Dive Rite NiTek Trio User Guide

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Date of Purchase _________________

Content

DEVELOPED
BY

COPYRIGHT
NOTICE

WARRANTY
INFORMATION

Dive Rite
175 NW Washington Street
Lake City, FL 32055
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.DiveRite.com

Copyright © 2009 Lamartek, Inc. dba Dive Rite
This manual is copyrighted by Lamartek, Inc. dba Dive Rite.

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 NiTek
Trio 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 perfo rmed for
other than registered owners.

This warranty becomes void if NiTek Trio 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, expressed or
implied. No other person or representative is authoriz ed to
assume for Dive Rite any other liability in connection with the
sale of this product.

NiTek Trio Dive Computer User Manual v1.2 i

Content

Table of contents

Chapter 1 Introduction•1

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

Chapter 2 Using the NiTek Trio•9

Getting Started•10
Accessing display modes and
screens•11
Time Display mode•12
Compass Set and Display mode•14
Dive Option Set and Display mode•16
Plan mode•26
Dive Computer mode•28
Gauge mode•37
Log mode•38
Profile mode•40
History mode•42
PC Transfer mode•43
Surface mode (Upon Surfacing From a
Dive)•44
Altitude operation•46

Chapter 3 Care and Maintenance•48

Proper handling techniques•49
Low battery warning•50

Index•51

ii NiTek Trio Dive Computer User Manual v1.2

Chapter 1

Introduction

Summary

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

Content

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

When diving… • 7

NiTek Trio Dive Computer User Manual v1.2 1

Introduction

Overview

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

The NiTek Trio dive computer is a multifunctional computer for
recreational diving, providing information on depth, dive times,
no-decompression and decompression times, and nitrogen and
oxygen 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 NiTek Trio comes standard with a number of modes,
including a time mode, dive set mode, dive plan mode, log
mode, profile mode, PC transfer mode, compass mode and dive
mode.

Note: It is extremely important that you carefully read and

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

This manual has been divided into three chapters:

• Introduction: Covers the features and functions,

specifications, and warnings for the NiTek Trio

• Using the NiTek Trio: Covers the operation of each mode

for the NiTek Trio

• Care and maintenance: Covers how to properly care for

and maintain the NiTek Trio and change the battery

2 NiTek Trio Dive Computer User Manual v1.2

Introduction

Features and Functions

The NiTek Trio incorporates a number of important modes and
features:

• The NiTek Trio turns on automatically upon descent.

• On the surface, the NiTek Trio displays a minimum of date,
time and temperature when activated.

• To conserve battery life, the NiTek Trio will enter the
“Sleep” mode after several minutes of inactivity.

• The NiTek Trio uses easily accessible and highly reliable
push buttons instead of exposed electrical contacts.

• The NiTek Trio can be programmed to monitor exposure to
up to three different gas mixtures during a dive. All three
mixes are programmable for mixtures ranging from air
(EAN21) to EAN99. Underwater, NiTek Trio users can
switch between mixes at the push of a button.

• The NiTek Trio is capable of functioning up to a depth of
328 feet (100 meters) when in dive computer or gage mode

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

• The NiTek Trio has a digital compass integrated into the
front-panel dot-matrix display

• The NiTek Trio displays a variety of data underwater
including: date, time of day, current and maximum depths,
no-decompression dive time elapsed and remaining, compass
heading, and water temperature

• The NiTek Trio 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
NiTek Trio helps to alert the diver to a number of possibly
hazardous situations including: violation of ascent rate, no­decompression state, and whether mandatory decompression

NiTek Trio Dive Computer User Manual v1.2 3

Introduction

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
atmospheres for all mixtures, and when cumulative exposure
to elevated PO2s exceeds recommended limits.

• The NiTek Trio can calculate decompression stop
requirements for stops as deep as 90 feet (27 meters)

• The NiTek Trio 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 make it easy to determine what
display mode or screen you are in at any time

• The NiTek Trio has a back light to illuminate the screen,
which can be turned on with the touch of a button

• The NiTek Trio’s memory capability enables it to hold and
display log data on up to 30 hours of dive time or 60 dives

• Detailed dive-profile information can be stored for each dive
through user-programmable sample intervals of 10 or 30
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 NiTek Trio Dive Computer User Manual v1.2

Introduction

Specifications

Algorithm: Buhlmann ZH-L16
Sample tissues: 9
Tissue half-lives: from 5 to 640 minutes
Size and weight

Diameter: 2.5 in (62 mm)
Height: 1.0 in (25 mm)
Weight: 4 ounces (115 g)

Display face

Backlight illumination
Low battery indicator
Three user buttons
Water immersion switch

Depth sensor

Sea or fresh water calibration
Measuring range: 0 to 328 feet (0 to 100 m) measured every second
Accuracy: +/- 3% + 2 feet (0.5 m)
Surface interval time: from 0 to 48 hrs
Diving time: 0-599 minutes Dive mode, 0-1199 minutes Gage mode
Ascent rate warning: 26 to 52 feet per minute (8 to 16 m)

Thermometer

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

Clock

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

Compass

Measuring range: 0° to 360°

Altitude

Altitude function monitoring: from 0 to 19,685 feet (6,000 m)
measured every 10 minutes
Accuracy: +/- 800 feet (250 meters)

Battery

Li/MnO2 CR 2032 3V button battery
Average battery life: About 3 years (50 dives/year)
Replacement: User replaceable or return to manufacturer

Breathing gas

Mixes: 3 gas settings
O2 setting range: Mix1 – Mix3: 21 to 99 percent
O2 setting: 1% increments

Dive log

Dive logging: Maximum of 60 dives
Profile logging: Maximum of 30 hours
Profile sampling rates: 10 or 30 seconds

NiTek Trio Dive Computer User Manual v1.2 5

Introduction

Warnings

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

Important safety information:

• Before using your NiTek Trio, 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 NiTek Trio is designed for use by certified divers who have
maintained a sufficient level of knowledge and skill proficiency
through a combination of formal training, on going 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 NiTek Trio in
conjunction with Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) requires that divers
be trained and certified for Nitrox diving.

• The NiTek Trio 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 NiTek Trio 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 no-decompression limits.

• The NiTek Trio is designed for use by one diver at a time. Divers
should not share a single NiTek Trio—or any other dive
computer—on the same dive. Additionall y , n o di ve r s ho uld l e nd
their NiTek Trio 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 NiTek Trio for repetitive
dives—unless that same properly functioning NiTek Trio has
accompanied them on all previous dives in the same repetitive dive
series and is thus, accurately monitoring the diver’s total exposure
to oxygen and nitrogen.

• Neither the NiTek Trio—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 NiTek Trio
monitors depth and time, and uses this data to work a mathematical

6 NiTek Trio Dive Computer User Manual v1.2

Introduction

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 NiTek
Trio 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 NiTek Trio—and other dive computers or dive ta bl es—with
even greater caution.

• Little is kno wn 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 NiTek Trio—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 NiTek Trio
conservatively and in conjunction wit h ot her dive planning
devices, such as dive tables. Do not rely on the NiTek Trio, or any
similar device, as your sole means of avoiding decompression
illness.

When diving…

• Do no t “push” the no-decompression limits (NDLs). Make safety
stops before ascending. If you exceed the no-decompression limits,
check your breathing gas supply at all stop depths.

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

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

• Be aware that the NiTek Trio 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.

NiTek Trio Dive Computer User Manual v1.2 7

Chapter 2

Using the NiTek Trio

Summary

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

Content

Getting started • 10
Accessing display modes and screens • 11

Button operation • 11

Time Display mode • 12

Setting the time and date • 12
Entering time display mode from another
mode • 13
Activating the back light • 13
Changing the Character-Display • 13

Compass Set and Display mode • 14

Calibrating the Compass • 14
Saving a Compass Heading • 15

Dive Option Set and Display mode • 16

Using Computer Mode • 16
Setting Mixture Percentages • 17
Setting the Maximum Depth alarm • 18
Setting the Dive Time alarm • 19
Setting the Deepstop option • 19
Setting for Fresh or Salt Water use • 20
Setting the Dive Profile Sampling rate • 20
Setting the Safety Factor • 21
Setting Metric or Imperial operation • 22
Understanding FO2 default • 22

Using Gauge Mode • 24
Plan mode • 25
Dive computer mode • 27

Primary underwater screen • 27

Secondary underwater screens • 28

Changing gas mixes underwater • 29

Safety stop indication • 29

Using the compass • 30

Warnings while in diving mode • 31
Gauge mode • 36
Log mode • 37
Profile mode • 39
History mode • 41
PC transfer mode • 42
Surface mode (Upon Surfacing From a Dive) • 43
Altitude operation • 45

NiTek Trio Dive Computer User Manual v1.2 9

Using the NiTek Trio

Getting Started

The NiTek Trio 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 have
traveled, your NiTek Trio may still be set to your home time
zone.

• Check that the proper mixes are set for mix1, mix2 and
mix3. 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 NiTek Trio 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 and perform the necessary safety
stop

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 NiTek Trio Dive Computer User Manual v1.2

Using the NiTek Trio

Accessing display modes and screens

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

Accessing other modes or screens requires the use of the NiTek Trio’s
buttons.

Button operation

The NiTek Trio has three buttons (select, mode, and set), 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.

• Select bu tton (A-key): This button is used to select the option field
that you want to change

• Mod e button (B-key): This button is used to select and scroll
through the different modes, such as time mode

• Set button (C-key): This button is used to set an option’s setting,
such as setting the date

SELECT

SET

MODE

The front of the NiTek Trio, showing the three buttons that are

used to access and setup the different modes and screens

NiTek Trio Dive Computer User Manual v1.2 11

Using the NiTek Trio

Time Display mode

Time display mode is the NiTek Trio’s default mode. The computer
returns to this mode automatically upon surfacing from a dive and from
other modes when a period of time has passed without any buttons
being pressed.

1

4

2

3

In time display mode, “TEMP” and current temperature (1) is displayed
at the top of the screen, and the seconds (2), date (3) and time (4) are
displayed. Time can also be displayed in 24-hour (military) time. The
NiTek Trio may display additional information concerning exposure to
nitrogen and oxygen, desaturation time, surface interval time, and
altitude. These items are covered in “Surface mode” and “Altitude
operation.”

Setting the time and date

Setting the time and date are done in the time set mode. You can enter
or change the year, month, day, hours, minutes, and seconds in this
mode.

To set the time and date:

1. Repeatedly press Mode until “TIMESET” is displayed at the top of
the screen.

The “seconds” field flashes.

2. Press Set to “00” the seconds, or press Select to go to another field,
such as minutes.

3. Using Select and Set, set the year, month, day, hour, minutes,
seconds, and whether you want the time displayed in 24-hour
format.

For example, 1:00 PM would be 13:00 in military time.

4. Press Mode.

The computer returns to the time display mode.

12 NiTek Trio Dive Computer User Manual v1.2

Using the NiTek Trio

Entering time display mode from another mode

When you are using other modes, it is very easy to return to the time
display mode.

To enter time display mode from another mode:

1. Press and hold Mode for two seconds.
—OR—

2. Repeatedly press Mode until “TEMP” and current

temperature is

displayed.

Activating the back light

The NiTek Trio has a back light that illuminates the screen.

To activate the back light:

1. Press either the Select or Set button.
The back light illuminates for four to five seconds.

2. Press either button again to reactivate the back light.

Toggling the Character-Display screen

The NiTek Trio has a 2-line display screen that can show either current
temperature, time-to-fly information or a user-selectable readout.

To toggle the user-selectable character-display:

1. Enter the Time-Display mode.

2. Press the Select button to switch between current temperature,
time-to-fly or the user-selectable readout.

Note: The user-selectable display can be changed with the NiTek

Trio Docking Station and a PC running the NiTek Divelog
software while connected to the NiTek Trio. Refer to the NiTek
Docking Station User Manual and Divelog software for additional
information.

NiTek Trio Dive Computer User Manual v1.2 13

Using the NiTek Trio

Compass Set and Display mode

Compass Set and Display mode is where the NiTek Trio compass
settings are displayed and set up. There are two screens needed to view
and set up the compass.

1

2

Compass display

(1) Angular display, in cardinal points and degrees
(2) Current time

To enter compass mode:

1. Repeatedly press Mode until the heading and time is displayed at
the top of the screen.

Calibrating the compass

Before using the compass in a new area or region, you will need to
calibrate it to account for any differing magnetic variations.

Compass display in Calibrate mode

To calibrate the compass:

1. Repeatedly press Mode until the heading display and time is
displayed at the top of the screen.

2. Press and hold Set for 4-5 seconds until “ROTATE SLOWLY” is
displayed at the top of the screen.

14 NiTek Trio Dive Computer User Manual v1.2