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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
3.1INSTALLATION
3.2USE OF WATER CONTACTS AND TAP SWITCH
3.2.1Water Contacts
3.2.2Tap Switch and Electroluminescent Backlite
3.3BEFORE DIVING
3.3.1Activation, Prechecks and Battery Warning
3.3.2Dive Planning
3.3.3Calendar Clock Function
3.4DIVING
3.4.1Basic Dive Data
3.4.2Cylinder Pressure Data
3.4.3Ascent Rate Indicator
3.4.4Audible and Visual Alarms
3.4.5Decompression Dives
3.5AT THE SURFACE
3.5.1Surface Interval
3.5.2Flying After Diving
3.6PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT AND HIGH ALTITUDE DIVES
3.7ERROR CONDITIONS
4.MENU BASED MODES
4.1LOGBOOK MEMORY
4.2DIVE HISTORY MEMORY
4.3PERSONAL/ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENT SETTING
4.4TIME AND DATE SETTING
5.CARE AND MAINTENANCE
5.1MAINTENANCE
5.2ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY
5.3BATTERY REPLACEMENT
5.4BATTERY COMPARTMENT INSPECTION
6.TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
6.1OPERATING PRINCIPLES
6.2TECHNICAL 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:
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 |
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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 |
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touching all three contacts at the same time. |
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First make contact between the PLAN/ON |
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and TIME/MODE contacts, e.g. by covering |
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both contacts with your right thumb. Without |
|
lifting your right thumb, touch the COM contact |
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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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