Gekko
SUUNTO
GEKKO
EN
USER’S GUIDE
Quick reference guide Gekko
The Smart Button:
- Activation
- Mode Operations
Current Time Display
Surface Interval Time
No Flying Time
No-Decompression Time
Total Ascent Time
Safety Stop Time
°
F
°
C
ft
MAXAVGPO2
NO DEC TIME
STOP
TIME
TIME
SURF
DIVE
O2%
ASC TIME
CEILING
OK
QUIT
SELECT
OPTIONS
NO
S
L
O
W
T
C
B
OLF
DIVE
m
Low Battery Warning
Temperature
Week Day
Mode Text
Personal Adjustment
Mode
Do Not Fly Icon
Bar Graph:
- Mode Indicator
- Consumed Botton Time
- Oxygen Limit Fraction
Bar Graph:
- Ascent Rate Indicator
- Battery Power Indicator
- Logbook Page Indicator
Present Depth
Dive Counter
Dive Planning Button
Scroll Button (increase value, ascend)
Oxygen Percentage in
Nitrox Mode
Arrows:
- Decompression Stop at the Ceiling Depth
- Mandatory Safety Stop Zone
- Ascent Recommended
- Must Descend
Dive Time
Time
Month,Day
Maximum Depth
Ceiling Depth on Decompression
Mandatory Safety Stop Depth
Average Depth on Logbook
Oxygen Partial Pressure
AM/PM Indicator
High Altitude Mode
Logbook Symbol
DiveTime/Depth Alarm
On Indicator
Dive Attention Symbol
Indicators for the Scroll
Buttons
Time (alternative display) Button
Scroll Button (decrease value, descend)
Fast Ascent Warning
(SLOW)
Safety Stop Warning
Safety Stop Indicator
Indicators for the Smart
Button
1
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.
DEFINITION OF WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND NOTES
Throughout this manual, special references are made when deemed im-
portant. Three classifi cations are used to separate these references by their
order of importance.
COPYRIGHT, TRADEMARK AND PATENT NOTICE
This instruction manual is cop yrighted and all rights are reserv ed. It may
not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or
reduced to any media without prior written consent from SUUNTO.
SUUNTO, GEKKO, Consumed Bottom Time (CBT), Oxygen Limit Fraction
(OLF), SUUNTO Reduced Gradient Bubble Model (RGBM), Continuous
Decompression and their logos are all registered or unregistered trademarks
of SUUNTO. All rights are reserved.
CE
The CE mark is used to mark conformity with the European Union EMC
directive 89/336/EEC.
The instruments must be serviced by an authorized dealer every second year
or after 200 dives (whichever comes fi rst).
EN 13319
EN 13319 “Diving accessories - Depth gauges and combined depth and time
measuring devices - Functional and safety requirements, test methods” is a
European diving depth gauge standard. The GEKKO is designed to comply
with this standard.
2
ISO 9001
SUUNTO Oy’s Quality Assurance System is certifi ed by Det Norske Veritas to be
according to the ISO 9001 in all SUUNT O Oy’s operations (Quality Certifi cate
No. 96-HEL-AQ-220).
SUUNTO Oy does not assume an y responsibility for losses or claims by third
parties, which may arise through the use of this device.
Due to continuous product development, the GEKKO is subject to change without
notice.
3
WARNING!
READ THIS MANUAL! Carefully read this instruction manual in its entirety
paying close attention to all warnings listed below, including section 1.1. “Safety
Precautions”. Make sure that you fully understand the use, displays and limita-
tions of the dive computer because any confusion resulting from neglecting to
follow this instruction manual or from improper use of this device may cause
a diver to commit errors that may lead to serious injury or death.
WARNING!
NOT FOR PROFESSIONAL USE! Suunto dive computers are intended for
recreational use only . The demands of commercial or professional di ving
may expose the diver to depths and exposures that tend to increase the risk of
decompression illness (DCI). Therefore, Suunto strongly recommends that the
device be not used for commercial or professional diving activity.
WARNING!
ONLY DIVERS TRAINED IN THE PR OPER USE OF SCUB A DIVING
EQUIPMENT SHOULD USE A DIVE COMPUTER! No dive computer can
replace the need for proper dive training. Insuffi cient or improper training may
cause diver to commit errors that may lead to serious injury or death.
WARNING!
THERE IS ALWAYS A RISK OF DECOMPRESSION ILLNESS (DCI) FOR
ANY DIVE PROFILE EVEN IF YOU FOLLO W THE DIVE PLAN PRE-
SCRIBED BY DIVE TABLES OR A DIVE COMPUTER. NO PROCEDURE,
DIVE COMPUTER OR DIVE TABLE WILL PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY
OF DCI OR OXYGEN TOXICITY! An individual’s physiological make up can
vary from day to day. The dive computer cannot account for these variations.
You are strongly advised to remain well within the exposure limits provided
by the instrument to minimize the risk of DCI. As an added measure of safety,
you should consult a physician regarding your fi tness before diving.
4
WARNING!
SUUNTO STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT SPOR T DIVERS LIMIT
THEIR MAXIMUM DEPTH TO 40 M [130 FT] OR TO THE DEPTH CAL-
CULATED BY THE COMPUTER BASED ON THE SELECTED O
2
% AND
A MAXIMUM PO
2
OF 1.4 BAR!
WARNING!
DIVES WITH REQUIRED DECOMPRESSION STOPS ARE NOT RECOM-
MENDED. YOU SHOULD ASCEND AND BEGIN DECOMPRESSION
IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE DIVE COMPUTER SHOWS YOU THAT A
DECOMPRESSION ST OP IS REQ UIRED! Note the blinking ASC TIME
symbol and the upward pointing arrow.
WARNING!
USE B ACK-UP INSTRUMENTS! Make sure that you use back-up instru-
mentation including a depth gauge, submersible pressure gauge, timer or
watch, and ha ve access to decompression tables whene ver diving with the
dive computer.
WARNING!
PERFORM PRECHECKS! Always activate and check the de vice before
diving in order to ensure that all Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) segments are
completely displayed, that the de vice has not run out of battery po wer, and
that the oxygen, altitude and personal adjustments are correct. Also, exit the
PC Settings (PC SET) sub-mode before diving, as the computer does not au-
tomatically revert to Dive mode from the PC Settings mode.
WARNING!
YOU ARE ADVISED TO AVOID FLYING ANY TIME THE COMPUTER
COUNTS DOWN THE NO-FLYING TIME. ALWAYS ACTIVATE THE
COMPUTER TO CHECK THE REMAINING NO-FLY TIME PRIOR TO
FLYING! The computer goes into the stand-by display automatically 5 minutes
after the dive has ended. The stand-by display shuts off after two hours. Flying
or traveling to a higher altitude within no-fl y time can greatly increase the risk
of DCI. Review the recommendations given by Diver’s Alert Network (DAN)
5
in chapter 3.5.3. “Flying After Diving”. There can never be a fl ying after diving
rule that is guaranteed to completely prevent decompression illness!
WARNING!
THE DIVE COMPUTER 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 profi les 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 up to four days prior to initial use of the computer
may cause misleading information and must be avoided.
WARNING!
THE DIVE COMPUTER WILL NOT ACCEPT FRACTIONAL PERCENT-
AGE VALUES OF OXYGEN CONCENTRATION. DO NOT ROUND UP
FRACTIONAL PERCENTAGES! F or e xample, 31.8% oxygen should be
entered as 31%. Rounding up will cause nitrogen percentages to be understated
and will af fect decompression calculations. If there is a desire to adjust the
computer to provide more conservative calculations, use the personal adjust-
ment feature to affect decompression calculations or reduce the PO
2
setting to
affect oxygen exposure.
WARNING!
SET THE CORRECT ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENT MODE! When diving at
altitudes greater than 300 m [1000 ft] the Altitude Adjustment feature must
be correctly selected in order for the computer to calculate the decompres-
sion status. The dive computer is not intended for use at altitudes greater than
3000 m [10000 ft]. F ailure to select the correct Altitude Adjustment setting
or diving above the maximum altitude limit will result in erroneous di ve and
planning data.
6
WARNING!
SET THE CORRECT PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT MODE! Whenever it
is believed that factors that tend to increase the possibility of DCI e xist, it is
recommended that you use this option to make the calculations more conser-
vative. Failure to select the correct Personal Adjustment setting will result in
erroneous dive and planning data.
NOTE!
You can change from Air mode to Nitrox mode at an y time. It is ho wever not
possible to revert back to Air mode from Nitrox mode before the instrument has
counted down the no-fl ying time.
When planning both air and nitrox dives during the same dive series, you should
set the instrument in Nitrox mode and modify the gas mix accordingly.
7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARNINGS ................................................................................... 3
1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................9
1.1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ...........................................................9
1.1.1. Emergency Ascents .................................................................10
1.1.2. Dive Computer Limitations ....................................................10
1.1.3. Nitrox ......................................................................................10
2. GETTING ACQUAINTED ......................................................12
2.1. FUNCTIONS ...............................................................................12
2.2. PUSH BUTTONS ........................................................................12
2.3. WATER CONTACTS ...................................................................14
3. DIVING WITH THE GEKKO .................................................15
3.1 BEFORE DIVING ........................................................................15
3.1.1.Activation and Prechecks .........................................................15
3.1.2.Battery Indication ....................................................................17
3.1.2.1.Battery Power Indicator ..............................................17
3.1.3. Dive Planning [PLAN] ............................................................ 18
3.1.4. User Defi nable Functions and Alarms ....................................19
3.2. SAFETY STOPS ..........................................................................19
3.2.1.Recommended Safety Stop ...................................................... 19
3.2.2.Mandatory Safety Stop ............................................................ 19
3.3. DIVING WITH THE GEKKO ....................................................20
3.3.1.Basic Dive Data .......................................................................20
3.3.2.Bookmark ................................................................................21
3.3.3.Consumed Bottom Time (CBT) .............................................. 22
3.3.4.Ascent Rate Indicator ..............................................................22
3.3.5.Decompression dives ...............................................................23
3.4. DIVING IN NITROX MODE ......................................................27
3.4.1. Before Diving ..........................................................................27
3.4.2. Oxygen Displays .....................................................................28
3.4.3. Oxygen Limit Fraction (OLF) ................................................. 29
3.5. AT THE SURFACE ......................................................................30
3.5.1. Surface Interval .......................................................................30
3.5.2. Dive Numbering ......................................................................31
3.5.3. Flying After Diving ................................................................. 31
3.6. AUDIBLE AND VISUAL ALARMS ...........................................33
8
3.7. HIGH ALTITUDE DIVES AND
PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT ......................................................34
3.7.1.Altitude Adjustment .................................................................34
3.7.2.Personal Adjustment ................................................................35
3.8. ERROR CONDITIONS ...............................................................36
4. MENU BASED MODES ..........................................................37
4.1. MEMORY FUNCTIONS [1 MEMORY] ....................................38
4.1.1.Logbook and Dive Profi le Memory [1 LOGBOOK] ...............39
4.1.2.Dive History Memory [2 HISTORY] ......................................42
4.1.3.PC Settings Mode [3 PC SET] ................................................42
4.2. SET MODES [4 SET] .................................................................43
4.2.1.Dive Computer Model Settings[1 SET MODEL ] .................. 43
4.2.1.1.Nitrox Oxygen Settings .................................................. 43
4.2.2.Alarm settings [2 SET ALMS] ................................................43
4.2.2.1.Dive Time Alarm Setting ...............................................44
4.2.2.2.Maximum Depth Alarm Setting ..................................... 44
4.2.3.Setting Time and date [3 SET TIME] ...................................... 44
4.2.4.Personal adjustments [4 SET ADJ] .........................................44
5. CARE AND MAINTENANCE ................................................46
5.1. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ...................................................46
5.2. CARE OF YOUR DIVE COMPUTER ........................................46
5.3. MAINTENANCE .........................................................................47
5.4. WATER RESISTANCE INSPECTION........................................47
5.5. BATTERY REPLACEMENT ......................................................48
6. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION .................................................52
6.1. OPERATING PRINCIPLES ........................................................52
6.2. SUUNTO REDUCED GRADIENT BUBBLE
MODEL (RGBM) .........................................................................54
6.3. OXYGEN EXPOSURE ...............................................................55
6.4. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION .................................................55
7. WARRANTY ............................................................................59
8. SUUNTOSPORTS.COM ..........................................................60
8.1. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ......................................................60
8.2. SUUNTOSPORTS.COM SECTIONS .........................................60
8.3. GETTING STARTED ..................................................................61
9. GLOSSARY ..............................................................................62
9
1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the SUUNT O GEKKO di ve computer.
The GEKKO builds on the Suunto tradition of deli vering feature-rich easy-use
dive computers. Push button controls access a wide selection of choices and the
display is optimized for the dive mode chosen. This dive computer is a compact
and sophisticated multipurpose di ve instrument, designed to gi ve you years of
trouble-free service.
Choice of Operating Modes and Set-up Options
User options for the GEKKO are selected using the push buttons.
Pre Dive confi guration and setup options include:
• Choice of operating mode - Air / Nitrox
• Choice of unit - Metric / Imperial
• Maximum depth alarm
• Dive time alarm
• Clock, calendar
• Mix Oxygen fraction % (Nitrox mode only)
• Maximum PO
2
(Nitrox mode only)
• Altitude adjustment
• Personal adjustment
Continuous Decompression with Suunto RGBM
The Suunto Reduced Gradient Bubble Model (RGBM) utilized in the GEKK O
predicts both dissolved and free gas in blood and tissues of divers. It is a signifi -
cant advance on the classic Haldane models, which do not predict free gas. The
advantage of Suunto RGBM is additional safety through its ability to adapt to a
variety of situations and dive profi les.
In order to optimize how to respond to different added risk situations an additional
category of stop, referred to as a Mandatory Safety Stop, has been introduced. Also
a countdown for the Recommended Safety Stop is included. The combination of
stop types will depend on the specifi c dive situation.
To get the most from the safety benefi ts be sure to read the summary of the Re-
duced Gradient Bubble Model in chapter 6.2.
1.1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Do not attempt to use the dive computer without reading this instruction manual
in its entirety, including all the warnings. Make sure that you fully understand the
10
use, displays and limitations of the instrument. If you have any questions about
the manual or the di ve computer, contact your SUUNT O dealer before di ving
with the dive computer.
Always remember that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFE-
TY!
When used properly, the dive computer is an outstanding tool for assisting prop-
erly trained, certifi ed divers in planning and e xecuting sport dives. It is NOT A
SUBSTITUTE FOR CERTIFIED SCUBA INSTRUCTION, including training
in the principles of decompression.
Diving with enriched air mixtures (nitrox) exposes the user to risks different from
those associated with di ving with standard air. These risks are not ob vious and
require training to understand and a void. Risks include possible serious injury
or death.
Do not attempt to di ve with an y gas mix other than standard air without fi rst
receiving certifi ed training in this specialty.
1.1.1. Emergency Ascents
In the unlik ely event that the dive computer malfunctions during a di ve, follow
the emer gency procedures pro vided by your certifi ed dive training agenc y or,
alternatively,
STEP 1: Assess the situation calmly and then move promptly to less than 18 m
[60 ft].
STEP 2: At 18 m [60 ft], slow down your ascent rate to 10 m/min [33 ft/min]
and move to a depth between 3 and 6 meters [10 to 20 ft].
STEP 3: Stay there as long as you assess your air supply will safely allow. After
reaching the surface stay out of the water for at least 24 hours.
1.1.2. Dive Computer Limitations
While the dive computer is based on current decompression research and technol-
ogy, you 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 theoretical mathemati-
cal models, which are intended to serv e as a guide to reduce the probability of
decompression illness.
1.1.3. Nitrox
Diving with nitrox provides the diver with an opportunity to increase bottom times
or reduce the risk of decompression illness by reducing the nitrogen content in
the breathing gas mix.
11
However, when the gas mix is altered, the oxygen content of the mix is generally
increased. This increase exposes the diver to an oxygen toxicity risk not usually
considered in recreational diving. In order to manage this risk, the dive computer
tracks the time and intensity of the oxygen exposure and provides the diver with
information to adjust the dive plan in order to maintain oxygen exposure within
reasonably safe limits.
In addition to the physiological effects of enriched air on the body there are op-
erational considerations to be addressed when handling altered breathing mixes.
Elevated concentrations of oxygen present a fi re or explosion hazard. Consult the
manufacturer of your equipment in regards to its compatibility with nitrox.
12
2. GETTING ACQUAINTED
2.1. FUNCTIONS
The Suunto GEKKO can be set to function as a re gular air dive computer or as
a nitrox dive computer.
The GEKK O features tw o dive computer models (AIR, NITR OX), three main
operating modes (TIME/ST AND-BY, SURFACE, DIVING), tw o menu based
main modes (MEMORY, SET) and seven menu based submodes (review separate
Quick Reference Guide). You can scroll through the modes using the push buttons.
The mode indicator at the left side and the mode text at the bottom of the display
indicate the selected mode.
The timekeeping display is the default display of the instrument (Fig. 2.1.). If a
button is not pressed within 5 minutes, the dive computer beeps and returns to
the timekeeping display automatically (except in Diving mode). The timekeep-
ing display shuts off after two hours, but pressing the PLAN or TIME button
activates it.
Making the GEKKO Personal
For best use of the GEKKO take some time and make
it YOUR computer.
Set the correct time and date. Read this manual. Set
dive alarms and make all the other settings listed in
the introduction in this manual. Install the GEKKO
in your console or fi t it on to your wrist.
All this so you kno w your computer and have it set
up as you want it before getting into the water.
2.2. PUSH BUTTONS
The GEKK O has easy-to-use push b uttons and an
advisory display, which guides the user. The SMART
(MODE) b utton is the k ey to the system. The two
scroll buttons, PLAN and TIME, are used for scroll-
ing up and down the menus and to show the alterna-
tive displays. The dive computer is controlled with
these three push buttons as follows (see Fig. 2.2.).
Fig. 2.1. Timekeeping
display. Pressing PLAN
or TIME button activates
display.
Fig. 2.2. Push buttons of the
dive computer.
The SMART button
The PLAN, TIME and
SCROLL buttons
13
Press the SMART (MODE) button
• To activate the dive computer.
• To change from the Surface Mode to the
menu based modes.
• To select, confi rm or quit a submode (short
press).
• To immediately exit any submode to the
Surface Mode (long press).
Press the arrow up scroll (PLAN) button
• To activate the timekeeping display, if the
display is blank.
• To activate the Dive Planning in the Surface
Mode.
• To make a special bookmark in the profi le
memory during a dive.
• To scroll up the options (V, increase).
Press the arrow down scroll (ALTER) button
• To activate the timekeeping display, if the
display is blank.
• To activate the alternative display(s).
• To scroll down the options (W, decrease).
The di ve computer is controlled with the SMART
(MODE/On/Select/OK/Quit) and the PLAN V and
TIME W push b uttons and with the w ater contacts
as follows:
Activation press the SMART (On) button
or immerse the instrument
in water for fi ve (5) seconds.
Dive
Planning in the Surf ace Mode, press the
PLAN (s) button.
Menu Modes press the SMART (MODE)
b utton.
14
2.3. WATER CONTACTS
The water contacts control the automatic acti vation
of the Dive Mode.
The water and data transfer contacts are located on
bottom of the case (Fig 2.3). When submerged the
water contacts are connected to the push b uttons
(which are the other pole of the water contact) by
the conductivity of the water. The “AC” text (Active
Contacts, Fig. 2.4.) will appear on display . The AC
text will be sho wn until the w ater contact deacti-
vates or the di ve computer enters the Di ve Mode
automatically.
Fig. 2.4. Active water
contacts are indicated by the
text AC.
Fig 2.3. Depth sensor (A),
water/data transfer contacts
(B).
C
L
O
S
E
O
P
E
N
A
B
15
3. DIVING WITH THE GEKKO
This section contains instructions on how to operate
the dive computer and interpret its displays. You will
fi nd that this dive computer is easy to use and read.
Each display sho ws only the data rele vant to that
specifi c diving situation.
3.1 BEFORE DIVING
3.1.1. Activation and Prechecks
The dive computer will activate if submerged deeper
than 0.5 m (1.5 ft). However, it is necessary to turn
on the Dive Mode before diving to check the altitude
and personal adjustment settings, battery condition,
oxygen settings etc. Press the SMART (Mode) but-
ton to activate the instrument.
After acti vation all display elements will turn on
showing m ostly fi gure 8 ’s and graphi cal elements
(Fig. 3 .1.). A few s econds l ater t he b attery p ower
indicator is sho wn and the b uzzer is activated (Fig.
3.2. display a, b, c or d depending on the battery
voltage). If set to Air mode the screen will enter the
Surface mode (Fig. 3.3.) and if set to Nitrox mode the
essential oxygen parameters are shown with the text
NITROX (Fig. 3.20.) before the Surface mode.
Fig. 3.1. Startup I. All seg-
ments shown.
Fig. 3.2. Startup II. Battery
power indicator.
°
F
°
C
ft
MAXAVGPO2
NO DEC TIME
STOP
TIME
TIME
SURF
DIVE
O2%
ASC TIME
CEILING
OK
QUIT
SELECT
OPTIONS
NO
S
L
O
W
T
C
B
OLF
DIVE
m
QUIT
OK
16
At this time, perform your prechecks making sure
that:
• the instrument operates in the correct mode
and provides a complete display (Air/Ni-
trox modes)
• the low battery indicator is not on
• the altitude and personal adjustment set-
tings are correct
• the instrument displays correct units of
measurement (Metric/Imperial)
• the instrument displays correct temperature
and depth (0.0 m [0 ft])
• the buzzer beeps
And if set to Nitrox mode (refer to chapter 3.4 Diving
in Nitrox mode), make sure that:
• the oxygen percentage is adjusted accord-
ing to the measured Nitrox blend in your
cylinder
• the oxygen partial pressure limit is set cor-
rectly.
The dive computer is now ready for diving.
Fig. 3.4. Low Battery
Warning. Battery symbol
indicates that the battery is
low and battery replacement
is recommended.
Fig 3.3. Startup III. Surface
mode. Depth and dive time
are zero, current tempera-
ture, 20 °C. Pressing TIME
button activates alternative
display of current time.
TIME
DIVE
m
TIME
°
C
TIME
DIVE
m
°
C
Fig. 3.5. Dive Planning.
Planning mode is indicated
by PLAN text. No-decom-
pression time limit at 30.0
m [100 ft] is 14 minutes in
A0/P1 mode.
QUIT
DIVE
NO DEC TIME
MAX
17
3.1.2. BATTERY INDICATION
3.1.2.1. Battery Power Indicator
This dive computer 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 can always be seen when the Dive Mode is activated.
The following Table and Figure show the various warning levels.
Display Operation Figure 3.2
BAT + Normal, full battery. a
4 segments + OK
BAT + Normal, battery power is getting b
3 segments low or the temperature is low.
Battery replacement is recommended
if you are going to colder conditions
or if you are planning to make a dive trip.
LOWBAT + Battery power is low and the battery c
2 segments + replacement is recommended.
low battery symbol The battery symbol is displayed.
LOWBAT + Change the battery! d
1 segment + QUIT+ Returns to the Time display.
low battery symbol Activation and all functions are disabled.
TABLE 3.1. BATTERY POWER INDICATOR
Temperature or an internal oxidation of the battery affects the battery voltage. If the
instrument is stored for a long period, the low battery warning may be displayed
even though the battery has enough capacity. The low battery warning may also
be displayed at low temperatures, even though the battery has enough capacity in
warmer conditions. In these cases repeat the battery check procedure.
After battery check the Low Battery Warning is indicated by the battery symbol
(Fig. 3.4.).
If the battery symbol is displayed in the Surf ace mode or if the display is f aded
or weak, the battery may be too lo w to operate the di ve computer and battery
replacement is recommended.
18
3.1.3. Dive Planning [PLAN]
To enter Planning Mode, press the PLAN button at any time during Surface Mode.
After showing the text “PLAN” (Fig. 3.5.), the display will show the no-decompres-
sion limit for the depth of 9 m [30 ft]. By pressing the do wn arrow (W) (TIME)
button, the dive computer will calculate and show the next deeper no-decompres-
sion limits in 3 m [10 ft] increments ending at 45 m [150 ft]. By pressing the up
arrow (V) (PLAN) button, the next shallower depth will be shown again.
The Planning Mode is canceled by pressing the SMART (QUIT) button.
NOTE! The Planning mode is disabled in Error mode (see section 3.8. “Error
Conditions”).
Higher Altitude and conservative Personal Adjustment Modes will shorten the
no-decompression time limits. These limits at dif ferent Altitude and Personal
Adjustment Mode selections are shown in Table 6.1 and 6.2 in section 6.1. “Op-
erating Principles”.
The Planning mode also accounts for the following information from pre vious
dives:
• any calculated residual nitrogen
• all dive history for the past four days
• oxygen toxicity (Nitrox mode)
The no-decompression times given for different depths will therefore be shorter
than before your fi rst “fresh” dive.
DIVE NUMBERING SHOWN DURING DIVE PLANNING
Dives belong to the same repetitive dive series if the instrument was still counting
down the no-fl y time at the beginning of the dive.
The surface interval must be at least 5 minutes for a dive to be considered a repeti-
tive dive. Otherwise, it is considered a continuation of the same di ve. The dive
number will not change and the dive time will continue where it left off (see also
section 3.5.2. “Dive Numbering”).
19
3.1.4. User Defi nable Functions and Alarms
The GEKKO has several user defi nable functions and depth and time related
alarms that you can set according to your personal preference.
The dive computer model (Air/Nitrox) can be set in the MODE- SET- MODEL
submode. The dive alarms can be set under MODE- SET - SET ALARMS, the
time and date settings in MODE-SET-SET TIME, and the units (metric/impe-
rial) as well as personal adjustments in the MODE- SET - SET ADJUSTMETS
submode. Setting of the user defi nable functions and alarms are explained in detail
in section 4.2. “Set Modes”.
3.2. SAFETY STOPS
Safety stops are widely considered “good diving practice” and are an integral part of
most dive tables. Reasons to perform a safety stop include a reduction in sub clinical
DCI, microbubble reduction, ascent control, and orientation before surfacing.
The GEKKO displays two different types of safety stops: Recommended Safety
Stop and Mandatory Safety Stop.
The Safety Stops are indicated by:
- STOP label, when in the depth range 3 m - 6 m [10 ft - 20 ft] =
Recommended Safety Stop Countdown
- STOP+ CEILING label, when in the depth range 3 m - 6 m [10 ft - 20 ft] =
Mandatory Safety Stop Time display
- STOP label, when deeper than 6 m = Mandatory Safety Stop scheduled
3.2.1. Recommended Safety Stop
With every dive over 10 meters the instrument has a three minute countdown for
the recommended safety stop, to be taken in the 3 - 6 meter [10 ft - 20 ft] range.
This is sho wn with the ST OP sign and a three-minute countdo wn in the center
window instead of the no-decompression time (Fig. 3.9.).
The Recommended Safety Stop, as the name implies, is recommended. If it is
ignored, there is no penalty applied to the following surface intervals and dives.
3.2.2. Mandatory Safety Stop
When the ascent rate exceeds 12 meters/min [40 ft] momentarily or 10 meters/min
[33ft] continuously the micro-bubble build-up is predicted to be more than allowed
for in the decompression model. The Suunto RGBM calculation model responds
to this by adding a Mandatory Safety Stop to the dive. The time of this Mandatory
Safety Stop will depend on the severity of the ascent rate excess.
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