User guide

Using the NiTek
18 NiTek Dive Computer User Manual
When and how FO2 default occurs
One factor in determining if and when your NiTek’s FO2 setting
is in default, is whether you set it for air or Nitrox.
• If you set the mix for air (an FO2 of 21 percent), the
computer assumes that subsequent dives will be made using
air. This means that the mix set for air remains set for air,
dive after dive, without defaulting.
• If you set the mix for Nitrox (FO2s of 22 to 50 percent), the
computer assumes that subsequent dives will be made on
Nitrox. Thus, to protect you from accidentally diving a
Nitrox mixture that cannot accurately be monitored, the
computer’s FO2 setting defaults 10 minutes after surfacing
from a dive.
• If you set a Nitrox mixture, but do not dive with the
computer, the NiTek 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.
When the computer is in FO2 default mode, dashed lines appear
in place of the gas percentage and NDL. This indicates that you
need to set the gas percentages to the correct FO2.
If you go diving when the computer is in FO2 default mode, the
NiTek’s alarm sounds and the O2 bar graph and PO2 Limit
symbols flash. The computer’s ability to accurately monitor your
exposure to oxygen no longer exists.
Note: You should not rely on the NiTek as the sole means of
tracking your exposure to elevated partial pressures of oxygen
(PO2s). It is recommended that you use either a second Nitrox-
capable computer or another tracking method, such as Nitrox
tables.