Ratio Computers iXM3 User manual

iX3M Dive Computer
User Manual
ver. 1.14

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ATTENTION: Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: QOQWT12
Made in Italy

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Warning!
To receive all updates of this manual and notice of future
updates of the “iX3M”by e-mail, please send a message writing
“iX3M”
to the following address: [e-mail]
This service is highly recommended
and it is completely free of charge.
For further support, have a look at the tutorial videos
soon available on www.ratio-computers.com
For assistance by mail write to [e-mail]

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Warning!
This Manual DOES NOT replace an adequate diving
training and should be used only by those divers
who have been appropriately trained by a certified
diver training organization.
To completely understand the terminology used in
this manual and the functions of the dive computer
a proper diving training is required.

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Think Green
If possible do not print this manual.
Use your tablet or your PC to consult it .
http://www.wwf.it/tu_puoi/vivere_green/ecoconsigli/ecoconsigli_in_ufficio/

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CONTENTS
Introduction
Important Warnings
9 General Warnings
11 Danger Warning
13 Diving with Mix
14 Limits of diving computers
14 Care and Maintenance
16 Computer’s technical characteristics
16 Hardware
16 Certification
17 Software
18 Summary of technical characteristics
19 How to recharge the Battery
21 Diving in cold or freezing waters
22 DAN DL7
22 Privacy
The RATIO iX3M outside the Water:
23 The main screen
27 The RATIO iX3M Menu
28 MAIN MENU
29 DIVE SET for RATIO iX3M Deep
30 DIVE SET for RATIO iX3M Tech+ & iX3M Reb
31 DIVE SET for RATIO iX3M Tech+ & iX3M Reb
34 Deco Stop for RATIO iX3M Tech+ & iX3M Reb
35 CCR Settings for RATIO iX3M Tech+ & iX3M Reb
36 MIX Table
37 Diluent Table for RATIO iX3M Tech+ & iX3M Reb
38 Dive Alarms
39 NDL (Non Decompression Limit) Planner
40 Decompression Planner
41 Logbook
42 SYSTEM SETTINGS
43 Display Set
44 General Set (ora e data)
44 PC Mode (how to connect the iX3M to PC)
45 Reset to Default (reset the factory data)
46 iX3M after a Tissue Reset
47 Compass settings (Compass)
48 Model, serial number and operative system.
48 SWITCH OFF (Manual switching off).
49 Compass

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CONTENTS
The RATIO iX3M when diving
51 Dive Screen
51 Main Data
54 Current dive’s profile:
54 Tissues saturation when diving:
55 Decompression Chart:
56 Compass when diving
57 Applications when diving
58 Mix change during the dive
59 Setting change during the dive
60 Mix change during the dive
61 Change Conservatism during the dive
62 Change the set point during a dive
The iX3M in GAUGE mode
Connect your iX3M to a PC or a Mac
Update your iX3M

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Introduction
Thank you for having purchased the RATIO® computer.
RATIO®, with the quality of its products, always stands by you to guarantee comfort, leisure and safety when diving.
The RATIO® computer that you have purchased is extremely innovative, with a software allowing you to carry out both
recreational and technical dives.
The RATIO® iX3M computer includes decompressive algorithms supporting, according to the different models, Air Nitrox,
Normoxic Trimix dives (iX3M DEEP), Trimix and CCR (iX3M TECH + and iX3M REB) and its processor calculates in real time
your dive’s specific deco profile; all this ensure calculation flexibility and your personal safety.
Check periodically the presence of possible updates of this manual on web site www.ratio-computers.com
The manual version (e.g. 1.0) is shown on its cover.

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Important Warnings
General Warnings
It is necessary read this manual carefully before using the computer RATIO®. A wrong use of this computer or its accessories
will nullify the warranty and could cause permanent damages to the device and/or its accessories.
• The diving computer DOES NOT replace an adequate diving training and should be used only by those divers who have
been opportunely trained.
• The RATIO® computer is an auxiliary instrument to the dive, so it is compulsory having always an appropriate diving chart
in order to carry out the decompression phase in case the device is malfunctioning.
• Diving involves risks relating to decompression sickness, Oxygen toxicity and other risks relating to the diving itself. Even
a careful reading of this manual and the use of this device don’t prevent possible dangers. Anyone who doesn’t know or
doesn’t accept consciously these risks, must not dive with iX3M computer.
• Diving has some intrinsic risks which cannot never be completely eliminated.
No computer or diving chart can guarantee that the risk of Decompression Sickness (DCS) or Oxygen toxicity to the central
nervous system don’t exist, even if the diver follows meticulously and accurately the indications given by the computer or
the diving chart.
• The computer cannot take into consideration the individual physiological variations which might change day by day. For
this reason it is good practice to use the device in a conservative and preventive way, remaining within the limits indicated
by the computer, to minimize the risks of DD and Oxygen toxicity to the central nervous system.

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• The computer doesn’t replace the learning of the diving decompression charts which we recommend to have always as
backup along with a depth gauge and a watch.
• Never share a unique computer for two divers while diving; every diver must have his/her device at his/her wrist, which
can give information to him/her only.
• Never dive with a computer which has not taken into consideration the previous dives a diver made; the computer
calculation CANNOT use unknown data or take into consideration dives which it has not done.

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Danger Warning
The computer IS NOT meant for a PROFESSIONAL use.
The computer is meant exclusively for a sport, recreational or technical use.
• A use which is not compliant to what has been said above, could expose the diver to an increasing risk of incurring in the
Decompression Sickness (DCS). For this reason we discourage its use in case of professional or commercial dives, unless it is
used as an operator’s further support device.
• Before diving it is necessary to check the battery autonomy. DO NOT dive if the battery level is at 30% or at lower
percentages; make sure that the screen doesn’t show malfunctioning signs. It must be read clearly.
• Check always that settings are the ones desired. Don’t let the computer be manipulated by someone else before diving. In
this case, check that settings are the ones you desire.
• Consider that our body experience changes everyday. The computer cannot take into consideration all these changes. If
you don’t feel at your best physical conditions or if you feel physical problems, don’t dive.
• Avoid all behaviours increasing the risks connected to the DD such as rapid ascents, yo-yo dives, violation of compulsory
decompressive stops, dives with too close surface intervals and any behaviour which is contrary to the common sense and
to the training received.
• This device doesn’t allow its use without having the due skill, given by a specic training.
The failure to comply with the basic rules of diving exposes the diver at death danger.

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• We recommend to do dives within the safety curve, to reduce the risks inherent to the Decompression Sickness (DCS).
• We recommend dives not deeper than 40 mt or according to the oxygen percentage contained inside the tank.
Maximum PPO2 1,4 BAR
• Respect the ascent speed recommended by the device; an excessive ascent speed exposes the diver to death danger.
• The computer calculates the total ascent time but this could be longer than the one visualised, according to some
parameters calculated by the computer during the whole dive. Trying to ascend at the correct speed and respect the
visualised depth of the stops helps to respect this time.
• Respect always the No FLY Time: never take a plane if the No FLY Time icon is still visible on the screen. Remember to plan
the last dive of the series taking into consideration the advices given by DAN (Divers Alert Network).
• Even respecting all expected intervals, the current Hyperbaric Medicine cannot exclude the onset of the Decompression
Sickness in a plane after diving .

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Diving with Mix
The safety approximation of the Mix has to be decided by the diver.
If you are not sure about the EAN safety approximation to be set for your dive, ask your diving instructor or your diving
certication agency
• Check the setting of the max PpO2 and never exceed the value of 1,4 BAR.
• DO NOT DIVE without having checked the tank content with instruments that have been declared as trustworthy.
Ensure that the gas set on the computer matches with the one contained inside the tank you are going to use for diving.
The Nitrox-Trimix-CCR dives need a specific training, DO NOT dive without having received the due training.
Passing the PPO2 set and advised maximum limit imposes an ascent at minor depths and in case the CNS (Central Nervous
System) has values very close to the maximum limit, a reduction to O2 exposure is recommended.
• Use the diving computer only after having read the User’s Manual in all its parts making sure to have understood its
functioning.
In case of doubts or questions, address yourself to your instructor or to your dealer before diving.
• It is essential to know that every diver is fully responsible of his/her safety.
• Diving with gas mixes involves dierent risks in comparison with those made with standard air. A suitable training is
necessary to learn to identify and avoid these risks, which are not immediately recognisable. Such risks concerns serious
injuries or death.

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Limits of diving computers
The computer takes into consideration the most updated safety guide lines, nevertheless, it is always necessary to know
that such studies are theoretical and elaborated to reduce, not to avoid, the risk of Decompression Sickness (DCS).
At the moment, the Hyperbaric Medicine doesn’t allow to eliminate totally the risk of DD.
Care and Maintenance
• Keep the computer clean and dry. DO NOT expose the computer to chemical agents, alcohol included.
To clean the computer, use exclusively fresh water, removing all salt sediments. Leave the computer dry naturally, without
using cold or warm air jets.
• Do not expose the computer to the sun directly or to heat sources higher than 50°C. Store the computer in a fresh
(5°C-25°C) and dry place.
• Do not attempt to open, modify or repair the computer by yourself. You must always address to a RATIO dealer.
• Do not put the computer inside a hyperbaric chamber.
The computer is designed for a reading precision of +/- 2%
(the precision level required by the EC laws is +/- 3.5%. )

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The EC laws require that the unit is checked periodically from the reading precision, depth and time point of view.
• Warranty is voided if the computer is opened by a not authorised assistance centre.
• The RATIO iX3M computer is designed to be waterproof in sea water but, at the end of every dive, it must be well rinsed in
fresh water and it must not be dried exposing it at the direct sun light or at heat sources.
• Make sure that there is no humidity signs inside the screen.
ATTENTION: Do not try to open the computer for any reason.
Any problem, turn to a RATIO® authorised center or to RATIO® directly.

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Computer’s technical characteristics
Hardware
The computer is fully built in POM C with Makrolon cover, allowing an extreme resistance to hits and to corrosion.
The screen is provided with a Display TFT 100%; its matrix has 320x240 pixel resolution
Particular commitment has been put in developing a navigation system allowing the diver to have an easy and intuitive
access to all settings.
- Weight: 260gr
- Sensor’s precision warranty: 130 mt (426 ft)
- Maximum Depth: 300 mt (984 ft)
- Absolute Pressure Measure precision
min max
p = 0 .. 5bar -20 mbar +20 mbar
p = 0 .. 10bar -40 mbar +20 mbar
p = 0 .. 14bar -100 mbar +20 mbar
Sensor’s maximum error in measuring the temperature: -2 / +6°C
Certication
The computer’s hardware have received CE e EN13319 certifications.

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Software
Algorithm: The computer uses either the Bühlmann ZHL-16B model or the VPM-B model. Every computer can be set up
on one algorithm or the other, at the user’s discretion.
For RATIO iX3M Deep: Operating on level systems it is possible to set up the conservatism desired.
For RATIO iX3M Tech+ and iX3M Reb: Using the Bühlmann ZHL-16B algorithm there is the possibility of an exact choice
of the Gradient Factors. Using the VPM-B algorithm there is the possibility of an exact choice of the inert gases’ critical
bubble radius.
Software’s characteristics
ASM: Adaptive Sigmoidal Model: it optimises decompressive calculations in case of repetitive dives.
Extra Deep Stops: The computer expects the possibility to insert the Extra Deep Stops .
Violation control: it controls in a clever way the diver’s behaviour during his/her ascent and it advises him/her to use the
diving charts only if the decompressive algorithm is not valid anymore.
Disabling Violation control: it prevents that the RATIO iX3M gives up working weather or not the diver follows the
indications given by the device. (For expert divers only. The safety system inactivation is recorded in the Logbook).

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Summary of technical characteristics
Tissues saturation update in dive mode: 1 second
Tissues saturation update in sleep mode: 1 minute.
Number of stored diluent gases:
iX3M Deep: 3 gases
iX3M Tech+: 10 gases
iX3M Reb: 10 gases +3 diluents
Memory: 100 diving hours.
Maximum diving time: 1999 minutes.
Adaptative logic intuitive software.
Automatic adjustment to altitude
Connection to PC: USB cable / Bluetooth
Updatable Operative System (OS) (updates are possible only with the included USB cable).
GNSS (Global.Navigation.Satellie.System) integrated multi-satellite navigation system (GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Quasi-Zenith)
(WELL NOTE: the satellite signal does not pass through the water surface)
Alarms: Acoustic, Visual and Vibration
Battery: Rechargeable, with an autonomy of 20-50 diving hours.

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How to recharge the Battery
The RATIO iX3M has a Li-Ion rechargeable battery without memory effect, with an autonomy of 20-50 diving hours.
The autonomy data which are shown can change of +/- 15% depending on the environmental temperature, the device
settings, the installed applications, the operative system version, the back light setting and the use of its inner (GPS -
Bluetooth)or external (Analyser) peripheral devices.
ATTENTION: A complete charge cycle is necessary before the device first use.
The recharge is to be carried out by connecting the device to your PC by its USB cable or connecting it at any USB port
To recharge the RATIO iX3M we recommend to use a wall USB plug (like the one of your mobile/tablet).
If you decide to use a PC USB plug (deprecated), make sure that the PC doesn’t interrupt the electricity flow once in stand-by.
Even if the RATIO iX3M has a new generation battery without memory effect, we recommend to recharge the battery
completely, anyway.
The average recharge time is 4-5 hours depending on the residual charge level.
Attention: Do not dive when the computer indicates 30% of charge or a lower percentage.

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When connecting the USB cable to recharge the device, the symbol => will appear in the watch screen within 45 seconds.
It means that recharging procedure is in progress. When the recharge is finished the symbol => will disappear.
Once the battery charge is finished, even if the device remains connected to the plug, the computer automatically
interrupts the electricity flow. In case the device is left in charge more than necessary (e.g. all night long), you could find it
switched o. You can check the computer charge level pressing any button; the battery percentage can be visualised on
the screen’s left upper corner.
If the device is in charge and no button is pressed for more than 10 minutes, the back light is reduced to the minimum, to
allow a faster recharge cycle.
If the recharge cycle is not completed, the battery indicator might not be precise until the next complete recharge cycle is
carried out.
After having installed one APP or having updated the operative system, we recommend to carry out a complete battery
charge cycle. After every update the RATIO iX3M always shows the sentence “battery out of power, recharge”.
Attention: Do not leave the device completely out of power for a long period
(e.g. 6 months); this may damage the battery!