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Getting acquainted, Dive computer limitations, Nitrox – SUUNTO VYTEC User Manual

Page 12: Functions

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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.