tissues or the rate at which nitrogen is being absorbed or released. The NiTek3 monitors depth and time, and uses this data to work a mathematical formula designed to emulate how individuals in good general health and whose physical characteristics do not place them among those at higher risk of decompression illness (DCI) are assumed to absorb and release nitrogen from body tissues. Thus, the NiTek3 cannot compensate for factors such as age, obesity, dehydration, cold, or exertion, which experts believe place divers at greater risk of DCI. If these, or similar factors apply to you, use the NiTek3—and other dive computers or dive tables— with even greater caution.

• Experts still know surprisingly little regarding the exact nature and causes of decompression illness (also known as decompression sickness, DCI, or DCS). Susceptibility to DCI may vary substantially from person to person and from day to day. Neither the NiTek3—nor any other dive table or computer—can guarantee that you will not suffer decompression illness. Even though you use these items correctly, you may still suffer DCI. Use your NiTek3 conservatively and in conjunction with other dive planning devices, such as dive tables. Do not rely on the NiTek3, or any similar device, as your sole means of avoiding decompression illness.

When diving…

• Do not “push” the no-decompression limits (NDLs). Make safety stops before ascending. If you exceed the nodecompression limits, check your breathing gas supply at all stop depths.

• The NiTek3 does not monitor breathing gas supply. You must monitor this yourself, on every dive, using a submersible pressure gauge or equivalent device.

NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual 7

Introduction

• Do not rely solely on this or any other dive computer. Take a back-up dive computer or dive tables (along with a separate means of monitoring depth and dive time).

• Be aware that the NiTek3 makes assumptions regarding residual nitrogen based on altitude settings. Avoid making abrupt changes in altitude following a dive, as doing so may be very dangerous.

8 NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual

Chapter 2

Using the NiTek3

Summary

This chapter provides topics about using, setting, and understanding each of the modes and options of the NiTek3.

Content

Getting started • 10 Accessing display modes and screens • 11

Button operation • 11

Surface mode • 12

Setting the time and date • 12 Setting the computer for metric or Imperial • 13

Setting the dive options • 14

Setting the dive profile sampling rate • 14 Setting for fresh or salt water use • 15 Setting mix1 through mix3 gas

percetanges • 15 Using gauge mode • 17 Understanding default mode • 18 Plan mode • 20 Dive computer mode • 22

Dive mode screen • 22

Changing gas mixes underwater • 23

Warnings while in diving mode • 24 Gauge mode • 29 Surface mode (upon surfacing from a dive) • 30 Log mode • 32 Profile mode • 34 PC transfer mode • 36

Before transferring the dive log • 36 Altitude operation • 38

NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual 9

Using the NiTek3

Getting started

The NiTek3 has many modes and screens and a number of options that can be changed depending on your dive location and profile. The following is a checklist of general things that you should pay attention to before, during, and after a dive.

Before a dive

• Check that the proper time and date are set. If you traveled, your NiTek3 may be set to your home time zone.

• Check that the proper mixes are set. If you are using gauge mode, make sure it is set to “GAGE.”

• Make sure that you review the dive plan mode for maximum depths and times for the mixes you are using

During a dive

• Monitor the NiTek3 throughout your dive for depth and time

• Monitor the N2 and O2 loading bar graphs

• Pay attention to any alarms, such as an ascent rate warning

• Follow the no-decompression limits or complete the required decompression displayed

After a dive

• Monitor surface interval time if making another dive

• Follow the no-fly requirements

• Review your dive using the log mode and profile mode

• Download the dive log to your PC if you have the optional PC interface

10 NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual

Using the NiTek3

Button A

Button B

Accessing display modes and screens

There are some display modes that the NiTek3 enters and/or exits automatically. For example, by taking the NiTek3 underwater, the dive mode automatically turns on. Upon surfacing, the NiTek3 automatically enters the surface mode.

To access other modes or screens requires the use of the NiTek3’s buttons.

Button operation

The NiTek3 has two buttons (A and B), which are used to access the different modes and screens. To use the buttons, simply press the button once or hold the button down depending on what you are trying to do. The correct procedure to use is clearly defined in each topic throughout the manual.

• A button: This button is used to select and scroll through the different modes, such as plan mode and locks in setting values when setting options

• B button: This button is used to set an option’s setting, such as setting the date

The front of the NiTek3, showing the two buttons that are used to access and setup the different modes and options

NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual 11

Using the NiTek3

Surface mode

Surface mode is the NiTek3’s default mode. The computer returns to this mode automatically upon surfacing from a dive and from other modes when two to three minutes of inactivity have passed.

Note: The NiTek3 may display additional information

concerning exposure to nitrogen and oxygen, desaturation time, surface interval time, and altitude. These items are covered in “Surface mode (upon surfacing from a dive)” and “Altitude operation.”

(1) Date: This is the month and day. The first digit is the month and the second digit is the day. For example, 1-24 represents the twenty-fourth day of January.

(2) Time of day: This is the time of day expressed in hours and minutes. Time is displayed in 24-hour (military) format.

(3) Altitude: This is the current altitude you are at. See “Altitude operation” for more information.

(4) Salt or fresh water: This is if the NiTek3 is set for salt (S) or fresh (F) water use.

Setting the time and date

Setting the time and date is done through the surface mode. You can enter or change the year, month, day, hours, and minutes in this mode.

12 NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual

Using the NiTek3

To set the time and date:

1. Press and hold button A for ten seconds.

The profile sampling rate flashes.

2. Press buttons A and B simultaneously for ten seconds.

The “minutes” field flashes.

3. Press button B to set the minutes or press button A to go to another field, such as hours.

4. Using buttons A and B, set the year, month, day, hour, and minutes. The time is based on a 24-hour format.

For example, 1:00 PM would be 13:00.

5. When finished, press button A to return to surface mode.

Note: When you press button A from the “day” field, the

metric/Imperial field flashes. See the topic below for more information.

Setting the computer for metric or Imperial operation

The NiTek3 can calculate and give you values in Imperial units or metric units. When in Imperial, depth values are expressed in feet and temperatures are expressed in Fahrenheit (°F). When in metric, depth values are expressed in meters and temperatures are expressed in Celsius (°C).

To set for metric or Imperial operation:

1. Press and hold button A for ten seconds.

The profile sampling rate flashes.

2. Press buttons A and B simultaneously for ten seconds.

The “minutes” field flashes.

3. Press button A to go to the metric/Imperial field.

The “M or FT” field flashes.

4. Press button B to change to metric (M) or feet (FT) operation.

5. Press button A to return to surface mode.

NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual 13

+ 37 hidden pages

Dive Rite NiTek 3 User Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual