User manual SUUNTO GEKKO

EN SUUNTO GEKKO USER'S GUIDE Arrows: - Decompression Stop at the Ceiling Depth - Mandatory Safety Stop Zone - Ascent Recommended - Must Descend Safety Stop Warning Safety Stop Indicator Fast Ascent Warning (SLOW) Maximum Depth Ceiling Depth on Decompression Mandatory Safety Stop Depth Average Depth on Logbook Oxygen Partial Pressure AM/PM Indicator Present Depth Dive Counter Logbook Symbol DIVE CEILING Dive Attention Symbol m ft Bar Graph: - Mode Indicator - Consumed Botton Time - Oxygen Limit Fraction Bar Graph: - Ascent Rate Indicator - Battery Power Indicator - Logbook Page Indicator NO O2%SURF OK SELECT Quick reference guide Gekko Do Not Fly Icon S L O AVGPO2 MAX W STOP ASC TIME QUIT Current Time Display Surface Interval Time No Flying Time No-Decompression Time Total Ascent Time Safety Stop Time The Smart Button: - Activation - Mode Operations Indicators for the Smart Button Oxygen Percentage in Nitrox Mode TIME NO DEC TIME High Altitude Mode Personal Adjustment Mode OLF C B T °F°C DIVE TIME Low Battery Warning Dive Time Time Month,Day DiveTime/Depth Alarm On Indicator OPTIONS Temperature Week Day Mode Text Indicators for the Scroll Buttons Dive Planning Button Scroll Button (increase value, ascend) Time (alternative display) Button Scroll Button (decrease value, descend) 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. COPYRIGHT, TRADEMARK AND PATENT NOTICE This instruction manual is copyrighted and all rights are reserved. It may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any media without prior written consent from SUUNTO. SUUNTO, GEKKO, Consumed Bottom Time (CBT), Oxygen Limit Fraction (OLF), SUUNTO Reduced Gradient Bubble Model (RGBM), Continuous Decompression and their logos are all registered or unregistered trademarks of SUUNTO. All rights are reserved. CE The CE mark is used to mark conformity with the European Union EMC directive 89/336/EEC. The instruments must be serviced by an authorized dealer every second year or after 200 dives (whichever comes first). EN 13319 EN 13319 "Diving accessories - Depth gauges and combined depth and time measuring devices - Functional and safety requirements, test methods" is a European diving depth gauge standard. The GEKKO is designed to comply with this standard. 1 ISO 9001 SUUNTO Oy's Quality Assurance System is certified by Det Norske Veritas to be according to the ISO 9001 in all SUUNTO Oy's operations (Quality Certificate No. 96-HEL-AQ-220). SUUNTO Oy does not assume any responsibility for losses or claims by third parties, which may arise through the use of this device. Due to continuous product development, the GEKKO is subject to change without notice. 2 WARNING! READ THIS MANUAL! Carefully read this instruction manual in its entirety paying close attention to all warnings listed below, including section 1.1. "Safety Precautions". Make sure that you fully understand the use, displays and limitations of the dive computer because any confusion resulting from neglecting to follow this instruction manual or from improper use of this device may cause a diver to commit errors that may lead to serious injury or death. WARNING! NOT FOR PROFESSIONAL USE! Suunto dive computers are intended for recreational use only. The demands of commercial or professional diving may expose the diver to depths and exposures that tend to increase the risk of decompression illness (DCI). Therefore, Suunto strongly recommends that the device be not used for commercial or professional diving activity. WARNING! ONLY DIVERS TRAINED IN THE PROPER USE OF SCUBA DIVING EQUIPMENT SHOULD USE A DIVE COMPUTER! No dive computer can replace the need for proper dive training. Insufficient or improper training may cause diver to commit errors that may lead to serious injury or death. WARNING! THERE IS ALWAYS A RISK OF DECOMPRESSION ILLNESS (DCI) FOR ANY DIVE PROFILE EVEN IF YOU FOLLOW THE DIVE PLAN PRESCRIBED BY DIVE TABLES OR A DIVE COMPUTER. NO PROCEDURE, DIVE COMPUTER OR DIVE TABLE WILL PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF DCI OR OXYGEN TOXICITY! An individual's physiological make up can vary from day to day. The dive computer cannot account for these variations. You are strongly advised to remain well within the exposure limits provided by the instrument to minimize the risk of DCI. As an added measure of safety, you should consult a physician regarding your fitness before diving. 3 WARNING! SUUNTO STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT SPORT DIVERS LIMIT THEIR MAXIMUM DEPTH TO 40 M [130 FT] OR TO THE DEPTH CALCULATED BY THE COMPUTER BASED ON THE SELECTED O2% AND A MAXIMUM PO2 OF 1.4 BAR! WARNING! DIVES WITH REQUIRED DECOMPRESSION STOPS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED. YOU SHOULD ASCEND AND BEGIN DECOMPRESSION IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE DIVE COMPUTER SHOWS YOU THAT A DECOMPRESSION STOP IS REQUIRED! Note the blinking ASC TIME symbol and the upward pointing arrow. WARNING! USE BACK-UP INSTRUMENTS! Make sure 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 dive computer. WARNING! PERFORM PRECHECKS! Always activate and check the device before diving in order to ensure that all Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) segments are completely displayed, that the device has not run out of battery power, and that the oxygen, altitude and personal adjustments are correct. Also, exit the PC Settings (PC SET) sub-mode before diving, as the computer does not automatically revert to Dive mode from the PC Settings mode. WARNING! YOU ARE ADVISED TO AVOID FLYING ANY TIME THE COMPUTER COUNTS DOWN THE NO-FLYING TIME. ALWAYS ACTIVATE THE COMPUTER TO CHECK THE REMAINING NO-FLY TIME PRIOR TO FLYING! The computer goes into the stand-by display automatically 5 minutes after the dive has ended. The stand-by display shuts off after two hours. Flying or traveling to a higher altitude within no-fly time can greatly increase the risk of DCI. Review the recommendations given by Diver's Alert Network (DAN) 4 in chapter 3.5.3. "Flying After Diving". There can never be a flying after diving rule that is guaranteed to completely prevent decompression illness! WARNING! THE DIVE COMPUTER 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 up to four days prior to initial use of the computer may cause misleading information and must be avoided. WARNING! THE DIVE COMPUTER WILL NOT ACCEPT FRACTIONAL PERCENTAGE VALUES OF OXYGEN CONCENTRATION. DO NOT ROUND UP FRACTIONAL PERCENTAGES! For example, 31.8% oxygen should be entered as 31%. Rounding up will cause nitrogen percentages to be understated and will affect decompression calculations. If there is a desire to adjust the computer to provide more conservative calculations, use the personal adjustment feature to affect decompression calculations or reduce the PO2 setting to affect oxygen exposure. WARNING! SET THE CORRECT ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENT MODE! When diving at altitudes greater than 300 m [1000 ft] the Altitude Adjustment feature must be correctly selected in order for the computer to calculate the decompression status. The dive computer is not intended for use at altitudes greater than 3000 m [10000 ft]. Failure to select the correct Altitude Adjustment setting or diving above the maximum altitude limit will result in erroneous dive and planning data. 5 WARNING! SET THE CORRECT PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT MODE! Whenever it is believed that factors that tend to increase the possibility of DCI exist, it is recommended that you use this option to make the calculations more conservative. Failure to select the correct Personal Adjustment setting will result in erroneous dive and planning data. NOTE! You can change from Air mode to Nitrox mode at any time. It is however not possible to revert back to Air mode from Nitrox mode before the instrument has counted down the no-flying time. When planning both air and nitrox dives during the same dive series, you should set the instrument in Nitrox mode and modify the gas mix accordingly. 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS WARNINGS ...................................................................................3 1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................9 1.1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ...........................................................9 1.1.1. Emergency Ascents ................................................................10 1.1.2. Dive Computer Limitations ....................................................10 1.1.3. Nitrox ......................................................................................10 2. GETTING ACQUAINTED ......................................................12 2.1. FUNCTIONS ...............................................................................12 2.2. PUSH BUTTONS ........................................................................12 2.3. WATER CONTACTS ...................................................................14 3. DIVING WITH THE GEKKO .................................................15 3.1 BEFORE DIVING ........................................................................15 3.1.1.Activation and Prechecks.........................................................15 3.1.2.Battery Indication ....................................................................17 3.1.2.1.Battery Power Indicator ..............................................17 3.1.3. Dive Planning [PLAN] ............................................................18 3.1.4. User Definable Functions and Alarms ....................................19 3.2. SAFETY STOPS ..........................................................................19 3.2.1.Recommended Safety Stop ......................................................19 3.2.2.Mandatory Safety Stop ............................................................19 3.3. DIVING WITH THE GEKKO ....................................................20 3.3.1.Basic Dive Data .......................................................................20 3.3.2.Bookmark ................................................................................21 3.3.3.Consumed Bottom Time (CBT) ..............................................22 3.3.4.Ascent Rate Indicator ..............................................................22 3.3.5.Decompression dives ...............................................................23 3.4. DIVING IN NITROX MODE ......................................................27 3.4.1. Before Diving ..........................................................................27 3.4.2. Oxygen Displays .....................................................................28 3.4.3. Oxygen Limit Fraction (OLF).................................................29 3.5. AT THE SURFACE ......................................................................30 3.5.1. Surface Interval .......................................................................30 3.5.2. Dive Numbering ......................................................................31 3.5.3. Flying After Diving .................................................................31 3.6. AUDIBLE AND VISUAL ALARMS ..........................................33 7 3.7. HIGH ALTITUDE DIVES AND PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT .....................................................34 3.7.1.Altitude Adjustment ................................................................34 3.7.2.Personal Adjustment ................................................................35 3.8. ERROR CONDITIONS ...............................................................36 4. MENU BASED MODES..........................................................37 4.1. MEMORY FUNCTIONS [1 MEMORY] ....................................38 4.1.1.Logbook and Dive Profile Memory [1 LOGBOOK] ...............39 4.1.2.Dive History Memory [2 HISTORY] ......................................42 4.1.3.PC Settings Mode [3 PC SET] ................................................42 4.2. SET MODES [4 SET] .................................................................43 4.2.1.Dive Computer Model Settings[1 SET MODEL ] ..................43 4.2.1.1.Nitrox Oxygen Settings..................................................43 4.2.2.Alarm settings [2 SET ALMS] ................................................43 4.2.2.1.Dive Time Alarm Setting ...............................................44 4.2.2.2.Maximum Depth Alarm Setting.....................................44 4.2.3.Setting Time and date [3 SET TIME]......................................44 4.2.4.Personal adjustments [4 SET ADJ] .........................................44 5. CARE AND MAINTENANCE ................................................46 5.1. IMPORTANT INFORMATION...................................................46 5.2. CARE OF YOUR DIVE COMPUTER........................................46 5.3. MAINTENANCE .........................................................................47 5.4. WATER RESISTANCE INSPECTION .......................................47 5.5. BATTERY REPLACEMENT ......................................................48 6. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION .................................................52 6.1. OPERATING PRINCIPLES ........................................................52 6.2. SUUNTO REDUCED GRADIENT BUBBLE MODEL (RGBM).........................................................................54 6.3. OXYGEN EXPOSURE ...............................................................55 6.4. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION .................................................55 7. WARRANTY ............................................................................59 8. SUUNTOSPORTS.COM ..........................................................60 8.1. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ......................................................60 8.2. SUUNTOSPORTS.COM SECTIONS .........................................60 8.3. GETTING STARTED ..................................................................61 8 9. GLOSSARY..............................................................................62 1. INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your purchase of the SUUNTO GEKKO dive computer. The GEKKO builds on the Suunto tradition of delivering feature-rich easy-use dive computers. Push button controls access a wide selection of choices and the display is optimized for the dive mode chosen. This dive computer is a compact and sophisticated multipurpose dive instrument, designed to give you years of trouble-free service. Choice of Operating Modes and Set-up Options User options for the GEKKO are selected using the push buttons. Pre Dive configuration and setup options include: · · · · · · · · · Choice of operating mode - Air / Nitrox Choice of unit - Metric / Imperial Maximum depth alarm Dive time alarm Clock, calendar Mix Oxygen fraction % (Nitrox mode only) Maximum PO2 (Nitrox mode only) Altitude adjustment Personal adjustment Continuous Decompression with Suunto RGBM The Suunto Reduced Gradient Bubble Model (RGBM) utilized in the GEKKO predicts both dissolved and free gas in blood and tissues of divers. It is a significant advance on the classic Haldane models, which do not predict free gas. The advantage of Suunto RGBM is additional safety through its ability to adapt to a variety of situations and dive profiles. In order to optimize how to respond to different added risk situations an additional category of stop, referred to as a Mandatory Safety Stop, has been introduced. Also a countdown for the Recommended Safety Stop is included. The combination of stop types will depend on the specific dive situation. To get the most from the safety benefits be sure to read the summary of the Reduced Gradient Bubble Model in chapter 6.2. 1.1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Do not attempt to use the dive computer without reading this instruction manual in its entirety, including all the warnings. Make sure that you fully understand the 9 use, displays and limitations of the instrument. If you have any questions about the manual or the dive computer, contact your SUUNTO dealer before diving with the dive computer. Always remember that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY! When used properly, the dive computer is an outstanding tool for assisting properly trained, certified divers in planning and executing sport dives. It is NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR CERTIFIED SCUBA INSTRUCTION, including training in the principles of decompression. Diving with enriched air mixtures (nitrox) exposes the user to risks different from those associated with diving with standard air. These risks are not obvious and require training to understand and avoid. Risks include possible serious injury or death. Do not attempt to dive with any gas mix other than standard air without first receiving certified training in this specialty. 1.1.1. Emergency Ascents In the unlikely event that the dive computer malfunctions during a dive, follow the emergency procedures provided by your certified dive training agency or, alternatively, STEP 1: STEP 2: STEP 3: Assess the situation calmly and then move promptly to less than 18 m [60 ft]. At 18 m [60 ft], slow down your ascent rate to 10 m/min [33 ft/min] and move to a depth between 3 and 6 meters [10 to 20 ft]. Stay there as long as you assess your air supply will safely allow. After reaching the surface stay out of the water for at least 24 hours. 1.1.2. Dive Computer Limitations While the dive computer is based on current decompression research and technology, you 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 theoretical mathematical models, which are intended to serve as a guide to reduce the probability of decompression illness. 1.1.3. Nitrox Diving with nitrox provides the diver with an opportunity to increase bottom times or reduce the risk of decompression illness by reducing the nitrogen content in the breathing gas mix. 10 However, when the gas mix is altered, the oxygen content of the mix is generally increased. This increase exposes the diver to an oxygen toxicity risk not usually considered in recreational diving. In order to manage this risk, the dive computer tracks the time and intensity of the oxygen exposure and provides the diver with information to adjust the dive plan in order to maintain oxygen exposure within reasonably safe limits. In addition to the physiological effects of enriched air on the body there are operational considerations to be addressed when handling altered breathing mixes. Elevated concentrations of oxygen present a fire or explosion hazard. Consult the manufacturer of your equipment in regards to its compatibility with nitrox. 11 2. GETTING ACQUAINTED 2.1. FUNCTIONS The Suunto GEKKO can be set to function as a regular air dive computer or as a nitrox dive computer. The GEKKO features two dive computer models (AIR, NITROX), three main operating modes (TIME/STAND-BY, SURFACE, DIVING), two menu based main modes (MEMORY, SET) and seven menu based submodes (review separate Quick Reference Guide). You can scroll through the modes using the push buttons. The mode indicator at the left side and the mode text at the bottom of the display indicate the selected mode. The timekeeping display is the default display of the instrument (Fig. 2.1.). If a button is not pressed within 5 minutes, the dive computer beeps and returns to the timekeeping display automatically (except in Diving mode). The timekeeping display shuts off after two hours, but pressing the PLAN or TIME button activates it. Making the GEKKO Personal For best use of the GEKKO take some time and make it YOUR computer. Set the correct time and date. Read this manual. Set dive alarms and make all the other settings listed in the introduction in this manual. Install the GEKKO in your console or fit it on to your wrist. Fig. 2.1. Timekeeping display. Pressing PLAN or TIME button activates display. All this so you know your computer and have it set up as you want it before getting into the water. 2.2. PUSH BUTTONS The GEKKO has easy-to-use push buttons and an advisory display, which guides the user. The SMART (MODE) button is the key to the system. The two scroll buttons, PLAN and TIME, are used for scrolling up and down the menus and to show the alternative displays. The dive computer is controlled with these three push buttons as follows (see Fig. 2.2.). The SMART button The PLAN, TIME and SCROLL buttons Fig. 2.2. Push buttons of the dive computer. 12 Press the SMART (MODE) button · · · · To activate the dive computer. To change from the Surface Mode to the menu based modes. To select, confirm or quit a submode (short press). To immediately exit any submode to the Surface Mode (long press). Press the arrow up scroll (PLAN) button · · · · To activate the timekeeping display, if the display is blank. To activate the Dive Planning in the Surface Mode. To make a special bookmark in the profile memory during a dive. To scroll up the options (s, increase). Press the arrow down scroll (ALTER) button · · · To activate the timekeeping display, if the display is blank. To activate the alternative display(s). To scroll down the options (t, decrease). The dive computer is controlled with the SMART (MODE/On/Select/OK/Quit) and the PLAN s and TIME t push buttons and with the water contacts as follows: Activation press the SMART (On) button or immerse the instrument in water for five (5) seconds. in the Surface Mode, press the PLAN (s) button. press the SMART (MODE) button. 13 Dive Planning Menu Modes 2.3. WATER CONTACTS C LO SE OP E N The water contacts control the automatic activation of the Dive Mode. B A Fig 2.3. Depth sensor (A), water/data transfer contacts (B). The water and data transfer contacts are located on bottom of the case (Fig 2.3). When submerged the water contacts are connected to the push buttons (which are the other pole of the water contact) by the conductivity of the water. The "AC" text (Active Contacts, Fig. 2.4.) will appear on display. The AC text will be shown until the water contact deactivates or the dive computer enters the Dive Mode automatically. Fig. 2.4. Active water contacts are indicated by the text AC. 14 3. DIVING WITH THE GEKKO This section contains instructions on how to operate the dive computer and interpret its displays. You will find that this dive computer is easy to use and read. Each display shows only the data relevant to that specific diving situation. DIVE m ft CEILING NO O2%SURF S L O AVGPO2 MAX W STOP ASC TIME QUIT OK SELECT TIME OLF C B T °F°C NO DEC TIME OPTIONS DIVE TIME 3.1 BEFORE DIVING 3.1.1. Activation and Prechecks The dive computer will activate if submerged deeper than 0.5 m (1.5 ft). However, it is necessary to turn on the Dive Mode before diving to check the altitude and personal adjustment settings, battery condition, oxygen settings etc. Press the SMART (Mode) button to activate the instrument. After activation all display elements will turn on showing mostly figure 8's and graphical elements (Fig. 3.1.). A few seconds later the battery power indicator is shown and the buzzer is activated (Fig. 3.2. display a, b, c or d depending on the battery voltage). If set to Air mode the screen will enter the Surface mode (Fig. 3.3.) and if set to Nitrox mode the essential oxygen parameters are shown with the text NITROX (Fig. 3.20.) before the Surface mode. OK Fig. 3.1. Startup I. All segments shown. QUIT Fig. 3.2. Startup II. Battery power indicator. 15 m At this time, perform your prechecks making sure that: · the instrument operates in the correct mode and provides a complete display (Air/Nitrox modes) the low battery indicator is not on the altitude and personal adjustment settings are correct the instrument displays correct units of measurement (Metric/Imperial) the instrument displays correct temperature and depth (0.0 m [0 ft]) the buzzer beeps °C DIVE TIME TIME · · · · · Fig 3.3. Startup III. Surface mode. Depth and dive time are zero, current temperature, 20 °C. Pressing TIME button activates alternative display of current time. m And if set to Nitrox mode (refer to chapter 3.4 Diving in Nitrox mode), make sure that: · the oxygen percentage is adjusted according to the measured Nitrox blend in your cylinder the oxygen partial pressure limit is set correctly. °C DIVE TIME · Fig. 3.4. Low Battery Warning. Battery symbol indicates that the battery is low and battery replacement is recommended. The dive computer is now ready for diving. DIVE MAX QUIT NO DEC TIME Fig. 3.5. Dive Planning. Planning mode is indicated by PLAN text. No-decompression time limit at 30.0 m [100 ft] is 14 minutes in A0/P1 mode. 16 3.1.2. BATTERY INDICATION 3.1.2.1. Battery Power Indicator This dive computer has a unique graphic Battery Power Indicator designed to give you an advance notice of impending need to change the battery. The Battery Power Indicator can always be seen when the Dive Mode is activated. The following Table and Figure show the various warning levels. TABLE 3.1. BATTERY POWER INDICATOR Display BAT + 4 segments + OK BAT + 3 segments Operation Normal, full battery. Figure 3.2 a Normal, battery power is getting low or the temperature is low. Battery replacement is recommended if you are going to colder conditions or if you are planning to make a dive trip. b LOWBAT + 2 segments + low battery symbol LOWBAT + 1 segment + QUIT+ low battery symbol Battery power is low and the battery replacement is recommended. The battery symbol is displayed. c Change the battery! d Returns to the Time display. Activation and all functions are disabled. Temperature or an internal oxidation of the battery affects the battery voltage. If the instrument is stored for a long period, the low battery warning may be displayed even though the battery has enough capacity. The low battery warning may also be displayed at low temperatures, even though the battery has enough capacity in warmer conditions. In these cases repeat the battery check procedure. After battery check the Low Battery Warning is indicated by the battery symbol (Fig. 3.4.). If the battery symbol is displayed in the Surface mode or if the display is faded or weak, the battery may be too low to operate the dive computer and battery replacement is recommended. 17 3.1.3. Dive Planning [PLAN] To enter Planning Mode, press the PLAN button at any time during Surface Mode. After showing the text "PLAN" (Fig. 3.5.), the display will show the no-decompression limit for the depth of 9 m [30 ft]. By pressing the down arrow (t) (TIME) button, the dive computer will calculate and show the next deeper no-decompression limits in 3 m [10 ft] increments ending at 45 m [150 ft]. By pressing the up arrow (s) (PLAN) button, the next shallower depth will be shown again. The Planning Mode is canceled by pressing the SMART (QUIT) button. NOTE! The Planning mode is disabled in Error mode (see section 3.8. "Error Conditions"). Higher Altitude and conservative Personal Adjustment Modes will shorten the no-decompression time limits. These limits at different Altitude and Personal Adjustment Mode selections are shown in Table 6.1 and 6.2 in section 6.1. "Operating Principles". The Planning mode also accounts for the following information from previous dives: · · · any calculated residual nitrogen all dive history for the past four days oxygen toxicity (Nitrox mode) The no-decompression times given for different depths will therefore be shorter than before your first "fresh" dive. DIVE NUMBERING SHOWN DURING DIVE PLANNING Dives belong to the same repetitive dive series if the instrument was still counting down the no-fly time at the beginning of the dive. The surface interval must be at least 5 minutes for a dive to be considered a repetitive dive. Otherwise, it is considered a continuation of the same dive. The dive number will not change and the dive time will continue where it left off (see also section 3.5.2. "Dive Numbering"). 18 3.1.4. User Definable Functions and Alarms The GEKKO has several user definable functions and depth and time related alarms that you can set according to your personal preference. The dive computer model (Air/Nitrox) can be set in the MODE- SET- MODEL submode. The dive alarms can be set under MODE- SET- SET ALARMS, the time and date settings in MODE-SET-SET TIME, and the units (metric/imperial) as well as personal adjustments in the MODE- SET- SET ADJUSTMETS submode. Setting of the user definable functions and alarms are explained in detail in section 4.2. "Set Modes". 3.2. SAFETY STOPS Safety stops are widely considered "good diving practice" and are an integral part of most dive tables. Reasons to perform a safety stop include a reduction in sub clinical DCI, microbubble reduction, ascent control, and orientation before surfacing. The GEKKO displays two different types of safety stops: Recommended Safety Stop and Mandatory Safety Stop. The Safety Stops are indicated by: STOP label, when in the depth range 3 m - 6 m [10 ft - 20 ft] = Recommended Safety Stop Countdown STOP+ CEILING label, when in the depth range 3 m - 6 m [10 ft - 20 ft] = Mandatory Safety Stop Time display STOP label, when deeper than 6 m = Mandatory Safety Stop scheduled 3.2.1. Recommended Safety Stop With every dive over 10 meters the instrument has a three minute countdown for the recommended safety stop, to be taken in the 3 - 6 meter [10 ft - 20 ft] range. This is shown with the STOP sign and a three-minute countdown in the center window instead of the no-decompression time (Fig. 3.9.). The Recommended Safety Stop, as the name implies, is recommended. If it is ignored, there is no penalty applied to the following surface intervals and dives. 3.2.2. Mandatory Safety Stop When the ascent rate exceeds 12 meters/min [40 ft] momentarily or 10 meters/min [33ft] continuously the micro-bubble build-up is predicted to be more than allowed for in the decompression model. The Suunto RGBM calculation model responds to this by adding a Mandatory Safety Stop to the dive. The time of this Mandatory Safety Stop will depend on the severity of the ascent rate excess. 19 m MAX NO DEC TIME C B T °C DIVE TIME The STOP sign will appear in the display and when you reach the depth zone between 6 m to 3 m [20 ft to 10] also the CEILING label, ceiling depth and the calculated Safety Stop time appear in the display. You should wait until the Mandatory Safety Stop warning disappears (Fig. 3.13.). The Mandatory Safety Stop time always includes the three minute Recommended Safety Stop time. The total length of the Mandatory Safety Stop time depends on the seriousness of the ascent rate violation. You must not ascend shallower than 3 m [10 ft] with the Mandatory Safety Stop warning on. If you ascend above the Mandatory Safety Stop ceiling, a downward pointing arrow will appear and a continuous beeping starts (Fig. 3.14.). You should immediately descend to, or below, the Mandatory Safety Stop ceiling depth. If you correct this situation at any time during that dive, there are no affects on the decompression calculations for future dives. Fig. 3.6. Dive starts m MAX NO DEC TIME C B T °C DIVE TIME TIME If you continue to violate the Mandatory Safety Stop, the tissue calculation model is affected and the dive computer shortens the available no-decompression time for your next dive. In this situation, it is recommended to prolong your surface interval time before your next dive. Fig. 3.7. Diving display. Present depth is 19.3 m [63 ft] and no-decompression stop time limit is 23 minutes in A0/P1 mode. Maximum depth during this dive was 19.8 m [65 ft], water temperature is 18¡ C [64¡F], elapsed dive time is 16 minutes. Alternative display of current time 10:20 [10:20 am] is shown for 5 seconds after pressing TIME button. 3.3. DIVING WITH THE GEKKO The GEKKO has two operating modes: Air mode for diving with standard air only and Nitrox mode for diving with oxygen enriched (EANx) mixtures. The Nitrox mode is enabled in the MODE-SET-MODEL. 3.3.1. Basic Dive Data The dive computer will remain in the Surface mode at depths less than 1.2 m [4 feet]. At depths greater than 1.2 m the instrument will go into the Diving mode (Fig. 3.6.). 20 All information on the display is labeled (Fig. 3.6). During a no-decompression stop dive, the following information will be displayed: your present depth in meters [ft] the maximum depth during this dive in meters [ft], indicated as MAX - the available no-decompression time in minutes in the center window as NO DEC TIME and as a bar graph on the left side of the display. It is calculated based on the five factors described in section 6.1. "Operating Principles". - the water in temperature in °C [°F] in the lower left corner - the elapsed dive time in minutes, shown as DIVE TIME in the lower right corner - the Altitude Adjustment setting on the left side of the center window with a wave and mountain symbols (A0, A1, or A2) (see Table 3.4.) - the Personal Adjustment setting on the left side of the center window with a diver symbol and + signs (P0, P1, or P2) (see Table 3.5.) - Diver Attention Symbol if there is microbubble buildup, and surface interval should be prolonged (see Table 3.3.) Alternative displays by pressing the TIME button (Fig. 3.7.): - the current time, shown as TIME NOTE! In Dive Mode the alternative display switches back to the main display after 5 seconds. - m MAX NO DEC TIME C B T °C DIVE TIME Fig. 3.8. Bookmark activation. An annotation, Bookmark, is placed in the profile memory during a dive by pressing PLAN button. Note Logbook symbol. m MAX STOP C B T °C DIVE TIME Fig. 3.9. A three minute Recommended Safety Stop. m MAX 3.3.2. BOOKMARK NO DEC TIME It is possible to make special marks in the profile memory during a dive. These Bookmarks will be shown as a blinking dive log symbol when scrolling the profile memory on the computer display. To make a bookmark on the profile memory during a dive press the PLAN button (Fig. 3.8.). C B T °C DIVE TIME Fig. 3.10. Ascent Rate Indicator. Three segments. 21 3.3.3. Consumed Bottom Time (CBT) The available no-decompression stop time is also shown visually in the multifunction bar graph on the left side of the display (Fig. 3.7. and 3.8.). When your available no-decompression time decreases below 200 minutes, the first (lowest) bar graph segment appears. As your body absorbs more nitrogen, more segments start to appear. Green Zone - As a safety precaution Suunto recommends you should maintain the no-decompression bar graph within the green zone. Segments start to appear when the available no-decompression time decreases below 100, 80, 60, 50, 40, 30 and 20 minutes. Yellow Zone- As the bars reach the yellow zone, your no-decompression stop time is less than 10 or 5 minutes and you are getting very close to no-decompression limits. At this point, you should start your ascent towards the surface. Red Zone - As all of the bars appear (red zone), your no-decompression stop time has become zero and your dive has become a decompression stop dive (for more information see section 3.3.5. "Decompression dives"). 3.3.4. Ascent Rate Indicator The ascent rate is shown graphically along the right side of the display as follows: TABLE 3.2. ASCENT RATE INDICATOR Ascent Rate Indicator No segments One segment Two segments Three segments Four segments Four segments, the SLOW segment, blinking depth reading, the STOP sign and an audible alarm The equivalent ascent speed Below 4 m/min [13 ft/min] 4 - 6 m/min [13 - 20 ft/min] 6 - 8 m/min [20 - 26 ft/min] 8 - 10 m/min [26 - 33 ft/min] 10 - 12 m/min [33 - 39 ft/min] Above 12 m/min [39 ft/min] or continuously above 10 m/min [33 ft/min] Example in Fig. 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 22 When the maximum allowed ascent rate is exceeded, the fifth SLOW warning segment and the STOP sign appear and the depth reading starts to blink, indicating that the maximum ascent rate has been exceeded continuously or that the current ascent rate is significantly above the allowed rate. Whenever the SLOW warning segment and the STOP sign appear (Fig. 3.12.), you should immediately slow down your ascent. When you reach the depth zone between 6 m to 3 m [20 ft to 10 ft] the STOP and CEILING depth labels will advise you to make a Mandatory Safety Stop. Wait until the warning disappears (Fig. 3.13.). You should not ascend shallower than 3 m [10 ft] with the Mandatory Safety Stop warning on. m MAX NO DEC TIME C B T °C DIVE TIME Fig. 3.11. Ascent Rate Indicator. Maximum allowed ascent rate. Four segments BEE BEE P BEE P m S L O MAX W P STOP NO DEC TIME C B T WARNING! DO NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM ASCENT RATE! Rapid ascents increase the risk of injury. You should always make the Mandatory and Recommended Safety Stops after you have exceeded the maximum recommended ascent rate. If this Mandatory Safety Stop is not completed the decompression model will penalize your next dive(s). °C DIVE TIME 3.3.5. Decompression dives When your NO DEC TIME becomes zero, your dive becomes a decompression stop dive, i.e. you must perform one or several decompression stops on your way to the surface. The NO DEC TIME on your display will be replaced by an ASC TIME notation and the maximum depth will be replaced by a CEILING notation and an upward pointing arrow (Fig. 3.15.). If you exceed the no-decompression limits on a dive, the dive computer will provide decompression information required for ascent. After this, the instrument will continue to provide subsequent interval and repetitive dive information. Fig. 3.12. Ascent Rate Indicator. Blinking depth reading, SLOW and four segments are shown together with an audible alarm: ascent rate is more than 10 m/min [33 ft/min]. This is a caution to slow down! STOP sign means that you are advised to make a Mandatory Safety Stop when you reach a depth of 6 m [20 ft]. m CEILING MAX STOP C B T °C DIVE TIME TIME Fig. 3.13. A Mandatory Safety Stop. You are advised to make a Mandatory Safety Stop in the depth zone between 6 m and 3 m [20 ft and 10 ft]. Pressing TIME button shows alternative display. 23 P BEE P BEE EEP m B CEILING STOP Rather than requiring you to make stops at fixed depths, the dive computer lets you to decompress within a range of depths (Continuous Decompression). The ascent time (ASC TIME) is the minimum amount of time needed to reach the surface in a decompression dive. It includes: the time needed to ascend to the ceiling at an ascent rate of 10 m/min [33 ft/min] plus · the time needed at the ceiling. The ceiling is the shallowest depth to which you should ascend plus · the time needed at the Mandatory Safety Stop (if any) plus · the 3 minute Recommended Safety Stop plus · the time needed to reach the surface after the ceiling and safety stops have been completed. · C B T °C DIVE TIME Fig. 3.14. Violated Mandatory Safety Stop. Downward pointing arrow and an audible alarm indicate you should descend to ceiling zone. m CEILING ASC TIME C B T °C DIVE TIME Fig. 3.15. Decompression dive, below floor. Upward pointing arrow, blinking ASC TIME label and an audible alarm tell you to ascend. Minimum total ascent time including safety stop is 7 minutes. Ceiling is at 3 m [10 ft]. WARNING! YOUR ACTUAL ASCENT TIME MAY BE LONGER THAN DISPLAYED BY THE INSTRUMENT! The ascent time will increase if you: or remain at depth ascend slower than 10 m/min [33 ft/min] m CEILING ASC TIME C B T °C DIVE TIME Fig. 3.16. Decompression dive, above floor. Upward pointing arrow has disappeared and ASC TIME label has stopped blinking, which means that you are in the decompression range. make your decompression stop deeper than at the ceiling. These factors will also increase the amount of air required to reach the surface. 24 CEILING, CEILING ZONE, FLOOR AND DECOMPRESSION RANGE When in decompression, it is important that you understand the meaning of ceiling, floor, and decompression range (Fig. 3.19.): The ceiling is the shallowest depth to which you should ascend when in decompression. At this depth, or below, you must perform all stops. The ceiling zone is the optimum decompression stop zone. It is the zone between the minimum ceiling and 1.8 m [6 ft] below the minimum ceiling. The floor is the deepest depth at which the decompression stop time will not increase. Decompression will start when you pass this depth during your ascent. The decompression range is the depth range between the ceiling and floor. Within this range, decompression takes place. However, it is important to remember that the decompression will be very slow at, or close to, the floor. - The depth of the ceiling and floor will depend on your dive profile. The ceiling depth will be fairly shallow when you enter the decompression mode, but if you remain at depth, it will move downward and the ascent time will increase. Likewise, the floor and ceiling may change upwards while you are decompressing. When conditions are rough, it may be difficult to maintain a constant depth near the surface. In this case it will be more manageable to maintain an additional distance below the ceiling, to make sure that the waves do not lift you above the ceiling. Suunto recommends that decompression takes place deeper than 4 m [13 ft], even if the indicated ceiling is shallower. NOTE! It will take more time and more air to decompress below the ceiling than at the ceiling. WARNING! NEVER ASCEND ABOVE THE CEILING! You must not ascend above the ceiling during your decompression. In order to avoid doing so by accident, you should stay somewhat below the ceiling. DISPLAY BELOW THE FLOOR The blinking ASC TIME and an upward pointing arrow indicate that you are below the floor (Fig. 3.15.). You should start your ascent immediately. The ceiling depth is shown on the right top corner and the minimum total ascent time on the right side of the center window. 25 DISPLAY ABOVE THE FLOOR m CEILING MAX STOP ASC TIME C B T °C DIVE TIME TIME When you ascend above the floor, the ASC TIME display stops blinking and the upward pointing arrow disappears (Fig. 3.16.). Decompression will now begin, but is very slow. You should therefore continue your ascent. DISPLAY AT THE CEILING ZONE Fig. 3.17. Decompression dive, at ceiling zone. Two arrows point at each other ("hour glass"). You are in the optimum ceiling zone at 3.5 m [11 ft] and your minimum ascent time is 5 minutes. Pressing TIME button activates alternative display. When you reach the ceiling zone, the display will show you two arrows pointing at each other (the "hour glass" icon, Fig 3.17.). Do not ascend above this zone. During the decompression stop, ASC TIME will count down towards zero. When the ceiling moves upwards, you can ascend to the new ceiling. You may surface only after the ASC TIME and CEILING labels have disappeared, which means that the decompression stop and any Mandatory Safety Stop has been completed. You are advised, however, to stay until the STOP sign has also gone. This indicates that the three minute Recommended Safety Stop has also been completed. DISPLAY ABOVE THE CEILING If you ascend above the ceiling during a decompression stop, a downward pointing arrow will appear and a continuous beeping starts (Fig. 3.18.). In addition, an error warning Er reminds you that you have only three minutes to correct the situation. You must immediately descend to or below the ceiling. If you continue to violate the decompression, the dive computer goes into a permanent Error Mode. In this mode the instrument can only be used as a depth gauge and timer. You must not dive again for at least 48 hours (see also section 3.8. "Error Conditions"). P BEE P BEE P ... BEE m CEILING STOP ASC TIME C B T °C DIVE TIME Fig. 3.18. Decompression dive, above ceiling. Note downward pointing arrow, Er warning and an audible alarm. You should immediately (within 3 minutes) descend to or below ceiling. 26 3.4. DIVING IN NITROX MODE 3.4.1. Before Diving The GEKKO can be set for diving with standard air only (Air mode) or it can be set for diving with Enriched Air Nitrox (Nitrox mode). If you are educated for nitrox diving and you plan to make nitrox dives, it is recommended that you set the dive computer permanently to its NITROX Mode. The Nitrox mode can be enabled by accessing MODE-SET-MODEL (see chapter 4.2. "Set Modes"). If set to Nitrox mode, the correct oxygen percentage of the gas in your cylinder must always be entered into the computer to ensure correct nitrogen and oxygen calculations. The dive computer adjusts its mathematical nitrogen and oxygen calculation models according to the entered O2% and PO2 values. Calculations based on Nitrox use result in longer no-decompression times and shallower maximum depths than diving with air. When the dive computer is set in Nitrox mode the Dive Planning modes calculates with the O2% and PO2 values that are currently in the computer. WARNING! DO NOT DIVE WITH A CYLINDER OF ENRICHED AIR IF YOU HAVE NOT PERSONALLY VERIFIED ITS CONTENTS AND ENTERED THE ANALYSIS VALUE INTO YOUR DIVE COMPUTER! Failure to verify cylinder contents and enter the appropriate O2% into your dive computer will result in incorrect dive planning information. WARNING! The dive computer will not accept fractional percentage values of oxygen concentration. Do not round up fractional percentages. For example, 31.8% oxygen should be entered as 31%. Rounding up will cause nitrogen percentages to be understated and will affect decompression calculations. If there is a desire to adjust the computer to provide more conservative calculations, use the personal adjustment feature to affect decompression calculations or reduce the PO2 setting to affect oxygen exposure according to the entered O2% and PO2 values. CEILING Fig. 3.19. Ceiling and Floor Zones. The Recommended and Manadatory Safety Stop zone lies between 6m and 3m [20 ft and 10ft]. 3m / 10ft 6m / 18ft FLOOR 27 NOTE m PO2 O2% As a safety precaution the oxygen calculations in the computer are made with an oxygen percentage of 1% + setO2% . DEFAULT NITROX SETTINGS In the NITROX Mode, when set to standard air (21% O2), the instrument can be used as an air dive computer. It remains in this air mode until the O2% setting is adjusted to any other percentage of oxygen (22% - 50%). NOTE! The computer will automatically revert to the air (21% O2) setting when a new dive series is started, if it is not set to any other mix during the last two hours. When the oxygen percentage is set for air, the computer will retain this setting. OLF Fig. 3.20. Nitrox display. Maximum depth based on set O2% (21%) and PO2 (1.4 bar) is 54.1 m [177 ft]. m O2% OLF °C DIVE TIME Manually entered values for oxygen percentage are retained for about two hours after the setting if a dive series has not started. In case a dive series is started, the set value is retained until a new dive series is started or a new value is entered manually. The default setting for maximum oxygen partial pressure is 1.4 bar, however you are able to set it between the range of 1.2 - 1.6 bar. Fig. 3.21. Surface display in the Nitrox mode 3.4.2. Oxygen Displays If set to Nitrox mode the NITROX display, with all labeled oxygen information and the label NITROX, is shown after activation, and before the Dive Planning Mode. The Nitrox display shows (Fig. 3.20.): m MAX · NO DEC TIME O2% · · OLF °C DIVE TIME Fig. 3.22. Diving in Nitrox mode. The O2% is set to 32%. · the oxygen percentage, labeled with O2%, is shown in the left side of the center window the set oxygen partial pressure limit, labeled with PO2, is shown in the upper right display the maximum allowed depth based on the set oxygen percentage and partial pressure limit the current oxygen toxicity exposure shown with an Oxygen Limit Fraction (OLF) bar graph along the left side of the display (instead of the CBT). 28 In Dive mode, the oxygen percentage labeled with O2% and the current oxygen toxicity exposure shown with an Oxygen Limit Fraction (OLF) bar graph are shown (Fig. 3.21. and Fig. 3.22.). During a dive, the oxygen partial pressure, labeled with PO2, is also shown instead of the maximum depth in the upper right display, if the partial pressure is greater than 1.4 bar or the set value (Fig. 3.23.). By pressing the TIME button during a nitrox dive, the alternative display appears, which includes (Fig. 3.24.): · · · current time Consumed Bottom Time maximum depth (during decompression stop dive). After five seconds the display will automatically revert to the original display. P BEE P BEE P ... BEE m PO2 O2% NO DEC TIME OLF °C DIVE TIME Fig. 3.23. Oxygen partial pressure and OLF displays. There is an audible alarm as oxygen partial pressure is greater than 1.4 bar or set value, and/or the OLF has reached 80% limit. m MAX O2% 3.4.3. Oxygen Limit Fraction (OLF) In addition to tracking the diver's exposure to nitrogen, the instrument tracks the exposure to oxygen, if set to Nitrox mode. These calculations are treated as entirely separate functions. The dive computer calculates separately for Central Nervous System oxygen toxicity (CNS) and Pulmonary Oxygen toxicity, the latter measured by the addition of Oxygen Toxicity Units (OTU). Both fractions are scaled so that the maximum tolerated exposure for each is expressed as 100%. The Oxygen Limit Fraction (OLF) has 11 segments, each representing 10%. The OLF bar graph displays only the value of the higher of the two calculations. When the OTU value meets and exceeds the CNS value then in addition to displaying its percentage the lowest segment blinks to indicate that the value shown relates to OTU (Fig. 3.25.). The oxygen toxicity calculations are based on the factors listed in section 6.3. "Oxygen Exposure". NO DEC TIME C B T °C TIME Fig. 3.24. Alternative display. Pressing TIME button displays current time, maximum depth, temperature, CBT and O2%, m MAX O2% NO DEC TIME OLF °C DIVE TIME Fig. 3.25. The lowest bar graph blinks to indicate that the OLF value shown relates to OTU. 29 3.5. AT THE SURFACE m MAX NO 3.5.1. Surface Interval An ascent to any depth shallower than 1.2 m [4 ft] will cause the DIVING display to be replaced by the SURFACE display, giving the following information (Fig. 3.26.): maximum depth of last dive in meters [ft] present depth in meters [ft] no-flying warning indicated by an airplane icon (Table 3.3) Altitude Adjustment setting Personal Adjustment setting Diver attention symbol indicates surface interval time should be prolonged (Table 3.3) STOP label for 5 min, if the Mandatory Safety Stop was violated Er, if the decompression ceiling was violated (= Error Mode) (Fig. 3.29, Table 3.3) the current temperature with °C for Centigrade [or °F for Fahrenheit] dive time of last dive in minutes, shown as DIVE TIME. °C DIVE TIME Fig. 3.26. Surface display. You have surfaced from a 18 minute dive, which maximum depth was 20.0 m [66 ft]. The present depth is 0.0 m [0 ft]. Airplane symbol indicates that you should not fly and Diver Attention Symbol indicates that you should prolong your surface interval time because of excess micro-bubbles. m MAX NO TIME SURF TIME °C Or when the TIME button is pressed: Fig 3.27. Surface interval, Surface time display. Pressing TIME button once will show surface time display. - - the current time, shown as TIME instead of the DIVE TIME the surface time in hours and minutes (separated by a colon), telling the duration of the present surface interval (Fig. 3.27.) the desaturation/no-flying time in hours and minutes is shown next to the airplane in the center window of the display (Fig. 3.28.). 30 If set to Nitrox mode, the following information will also be shown: the oxygen percentage labeled with O2% is shown on the left side of the center window the current oxygen toxicity exposure shown with an Oxygen Limit Fraction (OLF) bar graph along the left side of the display. NO m MAX °C TIME 3.5.2. Dive Numbering Several repetitive dives are considered to belong to the same repetitive dive series when the dive computer has not counted the no-flying time to zero. Within each series, the dives are given individual numbers. The first dive of the series will be numbered as DIVE 1, the second as DIVE 2, the third as DIVE 3, etc. TABLE 3.3. WARNING SYMBOLS Symbol on display Indication Diver Attention Symbol - Extend Surface Interval Violated Decompression Ceiling NO Fig. 3.28. Surface interval, no-flying time. Pressing TIME button twice will show no-flying time, indicated by an airplane symbol. Do Not Fly Symbol If you start a new dive with less than 5 minutes of surface interval time, the dive computer interprets this as a continuation of the previous dive and the dives are considered to be the same. The diving display will return, the dive number will remain unchanged, and the dive time will begin where it left off. After 5 minutes on the surface, subsequent dives are, by definition, repetitive. The dive counter displayed in the Planning Mode will increment to the next higher number if another dive is made. 3.5.3. Flying After Diving The no-flying time is shown in the center window next to the airplane image. Flying or travelling to a higher altitude should be avoided at any time the computer counts down the no-flying time. 31 m MAX NO NOTE! The airplane symbol is not shown on the stand-by display. You should always activate the dive computer and check that the airplane symbol is not displayed prior to flying. Dive Attention Symbol Violated Decompression Ceiling °C DIVE TIME NO