Dive Rite NiTek X User Guide

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Date of Purchase _________________

DEVELOPED
BY

COPYRIGHT
NOTICE

WARRANTY
INFORMATION

Dive Rite
175 NW Washington Street
Lake City, FL 32055
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.Di veRite.co m

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 X
components proved to be damaged by faulty manufacture or
material, at no cost, for a period of up to one year 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). All warranty repairs (international or domestic)
must be accompanied by a copy of the purchase receipt. For
warranty repairs (international or domestic) the product must be
returned to the store where the item was purchased or directly to
Dive Rite. A Return Authorization must be obtained by calling Dive
Rite corporate offices (386-752-1087) to send items to Dive Rite.
No warranty service will be performed for other than registered
owners. Note: Local dealers and distributors are not responsible for
service of items purchased from unauthorized dealers, internet
dealers, or dealers from other territories.

Before shipping, ensure that the NiTek X is adequately packaged
and protected. Dive Rite is not responsible for any damage that
may occur during shipping.

This warranty becomes void if NiTek X 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.

NiTek X Dive Computer User Manual v1.1 ii

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction•1

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

Chapter 2 Using the NiTek X•9

Getting Started•10
Accessing display modes and screens•11
Surface Mode•12
Time Display and Set Mode•13
Dive Option Set and Display Mode•15
Plan Mode•25
Dive Computer Mode•27
Log Mode•37
Profile Mode•38
OXY Mode•39
PC Transfer Mode•41
Surface Mode (upon surfacing from a dive)•42
Altitude Operation•44

Chapter 3 Care and maintenance•45

Proper Handling Techniques•46
Low Battery Warning•47
Replacing the Battery 47

Index•49

iii NiTek X Dive Computer User Manual v1.1

NiTek X Dive Computer User Manual v1.1 iv

Chapter 1

Introduction

Summary

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

Content

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

When diving… • 7

Introduction

Overview

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

The NiTek X dive computer is a multifunctional computer for
recreational diving, providing information on depth, dive times,
no-decompression and decompression times, and nitrogen and
helium 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 X comes standard with a number of modes, including
a sleep mode, time mode, dive set mode, dive plan mode, log
mode, profile mode, PC transfer mode, dive mode, external
oxygen-cell capabilities, OC mode, and CC mode.

Note: It is extremely important that you carefully read and

understand this manual. Make sure you fully understand how the
NiTek X 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 X

• Using the NiTek X: Covers the operation of each mode for

the NiTek X

• Care and maintenance: Covers how to properly care for

and maintain the NiTek X and change the battery

NiTek X Dive Computer User Manual v1.1 2

Introduction

Features and Functions

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

• The NiTek X turns on automatically upon descent

• On the surface, the NiTek X displays a minimum of date and
time

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

• The NiTek X can be programmed to monitor exposure to
seven different gas mixtures during a dive in either open-
circuit or closed-circuit mode. Gas mixtures including
combinations of oxygen, helium, and nitrogen can be
programmed. Underwater, NiTek X users can switch
between mixes at the push of a button

• The NiTek X is capable of functioning up to a depth of 492
feet (149 meters)

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

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

• The NiTek X displays data specifically related to the use of
Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) and helium including: fraction
of oxygen (FO2) setting, fraction of helium (FHe) 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 visible alarms, the NiTek X helps to
alert the diver to a number of possibly hazardous situations
including: violation of ascent rate, no-decompression 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 user-preset limiting PO2 (1.4 or 1.6), or when

3 NiTek X Dive Computer User Manual v1.1

Introduction

cumulative exposure to elevated PO2s exceeds
recommended limits

• The NitekX can be used with closed-circuit rebreathers and
includes constant-PO2 setpoint capabilities (0.4 to 1.6), and
is upgradable for 4

th

cell monitoring

• External oxygen-sensor monitoring and analysis capabilites
can be added

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

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

• Preset and custom Conservatism or Gradient Factors can be
programmed to increase dive-safety margins

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

• The NiTek X has a selectable backlight to illuminate the
screen in all light conditions

• The NiTek X’s memory capability enables it to hold and
display log data for a minimum of 15 hours of dive time,
depending on settings

• Detailed dive-profile information can be stored for each dive
through user-programmable sample intervals of 15 or 30
seconds (the 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 Diverite NiTek
Workbench™ software and optional PC interface.

NiTek X Dive Computer User Manual v1.1 4

Introduction

Specifications

Algorithm: Buhlmann ZH-L16
Sample tissues: 16
Tissue half-lives: from 5 to 640 minutes
Size and weight

Length: 3.9-inches (9.9cm) wide
Height: 3.7-inches (9.39cm) high

Thick: 0.78-inches (1.98cm) deep
Weight: 12 ounces (340 gms)

Display face

Backlight illumination
Low battery indicator
Two user buttons
Auto-pressure switch

Depth sensor

Sea and fresh water calibration
Measuring range: 0 to 492 feet (0 to 149 m) measured every second
Accuracy: +/- 3% + 2 feet (0.5 m)
Surface interval time: from 0 to 48 hrs
Diving time: from 0 to 699 minutes
Ascent rate warning: 26 to 59 feet per minute (8 to 18 m)

Clock

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

Thermometer

Measuring range: -40 °F to 176 °F (-40 °C to 85 °C)
Accuracy: +/- 4 °F (2 °C)
Measurement interval: Every second during dive mode

Altitude

Altitude function monitoring: from 0 to 19,685 feet (6,000 m)
Battery
Li/MnO2 CR 123A 3V battery
Average battery life: About 3 years (50 dives/year)
Replacement: User replaceable

Breathing gas

Mixes: 7 gas settings
O2 setting range: 8 to 99 percent
O2 setting: 1% increments
He setting range: 0 to 92 percent
He setting: 1% increments

Dive log

Dive logging: Minimum of 15 hours, depends on settings
Profile sampling rates: 15 or 30 seconds

5 NiTek X Dive Computer User Manual v1.1

Introduction

Warnings

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

Important safety information:

• Before using your NiTek X, 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 cou ld
result in damage to or loss of equipment, serious personal injury,
or death.

• The NiTek X 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 NiTek X in
conjunction with Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) or Trimix requires
that divers be trained and certified for Nitrox or Trimix diving.

• The NiTek X 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 X 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 X is designed for use by one diver at a time. Divers
should not share a single NiTek X—or any other dive comp uter—
on the same dive. Additionally, no diver should lend their NiTek X
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 X for repetitive dives—unless that same
properly functioning NiTek X 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, helium,
and nitrogen.

• Neither the NiTek X—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 X
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

NiTek X Dive Computer User Manual v1.1 6

Introduction

those at higher risk of decompression illness (DCI) are assumed to
absorb and release nitrogen and/or helium from body tissues. Thus,
the NiTek X 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 X—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 NiTek X—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 X conservatively and in conjunction with other dive
planning devices, such as dive tables. Do not rely on the NiTek X,
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 no-decompression limits,
check your breathing gas supply at all stop depths.

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

• Because the NiTek X can be programmed to use multiple gases, it
is extremely important that you have set the proper gases in the
NiTek X before your dive and you understand how to switch
between the different mixes during your dive.

• 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 NiTek X makes assumptions regarding residual
nitrogen and/or helium based on altitude settings. Avoid making
abrupt changes in altitude following a dive, as doing so may be
very dangerous.

7 NiTek X Dive Computer User Manual v1.1

Introduction

NiTek X Dive Computer User Manual v1.1 8

Chapter 2

Using the NiTek X

Summary

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

Content

Getting started • 10
Accessing display modes and screens • 11

Button operation • 11

Surface mode • 12

Entering surface mode from another
mode • 13

Time display and set mode • 14

Setting the time and date • 15

Dive Option Set and Display Mode • 16

Using Computer Mode • 16
Setting PO2 Setpoints • 19
Setting Mix1 - Mix7 gas percentages • 20
Setting the Maximum Depth Alarm • 21
Setting the Dive Time Alarm • 22
Setting Conservatism/Gradient Factor • 23
Setting the Computer for Metric or Imperial
operation • 24
Setting the Dive Profile Sampling Rate • 24
Setting for Fresh or Salt Water use • 25
Setting Screen Contrast • 26
Setting Backlighting • 26

Understanding Default Mode • 27
Plan Mode • 28
Computer Mode • 30

Primary underwater screen • 30

Second underwater screen • 32

Changing gas mixes underwater • 33

Changing setpoints underwater • 34

Warnings while in diving mode • 35
Log Mode • 41
Profile Mode • 43
OXY Mode • 45
PC Transfer Mode • 48
Surface Mode (upon surfacing from a dive) • 49
Altitude Operation • 51

Using the NiTek X

Getting Started

The NiTek X has many modes (including Open-Circuit and
Closed-Circuit) and screens as well as 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 are
traveling, your NiTek X may still be set to your home time
zone

• Check that the proper mixes and modes are set. Ensure that
you are in either the appropriate O/C or C/C mode when
programming your NiTek X computer

• 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 X throughout your dive for depth and
time

• Monitor the Pressure Gas in Tissue (PGT) and Oxygen
Limited Indicator (OLI) O2 loading bar graphs

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

• Follow the no-deco mpression limits or complete the required
decompression displayed.

After a dive

• Monitor surface interval time if making another dive

• Follow desaturation and no-fly guidelines

• Review your dive using the log mode and profile mode

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

NiTek X Dive Computer User Manual v1.1 10

Using the NiTek X

Accessing display modes and screens

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

To access other modes or screens, requires the use of the NiTek
X’s buttons.

Button operation

The NiTek X has two buttons (A (mode) and B (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.

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

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

A

B

The front of the NiTek X, showing the two buttons that are used

to access and setup the different modes and options

11 NiTek X Dive Computer User Manual v1.1

Using the NiTek X

Surface Mode

Surface mode is the NiTek X’s default-screen mode, with either “O/C”
or “C/C” displayed on the screen (depending on settings). 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.
After several minutes of inactivity, the NiTek X will go into its “sleep”
mode to conserve battery usage. To wake from sleep mode,
momentarily press either button.

Note: O/C or C/C refers to either Open-Circuit or Closed-Circuit, and
can be switched by simultaneously holding buttons A and B for two to
three seconds.

The NiTek X may display additional information concerning time/date,
mixture settings, alarm settings, exposure to nitrogen and oxygen,
desaturation time, and surface interval time. These items are covered in
“Surface mode (Upon Surfacing From a Dive)” Dive Option Set and
Display mode and “Altitude Operation.”

1

(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 can be displayed in 24-hour (military) format or 12-hour
format. When in 12-hour format, an AM or PM appears on the screen.

2

Entering Surface mode from another mode

When you are using other modes, it is very easy to return to Surface
mode. Simply press and hold button A for two to three seconds or
repeatedly press button A until O/C or C/C is displayed.
Simultaneously pressing and holding button A and button B for two to
three seconds will toggle between the two modes.

NiTek X Dive Computer User Manual v1.1 12

Using the NiTek X

Time Display and Set Mode

Time Display and Set mode is used to set and view the time of
day and date. When you enter this mode, “TIME” is displayed
on the screen.

1

2

3

4

(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) Year: This is the year.
(3) Time of day: This is the time of day expressed in hours and

minutes. Time can be displayed in 24-hour (military) format or
12-hour format. When in 12-hour format, an AM or PM appears
on the screen.

(4) Seconds: This is the seconds for the time of day.

To display the time and date:

Time and date information is displayed when the NiTek X

is the Surface mode screen.

1. To enter the Surface mode screen from any other screen,
repeatedly press button A.

“C/C” or O/C” will be displayed in the lower left of the

screen, with the time and date across the top of the screen.

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.

13 NiTek X Dive Computer User Manual v1.1