Suunto D3 User manual

USER’S GUIDE
EN

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
SUUNTO
Present Depth
Maximum Depth
Average Depth in Logbook
Fast Ascent Warning
(SLOW)
AC Indicator
Bar Graph:
- Ascent Rate
- Battery Power
- Mode Indicator
Diver Attention Symbol
Temperature
Maximum Depth
Mode Text
Oxygen Percentage in Nitrox
Mode
Week Day
Timer Hours and Minutes
Low Battery Warning
Bar Graph:
- Mode Indicator
Daily Alarm
On Indicator
Dive Time
Dive Counter
Time
Dual Time
Day, Month
Timer Seconds
Downtimer
Dive Alarm
On Indicator
Current Time Display
Surface Interval Time
AM/PM Indicator
Data Transfer
F
R
E
E
A
C
S
SURF TIME
R
MAX DIVE TIME
m
°F °C
m
ft
MAX
ft
AVG
O2% PO2

1
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 im-
portance.
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, D3 and their logos are all registered or unregistered trademarks of
SUUNTO. All rights are reserved.
Patents have been issued or applied for one or several features of this product.
CE
The CE mark is used to mark conformity with the European Union EMC di-
rective 89/336/EEC. The SUUNTO dive instruments fulfill all the required EU
directives.
FIOH, Laajaniityntie 1, FIN-01620 Vantaa, Finland, notified body no.0430, has

2
EC type-examined this type of personal protective equipment.
This instrument must be serviced by an authorized dealer every second year or
after 200 dives (whichever comes first). See chapter 6.
PrEN 13319
PrEN 13319 ”Diving accessories – Depth gauges and combined depth and time
measuring devices – Functional and safety requirements, test methods” is a Eu-
ropean diving depth gauge standard draft. The D3 is designed to comply with
this draft standard.
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 D3 is subject to change without
notice.

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WARNING
Read this manual. Carefully read this instruction manual in its entirety paying
close attention to all warnings listed below, including chapter 1.1. ”Safety
Precautions”. Make sure that you fully understand the use, displays and limi-
tations of the instrument 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
Suunto also recommends you to be trained in freediving technique and physi-
ology before conducting breath holding dives. No diving instrument can
replace the need for proper diving training. Insufficient or improper training
may cause diver to commit errors that may lead to serious injury or death.
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 PO2of 1.4 bar settings.

4
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 a bottom timer.
WARNING
Perform pre-checks. Always activate and check the device before diving in
order to ensure that all Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) segments are com-
pletely displayed, that the device has not run out of battery power, and that
the oxygen, altitude and personal adjustments are correct. Also, exit the Data
Transfer mode before diving, as the computer does not automatically revert
to Dive mode from Data Transfer mode.
WARNING
Freediving after scuba diving is not recommended. It is recommended to avoid
freediving for at least two hours and not to exceed five meters [16 ft] after scuba
diving depending on your diving activity.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 8
1.1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS...................................................................... 8
1.1.1. Emergency Ascents........................................................................ 9
1.1.2. Freediving...................................................................................... 9
2. GETTING ACQUAINTED .......................................................................... 11
2.1. FUNCTIONS......................................................................................... 11
2.2. PUSH BUTTONS.................................................................................. 11
2.3. WATER CONTACTS ............................................................................ 13
2.4. TIME MODE [TIME] ........................................................................... 14
2.4.1. Timekeeping Display................................................................... 14
2.4.2. Stopwatch [TIMEr UP]................................................................ 15
2.4.3 Downtimer [TIMEr d].................................................. ............... 17
3. DIVING WITH THE D3 .............................................................................. 18
3.1 BEFORE DIVING.................................................................................. 19
3.1.1. Activation and Pre-checks .......................................................... 19
3.1.2. Battery Power Indicator and Low Battery Warning .................... 20
3.1.3. User Definable Functions and Alarms ......................................... 22
3.1.3.1. Presetting Time Alarm .................................................... 23
3.1.3.2. Presetting Dive Alarms................................................... 23
3.1.4. Bookmark Function ..................................................................... 23
3.2. FREEDIVING ....................................................................................... 24
3.2.1 Before Diving in the Free Mode.................................................. 24
3.2.2 Presetting the Displays in the Free Mode.................................... 24

6
3.2.3 During the Freedive ..................................................................... 25
3.2.4 Freediving Day History .......... .....................................................26
3.2.5 Surface interval after a Freedive............... ...................................27
3.3. GAUGE DIVING .................................................................................. 28
3.3.1. Maximum Operating Depth Planner [MOD]............................... 28
3.3.2. Presetting the Displays in the Gauge Mode................................. 29
3.3.3. Basic Dive Data ........................................................................... 30
3.3.4. Ascent Rate Indicator................................................................... 31
3.3.5. Surface Interval After a Gauge dive ............................................ 32
3.3.6. Dive Numbering .......................................................................... 33
3.3.7. Flying After Diving ..................................................................... 34
3.4. AUDIBLE AND VISUAL ALARMS.................................................... 35
4. SETTING MODE [SET] .............................................................................. 37
4.1. SETTING TIME, DATE AND DUAL TIME [TIME ] ......................... 37
4.2. DAILY ALARM SETTING [ALM]...................................................... 39
4.3. TIMER SETTINGS [TIMER D]........................................................... 41
4.4. DIVE MODE SETTINGS [DIVE]........................................................ 42
4.4.1. Set Gauge Mode .......................................................................... 42
4.4.2. Set Free Mode.............................................................................. 44
4.5. DIVE ALARM SETTINGS [DIVE AL] ............................................... 45
4.6. UNIT ADJUSTMENT SETTINGS[AdJ].............................................. 47
5. MEMORY AND DATA TRANSFER [MEM].............................................. 48
5.1. LOGBOOK AND DIVE PROFILE MEMORY [LOG] ........................ 49
5.2. DIVE HISTORY MEMORY [HIS] ....................................................... 53
5.3. DATA TRANSFER AND PC-INTERFACE [TR-PC] .......................... 55

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5.4. SUUNTOSPORTS.COM...................................................................... 57
6. CARE AND MAINTENANCE .................................................................... 61
6.1. CARE OF YOUR D3 ............................................................................ 61
6.2. MAINTENANCE.................................................................................. 62
6.3. WATER RESISTANCE INSPECTION................................................. 63
6.4. BATTERY REPLACEMENT................................................................ 64
7. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION.................................................................. 67
8. WARRANTY................................................................................................ 71
9. GLOSSARY................................................................................................. 73

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1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the SUUNTO D3 wristop freediving com-
puter. The D3 builds on the Suunto tradition of delivering feature-rich dive com-
puters, providing different operating modes for different types of diving. Push
button controls access a wide selection of choices. The display is optimized for the
dive mode chosen and it incorporates a patented user definable display field. This
freediving computer is a compact and sophisticated multipurpose dive instrument,
designed to give you years of trouble-free usage.
CHOICE OF DIVING AND WATCH MODES
User options for the D3 are selected using the push buttons.
Pre dive configuration and setup options include:
• Choice of operating mode – Gauge diving/ Freediving
• Maximum depth alarm
• Dive time alarm
• Choice of unit – Metric / Imperial
• Clock, calendar, daily alarm, stopwatch, downtimer, dual time
• User definable display fields
1.1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Do not attempt to use D3 without reading this instruction manual in its entirety,
including all the warnings. Make sure that you fully understand the use, displays

9
and limitations of the instrument. If you have any questions about the manual
or the freediving computer, contact your SUUNTO dealer before diving with
the D3.
Always remember that you are responsible for your own safety.
When used properly, this freediving 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 or freediving training.
1.1.1. EMERGENCY ASCENTS
In the unlikely event that D3 malfunctions during a dive, follow the emergency
procedures provided by your certified dive training agency or, alternatively,
STEP 1: Assess the situation calmly and then move promptly to less than 18 m
[60 ft].
STEP 2: 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].
STEP 3: 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. FREEDIVING
Freediving, and particularly freediving in combination with scuba diving, may
have risks that have not been researched and are not commonly known.

10
Fig. 2.1. The push buttons of
the D3.
Any person who engages in any form of breathhold diving is in danger of shallow-
water blackout (SWB) i.e. the sudden loss of consciousness caused by oxygen
starvation.
Any breathhold diving results in some nitrogen build-up in the blood and other
fast tissues. Due to the short time spent at depth this build-up is generally not
significant. Therefore, provided the effort involved in freediving has not been
severe, there is little risk in diving after breathhold diving. However, the converse
is more unknown and may increase significantly the risk of DCI. Therefore,
FREEDIVING AFTER SCUBA DIVING IS NOT RECOMMENDED. You
should avoid freediving and not exceed five meters [16 ft] for at least two hours
after scuba diving.
Suunto also recommends you to be trained in freediving technique and physiol-
ogy before conducting breathhold dives. No dive computer can replace the need
for proper dive training. Insufficient or improper training may cause a diver to
commit errors that may lead to serious injury or death.

11
2. GETTING ACQUAINTED
2.1. FUNCTIONS
The D3 wristop computer is a multipurpose dive instrument and a sport watch fea-
turing different watch and dive computer modes. You can select the dive computer
model between Gauge diving mode (GAUGE) and Freediving mode (FREE). The
GAUGE and FREE modes can also be disabled (set to OFF) and the instrument
can be used as a sports watch on land or in water.
2.2. PUSH BUTTONS
The D3 is controlled with four push buttons as follows (see Fig. 2.1.).
M (MODE)
• To change from a main mode to an other main mode press the mode
button.
• To exit from a submode to a main mode press the mode button.
• To activate the electroluminescent backlight hold down the mode button
for more than two seconds or one second in the diving mode.
• To accept the settings in the Setting Mode press the mode button.
S (SELECT)
• To select a submode press the select button.
• To select the active segment in the Setting Mode press the select but-
ton.
• To select the display in the Logbook Mode press the select button.

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• To select the dive planning mode in the dive surface modes.
• To make a special bookmark in the profile memory during a dive
+, -
• To show the date, seconds or dual time in the time keeping display press
the +or -button.
• In the Setting Mode
• to increase the value press the + button
• to decrease the value press the - button.
• To operate the stopwatch see chapter 2.4.2.
• To select the dive in the Logbook Mode
• press the + button to move forward
• press the - button to move backwards.

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Fig. 2.2. The water contact and
depth sensor.
F
R
E
E
A
C
S
Fig. 2.3. Active water contact is
indicated by the text AC.
2.3. WATER CONTACTS
The D3 is automatically activated when submerged
in water. This function is made possible by the use
of water contacts. The water contacts consist of the
PC-interface poles and the four push-buttons of the
D3 (Fig. 2.2). When the PC-interface poles and one
of the push-buttons are connected by the conductivity
of the water the Surface or Diving Mode is automati-
cally activated.
Contamination or dirt on the PC-interface poles may
prevent this automatic operation. It is, therefore, im-
portant that the poles are kept clean. The poles can
be cleaned with fresh water and a soft brush (e.g.
tooth brush).
NOTE: Water or moisture build-up around the wa-
ter contacts may cause the contact to activate auto-
matically. This can happen, e.g., when washing your
hands or sweating. If the water contact activates in
the Time Mode, an AC text will appear on display
(Fig. 2.3.), and it will be shown until the water contact
deactivates, or the D3 enters the Dive Mode auto-
matically. To save the battery power, you should de-
activate the water contact by cleaning it and/or drying
it with a soft towel.

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F
R
E
E
A
C
S
Fig. 2.4. The Time Mode is
indicated by the TIME text and
a mode indicator.
b)
c)
a)
F
R
E
E
A
C
S
Fig. 2.5. The timekeeping
display
a)the date is displayed
b)the seconds are displayed
2.4. TIME MODE [TIME]
The D3 has dual time, calendar clock, stopwatch,
downtimer and alarm clock functions. The calendar
clock and the stopwatch are operated in the Time
Mode. The mode is indicated by the TIME text and
the mode indicator in the display (Fig. 2.4.). The time,
dual time, date, downtimer and the daily alarm are set
in the Setting Mode (see chapter 4).
2.4.1. TIMEKEEPING DISPLAY
The timekeeping display is the primary display of the
D3 (Fig. 2.5.). When the Time Mode is entered from
other modes, the timekeeping display activates within
two seconds, if no button is operated.
In other modes (except in the Diving or Stopwatch
Modes), if no button is operated within 5 minutes,
the D3 beeps and returns to the timekeeping display
automatically.
Either the date (a), the seconds of the current time
(b) or dual time (c) are shown on the bottom line of
the timekeeping display. Press the + or - button to
select the desired display option. Next time when you
enter the timekeeping display, the D3 will show the

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selected option. The TIMER text blinks on the display
if the stopwatch is running.
The display is illuminated by holding down the M
button for more than two seconds.
To set the time and date, refer to chapter 4.1 ”Setting
Time, Date and Dual Time”.
When diving, the dive entry time and date is regis-
tered in the Logbook Memory. Remember always to
check before diving that the time and date are cor-
rectly set, especially when traveling to different time
zones.
2.4.2. STOPWATCH [TIMER UP]
The Stopwatch function is entered by pressing the S
button, when the time keeping display is shown. The
text TIMEr UP at the bottom and the mode indicator
(TIME) on the left side of the display indicate that
you have entered the Stopwatch [TIMEr UP] func-
tion (Fig.2.6.).
The stopwatch of the D3 lets you measure elapsed
time, split times and the times of two runners. The
range of the stopwatch is 9 hours, 59 minutes, 59.9
seconds (Fig. 2.7.). When the range is exceeded the
F
R
E
E
A
C
S
Fig. 2.6. The Stopwatch function
is indicated by the TIMEr UP
text and a mode indicator.
F
R
E
E
A
C
S
R
TIME
Fig. 2.7. The Stopwatch displays
hours, minutes and seconds.

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computer watch gives a beep and returns to the time keeping display automati-
cally.
Use the + and - buttons to operate the elapsed time measurement, split time
measurement or the times of two runners as follows:
Diving with the D3 or performing data transfer will stop the stopwatch. However,
it is possible to use stopwatch function when diving, if both the GAUGE and the
FREE diving modes are disabled (set to OFF, see chapter 4.4.). In dive mode the
stopwatch cannot be operated.

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2.4.3 DOWNTIMER [TIMER D]
The downtimer function is entered by pressing the
Sbutton twice, when the time keeping display is
shown. The text Timerd at the bottom and the mode
indicator (TIME) on the left side of the display indi-
cate that you have entered the Downtimer [TIMEr d]
function (Fig.2.8).
The watch shows the preset time set in the SET mode
(See Chapter 4.3 Timer Settings). Use the + and -
buttons as in the [TIMEr Up] function. When the
countdown finishes the watch gives three beeps and
returns to showing the pre-set time (Fig. 2.9). If the
downtimer has been set for a continuous countdown,
the watch begins a new countdown after the previous
one automatically.
Diving with the D3 or performing data transfer will
stop the downtimer. However, it is possible to use
downtimer function normally, if the GAUGE and the
FREE diving modes are disabled (set to OFF, see
chapter 4.4.) In dive mode the downtimer cannot be
operated.
F
R
E
E
A
C
S
Fig. 2.8. The Downtimer of
the Stopwatch is indicated by
the TIMEr d text and a mode
indicator.
F
R
E
E
A
C
S
R
TIME
Fig. 2.9. The Downtimer counts
down from a pre-set time and
the DT mode indicator flashes.

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3. DIVING WITH THE D3
In order to familiarize yourself with the menu based
functions, Suunto recommends you use your Quick
Reference Guide supplied with the D3 together with
the information in the following chapters.
This section contains instructions on how to operate
the freediving computer and interpret its displays.
You will find that the D3 is easy to use and read. Each
display shows only the data relevant to that specific
diving situation.
Chapter 3.1. Before Diving contains general instruc-
tions for all the dive computer modes. Chapter 3.2.
Freediving information for using the D3 in freediving
and Chapter 3.3. Gauge Diving for using the D3 to
assist in scuba diving.
F
R
E
E
A
C
S
F
R
E
E
A
C
S
F
R
E
E
A
C
S
SURF TIME
R
MAX DIVE TIME
m
°F °C
m
ft
MAX
ft
AVG
O2% PO2
Fig. 3.1. Gauge Dive Mode
selected.
Fig. 3.2. Free Dive Mode
selected.
Fig. 3.3. Startup I. All segments
shown.