Getting acquainted, Dive computer limitations, Nitrox – SUUNTO VYTEC User Manual
Page 12: Functions

10
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 in-
tended 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.
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 with the manufacturer of your equipment in
regards to its compatibility with nitrox.
2. GETTING ACQUAINTED
2.1. FUNCTIONS
The Suunto VYTEC can be set to function as a regular air dive com-
puter, a nitrox dive computer or as a depth gauge with timer mode.
The VYTEC multipurpose dive computer is an air integrated computer
featuring three dive computer modes (AIR, NITROX, GAUGE), three
main operating modes (TIME/STAND-BY, SURFACE, DIVING), three
menu based main modes (MEMORY, SIMULATION, SET) and 18 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.