NiTek3 Dive Computer User Guide Date of purchase: www.diverite.
Content DEVELOPED BY Dive Rite 175 NW Washington Street Lake City, FL 32055 Phone: 386.752.1087 Fax: 386.755.0613 Web: www.diverite.com COPYRIGHT NOTICE Copyright © 2003-2004 Lamartek, Inc. dba Dive Rite WARRANTY INFORMATION Dive Rite will—at its sole discretion—repair or replace NiTek3 components proved to be damaged by faulty manufacture or material, at no cost, for a period of up to one year (365 days) from the date of purchase. This manual is copyrighted by Lamartek, Inc. dba Dive Rite.
Content Table of contents Chapter 1 Introduction • 1 Overview • 2 Features and functions • 3 Specifications • 5 Warnings • 6 Chapter 2 Using the NiTek3 • 9 Getting started • 10 Accessing display modes and screens • 11 Surface mode • 12 Setting the dive options • 14 Using gauge mode • 17 Understanding default mode • 18 Plan mode • 20 Dive computer mode • 22 Gauge mode • 29 Surface mode (upon surfacing from a dive) • 30 Log mode • 32 Profile mode • 34 PC transfer mode • 36 Altitude operation • 38 Chapter
Chapter 1 Introduction Summary This chapter provides an overview of the NiTek3, lists the NiTek3’s features and functions, and covers warning information that should be read before using your NiTek3.
Introduction Overview Congratulations on your purchase of the NiTek3 dive computer. The NiTek3 is a sophisticated and comprehensive dive computer that was designed to offer you the latest in dive computer technology, safety, and reliability.
Introduction Features and functions The NiTek3 incorporates a number of important modes and features: • The NiTek3 turns on automatically upon descent • On the surface, the NiTek3 constantly displays a minimum of date and time • The NiTek3 uses easily accessible and highly reliable push buttons instead of exposed electrical contacts • The NiTek3 can be programmed to monitor exposure to three different gas mixtures during a dive.
Introduction atmospheres depending on what is set, and when cumulative exposure to elevated PO2s exceeds recommended limits.
Introduction Specifications Algorithm: Modified Buhlmann Sample tissues: 9 Tissue half-lives: from 5 to 640 minutes Size and weight Length: 4.25 in (10.8 cm) Height: 1.25 in (3.2 cm) Weight: 8 ounces (226 g) Display face Low battery indicator Two user buttons Water immersion switch Depth sensor Sea and fresh water calibration Measuring range: 0 to 328 feet (0 to 100 m) measured every second (Gauge mode 656 feet (200 m) Accuracy: +/- 3% + 2 feet (0.
Introduction Warnings This information has been developed for your safety. Please read and understand this manual completely before using your NiTek3 dive computer. Important safety information: • Before using your NiTek3, it is extremely important that you read the following points—as well as similar warning and caution notices that appear throughout this manual. Failure to do so could result in damage to or loss of equipment, serious personal injury, or death.
Introduction dives in the same repetitive dive series and is thus, accurately monitoring the diver’s total exposure to oxygen and nitrogen. • Neither the NiTek3—nor any other dive computer— physically measures the amount of nitrogen present in body tissues or the rate at which nitrogen is being absorbed or released.
Introduction • Do not rely solely on this or any other dive computer. Take a back-up dive computer or dive tables (along with a separate means of monitoring depth and dive time). • Be aware that the NiTek3 makes assumptions regarding residual nitrogen based on altitude settings. Avoid making abrupt changes in altitude following a dive, as doing so may be very dangerous.
Chapter 2 Using the NiTek3 Summary This chapter provides topics about using, setting, and understanding each of the modes and options of the NiTek3.
Using the NiTek3 Getting started The NiTek3 has many modes and screens and a number of options that can be changed depending on your dive location and profile. The following is a checklist of general things that you should pay attention to before, during, and after a dive. Before a dive • Check that the proper time and date are set. If you traveled, your NiTek3 may be set to your home time zone. • Check that the proper mixes are set. If you are using gauge mode, make sure it is set to “GAGE.
Using the NiTek3 Accessing display modes and screens There are some display modes that the NiTek3 enters and/or exits automatically. For example, by taking the NiTek3 underwater, the dive mode automatically turns on. Upon surfacing, the NiTek3 automatically enters the surface mode. To access other modes or screens requires the use of the NiTek3’s buttons. Button operation The NiTek3 has two buttons (A and B), which are used to access the different modes and screens.
Using the NiTek3 Surface mode Surface mode is the NiTek3’s default mode. The computer returns to this mode automatically upon surfacing from a dive and from other modes when two to three minutes of inactivity have passed. Note: The NiTek3 may display additional information concerning exposure to nitrogen and oxygen, desaturation time, surface interval time, and altitude. These items are covered in “Surface mode (upon surfacing from a dive)” and “Altitude operation.
Using the NiTek3 To set the time and date: 1. Press and hold button A for ten seconds. The profile sampling rate flashes. 2. Press buttons A and B simultaneously for ten seconds. The “minutes” field flashes. 3. Press button B to set the minutes or press button A to go to another field, such as hours. 4. Using buttons A and B, set the year, month, day, hour, and minutes. The time is based on a 24-hour format. For example, 1:00 PM would be 13:00. 5. When finished, press button A to return to surface mode.
Using the NiTek3 Setting the dive options Setting the dive options includes setting up the following: • Dive profile sampling rate: This is how frequently depth data is measured and stored during a dive, which is 5, 10, 20, 30, or 60 seconds. • Salt or fresh water use: This is the setting for salt water or fresh water use. • FO2 gas percentage: This is the oxygen percentage for the mix number selected. The O2 percentage setting range is 21 to 99 percent.
Using the NiTek3 The profile sampling rate flashes. 2. Press button B to change the sampling rate. 3. When finished, press button A twice to return to surface mode. Setting for fresh or salt water use The NiTek3 is capable of operating using fresh or salt water calculations. This is based on: • • One atmosphere of saltwater is 33 feet (10 meters) One atmosphere of freshwater is 34 feet (10.3 meters) Before going diving, set the computer to the type of water you are diving in.
Using the NiTek3 2. Press button B to change mix1. Press and hold button B to increase the percentages rapidly 3. Press button A to select mix2. 4. Press button B to change mix2. Press and hold button B to increase the percentages rapidly 5. Press button A to select mix3. 6. Press button B to change mix3. Press and hold button B to increase the percentages rapidly 7. When finished, press button A to return to surface mode.
Using the NiTek3 Using gauge mode If you do not want to use the NiTek3 as a normal “dive computer,” the NiTek3 has a gauge operation. Gauge operation is when the NiTek3 is operating simply as a depth gauge and bottom timer. Exposure to nitrogen and oxygen and nodecompression limits are not tracked and no bar graphs are displayed. This mode is used by divers who are relying solely on dive tables for decompression information. The operating depth limit when in gauge operation is 656 feet (200 meters).
Using the NiTek3 Understanding default mode In your entry-level Enriched Air Nitrox training, you learned that among the greatest risks Nitrox (EANx) use poses is CNS oxygen toxicity. CNS oxygen toxicity can occur if Nitrox is breathed at depths where the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) exceeds safe limits. The NiTek3 is designed to help divers avoid such situations by presenting information and warnings regarding current PO2 levels and cumulative exposure to elevated PO2s.
Using the NiTek3 • If you set a Nitrox mixture, but do not dive with the computer, the NiTek3 holds the programmed gas mixture until midnight, then defaults. The computer does not default at midnight if you are diving. Dealing with FO2 default The best way to deal with FO2 default is to simply avoid it. Make sure that prior to every dive you check the FO2 setting for gas mix you are diving. Make sure it accurately matches what you are going to breath during the dive.
Using the NiTek3 Plan mode Plan mode enables you to determine how long you can stay at various depths while remaining within the no-decompression limits. The no-decompression time limits are based on the gas mix that is selected. If you are making a dive within 24 hours of a previous dive, the no-decompression time limits are based on the residual nitrogen remaining.
Using the NiTek3 NDL time may be displayed for some deeper depths. If this takes place, a series of horizontal lines are displayed. Similarly, for combinations of depth and FO2 that would cause a diver to exceed a limiting PO2 of 1.6 atmospheres, a series of horizontal lines appears in place of the no-decompression limit. To enter plan mode: 1. Press button A. The arrow at the bottom of the display points to PLAN. 2. Press button B or wait four to five seconds until the mixes auto-scroll. 3.
Using the NiTek3 Dive computer mode Dive computer mode is automatically entered when the computer enters the water. It begins performing its dive calculations once you descend below 5 feet (1.5 meters). Caution: Prior to diving, always check to ensure that the FO2 settings are correct and that the computer is not in default mode. While in diving mode, the computer calculates and displays information about your dive and prompts you with safety stop information and warnings if needed.
Using the NiTek3 eight bars. When all bars are displayed, it means that you have used 100 percent of your “CNS” clock. This graph increases when you descend due to higher partial pressures and may decrease when you ascend. (5) Dive time: This is the time spent (in minutes) underwater, measured from the time you descended below 5 feet (1.5 meters). (6) Remaining no-decompression limit (NDL): This is the time that is remaining (in minutes) before you reach the nodecompression limit.
Using the NiTek3 Note: Only the mix numbers that have been programmed with a gas mixture are available. Note: You cannot lock in a mix if it causes you to exceed a PO2 of 1.6 atmospheres. Warnings while in dive mode While in diving mode, there are several warnings that you should be alert to.
Using the NiTek3 2 3 1 5 4 Decompression warning with “DECO STOP” displayed on the screen (1) Deco stop symbol: The “DECO STOP” symbol displays indicating that you have to stop at the depth displayed. (2) Required stop depth: This is the required decompression stop depth. (3) Required stop time: This is the time you must remain at the indicated stop depth.
Using the NiTek3 mix percentages, you can restart the dive. See “Understanding default mode” for more information. Ascent rate warning The NiTek3 assumes that you keep your ascent rate within the following limits: Depth range Ascent rate 0 to 19 feet (0 to 5.9 meters) 26 feet (8 meters) per minute 20 to 58 feet (6 to 17.
Using the NiTek3 the dive. As a result, the computer has entered the FO2 default. See “Understanding default mode” for more information. Oxygen limit index (OLI) warning The NiTek3’s oxygen limit index (OLI) reflects the cumulative effect of your exposure to elevated partial pressures of oxygen. The PO2 warning only accounts for the intensity of the exposure, but the OLI accounts for both the intensity and length.
Using the NiTek3 Out-of-range warning The following can cause the out-of-range warning: • Descend below the computer’s maximum operating depth of 328 feet (100 meters) • Exceed an actual bottom time of 599 minutes • Accrue decompression stops depths of greater than 90 feet (27 meters) The out-of-range warning consists of: • The audible alarm sounds for ten seconds • The entire screen flashes WARNING: A NiTek3 displaying an out-of-range warning is incapable of displaying other critical informati
Using the NiTek3 Gauge mode When selected, gauge mode is automatically entered when the computer enters the water. It begins displaying depth and time once you descend below 5 feet (1.5 meters). Note: To enter and set up gauge mode operation, see “Using gauge mode.” While in gauge mode underwater, depth and time is displayed. While in gauge mode on the surface, surface interval time is displayed.
Using the NiTek3 Surface mode (upon surfacing from a dive) Once you surface from a dive, the NiTek3 automatically switches to surface mode. In addition to the normal information displayed in surface mode such as time of day, there is other information that is displayed that pertains to the dive you just completed.
Using the NiTek3 (3) O2 OLI bar graph: This indicates CNS toxicity level at the end of the dive. This drops as your surface interval time increases. (4) N2 exposure bar graph: This is the amount of residual nitrogen in your body at the end of the dive. This drops as your surface interval time increases. WARNING: It is recommended that you wait at least 24-hours following any dive before flying in an aircraft or driving to altitude.
Using the NiTek3 Log mode For each dive, the NiTek3 stores information, such as depth, time, temperature, etc. in a log. This stored log information can be viewed directly from the NiTek3’s screen when in log mode. A total of 10 dives can be stored. Because of the amount of information the NiTek3 stores, there are two pages that you can toggle between for each dive. Each dive is assigned a number and has a date for the day.
Using the NiTek3 which began with log one. When the computer’s memory is full, the oldest dives are overwritten with the new dives. This causes the log entry number assigned to a particular dive to change. (2) Date: This the month and day of the dive. (3) Descent time: This is the time you started the dive, indicated by a down arrow. (4) Ascent time: This is the time you surfaced from the dive, indicated by an up arrow.
Using the NiTek3 Profile mode Profile mode enables you to see a record of the depths you reached at various points during a dive. You can display a detailed profile of each dive stored in the log. When a dive is selected, the computer automatically displays the depth and the time in the dive when you reached that depth until it reaches the end of the dive. Dive profile information is stored in 5-, 10-, 20-, 30-, or 60second intervals during a dive. This must be set before a dive.
Using the NiTek3 2. Press button B to select the dive that you want to view profile data. 3. Press button A. The arrow at the bottom of the screen points to “PROF.” Note: Once a dive profile is selected, the computer automatically progresses through the different depths and times of the dive. 4. When finished, press button A to return to surface mode.
Using the NiTek3 PC transfer mode If you purchased the optional personal computer interface for the NiTek3, you can transfer the stored dive log information to your PC. Before transferring the dive log You must complete the following before transferring the dive log. • Install the NiTekLogic software onto your PC. Open the program > click Options > and check the Uploader tab. Make sure the COM port selection in the NiTekLogic software matches the COM port you are connecting to.
Using the NiTek3 To enter PC transfer mode: 1. Press button A twice. The arrow at the bottom the screen points to “LOG.” 2. Press button A. The arrow at the bottom of the screen points to “PROF.” 3. Press and hold button B for five seconds. Arrows at the bottom of the screen point to “LOG” and “PROF.” 4. Transfer the dive log data to your PC. 5. When finished, press button B to return to profile mode. 6. Press button A to return to surface mode.
Using the NiTek3 Altitude operation The NiTek3 adjusts automatically for diving at altitudes of up to 19,685 feet (6,000 meters). To show that the NiTek3 has made the altitude adjustment, it displays the altitude setting using a symbol representing a mountain and a corresponding number.
Using the NiTek3 • Do not use the NiTek3 when the “ERR” symbol is displayed. This means that you are above an altitude of 19,680 feet (6,000 meters), which is beyond the NiTek3’s ability to function accurately. • Do not place the NiTek3 in dive mode when making sudden, substantial changes in altitude, such as when flying in an airplane. This can be caused by storing the NiTek3 with wet dive gear, which can touch its external electrical contacts and cause it to enter dive mode.
Using the NiTek3 40 NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual
Chapter 3 Care and maintenance Summary This chapter provides care and maintenance and battery information for the NiTek3.
Care and maintenance Proper handling techniques The NiTek3 is constructed to withstand the most demanding diving conditions. It is, however, a high precision instrument, which requires proper care. Caution: Failure to follow these handling techniques may result in damage to the NiTek3. • Do not store the computer in hot, humid, or wet environments. The pressure transducer is sensitive to both heat and humidity. If impaired, it may cause incorrect altitude or depth readings.
Care and maintenance • The NiTek3 should not come in contact with solvents or any type of chemical substances • Do not use compressed air to dry the NiTek3 • Do not use the NiTek3 in hyperbaric chambers if the device is not fully submerged in water • Always rinse the computer with freshwater after use • Store the NiTek3 in a cool, dry location. After diving, wipe the computer dry and store it in a location separate from other damp items.
Care and maintenance Low battery warning The battery that comes with the NiTek3 is designed to last for up to three years under normal use. You may get more or less use from the battery depending on how often it is used and how it is cared for. Note: The battery symbol blinks when the battery starts to run low and is on constantly when the battery is critically low. Cautions • All NiTek3 functions may cease within two to three days of the low battery symbol first appearing.
Care and maintenance To replace the battery: 1. Locate the battery compartment. It is the small section on the back of the computer that does not hold the wrist strap. 2. Remove the four screws holding the panel in place using the Phillips head screwdriver. 3. Examine the battery and battery housing for signs of corrosion. Wipe off any sand or dirt from the cover and o-ring using a cotton swab soaked in denatured alcohol. 4. Remove the old battery. 5.
Care and maintenance 46 NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual
Index A A (mode) button · 11 accessing modes and screens · 11 alarms · 3 algorithm · 5 altitude · 3, 5 altitude operation · 38 altitude symbols · 38 ascent rate warning · 26 ascent time · 25 log mode · 33 B B button · 11 battery · 5 low battery warning · 44 replacing · 44 Buhlmann · 5 button operation · 11 C care and maintenance · 41 proper handling techniques · 42 clock · 5 computer mode · 22 D date · 12 log mode · 33 date and time · 3 NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual deco stop symbol · 25 decompression s
Index fresh or salt water use · 15 fresh water · 14 G gas mix number log mode · 33 gas mixes · 15 changing underwater · 23 gas mixtures · 3 gauge mode · 29 guage mode · 17 log mode · 33 NDL · 20, 23 no-decompression limit · 20, 23 O OLI · 23, 31 log mode · 33 out-of-range warning · 28 oxygen limit index · 23, 31 oxygen limit index warning · 27 I P Imperial · 4 L log · 4 log mode · 32 viewing · 33 M maximum depth log mode · 33 metric · 4 metric or Imperial description · 13 setting · 13 mix changing underw
Index fresh or salt water use · 15 metric or Imperial · 13 profile sampling rate · 14 time and date · 12 size and weight · 5 specificatons · 5 surface interval time · 30 surface mode · 12, 30 T temperature log mode · 33 thermometer · 5 time stop time · 25 time and date · 12 time and date setting · 12 time mode NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual setting time and date · 12 time of day · 12 W warnings · 6 ascent rate · 26 decompression stop violation warning · 27 decompression warning · 24 default warning · 2
Index 50 NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual
