SUUNTO SOLUTION Alpha User Manual

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SOLUTION á ( ALPHA) INSTRUCTION MANUAL

The SUUNTO SOLUTION á dive computer features:

- built-in simulator for dive planning before and between dives

- built-in calendar clock

- personal adjustment

- adjustment for altitude

- phosphorescent LCD display

- complete memory capabilities including 25 hour profile memory

- visual and audible alarms

- PC interface capability

- easily replaceable protective shield

- wrist and combo models

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 THIS MANUAL!
Carefully read this instruction manual in its entirety, including Section 1, "For Your
Safety". Make sure that you fully understand the use, displays and limitations of the
SOLUTION á.

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 with the
SOLUTION á dive computer.

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WARNING!
ONLY DIVERS TRAINED IN THE PROPER USE OF SCUBA EQUIPMENT
SHOULD USE THE SOLUTION
No dive computer can replace the need for proper dive training.

WARNING!
NOT FOR PROFESSIONAL USE!
SUUNTO diving 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
SOLUTION á be not used for commercial or other severe diving activity.

WARNING!
PERFORM PRECHECKS!
Always check the SOLUTION á before diving in order to ensure that all LCD
segments are completely displayed, that the SOLUTION á has not run out of
battery power, and that the altitude/ personal 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 SOLUTION á.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION

1. FOR YOUR SAFETY

2. GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE SOLUTION

2.1 WATER CONTACTS

2.2 ACTIVATION

2.3 THE DIVE SIMULATOR - FOR EASY LEARNING

3. DIVING WITH THE SOLUTION á

3.1 USE OF WATER CONTACTS

3.2 BEFORE DIVING

3.2.1 Activation, Prechecks and Battery Warning

3.2.2 Dive Planning

3.2.3 Calendar Clock Function

3.3 DIVING

3.3.1 Basic Dive Data

3.3.2 Ascent Meter

3.3.3 Audible and Visual Alarms

3.3.4 Decompression Dives

3.4 AT SURFACE

3.4.1 Surface Interval

3.4.2 Flying After Diving

3.5 HIGH ALTITUDE DIVES AND PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT

3.6 ERROR CONDITIONS

4. MENU BASED MODES

4.1 LOGBOOK AND DIVE PROFILE MEMORY

4.2 DIVE HISTORY MEMORY

4.3 ALTITUDE/ PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT SETTING

4.4 DIVE SIMULATOR

4.5 SETTING TIME AND DATE

5. PC INTERFACE

6. CARE AND MAINTENANCE

6.1 MAINTENANCE

6.2 BATTERY COMPARTMENT INSPECTION

7. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

7.1 OPERATING PRINCIPLES

7.2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

8. WARRANTY

9. GLOSSARY

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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your choice of the SUUNTO SOLUTION á Dive Computer.

The SOLUTION á is a compact and most sophisticated dive instrument that will
give you years of trouble free and joyful diving. The SOLUTION á dive computer
will provide you with important information that you will need during, between, and
after your dives.

Key Features
The SOLUTION á monitors and reports vital information such as your dive time,

current depth, maximum depth, no-decompression time and ascent rate. It will give
you visual and audible warnings, as required. Its built-in simulator allows you to get
acquainted with the features and displays of the SOLUTION á before diving and to
plan dives before and between dives.

The SOLUTION á will also give you information, if through carelessness or
emergency you are forced to exceed the no-decompression limits for any dive.
The SOLUTION á has a built-in calendar and clock. It features versatile memory
capabilities, including both detailed profiles and long-term historical data. It can
interface with a PC, allowing for additional log book features and dive simulation.
The instrument can be adjusted for diving at different altitudes or to add an extra
level of conservativeness if desired. The screen is protected against scratches and
damage by a replaceable shield.

The SOLUTION á is available either as a wrist unit or mounted in two gauge or
three gauge console or in a hose mounted boot. The modular construction allows
for the separate compass module to be attached to the two gauge console at a later
stage.

Getting Started
A fast way for you to get started with the SOLUTION á is to let the built-in dive

simulator demonstrate its features and displays. This is described in Section 2,
"Getting Acquainted with the SOLUTION á". Before your first actual dive you must
also read and understand Section 1, "For Your Safety" and Section 3, "Diving with
the SOLUTION á" in their entirety. Section 4, "Menu Based Functions" teaches you
how to access the memory functions and simulator, and how to set the altitude/
personal adjustment mode and the clock. Section 5, "PC Interface" gives you some
information on the capability of this optional package. Section 6, "Care and
Maintenance" and Section 7, "Technical Description" gives you detailed information
on these two subjects. Finally, there is warranty information in Section 8, and a
glossary in Section 9.

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Metric and Imperial Units
All examples in this manual are shown in metric units, including meters and C. The

corresponding imperial units are shown in brackets. The SOLUTION á is also
available with imperial units, i.e. feet and F.

WARNING!
VERIFY THAT THE UNITS OF MEASURE, WHETHER METRIC OR IMPERIAL,
ARE CORRECT BEFORE STARTING TO DIVE!
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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1. FOR YOUR SAFETY
Always remember that THE DIVER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS OR HER OWN

SAFETY!
When used properly the SOLUTION á 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 Suunto SOLUTION á without reading this entire
Instruction Manual. If you have any questions about the manual or the SOLUTION

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, contact your Suunto dealer before diving with the SOLUTION á.
Back-Up Instruments
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 SOLUTION á.

Sharing the SOLUTION
WARNING!

THE SOLUTION á 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.

High Altitude/ Personal Adjustment
More information about this is given in Section 3.5, "High Altitude Dives and

Personal Adjustment".

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WARNING!
SET THE CORRECT ALTITUDE/ PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT MODE!
When diving at altitudes greater than 700 m [2300 ft] the altitude/ personal
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 DCS exist (see Section 3.5). Failure to properly select the
altitude/ personal adjustment mode correctly will result in erroneous data and can
greatly increase the risk of DCS.

WARNING!
THE SOLUTION á 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 DCS.

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 SOLUTION á, 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. More information about this is given in Section

3.5, "High Altitude Dives and Personal Adjustment".

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 SOLUTION á will provide
decompression information required for ascent. After this the SOLUTION á will
continue to provide subsequent interval and repetitive dive information.

Emergency Ascents
In the unlikely event that the SOLUTION á malfunctions during a dive, follow the

emergency procedures provided by your certified dive training 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.

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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:

- REVERSE PROFILES where the diver spends most of the dive at shallow
depths and then descends to the maximum depth shortly before surfacing.

- SAWTOOTH PROFILES where the diver alternates between greater and
shallower depths repeatedly throughout the dive.

- CONSECUTIVE DIVES where the diver performs repetitive dives to

approximately the same maximum depth with only short surface intervals
between dives. The risk of DCS increases when depth and the number of
repetitive dives increase and when the surface intervals are decreased.

- MULTIDAY DIVES repetitive dives performed for 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 CONSIDERED POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND
SHOULD BE AVOIDED EVEN IF THEY CONFORM TO THE MATHEMATICAL
MODEL!

Dive Computer Limitations
While the SOLUTION á 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.

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The mathematical model uses an ascent rate of 10 m/min [33 ft/min]. 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 SOLUTION
should maintain no less than 5 to 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
"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 SOLUTION á WITH NITROX MIX!
The mathematical tissue calculation model of the SOLUTION á has been designed
for use with standard breathing air only (approximately 21% oxygen and 79%
nitrogen by volume). Therefore, the SOLUTION á must not be used for diving with
"Nitrox" or other mixed gases.

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2. GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE SOLUTION
This brief introduction will utilize the unique built-in dive simulator of the SOLUTION

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. Following the simple steps described below you can see exactly what the display
might show during different stages of a typical dive sequence.

WARNING!
READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRE OWNER'S MANUAL BEFORE DIVING!
Failure to complete this step may result in serious personal injury.

The purpose of this section is to provide the user with initial information to preview
the operation of the computer. Since this information is limited, it is imperative that
you read and understand the entire owner's manual before attempting to dive.

2.1 WATER CONTACTS
The SOLUTION á has three water contacts on the face of the instrument:

- COM: common contact

- ON/PLAN: activation and dive planning contact

- TIME/MODE: time display and mode selection contact

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On the surface the SOLUTION á 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.

2.2 ACTIVATION
The SOLUTION á is activated by touching the ON/PLAN and COM contacts.

The SOLUTION á confirms this with a short beep. The first display, the STARTUP,
shows all available elements and immediately after this the serial number of the unit.
A few seconds later the READY display will appear, showing zero values.

2.3 THE DIVE SIMULATOR - FOR EASY LEARNING
The SOLUTION á's built-in Dive Simulator is an excellent tool for becoming familiar

with the SOLUTION á. It will allow you to "perform" dive profiles of your choice and
see exactly what the display would look like during an actual dive. This includes

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basic dive information, as well as audible and visual warnings.
In simulation mode the time has been speeded up, moving four times faster than

real time when diving and 12 times as fast on the surface.
Enter the Dive Simulation Mode
To enter the dive simulation mode, keep your moistened fingers against the

TIME/MODE and COM contacts. A bar on the right-hand side of the display will
scroll through the different modes available. Lift your fingers when the scroll bar is in
line with the letters dSI (dive simulation) next to the screen and the text dSi is shown
on the display. If you accidentally enter the wrong menu selection, simply touch all
the three contacts simultaneously to return to the READY display.

Before Diving (simulation)
To make the first dive. When you enter the dive simulation mode, as described

above, the initial display is the READY display. Next, enter the DIVE PLANNING
mode by touching the ON/PLAN and COM contacts for about one second. Release
your fingers immediately when you hear a short beep. The DIVE PLANNING display
will rapidly cycle through the no-decompression limits for various depths.

Diving (simulation)
To simulate a dive, use the three contacts as follows:
To descend: touch the ON/PLAN and COM contacts for as long as you

want to descend.
To ascend: touch the TIME/MODE and COM contacts. You will have to lift your

fingers momentarily to avoid an excessive ascent speed rate.
We are now ready to descend. Keep your fingers on the ON/PLAN and COM

contacts for a couple of seconds at a time. Descend step by step to about 30 m
[100 ft]. After about 9 minutes of diving, start the ascent. Check your ascent rate on
the ascent rate indicator. The ascent rate is indicated in the upper left corner by
one, two, or three bars indicating a maximum ascent rate of 5, 7.5, and 10 m/min
[16, 25, and 33 ft/min, respectively]. If you exceed the maximum allowed ascent rate
of 10 m/min [33 ft/min], all three bars and a blinking SLOW will be shown.
Remember to make a safety stop at a depth of about 4.5 m [15 ft] before surfacing.
Now it is time to surface.

Surface Interval (simulation)
Back on the surface the display shows the maximum depth and dive time of your

simulated dive and the elapsed surface interval time or the no-flying time display.

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It is also possible to simulate repetitive dives and to see how the SOLUTION
works e.g. during a decompression dive.

Exit the Dive Simulation Mode
You may any time exit the simulation mode by making contact between all three

water contacts. This is most easily done by first covering the TIME/MODE and
ON/PLAN contacts with your right thumb and then touching the COM contact with
your left thumb. As usual, it helps if your fingers are wet or moist. This procedure will
bring you back to the normal READY mode. The SOLUTION á is now ready for a
dive. It will automatically switch off in about 10 minutes of surface time in case you
do not use it any more and no real dives have been performed.

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3. DIVING WITH THE SOLUTION
This section contains instructions on how to operate the SOLUTION á 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 SOLUTION á 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 USE OF WATER CONTACTS
As described in Section 2.1, "Water Contacts", the SOLUTION á is controlled with

the COM (common), ON/PLAN, and TIME/MODE contacts, as follows:
Activation: touch the ON/PLAN and COM contacts.

Dive planning: once the SOLUTION á has been activated, touch the ON/PLAN and

COM contacts.

Clock: touch the TIME/MODE and COM contacts for a second. The time is

then displayed for four seconds.

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When the TIME/MODE and COM contacts are being touched over two seconds, the
display will start to scroll through the following modes. Lift your fingers when the
desired mode is displayed:

Memories: at LOG the logbook and profile memories

are accessed.
Dive history: at HIS the history memory is accessed.
Altitude/ personal adjustment setting: at Alt the altitude and/or personal

adjustment can be set.
Dive simulator: at dSI the dive simulator is ready for use.
Time setting: at Set the clock can be adjusted.