SUUNTO FAVOR AIR User Manual
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SUUNTO
FAVOR AIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL
The FAVOR AIR dive computer features:
- electroluminescent LUX backlite display
- built-in calendar clock, available also during diving
- air integration, connected to the scuba cylinder
- temperature compensated cylinder pressure up to 300 bar [4000 psi] and remaining
air time
- decompression capabilities
- personal adjustment
- adjustment for altitude
- four-step ascent rate indicator
- battery power indicator and low battery warning
- complete logbook memory capabilities including 9 most recent dives with dive entry
time, average depth and minimum no-decompression time or maximum ascent time
- history memory up to 999 dives and 999 hours of diving + maximum depth ever
recorded
- visual and audible alarms
- easily replaceable protective shield
- high quality console which can be upgraded to include an ultra tilt SK-7 compass
module
DEFINITION OF WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND NOTES
Throughout this manual, special references are made when deemed important. Three
classifications are used to separate these references by their order of importance.
WARNING - is used in connection with a procedure or situation that may result in
serious injury or death.
CAUTION - is used in connection with a procedure or situation that will result in
damage to the product.
NOTE - is used to emphasize important information.
WARNING!
READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRE OWNER'S MANUAL BEFORE DIVING!
Carefully read this instruction manual in its entirety, including Section 2, "For Your
Safety". Make sure that you fully understand the use, displays and limitations of the
FAVOR AIR dive computer. Failure to complete this step may result in serious personal
injury.
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WARNING!
NO DIVE COMPUTER WILL PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF DECOMPRESSION
SICKNESS (DCS)!
All divers must understand and accept that there is no procedure or dive computer that
will totally prevent the possibility of a decompression accident. For example, the
individual physiological make-up can vary within an individual from day to day. The dive
computer cannot account for these variations. As an added measure of safety, you
should consult a physician regarding your fitness before diving.
WARNING!
ONLY DIVERS TRAINED IN THE PROPER USE OF SCUBA EQUIPMENT
SHOULD USE THE FAVOR AIR!
No dive computer can replace the need for proper dive training.
WARNING!
NOT FOR PROFESSIONAL USE!
SUUNTO dive computers are intended for recreational use only. The demands of
commercial or professional diving often expose the diver to depths and prolonged
exposures including multiday exposures that tend to increase the risk of decompression
sickness. Therefore, Suunto specifically recommends that the FAVOR AIR be not used
for commercial or other severe diving activity.
WARNING!
PERFORM PRECHECKS!
Always check the FAVOR AIR before diving in order to ensure that all LCD segments
are completely displayed, that the FAVOR AIR has not run out of battery power, and that
the personal/altitude adjustment mode is correct.
WARNING!
USE BACK-UP INSTRUMENTS!
Make certain that you use back-up instrumentation including a depth gauge,
submersible pressure gauge, timer or watch, and have access to decompression
tables whenever diving with the FAVOR AIR.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
1. INTRODUCTION
2. FOR YOUR SAFETY
3. GETTING ACQUAINTED AND DIVING WITH THE FAVOR AIR
3.1 INSTALLATION
3.2 USE OF WATER CONTACTS AND TAP SWITCH
3.2.1 Water Contacts
3.2.2 Tap Switch and Electroluminescent Backlite
3.3 BEFORE DIVING
3.3.1 Activation, Prechecks and Battery Warning
3.3.2 Dive Planning
3.3.3 Calendar Clock Function
3.4 DIVING
3.4.1 Basic Dive Data
3.4.2 Cylinder Pressure Data
3.4.3 Ascent Rate Indicator
3.4.4 Audible and Visual Alarms
3.4.5 Decompression Dives
3.5 AT THE SURFACE
3.5.1 Surface Interval
3.5.2 Flying After Diving
3.6 PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT AND HIGH ALTITUDE DIVES
3.7 ERROR CONDITIONS
4. MENU BASED MODES
4.1 LOGBOOK MEMORY
4.2 DIVE HISTORY MEMORY
4.3 PERSONAL/ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENT SETTING
4.4 TIME AND DATE SETTING
5. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
5.1 MAINTENANCE
5.2 ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY
5.3 BATTERY REPLACEMENT
5.4 BATTERY COMPARTMENT INSPECTION
6. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
6.1 OPERATING PRINCIPLES
6.2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
7. WARRANTY
8. GLOSSARY
QUICK MENU GUIDE
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1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your choice of the FAVOR AIR dive computer. The FAVOR AIR is a
compact and sophisticated dive instrument that will give you years of troublefree and
joyful diving. The FAVOR AIR dive computer will provide you with important information
that you will need during, between, and after your dives.
Key Features
The FAVOR AIR is equipped with a sophisticated electroluminescent LUX backlite
display, which does not significantly reduce battery life because of the highly energyefficient system design and because the lamp goes off automatically after
approximately 10 seconds from activation. The electroluminescent lamp will give
excellent backlite quality in darkness and low ambient light conditions. The backlite is
not visible during daylight.
The FAVOR AIR monitors and reports vital information such as your dive time, current
depth, maximum depth, no-decompression time, cylinder pressure, remaining air time
and ascent rate. It will also give you information, if through carelessness or emergency
you are forced to exceed the no-decompression limits for any dive.
The FAVOR AIR features versatile logbook memory capabilities and a history memory
for long-term historical data.
The instrument can be adjusted for diving at different altitudes or to add an extra level of
conservativeness to the diving if desired.
The FAVOR AIR has a built-in calendar and clock. The calendar time display can also
be activated when diving.
The screen is protected against scratches and damage by an easily replaceable shield.
The FAVOR AIR is available as a console. The modular construction allows for a
separate compass module to be attached to the console at a later stage.
Metric and Imperial Units
All examples in this manual are shown in metric units, including meters, bars and °C.
The corresponding imperial units are shown in brackets. The FAVOR AIR is also
available with imperial units, i.e. feet, psi and °F.
WARNING!
VERIFY THAT THE UNITS OF MEASURE, WHETHER METRIC OR IMPERIAL, ARE
CORRECT BEFORE DIVING!
Any confusion resulting from improper selection of units may cause the diver to commit
errors that may lead to serious injury.
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2. FOR YOUR SAFETY
Always remember that THE DIVER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS OR HER OWN
SAFETY!
When used properly the FAVOR AIR is an outstanding tool for assisting properly
trained, certified divers in planning and executing standard and multi-level sport dives
within the described no-decompression limits. It is NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR
CERTIFIED SCUBA INSTRUCTION including training in the principles of
decompression.
DO NOT attempt to use the FAVOR AIR without reading this entire Instruction Manual. If
you have any questions about the manual or the FAVOR AIR, contact your Suunto
dealer before diving with the FAVOR AIR.
Back-Up Instruments
WARNING!
USE BACK-UP INSTRUMENTS!
Make certain that you use back-up instrumentation including a depth gauge, a
submersible pressure gauge, a timer or watch, and have access to decompression
tables whenever diving with the FAVOR AIR.
Cylinder pressure
Before each dive, make sure that your air pressure is sufficient for the planned dive.
While diving, check the cylinder supply pressure frequently.
Sharing the FAVOR AIR
WARNING!
THE FAVOR AIR SHOULD NEVER BE TRADED OR SHARED BETWEEN USERS
WHILE IT IS IN OPERATION!
Its information will not apply to someone who has not been wearing it throughout a dive
or sequence of repetitive dives. Its dive profiles must match that of the user. If it is left on
the surface during any dive, it will give inaccurate information for subsequent dives.
No dive computer can take into account dives made without the computer. Thus any
diving activity 48 hours prior to initial use of the computer may give misleading
information and must be avoided.
Personal/High Altitude Adjustment
More information about this is given in Section 3.6, "Personal Adjustment and High
Altitude Dives".
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WARNING!
SET THE CORRECT PERSONAL/ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENT MODE!
When diving at altitudes greater than 700 m [2300 ft] the personal/altitude adjustment
feature must be correctly selected in order for the computer to calculate
no-decompression status. The diver should also use this option to make the calculation
more conservative, whenever it is believed that factors which tend to increase the
possibility of decompression sickness exist (see Section 3.6). Failure to properly select
the personal/altitude adjustment mode correctly will result in erroneous data and can
greatly increase the risk of decompression sickness.
WARNING!
THE FAVOR AIR IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE AT ALTITUDES GREATER THAN
2400 m (8000 ft)!
Diving at altitudes above this limit may significantly increase the risk of decompression
sickness.
When diving at higher altitudes (above 700 m/2300 ft), it is essential that the entered
altitude mode, i.e. maximum altitude limit of the FAVOR AIR, exceeds or is equal to the
altitude of the dive site. The altitude mode indicator must show either A1 or A2,
depending on the altitude.
Decompression Dives
WARNING!
DO NOT USE THIS INSTRUMENT TO CONDUCT DECOMPRESSION DIVES!
Suunto does not recommend this instrument to be used to conduct decompression
dives. However, if through carelessness or emergency a diver is forced to exceed the
no-decompression limits on a dive, the FAVOR AIR will provide decompression
information required for ascent. After this the FAVOR AIR will continue to provide
subsequent interval and repetitive dive information.
Emergency Ascents
In the unlikely event that the FAVOR AIR malfunctions during a dive, follow the
emergency procedures provided by your certified dive training agency or, alternatively,
immediately ascend at a rate slower than 10 m/min [33 ft/min] to a depth between 3
and 6 meters [10 to 20 ft] and stay there as long as your air supply will safely allow.
Higher Risk Dive Profiles
The user must understand that all decompression devices (decompression tables
and/or dive computers) are based on mathematical models and that many experts are
currently concerned that these models may not under certain conditions adequately
describe the physiological phenomena. These conditions are presently identified as
dives which incorporate the following:
- SAWTOOTH PROFILES where the diver alternates between greater and
shallower depths repeatedly throughout the dive.
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- REVERSE PROFILES where the diver spends most of the dive at shallow
depths and then descends to the maximum depth shortly before surfacing.
- CONSECUTIVE DIVES where the diver performs repetitive dives to approximately
the same maximum depth with only short surface intervals between dives. The
risk of decompression sickness increases when depth and the number of
repetitive dives increase and when the surface intervals are shortened.
- MULTIDAY DIVES repetitive dives performed during several consecutive days.
- DECOMPRESSION DIVES any dive during which the no-decompression limit has
been exceeded or the diver is advised by the computer that he may not return
directly to the surface.
WARNING!
DIVE PRACTICES WHICH INCLUDE THE ABOVE DESCRIBED "HIGHER RISK
DIVE PROFILES" ARE BELIEVED TO INCREASE THE RISK OF DECOMPRESSION
SICKNESS AND AS SUCH CONSIDERED POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND
SHOULD BE AVOIDED EVEN IF THEY CONFORM TO THE MATHEMATICAL
MODEL!
Dive Computer Limitations
While the FAVOR AIR is based on current decompression research and technology, the
user/diver must realize that the computer cannot monitor the actual physiological
functions of an individual diver. All decompression schedules currently known to the
authors, including the U.S. Navy Tables, are based on a theoretical mathematical model
which is intended to serve as a guide to reduce the probability of decompression
sickness.
The mathematical model uses a constant ascent rate of 10 m/min [33 ft/min] already in
the early stage of ascent to prevent the formation of microbubbles. Therefore, it is
critical that a proper ascent rate is always used.
The reader/diver is forewarned that individual physiological differences, severe
environmental conditions and predive activities, especially those which tend to increase
dehydration, may increase the risk of decompression sickness.
As a safety precaution, Suunto recommends that divers using the FAVOR AIR should
maintain no less than 10 minutes no-decompression time remaining at all times during
the dive. This is especially important for divers in poor physical condition, in cold water
or other arduous conditions.
Historically divers have been advised to always include a margin of safety in their diving
activities. Suunto supports these practices and strongly recommends that the diver
make the deepest portion of the dive near the beginning of the dive and gradually
progress into shallower depth, allowing time for a 3 to 5 minutes
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"safety stop" at a depth range of 3 to 6 meters (10 to 20 ft). This is believed to be
effective in further reducing the risk of decompression sickness.
Furthermore, the reader/diver is advised that any dive carries some risk of
decompression sickness and neither the authors, nor SUUNTO OY will assume any
responsibility or liability for accidents or injuries which might occur for any reason.
WARNING!
DO NOT USE THE FAVOR AIR WITH NITROX MIX!
The mathematical tissue calculation model of the FAVOR AIR and the materials in
contact with the breathing gas has been designed for use with standard breathing air
only (approximately 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen by volume). Therefore, the FAVOR
AIR must not be used for diving with "Nitrox" or other mixed gases.
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3. GETTING ACQUAINTED AND DIVING WITH THE FAVOR AIR
This section contains instructions on how to operate the FAVOR AIR and interpret its
displays. Each display has been carefully designed to provide important information you
will need to plan your dive or dive series.
You will find that the FAVOR AIR is easy to use and read. Each display shows only the
data relevant to that specific diving situation. For example, while you are on a dive,
surface interval data is irrelevant and therefore not shown. On the other hand, while you
are on the surface after a dive, remaining no-decompression time for that dive is
irrelevant and therefore replaced with information for your next dive.
3.1 INSTALLATION
When purchasing the FAVOR AIR, have your dealer attach it to the first stage of your
regulator. If you decide to attach it yourself, follow the steps outlined below:
1. Remove the high pressure (HP) port plug on the first stage of your
regulator using an appropriate sized wrench.
2. Thread the high pressure hose of the FAVOR AIR into the port of your
regulator with your fingers. Tighten the hose fitting with a 16 mm [5/8"]
wrench. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN!
3. Attach the regulator to a charged scuba cylinder. Slowly open the valve.
Check for leaks e.g. by submerging the regulator´s first stage in water. If
leaks are detected, consult your dealer.
CAUTION!
BEFORE DIVING, MAKE SURE THAT THE FAVOR AIR IS PROPERLY ATTACHED
TO THE FIRST STAGE OF YOUR REGULATOR BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER!
3.2 USE OF WATER CONTACTS AND TAP SWITCH
The FAVOR AIR has three water contacts on the face of the instrument:
COM: common contact
PLAN/ON: activation and dive planning contact
TIME/MODE: time display and mode selection contact
The FAVOR AIR also has a movement sensitive tap sensor on the right side of the
console. This is used to activate the backlite and to retrieve the time during diving.
3.2.1 Water Contacts
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On the surface the FAVOR AIR is operated by simultaneously touching the COM
contact and one or two of the other contacts. When doing this, your finger tips should be
wet or moist to establish the necessary electric contact. When submerged these
contacts are automatically connected by the conductivity of the water.
The FAVOR AIR is controlled on the surface with the COM (common), PLAN/ON and
TIME/MODE contacts as follows:
Activation: touch the PLAN/ON and COM contacts.
Dive planning: once the FAVOR AIR has been activated, touch the PLAN/ON and COM
contacts.
Clock: once the FAVOR AIR has been activated, touch the TIME/MODE and
COM contacts for two seconds. The time is then displayed for four
seconds.
When the TIME/MODE and COM contacts are touched for over three seconds, the
display will start to scroll through the below mentioned modes. Lift your fingers when the
desired mode is displayed.
Logbook memory: at LOG the logbook memory is accessed.
Dive history memory: at HIS the history memory is accessed.
Personal/altitude adjustment setting: at Alt the personal and/or altitude adjustment
mode can be set.
Time setting: at Set the time and date can be adjusted.
Return: you can at any time exit the above modes by
touching all three contacts at the same time.
First make contact between the PLAN/ON
and TIME/MODE contacts, e.g. by covering
both contacts with your right thumb. Without
lifting your right thumb, touch the COM contact
with your left thumb. Alternatively, you can exit
the modes simply by submerging the FAVOR
AIR in water.
You may sometimes encounter problems in using the contacts, or the FAVOR AIR may
activate on its own. The reason for this is probably contamination or invisible marine
growth that may create an unwanted electric current between the water contacts. It is
therefore important that the FAVOR AIR be carefully washed in fresh water after the
day's diving is completed. The contacts can be cleaned with a soft pencil eraser.
3.2.2 Tap Switch
The tap switch is used to activate the backlite and to retrieve the time during diving. The
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tap switch is used by tapping, pressing or squeezing for example by holding the console
in your right hand and pressing with your right hand thumb the movement sensitive area
on the right hand side of the computer-console. This area is in the middle of the right
side at the level of the "time" water contact text.
The light can be activated on the surface in all modes and during diving. On the surface
only the light will be activated when tapping. During diving the light will be activated
when tapping once and the clock will be displayed when tapping twice.
NOTE: When using the tap switch the lamp goes on for 10 seconds within one second
after releasing the pressure (not by pressing harder). A very small movement is needed
to activate the lamp. During diving the current time is displayed within one second after
releasing the pressure for the second time.
The sensor area is limited in order to minimize unintentional light activation.
With a little try and error you will quickly figure out how to use the tap switch. Do the
practicing in a dark room so you can see when the light goes on.
NOTE: The light can only be activated when the computer is on. The lamp goes
automatically off after approximately 10 seconds from activation.
NOTE: For safety reasons the lamp will not come on or it will turn off after a couple of
seconds, if the battery voltage is low (the low battery symbol is displayed).
3.3 BEFORE DIVING
3.3.1 Activation, Prechecks and Battery Warning
When deactivated the time display is always shown. In this mode the FAVOR AIR is
ready for use and will activate if submerged. However, it is necessary to turn it on before
diving to check the personal/altitude adjustment setting, battery power, cylinder
pressure etc. This is done, either by immersing it in water for a couple of seconds or by
connecting the PLAN/ON and COM contacts with your wet fingertips.
Once activated, the first display, the STARTUP, will turn on showing all available display
elements. A few seconds later the battery power indicator is shown. Next, the two
alternating READY displays will appear confirming that the activation is complete. At
this time, perform your precheck making sure that:
- the FAVOR AIR operates and provides a complete display
- the low battery indicator is not on
- the personal/altitude adjustment setting is correct
- the scuba cylinder valve is open
- the instrument displays correct units (m, °C, bar [ft, °F, psi])
- the instrument displays correct temperature
- the buzzer beeps
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- you have enough air for your planned dive. You should also check the pressure reading
against your back-up pressure gauge.
The FAVOR AIR is now ready for diving. If the FAVOR AIR is not taken on a dive after
activation, it will automatically switch off to the time display after 10 minutes to conserve
the battery power.
The FAVOR AIR does not need to be reactivated for repetitive dives. It will remain
active until it has calculated that all residual nitrogen has off-gassed. This may take up
to 48 hours, as described in Section 6.1, "Operating Principles".
If the battery symbol is displayed the FAVOR AIR should not be used.
Personal Adjustment and High Altitude Diving
WARNING!
SET THE CORRECT PERSONAL/ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENT MODE!
When diving at altitudes greater than 700 m [2300 ft] the personal/altitude adjustment
feature must be correctly selected in order for the computer to calculate the
no-decompression status. The diver should also use this option to make the
calculations more conservative, whenever it is believed that factors which tend to
increase the possibility of decompression sickness exist (see Section 3.6). Failure to
properly select the personal/altitude adjustment mode correctly will result in erroneous
data and can greatly increase the risk of decompression sickness.
WARNING!
THE FAVOR AIR IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE AT ALTITUDES GREATER THAN
2400 m (8000 ft)!
Diving at altitudes above this limit may significantly increase the risk of decompression
sickness.
If you are diving at higher altitudes, make sure that the altitude mode has been set
according to the altitude of your dive site.
For information on how to select the correct altitude setting and how to use the personal
adjustment, see Section 3.6, "Personal Adjustment and High Altitude Dives”.
Battery Power Indicator And Low Battery Warning
The FAVOR AIR has a unique graphic Battery Power Indicator designed to give you an
advance notice of impending need to change the battery.
The Battery Power Indicator will always be seen during activation for three seconds. The
following table 3.1 shows the various warning levels.
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