Dive Rite NiTek 3 User manual

UserGuide
www.diverite.com
Dateofpurchase:
NiTek3DiveComputer
NiTek3DiveComputer

Content
NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual i
DEVELOPED
BY
Dive Rite
175 NW Washington Street
Lake City, FL 32055
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.diverite.com
COPYRIGHT
NOTICE Copyright © 2003-2004 Lamartek, Inc. dba Dive Rite
This manual is copyrighted by Lamartek, Inc. dba Dive Rite.
You may not reproduce, translate, transcribe, or transmit any
part of this manual without express, written permission from
Lamartek, Inc. dba Dive Rite.
WARRANTY
INFORMATION Dive Rite will—at its sole discretion—repair or replace NiTek3
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 warranty applies only to the original retail purchaser. It
does not cover commercial or rental use, nor does it extend to
units purchased from other than an authorized Dive Rite
dealer.
This warranty specifically excludes battery depletion or other
conditions resulting from misuse, negligence, alteration,
accident, or unauthorized repair.
To make a claim under this warranty, the owner must have
registered his/her warranty using Dive Rite’s website
(www.diverite.com). He or she must then return the damaged
items to Dive Rite, along with a copy of the original purchase
invoice or receipt. No warranty service will be performed for
other than registered owners.
This warranty becomes void if NiTek3 components are
damaged by anything other than normal recreational diving
use, or if they have been serviced or repaired by other than
authorized Dive Rite dealers.
Repairs made under this warranty will not extend the warranty
period.
All further claims, especially for damage after diving accidents,
are excluded from coverage under this warranty.
Dive Rite has no obligation to honor any extension of this
warranty.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or
implied. No other person or representative is authorized to
assume for Dive Rite any other liability in connection with the
sale of this product.

Content
ii NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual
Table of contents
Chapter 1 Introduction •1
Overview •2
Features and functions •3
Specifications •5
Warnings •6
Chapter 2 Using the NiTek3 •9
Getting started •10
Accessing display modes and screens •11
Surface mode •12
Setting the dive options •14
Using gauge mode •17
Understanding default mode •18
Plan mode •20
Dive computer mode •22
Gauge mode •29
Surface mode (upon surfacing from a dive) •30
Log mode •32
Profile mode •34
PC transfer mode •36
Altitude operation •38
Chapter 3 Care and maintenance •41
Proper handling techniques •42
Low battery warning •44
Index •47

NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual 1
Chapter 1
Introduction
Summary
This chapter provides an overview of the NiTek3, lists the
NiTek3’s features and functions, and covers warning information
that should be read before using your NiTek3.
Content Overview •2
Features and functions •3
Specifications •5
Warnings •6
When diving… •7

Introduction
2NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual
Overview
Congratulations on your purchase of the NiTek3 dive computer.
The NiTek3 is a sophisticated and comprehensive dive computer
that was designed to offer you the latest in dive computer
technology, safety, and reliability.
The NiTek3 dive computer is a multifunctional computer for
recreational diving, providing information on depth, dive times,
no-decompression and decompression times, and nitrogen
absorption and elimination during all dive phases, including
ascent, surface interval times, and subsequent dives.
This information is displayed on an easy-to-read display,
providing simple and direct communication between the diver
and the computer. With an easy-to-read display, the diver has no
problem following and reading the displayed information.
The NiTek3 comes standard with a number of modes, including
a dive set mode, dive plan mode, log mode, profile mode, PC
transfer mode, and dive mode.
Note: It is extremely important that you carefully read and
understand this manual. Make sure you fully understand how the
NiTek3 operates before diving with it.
This manual has been divided into three chapters:
•Introduction: Covers the features and functions,
specifications, and warnings for the NiTek3
•Using the NiTek3: Covers the operation of each mode for
the NiTek3
•Care and maintenance: Covers how to properly care for
and maintain the NiTek3 and change the battery

Introduction
NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual 3
Features and functions
The NiTek3 incorporates a number of important modes and
features:
•The NiTek3 turns on automatically upon descent
•On the surface, the NiTek3 constantly displays a minimum
of date and time
•The NiTek3 uses easily accessible and highly reliable push
buttons instead of exposed electrical contacts
•The NiTek3 can be programmed to monitor exposure to
three different gas mixtures during a dive. Gas mixtures
including combinations of oxygen and nitrogen can be
programmed. Underwater, NiTek3 users can switch between
mixes at the push of a button.
•The NiTek3 is capable of functioning up to a depth of 328
feet (100 meters) when in dive computer mode and 656 feet
(200 meters) when in gauge mode
•The NiTek3 automatically adjusts for altitudes up to 19,685
feet (6,000 meters)
•The NiTek3 displays a variety of data underwater including:
date, time of day, current and maximum depths, no-
decompression dive time elapsed and remaining, and water
temperature
•The NiTek3 displays data specifically related to the use of
Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) including: fraction of oxygen
(FO2) setting, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), and an
oxygen limit index (OLI) representing the cumulative effect
of a diver’s exposure to elevated PO2s (the theoretical “CNS
clock”) as a bar graph
•Through a combination of audible and visible alarms, the
NiTek3 helps to alert the diver to a number of possibly
hazardous situations including: violation of ascent rate, no-
decompression state, and whether mandatory decompression
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 1.6

Introduction
4NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual
atmospheres depending on what is set, and when cumulative
exposure to elevated PO2s exceeds recommended limits.
•The NiTek3 can be programmed to display data in Imperial
or metric units
•Dive depth can be displayed in fresh or salt water
equivalents
•Special mode indicators makes it easy to determine what
display mode or screen you are in at any time
•The NiTek3 glows in the dark after exposure to light
•The NiTek3’s memory capability enables it to hold and
display log data on up to 10 dives
•Detailed dive-profile information can be stored for each dive
through user-programmable sample intervals of 5, 10, 20, 30
or 60 seconds (longer intervals allow data for a greater
number of dives)
•Dive data can be uploaded and stored in a dive log format on
a desktop or laptop computer using the NiTekLogic™
software and optional PC interface

Introduction
NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual 5
Specifications
Algorithm: Modified Buhlmann
Sample tissues: 9
Tissue half-lives: from 5 to 640 minutes
Size and weight
Length: 4.25 in (10.8 cm)
Height: 1.25 in (3.2 cm)
Weight: 8 ounces (226 g)
Display face
Low battery indicator
Two user buttons
Water immersion switch
Depth sensor
Sea and fresh water calibration
Measuring range: 0 to 328 feet (0 to 100 m) measured every second
(Gauge mode 656 feet (200 m)
Accuracy: +/-3% + 2 feet (0.5 m)
Surface interval time: from 0 to 48 hrs
Diving time: from 0 to 599 minutes
Ascent rate warning: 26 to 52 feet per minute (8 to 16 m)
Thermometer
Measuring range: 23 °F to 104 °F (-5 to 40 °C)
Accuracy: +/-4 °F (2 °C)
Measurement interval: Every minute during dive mode
Clock
Accuracy: +/-30 sec on average per month
24-hour display
Altitude
Altitude function monitoring: from 0 to 19,685 feet (6,000 m)
Measurement interval: Every 10 minutes
Battery
Li/MnO2 CR 123A 3V button battery
Average battery life: About 3 years (50 dives/year)
Replacement: User replaceable
Breathing gas
Mixes: 3 gas settings
O2 setting range: 21 to 99 percent
O2 setting: 1% increments
Dive log
Dive logging: Maximum of 10 dives
Profile sampling rates: 5, 10, 20, 30, or 60 seconds

Introduction
6NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual
Warnings
This information has been developed for your safety. Please read
and understand this manual completely before using your
NiTek3 dive computer.
Important safety information:
•Before using your NiTek3, 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.
•The NiTek3 is designed for use by certified divers who have
maintained a sufficient level of knowledge and skill
proficiency through a combination of formal training,
ongoing study, and experience. It is not intended for use by
persons who lack these qualifications and thus, may not be
able to identify, assess, and manage the risks scuba diving
entails. Use of the NiTek3 in conjunction with Enriched Air
Nitrox (EANx) requires that divers be trained and certified
for Nitrox diving.
•The NiTek3 is not intended for use by commercial or
military divers whose activities may take them beyond the
commonly accepted depth limits for recreational or technical
diving.
•Although the NiTek3 is capable of calculating
decompression stop requirements, users must remember that
dives requiring mandatory stage decompression carry
substantially greater risk than dives made well within no-
decompression limits.
•The NiTek3 is designed for use by one diver at a time.
Divers should not share a single NiTek3—or any other dive
computer—on the same dive. Additionally, no diver should
lend their NiTek3 to anyone else until it calculates that no
measurable residual nitrogen remains after previous dives
and no longer displays the “desaturation time” indicator
while in time mode. Further, no diver should use their
NiTek3 for repetitive dives—unless that same properly
functioning NiTek3 has accompanied them on all previous

Introduction
NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual 7
dives in the same repetitive dive series and is thus,
accurately monitoring the diver’s total exposure to oxygen
and nitrogen.
•Neither the NiTek3—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. The NiTek3 monitors depth and time, and uses this
data to work a mathematical formula designed to emulate
how individuals in good general health and whose physical
characteristics do not place them among those at higher risk
of decompression illness (DCI) are assumed to absorb and
release nitrogen from body tissues. Thus, the NiTek3 cannot
compensate for factors such as age, obesity, dehydration,
cold, or exertion, which experts believe place divers at
greater risk of DCI. If these, or similar factors apply to you,
use the NiTek3—and other dive computers or dive tables—
with even greater caution.
•Experts still know surprisingly little regarding the exact
nature and causes of decompression illness (also known as
decompression sickness, DCI, or DCS). Susceptibility to
DCI may vary substantially from person to person and from
day to day. Neither the NiTek3—nor any other dive table or
computer—can guarantee that you will not suffer
decompression illness. Even though you use these items
correctly, you may still suffer DCI. Use your NiTek3
conservatively and in conjunction with other dive planning
devices, such as dive tables. Do not rely on the NiTek3, or
any similar device, as your sole means of avoiding
decompression illness.
When diving…
•Do not “push” the no-decompression limits (NDLs). Make
safety stops before ascending. If you exceed the no-
decompression limits, check your breathing gas supply at all
stop depths.
•The NiTek3 does not monitor breathing gas supply. You
must monitor this yourself, on every dive, using a
submersible pressure gauge or equivalent device.

Introduction
8NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual
•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 NiTek3 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.

NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual 9
Chapter 2
Using the NiTek3
Summary
This chapter provides topics about using, setting, and
understanding each of the modes and options of the NiTek3.
Content Getting started •10
Accessing display modes and screens •11
Button operation •11
Surface mode •12
Setting the time and date •12
Setting the computer for metric or
Imperial •13
Setting the dive options •14
Setting the dive profile sampling rate •14
Setting for fresh or salt water use •15
Setting mix1 through mix3 gas
percetanges •15
Using gauge mode •17
Understanding default mode •18
Plan mode •20
Dive computer mode •22
Dive mode screen •22
Changing gas mixes underwater •23
Warnings while in diving mode •24
Gauge mode •29
Surface mode (upon surfacing from a dive) •30
Log mode •32
Profile mode •34
PC transfer mode •36
Before transferring the dive log •36
Altitude operation •38

Using the NiTek3
10 NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual
Getting started
The NiTek3 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 NiTek3 may be set to your home time zone.
•Check that the proper mixes are set. If you are using gauge
mode, make sure it is set to “GAGE.”
•Make sure that you review the dive plan mode for maximum
depths and times for the mixes you are using
During a dive
•Monitor the NiTek3 throughout your dive for depth and time
•Monitor the N2 and O2 loading bar graphs
•Pay attention to any alarms, such as an ascent rate warning
•Follow the no-decompression limits or complete the required
decompression displayed
After a dive
•Monitor surface interval time if making another dive
•Follow the no-fly requirements
•Review your dive using the log mode and profile mode
•Download the dive log to your PC if you have the optional
PC interface

Using the NiTek3
NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual 11
Accessing display modes and screens
There are some display modes that the NiTek3 enters and/or
exits automatically. For example, by taking the NiTek3
underwater, the dive mode automatically turns on. Upon
surfacing, the NiTek3 automatically enters the surface mode.
To access other modes or screens requires the use of the
NiTek3’s buttons.
Button operation
The NiTek3 has two buttons (A and B), which are used to access
the different modes and screens. To use the buttons, simply press
the button once or hold the button down depending on what you
are trying to do. The correct procedure to use is clearly defined
in each topic throughout the manual.
•A button: This button is used to select and scroll through the
different modes, such as plan mode and locks in setting
values when setting options
•B button: This button is used to set an option’s setting, such
as setting the date
Button A
Button B
The front of the NiTek3, showing the two buttons that are used to
access and setup the different modes and options

Using the NiTek3
12 NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual
Surface mode
Surface mode is the NiTek3’s default mode. The computer
returns to this mode automatically upon surfacing from a dive
and from other modes when two to three minutes of inactivity
have passed.
Note: The NiTek3 may display additional information
concerning exposure to nitrogen and oxygen, desaturation time,
surface interval time, and altitude. These items are covered in
“Surface mode (upon surfacing from a dive)” and “Altitude
operation.”
2
3
1
4
(1) Date: This is the month and day. The first digit is the month
and the second digit is the day. For example, 1-24 represents the
twenty-fourth day of January.
(2) Time of day: This is the time of day expressed in hours and
minutes. Time is displayed in 24-hour (military) format.
(3) Altitude: This is the current altitude you are at. See “Altitude
operation” for more information.
(4) Salt or fresh water: This is if the NiTek3 is set for salt (S)
or fresh (F) water use.
Setting the time and date
Setting the time and date is done through the surface mode. You
can enter or change the year, month, day, hours, and minutes in
this mode.

Using the NiTek3
NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual 13
To set the time and date:
1. Press and hold button A for ten seconds.
The profile sampling rate flashes.
2. Press buttons A and B simultaneously for ten seconds.
The “minutes” field flashes.
3. Press button B to set the minutes or press button A to go to
another field, such as hours.
4. Using buttons A and B, set the year, month, day, hour, and
minutes. The time is based on a 24-hour format.
For example, 1:00 PM would be 13:00.
5. When finished, press button A to return to surface mode.
Note: When you press button A from the “day” field, the
metric/Imperial field flashes. See the topic below for more
information.
Setting the computer for metric or Imperial
operation
The NiTek3 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). When in
metric, depth values are expressed in meters and temperatures
are expressed in Celsius (°C).
To set for metric or Imperial operation:
1. Press and hold button A for ten seconds.
The profile sampling rate flashes.
2. Press buttons A and B simultaneously for ten seconds.
The “minutes” field flashes.
3. Press button A to go to the metric/Imperial field.
The “M or FT” field flashes.
4. Press button B to change to metric (M) or feet (FT) operation.
5. Press button A to return to surface mode.

Using the NiTek3
14 NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual
Setting the dive options
Setting the dive options includes setting up the following:
•Dive profile sampling rate: This is how frequently depth
data is measured and stored during a dive, which is 5, 10, 20,
30, or 60 seconds.
•Salt or fresh water use: This is the setting for salt water or
fresh water use.
•FO2 gas percentage: This is the oxygen percentage for the
mix number selected. The O2 percentage setting range is 21
to 99 percent.
Setting the dive profile sampling rate
The NiTek3 allows you to choose how frequently it samples and
stores depth, time, temperature, etc. data. The data it samples and
stores is used in profile mode or when the data is uploaded to a
personal computer. There are five sampling rates to choose from,
5, 10, 20, 30, or 60 seconds.
The faster the sampling rate, the more detailed the dive profile,
but because it stores more information, fewer dives can be
stored. The slower the sampling rate, the less detailed the dive
profile, but it is capable of storing more information for more
dives.
Sampling rate Approximate dive time storage capacity
52 hours and 30 minutes
10 5 hours
20 7 hours and 30 minutes
30 15 hours
60 30 hours
Note: When the computer’s memory storage is full, it overwrites
the oldest dive profile data stored with the new information.
To set the dive profile sampling rate:
1. Press and hold button A for ten seconds.

Using the NiTek3
NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual 15
The profile sampling rate flashes.
2. Press button B to change the sampling rate.
3. When finished, press button A twice to return to surface
mode.
Setting for fresh or salt water use
The NiTek3 is capable of operating using fresh or salt water
calculations. This is based on:
•One atmosphere of saltwater is 33 feet (10 meters)
•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 and hold button A for ten seconds.
The profile sampling rate flashes.
2. Press button A to select the fresh or salt water field.
The F or S flashes.
3. Press button B to select fresh (F) or salt (S) water use.
4. When finished, press button A to return to surface mode.
Setting mix1 through mix3 gas percentages
You must set the breathing mix you plan on using on your dive.
There are up to three different mixes that can be used for any one
dive. Not all of the mixes have to bet set, only the mixes that you
plan on using. Each mix can have an oxygen (FO2) setting of 21
to 99 percent oxygen.
Note: If you only plan on using one mix on your dive, you only
need to set mix1.
To set gas mix percentages:
1. Press and hold button B for five seconds.
Mix1 flashes.

Using the NiTek3
16 NiTek3 Dive Computer User Manual
2. Press button B to change mix1.
Press and hold button B to increase the percentages rapidly
3. Press button A to select mix2.
4. Press button B to change mix2.
Press and hold button B to increase the percentages rapidly
5. Press button A to select mix3.
6. Press button B to change mix3.
Press and hold button B to increase the percentages rapidly
7. When finished, press button A to return to surface mode.