NiTek X Dive Computer User Guide Date of Purchase _________________
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 © 2009 Lamartek, Inc. dba Dive Rite WARRANTY INFORMATION Dive Rite will—at its sole discretion—repair or replace NiTek X components proved to be damaged by faulty manufacture or material, at no cost, for a period of up to one year from the date of purchase. This manual is copyrighted by Lamartek, Inc. dba Dive Rite.
Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction•1 Overview•2 Features and Functions•3 Specifications•5 Warnings•6 Chapter 2 Using the NiTek X•9 Getting Started•10 Accessing display modes and screens•11 Surface Mode•12 Time Display and Set Mode•13 Dive Option Set and Display Mode•15 Plan Mode•25 Dive Computer Mode•27 Log Mode•37 Profile Mode•38 OXY Mode•39 PC Transfer Mode•41 Surface Mode (upon surfacing from a dive)•42 Altitude Operation•44 Chapter 3 Care and maintenance•45 Proper Handling Techniques•46 Low B
NiTek X Dive Computer User Manual v1.
Chapter 1 Introduction Summary This chapter provides an overview of the NiTek X, lists the NiTek X’s features and functions, and covers warning information that should be read before using your NiTek X.
Introduction Overview Congratulations on your purchase of the NiTek X dive computer. The NiTek X 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 NiTek X incorporates a number of important modes and features: • The NiTek X turns on automatically upon descent • On the surface, the NiTek X displays a minimum of date and time • The NiTek X uses easily accessible and highly reliable push buttons instead of exposed electrical contacts • The NiTek X can be programmed to monitor exposure to seven different gas mixtures during a dive in either opencircuit or closed-circuit mode.
Introduction cumulative exposure recommended limits to elevated PO2s exceeds • The NitekX can be used with closed-circuit rebreathers and includes constant-PO2 setpoint capabilities (0.4 to 1.
Introduction Specifications Algorithm: Buhlmann ZH-L16 Sample tissues: 16 Tissue half-lives: from 5 to 640 minutes Size and weight Length: 3.9-inches (9.9cm) wide Height: 3.7-inches (9.39cm) high Thick: 0.78-inches (1.98cm) deep Weight: 12 ounces (340 gms) Display face Backlight illumination Low battery indicator Two user buttons Auto-pressure switch Depth sensor Sea and fresh water calibration Measuring range: 0 to 492 feet (0 to 149 m) measured every second 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 NiTek X dive computer. Important safety information: • Before using your NiTek X, 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 • those at higher risk of decompression illness (DCI) are assumed to absorb and release nitrogen and/or helium from body tissues. Thus, the NiTek X cannot compensate for factors such as age, obesity, dehydration, cold, or exertion, which experts believe place divers at greater risk of DCI. If these, or similar factors apply to you, use the NiTek X—and other dive computers or dive tables—with even greater caution.
Introduction NiTek X Dive Computer User Manual v1.
Chapter 2 Using the NiTek X Summary This chapter provides topics about using, setting, and understanding each of the modes and options of the NiTek X.
Using the NiTek X Getting Started The NiTek X has many modes (including Open-Circuit and Closed-Circuit) and screens as well as 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.
Using the NiTek X Accessing display modes and screens There are some display modes that the NiTek X enters and/or exits automatically. For example, by taking the NiTek X underwater, the dive mode automatically turns on. Upon surfacing, the NiTek X automatically enters the surface mode. To access other modes or screens, requires the use of the NiTek X’s buttons. Button operation The NiTek X has two buttons (A (mode) and B (set)), which are used to access the different modes and screens.
Using the NiTek X Surface Mode Surface mode is the NiTek X’s default-screen mode, with either “O/C” or “C/C” displayed on the screen (depending on settings). 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. After several minutes of inactivity, the NiTek X will go into its “sleep” mode to conserve battery usage. To wake from sleep mode, momentarily press either button.
Using the NiTek X Time Display and Set Mode Time Display and Set mode is used to set and view the time of day and date. When you enter this mode, “TIME” is displayed on the screen. 1 3 2 4 (1) Date: This is the month and day. The first digit is the month and the second digit is the day. For example, 1-24 represents the twenty-fourth day of January. (2) Year: This is the year. (3) Time of day: This is the time of day expressed in hours and minutes.
Using the NiTek X To set the time and date: 1. Press and hold button B for four to five seconds while in Surface mode. The “seconds” field flashes. 2. Press button B to “00” the seconds field, or press button A to select another field, such as the minutes field. 3. Using buttons A and B, set the year, month, day, hour, minutes, seconds, and whether you want the time displayed in 24-hour format. For example, 1:00 PM would be 13:00 in 24-hour format. 4.
Using the NiTek X Dive Option Set and Display Mode Dive Option Set and Display mode is where all “dive” option settings are displayed and set up. Using Dive Option Set and Display mode Dive Option Set and Display mode is when the NiTek X is operating in its normal mode, “OC” or “C/C” is displayed on the screen, and all computer mode functions are operational. Using these settings is described in the Dive Computer mode section.
Using the NiTek X (4) FHe gas percentage: This is the helium percentage for the mix number selected. The He percentage setting range is 0 to 92 percent. (5) Maximum operating depth (MOD) for FO2 setting: This is the safe operating depth (maximum) for the mix selected. This is based on a limiting PO2 factor of either 1.4 or 1.6 atmospheres.
Using the NiTek X (10) Conservatism or Gradient Factor: This allows you to select between the 3 standard Gradient Factors (75/95, 40/100 or 30/75) or input a custom Gradient Factor. For more information on Gradient Factors and which settings may be better for you, refer to related sections of this User Guide and to sources such as the ‘Jurgensen Marine Hammerhead Electronics User Manual’. (11) Salt or Fresh water: This is the setting for salt water or fresh water use.
Using the NiTek X the setpoints have to be selected for each mix, only the mixes that you plan on using. Note: If you only plan on using one PO2 setpoint and mixture on your dive, you only need to set that PO2 and mix. To set PO2 setpoints: 1. If not already in closed circuit (C/C) mode, put the NiTek X in C/C mode by simultaneously pressing and holding buttons A and B for 2-3 seconds. 2. Press and hold button A for 3-4 seconds until “SP” is flashing.
Using the NiTek X 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Mix1 is flashing. Press button B to change the mix number to the desired mix number that you want to set or change. Press button A to select the PO2 setting. Press button B to set the maximum PO2 value (1.4 or 1.6) for the selected mix number. Press button A to select the O2 gas percentage. Press button B to set the O2 percentage you are setting for the selected mix number. Note: Maximum operating depth will change, based on the O2 percentage selected.
Using the NiTek X 6. Press button B to toggle the alarm on or off. 7. When finished, press button A to advance to the next option (Dive Time Alarm). To exit, press and hold button A for 2 to 3 seconds to return to surface mode. Setting the Dive Time Alarm The NiTek X has a dive-time alarm that is activated when the diver reaches the maximum time that is set for the dive.
Using the NiTek X Before going diving, set the computer to your preferred Conservatism/Gradient Factor. A higher setting results in shorter no-decompression times and longer decompression stop times. To set a preset Conservatism/Gradient Factor: 1. Press button A until “SET” is displayed. 2. Press button B to enter the dive set up option screen. Mix1 is flashing. 3. Repeatedly press button A until the screen changes and CONS0, CONS1, CONS2 or CONS-GF flashes. 4.
Using the NiTek X Setting the Dive Profile Sampling Rate The NiTek X allows you to choose how frequently it samples and stores depth, time, etc. data. The data it samples and stores is used in profile mode or when the data is uploaded to a personal computer. There are two sampling rates to choose from: 15second and 30-second. The 30-second sampling rate is the computer’s “default” setting. The 15-second sampling rate enables the computer to sample and store data every 15 seconds during a dive.
Using the NiTek X To set for fresh or salt water use: 1. Press button A until “SET” is displayed. 2. Press button B to enter the dive set up option screen. Mix1 is flashing. 3. Repeatedly press button A until the screen changes and SEA or FRESH is flashing. 4. Press button B to toggle between fresh or sea water. 5. When finished, press button A to advance to the next option (Contrast). To exit, press and hold button A for 2 to 3 seconds to return to surface mode.
Using the NiTek X Before going diving, set the computer for the time you would like the backlight to stay illuminated. To set backlight timeout: 1. Press button A until “SET” is displayed. 2. Press button B to enter the Dive Set-Up option screen. Mix1 is flashing. 3. Repeatedly press button A until the screen changes and the backlight timeout value is flashing. 4. Press button B to toggle through the times. 5. When finished, press button A return to the SET mode.
Using the NiTek X 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 set for mix1. 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. The two most important values that are displayed on the screen in plan mode are the depth and no-decompression time limit.
Using the NiTek X To enter Plan mode: 1. Repeatedly press button A until “PLAN” is displayed. 2. Press button B to enter the Plan mode screen. 3. Press button B to advance the depth. The no-decompression time limits change automatically based on the depth. 4. When finished, press and hold button A for 2 to 3 seconds to return to surface mode. WARNING: Do not plan dives to depths deeper than those for which the NiTek X is capable of displaying an available nodecompression limit.
Using the NiTek X 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 O/C or C/C modes, FO2 and FHe settings are correct and that the computer is not in default mode.
Using the NiTek X partial pressures of oxygen (PO2). There are a maximum of nine 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 and seconds) underwater, measured from the time you descended below 5 feet (1.5 meters).
Using the NiTek X screens, the current depth, conservatism (Gradient Factor), time of day and temperature is displayed. 1 2 3 Second underwater screen (1) Time of day: This is the current time of day. (2) Maximum Depth: This is the maximum depth that has been reached on this dive. (3) Temperature: This is the current temperature. To display the second diving mode screen: 1. Press and hold button B. The back light turns on, and the second screen is displayed. 2.
Using the NiTek X Gas mix number flashes on the screen To change gases underwater: 1. Press button A. The back light turns on and the mix number flashes. 2. Press button B to select a mix number. The O2 and HE percentages change to the programmed mix and the PO2 indicator changes to reflect the PO2 for the selected mix. Note: Only the mix numbers that have been programmed with a gas mixture are available. 3. Press button A to lock in the mixture and return to the primary diving mode screen.
Using the NiTek X C/C mode with EXT cell PO2 display To change setpoints underwater: 1. Press and hold button A for 2-3 seconds. The backlight turns on and the setpoint “SP” flashes. -ORThe backlight turns on and “EXT” flashes (if an external oxygen-cell has been connected). Note: You cannot change the SP setting when in EXT mode. Press button B to switch between “SP” and “EXT”. 2. Press button A and the SP number flashes. 3. Press button B to scroll through the setpoint numbers.
Using the NiTek X • • • • • • • • Default warning Ascent rate warning PO2 limit warning PGT limit warning Oxygen limit index (OLI) warning Decompression warning Decompression-stop violation warning Out-of-range warning Default Warning If the computer is in default mode or set to a hypoxic mix at the beginning of a dive, the backlight will flash. If you ascend and set the mix percentages, you can restart the dive. See “Understanding Default Mode” for more information.
Using the NiTek X PO2 Limit Warning The PO2 warning indicates that you have exceeded 1.4 or 1.6 atmospheres for the gas you are breathing. If you exceed the PO2 setting, the PO2 symbol, PO2 %, and the backlight will flash. PO2 limit warning flashes “PO2” on the screen PGT Limit Warning The Pressure Gas in Tissue (PGT) limit warning indicates that you are approaching the no-decompression limits. When seven or more of the nine bars are displayed, the PGT graph flashes.
Using the NiTek X The PO2 warning only accounts for the intensity of the exposure, but the OLI accounts for both the intensity and length. When seven of the O2’s nine bars are displayed, the OLI graph flashes. If you do not ascend to a shallower depth, and all nine of the O2’s bars are displayed, “OLI” continues to flash until the O2 bar graph drops to seven bars.
Using the NiTek X 3 4 1 2 5 Decompression warning with “DECO” displayed on the screen (1) Deco stop symbol: The “DECO” 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 NiTek X Note: Removing the battery will stop the timer, which will resume the count-down time when the battery is reinserted. “DECO VIOLATION: 19 hr” displayed the screen Out-Of-Range Warning The following can cause the out-of-range warning: • Descend below the computer’s maximum operating depths for computer mode • Exceed an actual bottom time of 699 minutes • Accrue a total ascent time of over 999 minutes An out-of-range warning will cause the screen backlight to flash.
Using the NiTek X Log Mode For each dive, the NiTek X stores information, such as depth, time, gases, etc. in a log. This stored log information can be viewed directly from the NiTek X’s screen when in log mode. The logbook will hold a minimum of 15 hours, depending on settings. Each dive is assigned a log number and the day’s date, making it easy for you to toggle between the dive log pages. 3 4 2 1 5 (1) Log entry number: This is the sequence in which the log appears.
Using the NiTek X 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 either stored in 15- or 30-second intervals during a dive. This must be set in dive mode before a dive.
Using the NiTek X OXY Mode Using an external cable and oxygen-sensor cell, you can use your NiTek X with a closed circuit rebreather to monitor the constant-PO2 setpoint and decompression information. 1 2 3 Oxygen-analysis mode, screen 1 (1) mV reading: This is the initial part of the sequence for calibration of an oxygen-cell. This shows that the oxygen-cell has not been connected, and will show a mV reading when it is connected.
Using the NiTek X 5 6 Oxygen-analysis mode, screen 3 (5) and (6): mV reading and O2 percentage: This shows that the oxygen-cell has been calibrated and is displaying its output. To enter the OXY mode: 1. Using the Battery Door Tool, remove the knurled cap at upper left of NiTek X and attach the appropriate external cable and oxygen-cell to the connector. Be sure to hold the computer with its left side facing down to minimize any water droplets from getting into the compartment. 2.
Using the NiTek X PC Transfer Mode You can transfer the stored dive log information to your personal computer using the optional NiTek X WorkBench™ software and the USB interface cable/dongle. Before connecting the USB interface cable/dongle to your computer, be sure to install the NiTek X WorkBench™ software and drivers first. To enter PC transfer mode: 1. Using the Battery Door Tool, remove the knurled cap at the upper left of the NiTek X, and attach the USB interface cable/dongle to the connector.
Using the NiTek X Surface Mode (upon surfacing from a dive) Once you surface from a dive, the NiTek X automatically switches to surface mode after 10 minutes. However, if surface interval is less than that time, the NiTek X will continue the dive. 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 NiTek X single (non-repetitive) dives. This is not the same as “time to fly.” On the NiTek X, these DESAT times are displayed until completely desaturated. (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) PGT exposure bar graph: This is the amount of residual nitrogen and helium in your body at the end of the dive. This drops as your surface interval time increases.
Using the NiTek X Altitude Operation The NiTek X adjusts automatically for diving at altitudes of up to 19,685 feet (6,000 meters). The NiTek X monitors altitude information in all modes, except PC transfer mode. Upon arriving at altitude, the NiTek X’s PGT bar graph may show that there is excess nitrogen present, even though you may not have made any dives in the preceding 24 hours.
Care and Maintenance Chapter 3 Care and maintenance Summary This chapter provides care and maintenance and battery information for the NiTek X.
Care and Maintenance Proper Handling Techniques The NiTek X 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 NiTek X. • 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 Low Battery Warning The battery that comes with the NiTek X 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, how often the backlight is lit, and how it is cared for. Note: When the battery symbol has moved from full (ie, begins to “empty”, it is a notice that the battery should be changed within the next 20 hours of dive time. If this is not done, the NiTek X could go dead during a dive.
Care and Maintenance • • • • • • CO8212 Battery Door Tool (provided with NiTek X) CR123A Lithium battery Silicone grease Lint-free cloth Cotton swabs Pencil with a good eraser tip To replace the battery: 1. Locate the battery compartment. It is inside the small knurled cap on the upper-right side of the computer. 2. Using the Battery Door Tool, remove the knurled cap. Be sure to hold the computer with its right side facing down to minimize any water droplets from getting into the battery compartment. 3.
Index Index A A (mode) button · 11 accessing modes and screens · 11 alarms · 3 Dive Time Alarm · 21 Maximum Depth Alarm · 21 algorithm · 5 altitude · 3, 5 altitude operation · 47 ascent rate warning · 34 ascent time · 37 B B (set) button · 11 Backlight · 4, 25 Backlight Timeout · 19, 25 battery · 5 low battery warning · 50 replacing the battery · 50 Buhlmann · 5 button operation · 11 C care and maintenance · 48 proper handling techniques · 49 clock · 5 Computer mode · 29 options · 16 conservatism or gradi
Index F features and functions · 3 FHe · 17 FO2 · 17 FO2 and FHe percentages log mode · 40 fresh or salt water use · 24 fresh water · 18 mix changing underwater · 31 mix number · 16 mixes · 5, 20 N NDL · 27, 30 no-decompression limit · 27, 30 G gas mixes · 20 changing underwater · 31 gas mixtures · 3 Gradient Factor or Conservatism · 22 I Imperial · 4 L log · 4 log mode · 40 viewing · 40 M maximum depth log mode · 40 profile mode · 41 Maximum Depth Alarm · 17, 21 Maximum Time Alarm · 17, 21 metric · 4 Me
Index Profile Sampling Rate · 18, 23 Surface mode entering from another mode · 12 R T residual nitrogen · 27, 30, 37, 46 S safety information · 6 salt water · 18 screen contrast · 25 setpoints · 16 changing underwater · 32 PO2 · 19 setting Backlight Timeout · 19, 25 conservatism or gradient factor · 22 dive options · 16 fresh or salt water use · 24 Maximum Depth Alarm · 21 Maximum Time Alarm · 21 Metric or Imperial · 23 PO2 setpoints · 19 Profile Sampling Rate · 18, 23 Screen Contrast · 18, 25 time and d
Index