Oceanic VT3 Operating Manual
OCEANIC
VT3
Operating Manual
(-r04 cover art to be placed on front/back is provided separately)
CONTENTS
WARRANTY, NOTICES, DECOMPRESSION MODEL ....................................................................................................7
FCC ID ...............................................................................................................................................................................8
INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL FEATURES AND DISPLAYS .................................................................................... 9
INTERACTIVE CONTROL CONSOLE ..................................................................................................................... 10
OPERATING MODE STRUCTURE ........................................................................................................................... 11
AUDIBLE ALARM ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
SMARTGLO BACKLIGHT ........................................................................................................................................ 14
POWER SUPPLY ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
BAR GRAPHS ........................................................................................................................................................... 17
PC INTERFACE ......................................................................................................................................................... 19
SYMBOLS AND ALPHA NUMERIC GRAPHICS ...................................................................................................... 19
ALPHA / NUMERIC DISPLAYS................................................................................................................................ 20
Tank Pressure Display..........................................................................................................................................20
Depth Displays...................................................................................................................................................... 20
Air Time Remaining Display ................................................................................................................................. 20
Date. Time, and Temperature Displays ................................................................................................................ 21
FREE Dive Mode Displays ................................................................................................................................... 21
SURFACE SEQUENCE AND OPERATING MODES ..................................................................................................... 23
OPERATING MODES................................................................................................................................................ 24
SURFACE MODE ...................................................................................................................................................... 24
NORM (Normal) Surface Main Display ................................................................................................................ 25
NORM Surface Main Button Operations .............................................................................................................. 26
VT3 Battery Status .............................................................................................................................................. 27
Transmitter Status .............................................................................................................................................. 27
SET MODES ..............................................................................................................................................................28
SET F GROUP (FO2) ................................................................................................................................................ 28
Set FO2 for NORM Nitrox Dives .......................................................................................................................... 29
3
CONTENTS (continued)
Set FO2 GAS 1..................................................................................................................................................... 31
Set FO2 GAS 2..................................................................................................................................................... 32
Set FO2 GAS 3..................................................................................................................................................... 33
Set FO2 50% Default ........................................................................................................................................... 34
SET A GROUP (NORM/GAUG ALARMS) ................................................................................................................ 34
Set Audible Alarm ................................................................................................................................................. 35
Set Depth Alarm ................................................................................................................................................... 36
Set EDT (Elapsed Dive Time) Alarm ...................................................................................................................37
Set TLBG (Tissue Loading Bar Graph) Alarm...................................................................................................... 38
Set DTR (Dive Time Remaining) Alarm................................................................................................................ 39
Set Turn Pressure Alarm (TMT1) ......................................................................................................................... 40
Set End Pressure Alarm ....................................................................................................................................... 41
Set PO2 Alarm...................................................................................................................................................... 42
SET U GROUP (UTILITIES) ...................................................................................................................................... 43
Set Wet Activation ................................................................................................................................................44
Set Units of Measure ............................................................................................................................................ 45
Set NORM Safety Stop.........................................................................................................................................46
Set Conservative Factor .......................................................................................................................................47
Set Backlight Duration ..........................................................................................................................................48
Set Sampling Rate................................................................................................................................................ 49
Set TMT1 (Transmitter 1 Link Code) ....................................................................................................................50
Set TMT (Transmitter) 2-3 Use ............................................................................................................................ 52
Set TMT2 (Transmitter 2 Link Code) ...................................................................................................................53
Set TMT3 (Transmitter 3 Link Code) ...................................................................................................................55
SET T GROUP (TIME/DATE) ....................................................................................................................................57
Set Hour Format ...................................................................................................................................................58
Set Time................................................................................................................................................................ 58
Set Date ................................................................................................................................................................ 59
SERIAL NUMBER (VT3) ........................................................................................................................................... 60
NORM SURF ALT DISPLAY (SURFACE ALTERNATE) ........................................................................................... 61
NORM PLAN MODE .................................................................................................................................................. 61
FLY MODE ................................................................................................................................................................. 64
SAT MODE (DESATURATE) ..................................................................................................................................... 66
4
CONTENTS (continued)
NORM/GAUG LOG MODE ........................................................................................................................................ 67
NORM/GAUG HISTORY MODE................................................................................................................................ 72
OVERVIEW OF DISPLAYED SYMBOLS AND ICONS ............................................................................................ 74
OVERVIEW OF DIVE MODE OPERATION ................................................................................................................... 75
POSITIONING OF THE VT3 ..................................................................................................................................... 77
Link Interruption Underwater ................................................................................................................................77
DIVE TIME REMAINING (DTR)................................................................................................................................. 78
No Decompression Dive Time Remaining (NDC) ................................................................................................79
Oxygen Accumulation Time Remaining (OTR) .................................................................................................... 80
Air Time Remaining (ATR).................................................................................................................................... 80
Air Time Remaining Alarm.................................................................................................................................... 81
ASCENT RATE ALARM ............................................................................................................................................ 82
CONTROL OF DISPLAYS.........................................................................................................................................83
WET CONTACTS....................................................................................................................................................... 84
NORM TYPE DIVE MODES ........................................................................................................................................... 85
NORM NO DECOMPRESSION DIVE MODE ........................................................................................................... 86
NORM Dive No Deco Safety Stop....................................................................................................................... 89
DECOMPRESSION DIVE MODE ........................................................................................................................ 91
VIOLATION MODES .................................................................................................................................................. 95
NORM HIGH PO2 ....................................................................................................................................................100
HIGH OXYGEN ACCUMULATION..........................................................................................................................101
SUMMARY OF NORM/GAUG WARNING AND ALARM MESSAGES .................................................................. 102
SWITCHING GAS MIXES AND BUDDY PRESSURE CHECK.................................................................................... 103
SWITCHING GAS MIXES (NORM ONLY) .............................................................................................................. 104
BUDDY PRESSURE CHECK (NORM ONL Y)......................................................................................................... 109
NORM POST DIVE MODES ......................................................................................................................................... 113
TRANSITION PERIOD ............................................................................................................................................ 114
AFTER THE TRANSITION PERIOD ....................................................................................................................... 116
5
CONTENTS (continued)
GAUGE OPERATING MODE ....................................................................................................................................... 117
GAUG SURFACE DISPLAYS .................................................................................................................................. 118
GAUG DIVE DISPLAYS .......................................................................................................................................... 119
FREE DIVE OPERATING MODE ................................................................................................................................. 121
FREE SURFACE DISPLAYS ...................................................................................................................................122
FREE COUNTDOWN TIMER (CDT) ....................................................................................................................... 124
SET FREE CDT ....................................................................................................................................................... 126
SET FREE EDT (ELAPSED DIVE TIME) ALARM .................................................................................................. 127
SET FREE DEPTH ALARMS .................................................................................................................................. 128
FREE DIVE DISPLAYS............................................................................................................................................ 132
FREE DIVE ALARMS ..............................................................................................................................................133
ENTRY INTO DECO DURING A FREE DIVE ......................................................................................................... 136
REFERENCE................................................................................................................................................................. 137
UPLOADING SETTINGS AND DOWNLOADING DATA ........................................................................................ 138
PC Compatibility Requirements..........................................................................................................................139
CARE AND CLEANING ........................................................................................................................................... 140
INSPECTIONS AND SERVICE ............................................................................................................................... 140
BATTERY REPLACEMENT .................................................................................................................................... 142
INSTALLING A TRANSMITTER ON A REGULATOR ............................................................................................ 148
TRANSMITTER COMPATIBILITY WITH NITROX .................................................................................................. 148
ALTITUDE SENSING AND ADJUSTMENT ............................................................................................................ 149
CHARTS OF NO DECOMPRESSION LIMITS AT ALTITUDE ................................................................................ 150
CHART OF OXYGEN EXPOSURE LIMITS ............................................................................................................ 151
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................... 152
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO FREE DIVE MODE .................................................................... 159
INSPECTION/ SERVICE RECORD......................................................................................................................... 160
FULL DISPLAY ........................................................................................................................................................ 161
OCEANIC WORLD WIDE ....................................................................................................................................... 162
Pay special attention to items marked
with this Warning symbol.
6
LIMITED TWO-YEAR WARRANTY
For details, refer to the Product Warranty Registration Card provided. Register on-line at www.OceanicWorldwide.com
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This operating manual is copyrighted, all rights are reserved. It may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied,
reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable form without prior consent in writing
from Oceanic / 2002 Design.
VT3 Operating Manual, Doc. No. 12-2705
© 2002 Design, 2006
San Leandro, CA USA 94577
TRADEMARK, TRADE NAME, AND SERVICE MARK NOTICE
Oceanic, the Oceanic logotype, the Oceanic 'O' symbol, VT3, the VT3 logo, Air Time Remaining (ATR), Diver Replaceable Batteries, Graphic Diver Interface, Tissue Loading Bar Graph (TLBG), Pre Dive Planning Sequence (PDPS),
SmartGlo, Set Point, Control Console, Turn Gas Alarm, and OceanLog are all registered and unregistered trademarks ,
trade names, and service marks of Oceanic. All rights are reserved.
PATENT NOTICE
U.S. Patents have been issued, or applied for, to protect the following design features:
Air Time Remaining (U.S. Patent no. 4,586,136 and 6,543,444) and Data Sensing and Processing Device (U.S. Patent
no. 4,882,678). Set TLBG Alarm and other patents pending. User Setable Display (U.S. Patent no. 5,845,235) is
owned by Suunto Oy (Finland).
DECOMPRESSION MODEL
The programs within the VT3 simulate the absorption of nitrogen into the body by using a mathematical model. This
model is merely a way to apply a limited set of data to a large range of experiences. The VT3 dive computer model is
based upon the latest research and experiments in decompression theory. Still, using the VT3, just as using the
U.S. Navy (or other) No Decompression Tables, is no guarantee of avoiding decompression sickness, i.e. “the bends.” Every diver’s physiology is different, and can even vary from day to day. No machine can
predict how your body will react to a particular dive profile.
7
WARNING: If your VT3 stops working for any reason while operating as a Dive Computer, it is important that you have anticipated
this possibility and are prepared for it. This is an important reason for not pushing the no decompression and oxygen exposure
limits, and a critical reason to avoid entering decompression. If
you dive in situations where your trip would be ruined or your
safety would be jeopardized by losing the use of your VT3, a
backup instrument system is highly recommended.
FCC ID: MH8A
FCC COMPLIANCE:
This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1.) this equipment may not
cause harmful interference, and 2.) this equipment must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
FCC INTERFERENCE STATEMENT:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for an Intentional Radiator, a Class B Digital Device, pursuant to Part
15 of FCC Rules, Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These rules are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a commercial or residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by Oceanic/2002 Design could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
8
WARNING: Prior to diving with the VT3, you
must also read and understand the Oceanic
Dive Computer Safety and Reference Manual,
Doc. No. 12-2262, which provides Important
Warnings and Safety Recommendations as
well as general product information.
INTRODUCTION
GENERAL FEATURES AND DISPLAYS
AND
9
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to OCEANIC and thank you for choosing the VT3 !
It is extremely important that you read this Operating Manual in sequence and understand
it completely before attempting to use the VT3 as a dive computer.
It is equally important that you read the Oceanic Dive Computer Safety and Reference
Manual (Doc. No. 12-2262) provided with your VT3. It contains information that you must
become familiar with prior to diving with your VT3.
Remember that technology is no substitute for common sense, and a dive computer only
provides the person using it with data, not the knowledge to use it.
INTERACTIVE CONTROL CONSOLE
The Interactive Control Console consists of 3 Control Buttons that allow you to select mode
options and access specific information. They are also used to link the Transmitter(s), enter
Settings, activate the Backlight, and acknowledge the Audible Alarm.
Throughout this manual they will be referred to as the M, S, and A buttons.
• Left/Front - Mode (M) button
• Right/Front - Advance (A) button
• Right/Side - Select (S) button
MA
10
S
OPERATING MODE STRUCTURE
The M button is used to access 3 operating Modes (Fig. 1) that
include NORM (Normal Air/Nitrox Dive Computer), GAUG
(Digital Gauge Mode), and FREE (Free Dive Mode).
The screens of the Main Modes and Sub Modes will remain on
display until a button is pressed to access another screen or
Mode, activate a sequence, or for 2 minutes if no button is
pressed.
When Wet Activation is set On, the VT3 will enter the selected
Dive Mode upon descent to 5 FT (feet) /1.5 M (meters), regardless of what surface screen is displayed at the time.
WARNING: When Wet Activation is set OFF, the
VT3 must be activated by push button prior to
the first dive of a new series. Commencing a
dive will not activate Dive Mode unless Wet
Activation is set ON or the unit is activated.
Entering Settings and Plan Mode are available in NORM SURF
Mode which also allows access to Battery/Transmitter Status,
Fly, Desat, Log, and History Modes. Tank Pressure is displayed
if a Transmitter is active and Linked with the VT3.
NORM (Normal Air/Nitrox)
GAUG (Digital Gauge Mode)
FREE (Mode)
Fig. 1 - Operating Modes
11
GAUG Surface Mode allows access to Battery/Transmitter Status, Fly, Log, and History
Modes. It also displays Tank Pressure.
FREE Mode allows access to sub modes by first accessing NORM Surface Mode. It does
not display Tank Pressure.
Once a dive is made in GAUG Operating Mode, the VT3 is locked into that Mode for 24
hours after the dive.
The VT3 also features 2 modes for use of Transmitter Pressure. A setting allows you to
choose whether Transmitters 2 and 3 are for your use (SELF) or for checking 1 or 2 Buddies' Tank Pressure(s). The setting remains fixed until changed in the NORM/GAUG SET
U menu.
AUDIBLE ALARM
Most warning situations that activate the Audible Alarm while operating in NORM or
GAUG Mode cause the VT3 to emit 1 beep per second for 10 seconds, or until the situation is corrected, or it is acknowledged by momentarily pressing and releasing the S button
(less than 2 seconds). After being acknowledged and the situation corrected, the Alarm
will sound again upon reentry into the warning situation, or entry into another type of
warning situation.
FREE Dive Mode has its own set of Alarms which emit 3 short beeps either 1 or 3 times
which cannot be acknowledged or set Off.
12
A red LED Warning Light, located on the left side of the housing, is synchronized with the
Audible Alarm. It will flash as the Audible Alarm sounds. It will turn Off when the Alarm is
acknowledged or the situation is corrected. The Audible and LED will not be active if the
Alarm is Set OFF (a group A setting).
Situations that will activate the NORM/GAUG 10 second Alarm include -
• Air Time Remaining (ATR) at 5 minutes, then again at 0 minutes.
• ATR becomes less than No Deco and O2 Time Remaining for 1 minute.
• Turn Pressure at the Set Point selected (Transmitter 1).
• End Pressure at the Set Point selected (active Transmitter).
• Descent deeper than the Max Depth Set Point selected.
• Dive Time Remaining at the Set Point selected.
• Elapsed Dive Time at the Set Point selected.
• High PO2 of 1.60 ATA or the Set Point selected.
• High O2 of 300 OTU (single or daily exposure).
• Tissue Loading Bar Graph at the segment Set Point selected.
• NORM/GAUG Ascent Rate exceeds 60 FPM (18 MPM) when deeper than 60 FT (18
M), or 30 FPM (9 MPM) at 60 FT (18 M) and shallower.
• Loss of the active Transmitter Link signal for more than 15 seconds during a dive.
• Entry into Decompression Mode (Deco).
• Conditional Violation (above a required Deco Stop Depth for less than 5 minutes).
• Delayed Violation (above a required Deco Stop Depth for more than 5 minutes).
• Delayed Violation (a Deco Stop Depth greater than 60 FT/18 M is required).
• Delayed Violation (Maximum Operating Depth of 330 FT/100 M is exceeded).
• A Gas Switch to another tank would expose the diver to PO2 greater than 1.60 ATA.
13
A single short beep (which cannot be disabled) is emitted for the following -
• Upon completion of a Hot Swap battery change.
• Change from Delayed to Full Violation 5 minutes after the dive.
3 short beeps (which cannot be disabled) are emitted for the following -
• FREE Dive Elapsed Dive Time Alarm (3 beeps every 30 seconds if set On).
• FREE Dive Depth Alarms 1/2/3 (set sequentially deeper) - each 3 beeps 3 times.
• FREE Dive TLBG Alarm (Caution zone, 7 segments) - 3 beeps 3 times.
• Entry into Deco during a FREE Dive (Permanent Violation) - 3 beeps 3 times.
• Free Dive Mode Countdown Timer reaches 0:00 - 3 beeps 3 times.
During the following NORM Dive situations, the 10 second Audible Alarm will not turn off
when acknowledged -
• Ascending above a required Decompression Ceiling Stop Depth for more than 5
minutes (referred to as a Delayed Violation).
• Decompression requires a Ceiling Stop Depth of 70 FT/21 M or deeper.
• Being on the Surface for 5 minutes after a Conditional Violation.
SMARTGLO® BACKLIGHT
To activate the SmartGlo Backlight - press the S button.
• If ambient light level is low, the Backlight will activate and illuminate the display for
button depression time* plus the user set Duration time of 0, 5, or 10 seconds, for a
maximum of 20 seconds.
(*The Backlight will turn Off if the button is depressed for more than 10 seconds.)
• Press the button again to activate as desired.
14
NOTE: Extensive use of the Backlight reduces
estimated Battery life. Also, the Backlight does
not operate during a Low VT3 Battery Condition
or when the VT3 is connected to a PC.
POWER SUPPLY
The VT3 utilizes one 3 volt CR2450 Lithium Battery. The Battery
should operate normally for 1 year or 300 dive hours if 2 dives
are conducted during each dive period. The VT3 checks its
battery voltage every 2 minutes during surface operation.
• If voltage of the VT3 decreases to the Warning level (2.75
volts), the Battery icon will appear on Surface display
screens (Fig. 2a) as an indication that the Battery should be
changed prior to commencing a series of dives.
• If the VT3's voltage decreases to the Alarm level (2.50
volts), the Battery icon will flash and the VT3 will shut Off.
• Low Battery Warning/Alarm conditions are not displayed
during Dive Modes.
• If a Low Battery Condition was not displayed prior to
starting a Dive, and a Low Battery Condition occurs during
the dive, there will be sufficient Battery power remaining to
maintain operation for the remainder of that dive.
a
Fig. 2 - Low Battery Warning
Fig. 3 - Low Battery Alarm
15
Transmitters use one 3 volt, CR2 Lithium Battery. A Transmitter's
battery should provide normal operation for 1 year or 300 dive
hours. Transmitters check battery voltage when they are pressurized and will send a Low Battery signal to the Receiver in the
VT3 when the voltage drops below the Warning level.
Fig. 4 - Battery Status (Good)
Fig. 5 - Transmitter 1 Battery
Status (Good)
Fig. 6 - Transmitter 3 Status
(Not Available)
16
• Transmitter Low Battery Warning/Alarm conditions are only
displayed on Status screens that can be accessed while
viewing the NORM Surface Display.
To check the condition of the VT3 or a Transmitter's Battery if
NORM or GAUG Mode is selected, depress the S button for 2
seconds while viewing the NORM or GAUG Surface Main
Display, then release it.
• As the button is depressed, the VT3's Receiver will activate.
• 2 seconds later, the VT3's Battery status will be displayed
for 3 seconds (Fig. 4), then -
• if active and linked, Transmitter 1's Battery status will be
displayed for 3 seconds (Fig. 5), then -
• if active and linked, Transmitter 2's Battery status will be
displayed for 3 seconds, then -
• if active and linked, Transmitter 3's Battery status will be
displayed for 3 seconds, then -
• the display will then revert to Surface Mode.
• If a Transmitter is not active and linked, the message
NotAvAil (not available) will be displayed (Fig. 6).
BAR GRAPHS
The VT3 features a Tissue Loading Bar Graph (TLBG) (Fig. 7a) that represents your relative
no decompression or decompression status.
As your Depth and Elapsed Dive Time increase, segments will add to the TLBG, and as you
ascend to shallower depths, the segments of the TLBG will begin to recede, indicating that
additional no decompression time is allowed.
The TLBG monitors 12 different nitrogen compartments simultaneously and displays the one
that is in control of your dive. It consists of 8 segments, the lower 7 represent No Decompression status and the 8th at the top indicates a Decompression condition.
When the VT3 is set to operate in NORM Nitrox mode, the 5 segment O2 Bar Graph
(O2BG) (Fig. 7b) will represent oxygen accumulation.
Displays associated with oxygen and the O2 Bar Graph will be
displayed if FO2 for any Gas (1, 2, or 3) has been set at a
value other than 'Air' (e.g., a numerical value).
a
b
The O2BG will show the maximum of either per dive accumulated oxygen or 24 hour period accumulated oxygen. As your
oxygen exposure (accumulation) increases during a NORM
dive, segments will add to the O2BG, and as saturation decreases, it will begin to recede, indicating that additional exposure is allowed for that dive and 24 hour period.
Fig. 7 - TLBG and O2BG
17
VARI
Deeper than 60 FT (18 M)
Segments Ascent Rate =
Displayed FPM MPM
0 0-20 0-6
1 21-30 6.1-9
2 31-40 9.1-12
3 41-50 12.1-15
4 51-60 15.1-18
5 60 + 18 +
60 FT (18 M) & Shallower
Segments Ascent Rate =
Displayed FPM MPM
0 0-10 0-3
1 11-15 3.1-4.5
2 16-20 4.6-6
3 21-25 6.1-7.5
4 26-30 7.6-9
5 30 + 9 +
Fig. 8 - VARI
18
The VT3 will store oxygen accumulation calculations for up to 10
dives conducted during a 24 hour period. If the maximum limit
for NORM dive oxygen loading has been exceeded for that day
(24 hour period), all of the segments of the O2BG will be
displayed flashing.
Depth/Time values will not appear in Plan Mode until the O2BG
recedes into the normal zone (lower 4 segments) indicating that
your daily oxygen dosage has decreased an amount equivalent
to the amount accumulated during the latest dive completed.
The VT3 also features a 5 segment NORM/GAUG Mode
Variable Ascent Rate Indicator (VARI) (Fig. 8a) that provides a
visual representation of ascent speed (i.e., an ascent speedometer). The segments of the VARI represent two sets of speeds
which change at a reference depth of 60 feet (18 meters). Refer
to the chart for segment values.
a
WARNING: At depths greater than 60 feet (18
meters), ascent rates should not exceed 60 feet
per minute (18 meters per minute). At depths of
60 feet (18 meters) and shallower, ascent rates
should not exceed 30 feet per minute (9 meters
per minute).
PC INTERFACE
Interface with a PC is accomplished by connecting the VT3 to a PC USB Port using the USB
Interface Cable provided. The same Cable is used for Upload and Download.
The software program is on the OceanLog CD provided, together with a USB Driver. The
program's Help section serves as the User Manual and can be printed for personal use.
The Settings Upload program is used to check the VT3's existing Settings and for entering
settings into the VT3. The Data Download program is used to retrieve Data that was
sampled during dives and stored in the VT3's memory.
The VT3 checks for an External Access request once every second while in Surface Mode.
Checks are not made if the unit is WET. For a connection to be made, the Interface Cable
is plugged into the VT3's Data Port and plugged into a PC USB Port. To establish the
connection, the PC program must be running asking 'RUTHERE'. When the connection is
made, all segments of the VT3 appear on the display until completion of the Upload or
Download operation.
• The VT3 reverts to the Surface Mode Main screen after completion of the Upload or
Download operation, or after 2 minutes if no PC action was taken.
SYMBOLS AND ALPHA NUMERIC GRAPHICS
The upper line of digits on the LCD screen is used to convey alpha Messages such as Day
of the Week, Operating Modes, items being Set, Gas and Transmitter identification,
Altitude level, and Alarm identification. At times, the second line is also used to display
alpha numeric graphics such as PO2 and On/Off. The FO2 setting of a selected Gas will
appear in the lower line.
19
a
ALPHA / NUMERIC DISPLAYS
b
Tank Pressure Display (NORM/GAUG only)
When the VT3's Receiver is set ON and active, Tank Pressure
from an active Transmitter that is properly linked will be displayed on the NORM or GAUG MAIN screens (Fig. 9a).
Fig. 9 - Main Dive Display
Fig. 10 - ALT Dive Display
b
Fig. 11 - Safety Stop Display
20
Values of Pressure are displayed numerically from 000 PSI (00
BAR) up to 5,000 PSI (345 BAR) in increments of 5 PSI (1 BAR).
a
Depth Displays (all Modes)
During dives, the Current Depth display (Fig. 9b) and Maximum Depth which is accessed as an Alternate Display (Fig.
10a) indicate Depths from 0 to 399 FT (120 M) in increments of
1 FT (.1 M).
During a No Decompression Safety Stop, the set Stop Depth
(Fig. 11a) is displayed and during a Decompression condition,
the required Ceiling Stop Depth is displayed. These Depths
a
are graphically on the top row of the screen with the letters F
indicating Feet and M indicating Meters. (ex: 10F = 10 FT Stop)
Air Time Remaining (ATR) Display
If the VT3's Receiver and a Transmitter are active and properly
linked, ATR is displayed digitally in decrements of 10 minutes
when it is 60 minutes or less (Fig. 11b).
Time, Date, Temperature Displays
Time of Day and NORM/GAUG Mode displays are
shown in hour:minute format (i.e., 1:16 represents 1 hour and
16 minutes, not 116 minutes).
b
FREE Dive Mode displays are shown in minute:second
format. The colon that separates hours and minutes (minutes and
seconds) blinks once per second when the display is indicating
real time (e.g., Surface Interval, Elapsed Dive Time), and is solid
(non-blinking) when times are calculated projections (e.g., Time
to Fly, Plan).
The Primary Time display, at the bottom of the screen, has the
largest digits of the display (Fig. 12a). Another time display
(Fig. 12b) is located in the middle row. Both displays are
identified by the symbol TIME.
There is an Alternate Display providing Day of Week, Tem-
perature, and Time of Day. This common display (Fig. 13)
can be accessed while operating in NORM, GAUG, or FREE
Modes while on the Surface and during Dives.
Date is displayed only to identify dives when they are accessed
in the LOG Mode. When set for Imperial Units, Month is to the
left of Day (Fig. 14a) separated by a decimal point (month.day).
When set for Metric, Month is to the right of Day (day.month).
a
Fig. 12 - Time Displays
Fig. 13 - Time of Day
a
Fig. 14 - Date (Log Mode)
21
22
NOTE: Each display represents unique pieces of information. It is imperative that you understand the formats,
ranges, and values of the information represented to
avoid any possible misunderstanding that could result in
error.
You must also understand the icons, symbols, and alpha/
numeric messages presented.
The Informational Displays are described in detail as the
various operating modes they appear in are presented
throughout this manual.
WARNING: Prior to diving with the VT3, you
must also read and understand the Oceanic
Dive Computer Safety and Reference Manual,
Doc. No. 12-2262, which provides Important
Warnings and Safety Recommendations as
well as general product information.
SURFACE SEQUENCE
OPERATING MODES
AND
23
OPERATING MODES
As described previously, the VT3 features 3 Operating Modes -
• NORM - for Normal Air or Nitrox dives
• GAUG - for dives with no Nitrogen/Oxygen calculations
• FREE - for dives with no SCUBA
Fig. 15A - NORM SURF MAIN
Fig. 15B - GAUG SURF MAIN
Fig. 15C - FREE SURF MAIN
24
REMINDER: Once a dive is made in GAUG Mode,
the VT3 is locked into that Mode for 24 hours
after the dive.
SURFACE MODE
After activation and while the default Surface Main screen is
displayed, pressing and holding the M button for 2 seconds
steps through the operating mode Surface Main screens.
Fig. 15 - NORM MAIN >> GAUG MAIN >> FREE MAIN
• The Operating Mode selected (NORM, GAUG, or FREE)
will remain on display for 2 hours until a dive is made or
another Operating Mode is selected.
If a dive has been conducted within the past 24 hours, the SURF
MAIN screen for that mode will be displayed until changed.
At any time while operating in Surface Modes, the VT3 will enter
Dive Mode upon descent to 5 FT (1.5 M).
The VT3 will enter POST DIVE SURFACE MODE following a dive
upon ascent to 4 FT (1.2 M). The Surface Interval Time colon
will flash during the first 10 minutes after a NORM/GAUG dive
(Fig. 16), or first 1 minute after a FREE dive.
During the first 2 hours after a dive, the SURF MAIN screen for
the Operating Mode selected prior to the dive (NORM, GAUG,
or FREE) remains on display as the Default SURF MAIN screen.
NORM SURF MAIN, information provided includes (Fig. 17):
> Graphic NORM alternating with the Altitude Level graphic
SEA (or EL2 through EL7) and WET (if the unit is wet), each
On 3 seconds then 1/4 second blank.
> Battery icon if an VT3 Low Battery Warning Condition
exists, flashing if Too Low
> Tank Pressure and symbol PSI (or BAR), if the Receiver is
successfully Linked with an active Transmitter.
> Symbol DIVE and Number of that dive (0 if no dive has
been made yet).
> Symbols TIME and SURF, and Surface Interval (hr:min).
> NITROX symbol, if any GAS is set for a Nitrox dive.
> Tank 1 icon representing GAS 1, which is the default start
Gas and default Gas 10 minutes after a dive.
> TLBG if any after a NORM or FREE dive.
> O2BG if any after a NORM Nitrox dive.
Fig. 16 - NORM SURF MAIN
(post dive, unit wet)
Fig. 17 - NORM SURF MAIN
(no dive made yet, dry)
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NORM SURF MAIN - Button Operations:
• Pressing the S button will activate the Smartglo Backlight.
• Pressing and releasing the A button repeatedly (< 2 seconds each time) will step
through the NORM Surface Sequence -
>> NORM SURF MAIN > NORM SURF ALT > PLAN > FLY > SAT > LOG > HISTORY.
• Depressing both the A and S buttons simultaneously for 2 seconds will access the SET
Menu (F > A > U > T) and a VT3 Serial Number display.
>> SURF MAIN > SET FO2 > SET Alarms > SET Utilities > SET TIME > SN
• Pressing and holding the M button for 2 seconds will access the GAUG SURF MAIN
screen with the graphic GAUG flashing, then another 2 second press will access the
FREE SURF MAIN screen with the graphic FREE flashing.
>> NORM SURF >> GAUG SURF >> FREE SURF
• Pressing and releasing the M button momentarily (< 2 seconds) while GAUG or FREE
is displayed flashing will select that as the Operating Mode as indicated by the
graphic becoming solid.
• When one Mode graphic in the series is solid, it is the 'selected Operating Mode'.
Ensure it is that Mode that you want and will be diving in.
• Depressing the S button for 2 seconds while viewing the NORM SURF screen will
activate the VT3's Receiver and access a series of screens that will indicate the Status
of the Batteries and Pressures of the Tanks in use.
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• Each screen will be displayed for 3 seconds. VT3 Battery
Status, then TMT 1 Battery Status and Tank Pressure, then
TMT 2 Battery Status and Tank Pressure, then TMT 3 Battery
Status and Tank Pressure, then revert to SURF MAIN.
• Transmitter Battery Status is not displayed for TMT 2 and 3 if
TMT 2 - 3 USE is set for Buddy Pressure Check.
VT3 BATTERY STATUS, information includes (Fig. 18):
> Graphics VT3 and bAt
> Graphic Good (or Lo)
> Battery icon, if a Low Battery Warning Condition exists.
Flashing if an Alarm Condition exists.
TMTs that are active and Linked will transmit signals conveying
Tank Pressure and Battery Status for display on the Status screens.
If a TMT is not active or active but not Linked, the Status screen(s)
will display NotAvAil (Not Available).
TRANSMITTER STATUS, information includes (Fig. 19 A/B):
> Graphics TMT1 (then TMT2 and TMT3), identifying the
reporting Transmitter, and bAt.
> Graphic Good (or Lo), or NotAvAil (if not active/linked)
> Battery icon, if a Low Battery Warning Condition exists.
Flashing if an Alarm Condition exists.
> Tank Pressure for the TMT reporting and symbol PSI (or BAR).
Fig. 18 - VT3 Battery Good
Fig. 19A - TMT1 Battery Low
Fig. 19B - TMT3 Not Available
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GAUG and FREE
Operating Modes
are also
described in
separate sections
of this manual.
Fig. 20 - Set F (FO2)
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SET MODES
Unless noted otherwise, features set apply to all Operating
Modes (NORM, GAUG, and FREE. FREE Dive Mode also has
several settings that do not affect NORM and GAUG Modes.
SURF MAIN > SET F > SET A > SET U > SET T > VT3 SN
Access and step through of the sequence is gained by repeated
simultaneous 2 second presses of the A and S buttons.
Alarms (Set A), Utilities (Set U), and Time (Set T) Set Points can
also be set/changed using the PC Settings Upload program.
FO2 (Set F) entries must be made using only the push buttons.
SET F GROUP (FO2)
Set F Sequence:
SET F > FO2 GAS1 > FO2 GAS2 > FO2 GAS3 > FO2 Default.
> Depressing the A and S buttons simultaneously for 2
seconds while the NORM or GAUG SURF MAIN screen is
displayed will access SET F identified by the graphic SETF
(Fig. 20).
> Pressing and releasing the A button momentarily (< 2
seconds) while SET F is displayed will advance to SET FO2
GAS 1 with the Set Point flashing.
Setting FO2 for NORM Nitrox Dives:
For each value of FO2, the Maximum Operating Depth (MOD) that can be achieved for
the PO2 Alarm Set Point limit previously set, will be displayed.
When the FO2 50% DEFAULT is set ON and FO2 GAS 1 is set for a numerical value, 10
minutes on the surface after that dive, the FO2 for GAS 1 will be displayed as 50 and
further dives will be calculated based on 50% O2 for oxygen calculations and 21% O2
for Nitrogen calculations (79% Nitrogen) unless the FO2 for GAS 1 is set before the dive.
FO2 for GAS 1 continues to reset to the FO2 50% DEFAULT after subsequent repetitive
dives until 24 hours elapse after the last dive, or the FO2 50% DEFAULT is turned OFF in
the Set FO2 50% DEFAULT ON/OFF MODE.
When the FO2 50% DEFAULT is set OFF, the VT3 will remain set at the last FO2 GAS 1
Set Points for that series of repetitive dives.
The default FO2 for GAS 1 each new dive Period is AIR.
When FO2 for GAS 1 is set for AIR, the calculations are the same as when it is set to an
FO2 of 21%. When FO2 for GAS 1 is set to AIR, it remains set for AIR until it is set for a
numerical FO2 value (21 to 50%).
When FO2 is set only to AIR, the O2 Bar Graph is not displayed at any time during a dive
or on the surface. PO2 values and/or warnings will not be displayed during the dive.
FREE Dive nitrogen calculations are based on AIR and not affected by these FO2 Settings.
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Maximum Operating Depths affected by the PO2 limit set will not be displayed when FO2
for GAS 1 is set to AIR.
Internally, the VT3 keeps track of the oxygen loading so that if FO2 for GAS 1 is subsequently set for a numerical value, the oxygen loading for previous AIR dives will be accounted for in the next Nitrox dive (during that dive period and series of repetitive dives).
Once FO2 GAS 1 is set for a numerical value (21 to 50%) and a dive is made, the AIR
option is disabled until 24 hours elapse after the last dive. The AIR option will not be
displayed in Set FO2 GAS 1 until a full 24 hour Surface Interval has elapsed.
If FO2 for GAS 1 is set for 21%, it will remain set for 21% for that series of dives until set
for a higher numerical value.
If the FO2 50% DEFAULT is set OFF, FO2 for GAS 2 and 3 will remain at their respective
Set Points previously selected until they are changed. If the FO2 50% DEFAULT is set ON,
FO2 for GAS 2 and 3 will Default to 50% after the dive.
The VT3 is programmed to prevent FO2 for GAS 2 and 3 from being set at values lower
than the FO2 Set Point for GAS 1. GAS 2 and 3 can only be set to values equal to or
higher than the FO2 Set Points of GAS 1 and 2, respectively.
When setting FO2 for GAS 2 and 3, the lowest values available will be the Set Point of the
previous Gas set (e.g., If FO2 GAS 1 is set for 32%, FO2 for GAS 2 can only be set at
values from 32 to 100%. Likewise, FO2 for GAS 3 will depend on the setting for GAS 2.
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