NiTek Plus 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 NiTek Plus 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 NiTek Plus • 9 Getting started • 10 Accessing display modes and screens • 11 Time display mode • 12 Dive option set and display mode • 15 Plan mode • 23 Alarm display and set mode • 26 Dive computer mode • 28 Gauge mode • 37 Log mode • 38 Profile mode • 41 PC transfer mode • 43 Surface mode (upon surfacing from a dive) • 44 Altitude operation • 46 Chapter 3 C
Chapter 1 Introduction Summary This chapter provides an overview of the NiTek Plus, lists the NiTek Plus’s features and functions, and covers warning information that should be read before using your NiTek Plus.
Introduction Overview Congratulations on your purchase of the NiTek Plus dive computer. The NiTek Plus 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 Plus incorporates a number of important modes and features: • The NiTek Plus turns on automatically upon descent • On the surface, the NiTek Plus constantly displays a minimum of date and time • The NiTek Plus is capable of displaying two different times through an alternate time display mode • The NiTek Plus uses easily accessible and highly reliable push buttons instead of exposed electrical contacts • The NiTek Plus can be programmed to monitor expo
Introduction stops are necessary or if the diver has ascended above a mandatory stop ceiling. Nitrox specific warnings occur when the diver approaches or exceeds a limiting PO2 of 1.4 atmospheres for mix1 and 1.6 atmospheres for mix2, and when cumulative exposure to elevated PO2s exceeds recommended limits.
Introduction Specifications Algorithm: Buhlmann ZH-L16 Sample tissues: 9 Tissue half-lives: from 5 to 640 minutes Size and weight Diameter: 2 in (5 cm) Height: 0.6 in (1.5 cm) Weight: 4 ounces (115 g) Display face Backlight illumination Low battery indicator Four user buttons Water immersion switch Depth sensor Sea water calibration (fresh water depths are about 3% lower) Measuring range: 0 to 325 feet (0 to 99 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 NiTek Plus dive computer. Important safety information: • Before using your NiTek Plus, 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 all previous dives in the same repetitive dive series and is thus, accurately monitoring the diver’s total exposure to oxygen and nitrogen. • Neither the NiTek Plus—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 NiTek Plus 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 NiTek Plus Summary This chapter provides topics about using, setting, and understanding each of the modes and options of the NiTek Plus.
Using the NiTek Plus Getting started The NiTek Plus 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 NiTek Plus may be set to your home time zone. • Check that the proper mixes are set for mix1 and mix2.
Using the NiTek Plus Accessing display modes and screens There are some display modes that the NiTek Plus enters and/or exits automatically. For example, by taking the NiTek Plus underwater, the dive mode automatically turns on. Upon surfacing, the NiTek Plus automatically enters the time mode. Accessing other modes or screens requires the use of the NiTek Plus’s buttons.
Using the NiTek Plus Time display mode Time display mode is the NiTek Plus’s default mode. The computer returns to this mode automatically upon surfacing from a dive and from other modes when a period of time has passed without any buttons being pressed. 1 4 2 3 (1) Day of week: This is the day of the week (Sunday through Saturday) expressed as a two-letter abbreviation. (2) Time of day: This is the time of day expressed in hours, minutes, and seconds.
Using the NiTek Plus Setting the time and date Setting the time and date are done in the time set mode. You can enter or change the year, month, day, hours, minutes, and seconds in this mode. To set the time and date: 1. Press Lock while in time display mode. The “alternate time” field flashes. Note: To set the alternate time or to swap the primary time with the alternate time, see “Setting an alternate time” or “Swapping primary and alternate time.” 2. Press Select to select the seconds field.
Using the NiTek Plus To set an alternate time: 1. Press Mode until the arrow points to D.T. at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press Select. The alternate time field “hour” flashes. 3. Press Set to change the hour. 4. Press Select to select the minutes field. 5. Press Set to change the minutes. 6. Press Lock. 7. Press Mode. The computer returns to the time display mode. Swapping primary and alternate time You can swap the primary time field with the alternate time.
Using the NiTek Plus Dive option set and display mode Dive option set and display mode is where all “dive” option settings are displayed and set up. Using computer mode Computer mode is when the NiTek Plus is operating in the normal computer mode. “Dive” is displayed on the screen and all computer mode functions operate normally. The dive option set and display mode is used to review and change option settings that pertain to an upcoming dive.
Using the NiTek Plus indicator flashes. For more information on “default,” see “Understanding FO2 default.” • (9) Maximum operating depth (MOD) for FO2 setting: This is the safe operating depth (maximum) for the selected mix. These are based on limiting PO2 factors of 1.4 and 1.6 atmospheres respectively. To enter dive operation: 1. Press Mode until the arrow points to D.S. at the bottom of the screen. 2. Using the topics that follow, set up your desired dive option settings.
Using the NiTek Plus 6. If you are entering a percentage for mix2, press and release Set to increment the percentage. If you are not setting a percentage for mix2, press Select to advance to the safety factor setting. Press and hold Set to advance the percentages rapidly. The percentage will stop at 32 percent and again at 21 percent. 7. When finished, press Select to advance to the next option (safety factor) or press Lock.
Using the NiTek Plus • 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. This allows for the most accurate calculations with respect to no-decompression limits, etc. To set for fresh or salt water use: 1. Press Mode until the arrow points to D.S. at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press Lock. 3. Press Select until “fresh” or “sea” is flashing. 4. Press Set to toggle between fresh and sea water. 5.
Using the NiTek Plus 2. Press Lock. 3. Press Select until the sampling rate “number” is flashing. 4. Press Set to toggle between 15- and 30-seconds. 5. When finished press Lock. Setting the computer for metric or Imperial operation The NiTek Plus can calculate and give you values in Imperial units or metric units. When in Imperial, depth values are expressed in feet and temperatures are expressed in Fahrenheit (°F).
Using the NiTek Plus When this information is not available, the NiTek Plus attempts to protect divers by basing its oxygen- and nitrogen-exposure calculations on a “worst case” assumption. Worst case is a mixture containing up to 79 percent nitrogen and 99 percent oxygen. This “worst case” calculation is what is referred to as the FO2 default setting.
Using the NiTek Plus the FO2 settings for mix1 and mix2. Make sure they accurately match what you are going to breathe during the dive. When the computer is in FO2 default mode, the Nitrox symbol flashes. This indicates that you need to set the percentages for mix1 and mix2 to the correct FO2. If you go diving when the computer is in FO2 default mode, the OLI and PO2 symbols, current depth, and PO2 value flash. The computer’s ability to accurately monitor your exposure to oxygen no longer exists.
Using the NiTek Plus In gauge mode, you can still set the profile sampling rate and salt or fresh water use. For more information on these options, see “Dive option set and display mode.” To select and setup gauge operation: 1. Press Mode until the arrow points to D.S. at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press Lock. “Dive” flashes. 3. Press Set to select gauge operation. “Gage” is displayed and is flashing. 4. Press Select to set for salt or fresh water use. Press Set to toggle between “sea” and “fresh.” 5.
Using the NiTek Plus 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 percentage 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 Plus 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 Mode until the arrow points to PLAN at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press Select to advance the depth or press Set to decrease the depth. The no-decompression time limits change automatically based on the depth.
Using the NiTek Plus (1) Surface interval time: This is the amount of time between dives you plan on waiting. The no-decompression limits are based on this time period. The longer the surface interval time, the longer the no-decompression limit time. (2) Depth: This is the depth used to plan the dive. (3) PO2: This is the PO2 for mix1 at the depth displayed. To enter plan simulation mode: 1. Press Mode until the arrow points to PLAN at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press Lock. 3.
Using the NiTek Plus Alarm display and set mode The NiTek Plus has the ability to sound daily and hourly alarms. A daily alarm is one that goes off at a specific time every day. When set, the daily alarm beeps twice every second for twenty seconds unless you press one of the computer’s four buttons. This turns off the alarm before the twenty seconds expire. An hourly alarm is one that goes off at the beginning of every hour. When set, the hourly alarm beeps once on the hour.
Using the NiTek Plus The “hour” field flashes. 3. Press Set to set the “hour” time. 4. Press Select. The “minutes” field flashes. 5. Press Set to set the “minutes” time. 6. Press Lock. Note: The daily alarm symbol automatically turns on when you set an alarm time.
Using the NiTek Plus 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 FO2 default. While in computer mode, the computer calculates and displays information about your dive and prompts you with safety stop information and warnings if needed.
Using the NiTek Plus (3) O2 (OLI) bar graph: This is the oxygen limit index (OLI) that calculates the cumulative effect of your exposure to elevated partial pressures of oxygen (PO2s). There are a maximum of 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. (4) Depth: This is the current depth.
Using the NiTek Plus To display the second diving mode screen: 1. Press and hold Select. The back light turns on, and the second screen is displayed. 2. Release Select to return to the primary diving mode screen. Third underwater screen While underwater, you can change to the third diving mode screen that displays additional information. When you switch screens, FO2 and time of day are displayed. 2 1 (1) FO2 setting: This is the FO2 setting for the gas mix that is selected.
Using the NiTek Plus Note: Only switch gas mixes when you have reached the safe operating depth limit for the gas you are switching to. To change gases underwater: 1. Press and hold Lock for two to three seconds. If you are using mix1, mix2 flashes and is displayed. If you are using mix2, mix1 flashes and is displayed. 2. Release Lock to return to the primary diving mode screen. Safety stop indication The NiTek Plus has an automatic three-minute safety stop feature built in.
Using the NiTek Plus Safety stop indication and time countdown Warnings while in diving mode While in diving mode, there are several warnings that you should be alert to. • • • • • • • Default warning Ascent rate warning PO2 limit warning Oxygen limit index (OLI) warning Decompression warning Decompression stop violation warning Out-of-range warning Default warning If either mix1 or mix2 is in default at the beginning of a dive, an audible alarm sounds for three seconds.
Using the NiTek Plus Default warning indicated by Nitrox flashing Ascent rate warning The NiTek Plus 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 NiTek Plus Note: If the PO2 alarms activate at a depth of 20 feet (6 meters) or less, you most likely have not exceeded the limiting PO2. It is more likely that you forgot to set the FO2 percentages prior to the dive. As a result, the computer has entered the FO2 default. See “Understanding FO2 default” for more information. Oxygen limit index (OLI) warning The NiTek Plus’s oxygen limit index (OLI) reflects the cumulative effect of your exposure to elevated partial pressures of oxygen.
Using the NiTek Plus 5 3 2 1 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 NiTek Plus Note: During a deco stop violation, the computer’s ascent rate warning does not function. Caution: If you do not correct an indicated deco stop violation, the warnings continue for several minutes after surfacing. At this point, the computer is not usable for the next 48 hours.
Using the NiTek Plus 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, there are three screens you can toggle between. The primary screen displays depth and time. The second screen displays maximum depth and temperature, and the third screen displays time of day.
Using the NiTek Plus Log mode For each dive, the NiTek Plus stores information, such as depth, time, temperature, etc. in a log. This stored log information can be viewed directly from the NiTek Plus’s screen when in log mode. Because of the amount of information the NiTek Plus stores, there are three pages that you can toggle between for each dive. Each dive is assigned a number, beginning with one, for the day.
Using the NiTek Plus 12 14 13 Page three for a dive in log mode (1) Log entry number: This is the sequence in which the log appears. The most recent log entry has the highest number, 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) Page number: This is the log page number. Each dive has three pages of logged information.
Using the NiTek Plus (12) Max depth: This is the maximum depth reached during the dive. (13) Safety factor: This indicates what safety factor was set and used for the dive. (14) FO2 gas percentages: These are the FO2 gas percentages that you entered for the dive. All calculations were based on these percentages. To view a dive log: 1. Press Mode until the arrow points to LOG at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press Set to scroll “down” through the logged dives. To fast scroll, press and hold Set.
Using the NiTek Plus 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 Plus To view a dive profile: 1. Press Mode until the arrow points to PROF at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press Select to scroll “down” through the logged dives. To fast scroll, press and hold Select. 3. Once a dive profile is selected, the computer automatically progresses through the different depths and times of the dive. Press and hold Set to pause at a certain depth/time. Release Set to continue progressing through the dive.
Using the NiTek Plus PC transfer mode If you purchased the optional NiTek Plus Docking Station for the NiTek Plus, you can transfer the stored dive log information to your personal computer. Note: For details on using the NiTek Plus Docking Station, refer to the documentation that came with the unit. To enter PC transfer mode: 1. Press Mode until the arrow points to PROF at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press Lock. The computer switches to the PC transfer mode. 3. Transfer the dive log data to your PC.
Using the NiTek Plus Surface mode (upon surfacing from a dive) Once you surface from a dive, the NiTek Plus automatically switches to time mode. In addition to the normal information displayed in time mode such as time of day, there is other information that is displayed that pertains to the dive you just completed.
Using the NiTek Plus (2) Desaturation time: This is the amount of time, expressed in hours and minutes, that must pass before the residual nitrogen levels drop to a point where subsequent dives are treated as a single (non-repetitive) dive. This is not the same as “time to fly.” (3) O2 OLI bar graph: This indicates CNS toxicity level at the end of the dive. This drops as your surface interval time increases.
Using the NiTek Plus Altitude operation The NiTek Plus adjusts automatically for diving at altitudes of up to 19,680 feet (6,000 meters). To show that the NiTek Plus has made the altitude adjustment, it displays the altitude settings using symbols representing mountains.
Using the NiTek Plus diving in. Doing so could cause the NiTek Plus to display inaccurate information. • Do not use the NiTek Plus when the symbols are flashing. This means that you are above an altitude of 19,680 feet (6,000 meters), which is beyond the NiTek Plus’s ability to function accurately. • Do not place the NiTek Plus in dive mode when making sudden, substantial changes in altitude, such as when flying in an airplane.
Chapter 3 Care and maintenance Summary This chapter provides care and maintenance and battery information for the NiTek Plus.
Care and maintenance Proper handling techniques The NiTek Plus is constructed to withstand the most demanding diving conditions. It is, however, a high precision tool, which requires proper care. Caution: Failure to follow these handling techniques may result in damage to the NiTek Plus. • Do not store the computer in hot and/or humid environments. The pressure transducer is sensitive to both heat and humidity. If impaired, it may cause incorrect altitude or depth readings.
Care and maintenance • Do not use compressed air to dry the NiTek Plus • Do not use the NiTek Plus in hyperbaric chambers if the device is not fully submerged in water • Always rinse the computer with freshwater after use • Store the NiTek Plus 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 NiTek Plus 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. Cautions • All NiTek Plus functions may cease within two to three days of the low battery symbol first appearing. Always have low batteries replaced promptly. • A depleted battery that is left in a NiTek Plus for a long period of time may leak.
Care and maintenance 52 NiTek Plus Dive Computer User Manual
Index A accessing modes and screens · 11 activating back light · 14 alarms · 3, 26 setting · 26 algorithm · 5 alternate time swapping with primary time · 14 altitude · 3, 5 altitude operation · 46 altitude symbols · 46 ascent rate warning · 33 ascent time · 35 log mode · 39 B back light · 4 activating · 14 battery · 5 low battery warning · 51 replacing · 51 Buhlmann · 5 button operation · 11 C care and maintenance · 48 proper handling techniques · 49 clock · 5 computer mode · 28 options · 15 using · 15 curr
Index G O gas mixes changing underwater · 30 gas mixtures · 3 gauge mode · 37 changing screens underwater · 37 guage mode · 21 selecting · 21 OLI · 29, 45 log mode · 39 options computer mode · 15 out-of-range warning · 36 oxygen limit index · 29, 45 oxygen limit index warning · 34 H P hourly alarm · 26 PC transfer mode · 4, 43 entering · 43 percentages mix1 and mix2 · 16 plan mode · 23 plan simulation mode · 24 PO2 limit warning · 33 profile · 4 profile mode · 41 viewing · 42 profile sampling rate ·
Index setting alarms · 26 dive options · 15 dual time · 13 fresh or salt water use · 17 metric or Imperial · 19 profile sampling rate · 18 safety factor · 17 time and date · 13 size and weight · 5 specificatons · 5 stop depth · 35 stop symbol · 35 stop time · 35 surface interval time · 44 surface mode · 44 T temperature · 29 log mode · 39 thermometer · 5 time dual time · 13 swapping primary and alternate time · 14 time and date · 13 time and date setting · 13 time mode · 12 setting time and date · 13 W war
Index 56 NiTek Plus Dive Computer User Manual
