Suunto DX User Manual
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SUUNTO DX
USER GUIDE

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  • Page 1 SUUNTO DX USER GUIDE...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    1 Safety ....................5 2 Getting started ................11 2.1 Display states and views ............11 2.2 Icons ..................11 2.3 Set up ..................13 2.4 Software version check ............14 3 Features ..................16 3.1 Activation and pre-checks ............16 3.1.1 Wireless Transmitter pre-check ........
  • Page 3 3.20 Software version ..............57 3.21 Stopwatch ................58 3.22 Surface and no-fly time ............59 3.22.1 Dive numbering ............61 3.23 Suunto Fused RGBM ............. 62 3.24 Diver Safety ................63 3.24.1 Altitude diving ............. 64 3.24.2 Oxygen exposure ............65 3.25 Tank pressure ...............
  • Page 4 3.27 Water contact ............... 72 4 Care and support ................74 4.1 Handling guidelines ............... 74 4.2 Water resistance ..............75 4.3 Battery replacement .............. 76 5 Reference ..................77 5.1 Technical specifications ............77 5.2 Compliance ................79 5.2.1 CE ..................79 5.2.2 EN 13319 .................
  • Page 5: Safety

    Make sure that you fully understand the use, displays and limitations of your dive instruments. If you have any questions about this manual or the dive computer, contact your Suunto dealer before diving with the dive computer. Always remember that YOU...
  • Page 6: Safety Precautions

    Safety precautions WARNING: ONLY TRAINED DIVERS SHOULD USE A DIVE COMPUTER! Insufficient training for any kind of diving, including freediving, may cause a diver to commit errors, such as incorrect use of gas mixtures or improper decompression, that may lead to serious injury or death.
  • Page 7 (DCS). Therefore, Suunto strongly recommends that the device not be used for any commercial or professional diving activities. WARNING: USE BACKUP INSTRUMENTS! Ensure that you use...
  • Page 8 WARNING: PERFORM PRE-CHECKS! Always check that your dive computer is functioning properly and has the correct settings before diving. Check that the display is working, the battery level is OK, tank pressure is correct, and so forth. WARNING: Check your dive computer regularly during a dive. If there is any apparent malfunction, abort the dive immediately and safely return to the surface.
  • Page 9 WARNING: Do not disassemble or remodel Suunto USB Cable in any way. Doing so may cause an electric shock or fire. WARNING: Do not use Suunto USB cable if cable or parts are damaged. CAUTION: DO NOT allow the connector pins of the USB cable to touch any conductive surface.
  • Page 10: Emergency Ascents

    Emergency ascents In the unlikely event that the dive computer malfunctions during a dive, follow the emergency procedures provided by your certified dive training agency to immediately and safely ascend.
  • Page 11: Getting Started

    2 GETTING STARTED 2.1 Display states and views Suunto DX has four main modes: TIME, DIVE, PLANNING and MEMORY. Change modes by pressing [MODE]. Unless DIVE mode is turned off, Suunto DX automatically switches to DIVE mode if you are more than 1.2 m (4 ft) under water.
  • Page 12 Icon Description Daily alarm Dive alarm No-fly Safety stop...
  • Page 13: Set Up

    Ascent rate 2.3 Set up To get the most out of your Suunto DX, take some time to read this manual and familiarize yourself with the modes and settings. Make absolutely sure you have it set up as you want before getting into the water.
  • Page 14: Software Version Check

    2.4 Software version check Please note that this user guide is for the latest software version of Suunto DX. If you have an older version, some features operate differently. To check the software version: 1. Keep [DOWN] pressed to enter settings.
  • Page 15 To change settings for a dive mode, keep [DOWN] pressed while in that mode. For further information about dive mode settings, please refer to the respective dive mode section of this user guide. Stopwatch Access the stopwatch in time or dive mode as explained in 3.21 Stopwatch .
  • Page 16: Features

    Each time your Suunto DX enters dive mode, a series of automatic checks are performed. All graphical display elements are turned ON, and the backlight and the beep are activated.
  • Page 17 12:00 DIVE 1. 1 2 TH 66. 2 Battery 1. 6 Between consecutive dives, the automatic checks also show current tissue saturation. 66. 2 1. 6 Before leaving on a dive trip, it is highly recommended that you switch to dive mode to make sure everything is functioning properly.
  • Page 18: Wireless Transmitter Pre-Check

    6. There is enough air for your planned dive. Check the pressure reading against your back-up pressure gauge. 3.1.2 Battery indicators Temperature or internal oxidation can affect the battery voltage. If you store your Suunto DX for a long period or use it in cold...
  • Page 19: Alarms, Warnings And Notifications

    3.2 Alarms, warnings and notifications Suunto DX has audible and visual alarms designed to let you know when important limits or presets are being reached. The two audible alarm types indicating high or low priority:...
  • Page 20 Sound pattern Interpretation beep Ascending Start ascending Descending Start descending Suunto DX displays information during the alarm breaks in order to save battery life. High priority alarms: Alarm Explanation PO 2 value greater than the adjusted High priority alarm value. Current depth is too deep for followed by 'Start the gas in use.
  • Page 21 Alarm Explanation repeated for maximum three minutes PO 2 value blinks PO 2 value is smaller than 0.18 bar High priority alarm (Mixed or CCR mode only). The depth followed by 'Change gas' is too shallow and the ambient beep, sounded two pressure is too low for the current gas.
  • Page 22 Alarm type Alarm reason Low priority alarm No-decompression dive becomes a followed by 'Start decompression stop dive. Depth is ascending' beep, below the decompression floor level. sounded two times. You should ascend to, or above, the ASC TIME blinks and an floor.
  • Page 23 Alarm type Alarm reason DEEPSTOP blinks and an arrow points downwards. Low priority alarm followed by 'Start descending' beep, Mandatory safety stop violated. You repeated for three should descend to complete the safety minutes. stop. An arrow points downwards. Low priority alarm Deepstop depth reached.
  • Page 24 Alarm type Alarm reason OLF% value blinks if PO 2 value is greater than 0.5 bar. Low priority alarm, Defined maximum depth or the repeated twice. maximum depth of the device exceeded. Acknowledge the alarm by Maximum depth value pressing any button. blinks Low priority alarm, Defined dive time exceeded.
  • Page 25: Ascent Rate

    3.3 Ascent rate The ascent rate is displayed as a vertical bar along the right side of the display. 18. 3 21, 5 20 When the maximum allowed ascent rate is exceeded, the lower segment of the bar starts to blink and the top segment stays solid. 14.
  • Page 26: Backlight

    WARNING: DO NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM ASCENT RATE! Rapid ascents increase the risk of injury. You should always make the mandatory and recommended safety stops if you have exceeded the maximum recommended ascent rate. If the mandatory safety stop is not completed, the decompression algorithm penalizes your next dive(s).
  • Page 27: Calendar Clock

    Each bookmark records present depth, time, water temperature, heading (if the compass is enabled), and tank pressure (if available). 3.6 Calendar clock The calendar clock is the default mode of Suunto DX . 3.6.1 Time In the time settings, you can set the hours, minutes, seconds, and format (12 or 24-hour).
  • Page 28: Units

    3. Set hours with [DOWN] or [UP] and confirm with [SELECT]. 4. Repeat for minutes. 5. Press [MODE] to exit. 3.6.5 Alarm clock Suunto DX has a daily alarm which can be set to activate once, on weekdays or every day.
  • Page 29: Compass

    5. Repeat for minutes. 6. Press [MODE] to exit. 3.7 Compass Suunto DX includes a digital compass. The tilt-compensated compass gives you accurate readings even if the compass is not horizontally level. The compass can be activated from either time or dive mode and shows the current bearing and depth.
  • Page 30: Calibrating Compass

    2. Press [UP] to scroll through the bottom right views. (dive time, temperature, bearing) 3.7.1 Calibrating compass When you first start using Suunto DX, the compass needs to be calibrated. Suunto DX displays the calibration icon when you enter the compass.
  • Page 31: Setting Declination

    You should always adjust your compass declination for the area where you are diving to get accurate heading readings. Check the local declination from a trusted source and set the value in Suunto 1. While in the compass view, keep [DOWN] pressed.
  • Page 32: Setting Compass Timeout

    You can define how long the compass stays on after you have activated it. Reset the timeout with any button press while using the compass. After the timeout, the Suunto DX returns to time or dive mode. To set the timeout: 1. While in the compass display, keep [DOWN] pressed.
  • Page 33 If, at any point, your bearing moves outside the compass display, right or left arrows appear to show turn direction. Suunto DX provides help for navigating square and triangular patterns, as well as navigating a return heading with the following symbols.
  • Page 34: Depth Alarm

    Symbol Explanation You are 180 degrees from the locked bearing. You are 120 (or 240) degrees from the locked bearing. 3.8 Depth alarm By default the depth alarm sounds at 30 m (100 ft). You can adjust the depth according to your personal preference or switch it off. To adjust the depth alarm: 1.
  • Page 35: Dive History

    (highest). 4. Press [MODE] to exit. 3.10 Dive history Suunto DX has a detailed logbook and dive history available in memory mode. The logbook contains a sophisticated dive profile for each recorded dive. The time between each data point saved in the log is based on 3.18 Sample rate ).
  • Page 36 Logbook To access the logbook: 1. Press [MODE] three time until you come to MEM mode. 2. Press [UP] to select Logbook. 3. Press [DOWN] or [UP] to scroll to the log you wish to look at and press [SELECT]. 4.
  • Page 37 maximum depth • surface time after previous dive • average depth • consumed pressure (if enabled) • warnings • OLF% (if applicable) • 3. Dive profile graph water temperature • tank pressure (if enabled) • gas changes • setpoint changes •...
  • Page 38: Dive Modes

    See 3.22 Surface and no-fly time. 3.11 Dive modes Suunto DX has the following dive modes: Air: for diving with regular air • Mixed: for diving using oxygen-enriched and helium gas •...
  • Page 39: Air Mode

    By default, Air mode is activated when you enter dive mode. You can change which mode is activated or turn dive mode off under the general settings. To change dive modes: 1. While in time mode, keep [DOWN] pressed. 2. Press [SELECT] to enter Dive Mode. 3.
  • Page 40: Mixed Mode

    • 3.25.5 Air time ) Air time (see • 3.11.2 Mixed mode Suunto DX has a mixed dive mode for diving with oxygen and/or helium mixture in an open system. MIXED mode has the following settings available: Gases • 3.16 Personal and altitude Personal/altitude adjustment (see •...
  • Page 41 Changing gases When more than one gas mix is defined, you can change between the defined mixes during a Nitrox dive. When the maximum operating depth allows for a gas change, the dive computer prompts you to change the gas. When PO 2 permits a better decompression gas to be used, the dive computer prompts it automatically if it is set as primary.
  • Page 42: Ccr Mode

    NOTE: If no button is pressed in 15 seconds, the dive computer will go back to the dive display without changing the gas mix. Upon ascent, the computer prompts you to change gas when the PO 2 level you have set for the next mix allows a gas change. The prompt is a low priority alarm followed by the "Change gas"...
  • Page 43 3.11.3.1 Closed-circuit gases On a rebreather dive, you need at minimum two closed-circuit gases: one is your pure oxygen tank, and the other is a diluent. The correct oxygen and helium percentages of the diluent gas(es) in your diluent cylinder(s) must always be entered into the dive computer (or through DM5) to ensure correct tissue and oxygen calculation.
  • Page 44 Follow the same procedure as the CC gases to define your open- circuit gases under the OC Gases settings. After entering values for Mix1, you can create additional mixes,Mix2 to Mix8. Each additional mix can be primary, secondary, or off. Mix1 is always set as a primary gas. To minimize the risk of error during a dive, it is highly recommended that the mixes are set in the proper order.
  • Page 45 NOTE: While setting the gases, notice that the calculated maximum operating depth is displayed in the upper field. You cannot change to this gas before you have ascended above this depth. 3.11.3.3 Setpoints In CCR mode there are two setpoint values that you can set, low and high.
  • Page 46 4. Press [DOWN] or [UP] to adjust value. 5. Press [SELECT] to save. 6. Press [MODE] to exit. 3.11.3.4 Changing gases In CCR dive mode, Suunto DX allows both setpoint and gas changes to enabled gas mixes during the dive. To adjust the diluent during a dive:...
  • Page 47: Gauge Mode

    This feature is useful in bail-out situation. Hyperoxic and hypoxic mixes Suunto DX displays the text HYPER if the diluent gas PO 2 at the current depth is over 1.6. The text HYPOX is displayed if the diluent gas PO 2 at the current depth is less than 0.18.
  • Page 48: Dive Planning Mode

    The dive planning mode PLAN NoDeco can be used to plan a dive that does not require decompression. You enter the depth of your upcoming dive, and Suunto DX calculates the maximum time you can stay at that depth without requiring decompression stops.
  • Page 49: Dive Time Alarm

    150 ft). The no-decompression time limit for the selected depth is shown in the center of the display. If you have dived at least once with Suunto DX, the SURFTIME + field appears. You can adjust the surface time with [UP].
  • Page 50: Error State (Algorithm Lock)

    3.14 Error state (algorithm lock) Suunto DX has warning indicators that alert you to react to certain situations that would significantly increase the risk of DCI. If you do not respond to these warnings, Suunto DX enters an error state and shows Er on the display.
  • Page 51: Oxygen Calculations

    If you dive again in this error state, the algorithm lock time resets to 48 hours when you surface. 3.15 Oxygen calculations During a dive, Suunto DX calculates partial pressure of oxygen (PO 2 ), central nervous system toxicity (CNS%) and pulmonary oxygen toxicity, tracked by OTU (oxygen toxicity units).
  • Page 52: Personal And Altitude Adjustments

    In dive planning, the maximum depth according to the O 2 % and • maximum PO 2 selected 3.16 Personal and altitude adjustments There are several factors that can affect your susceptibility to DCS. Such factors vary between divers and from one day to another. The personal factors which tend to increase the possibility of DCS include: exposure to cold water - less than 20°C (68 °F)
  • Page 53 In addition to the personal setting, Suunto DX can be adjusted for diving at different altitudes. This adjusts the decompression calculation according to the selected altitude adjustment. Altitude adjustment Explanation 0 – 300 m (0 – 980 ft) (default) 300 – 1500 m (980 – 4900 ft) 1500 –...
  • Page 54: Rebreather Diving

    This mode uses fixed high/low setpoint values which you can modify in the watch or through DM5. Fixed setpoint calculation enables Suunto DX to be used as a backup dive computer on rebreather dives. It does not control or monitor the rebreather unit in any way.
  • Page 55: Safety Stops And Deepstops

    With every dive over 10 meters (30 feet), there is a three-minute countdown for the recommended safety stop. This stop is taken in the 3-6 m (10-20 ft) range. Suunto DX shows a STOP icon and a three-minute countdown. NOTE: When deepstops are enabled, the length of mandatory safety stops is indicated in seconds.
  • Page 56 In this situation, Suunto DX adds a mandatory safety stop to the dive. The time of this stop depends on the speed violation of the ascent rate. The STOP icon is shown in the display. When you reach the depth...
  • Page 57: Software Version

    3. Press [UP] to toggle on/off. 4. Press [MODE] to exit. 3.20 Software version You can check the software version and battery status of Suunto DX under the general settings. 1. While in time mode, keep [DOWN] pressed. 2. Press [UP] to scroll to Version and press [SELECT].
  • Page 58: Stopwatch

    3. The software version is displayed along with the battery voltage. 3.21 Stopwatch The stopwatch can be used to measure elapsed and split times. To activate the stopwatch: 1. While in time mode, scroll through the bottom row view by pressing [UP] or [DOWN] until the stopwatch is displayed.
  • Page 59: Surface And No-Fly Time

    To access further information about your surface and no-fly times, enter dive mode. Suunto DX shows the time since you surfaced in the Surf t. field. The airplane symbol indicates that you should not fly. The countdown until you will be safe to fly is shown in the No Fly field.
  • Page 60 12 hours. For desaturation times shorter than 70 minutes, the no-fly time is not displayed. If decompression is omitted during a dive so that Suunto DX enters 3.14 Error state (algorithm lock) ), the no-fly time is error state (see always 48 hours.
  • Page 61: Dive Numbering

    Suunto recommends that flying is avoided until all the DAN and UHMS guidelines, as well as the dive computer’s no-fly conditions, are satisfied. 3.22.1 Dive numbering If the Suunto DX has not counted the no-fly time down to zero, then repetitive dives belong to the same dive series.
  • Page 62: Suunto Fused Rgbm

    DIVE 1, the second DIVE 2, and so on. If you start a new dive with less than five (5) minutes at the surface, Suunto DX treats the new dive as part of the previous dive. The dive time continues where it left off.
  • Page 63: Diver Safety

    (silent-bubble) build-up Incorporating consistency with real physical laws for gas kinetics • In Suunto Fused™ RGBM the tissue half-times are derived from Wienke’s FullRGBM where human body is modeled by fifteen different tissue groups. FullRGBM can utilize these additional tissues and model the on-gassing and off-gassing more accurately.
  • Page 64: Altitude Diving

    CAUTION: Always use the same personal and altitude adjustment settings for the actual dive and for the planning. Increasing the personal adjustment setting from the planned setting as well as increasing the altitude adjustment setting can lead to longer decompression times deeper and thus to larger required gas volume.
  • Page 65: Oxygen Exposure

    Both fractions are scaled so that the diver’s maximum tolerated exposure for each is 100%. Suunto DX does not display CNS% or OTU% but instead displays the larger of the two in the OLF% field. OLF% value is the Oxygen limit fraction or Oxygen Toxicity Exposure.
  • Page 66: Tank Pressure

    3.25 Tank pressure When using the optional Suunto Wireless Transmitter, the pressure of your tank is shown in the lower left of the display. Whenever you start a dive, the remaining air time calculation begins.
  • Page 67: Wireless Transmission

    50 bar (700 psi). Two (2) double beeps sound when the tank pressure reaches the defined alarm pressure and when the remaining time reaches zero. 3.25.1 Wireless transmission To enable wireless transmission of tank pressure data to Suunto DX requires:...
  • Page 68: Installing And Pairing Transmitter

    15 bar (300 psi). The transmitter then starts sending pressure data together with a code number. When your Suunto DX is within 0.3 m (1 ft) of the transmitter, it receives and stores that code. The transmitter and Suunto DX are now paired.
  • Page 69 6. Press [MODE] to exit. With the system pressurized to above 15 bar (300 psi), bring your Suunto DX close to the transmitter. When pairing is completed, the dive computer displays the new code number and the transmitted tank pressure.
  • Page 70: Transmitted Data

    3.25.3 Transmitted data After pairing, your Suunto DX receives tank pressure data from the transmitter. Any time the Suunto DX receives a signal, one of the following symbols is shown in the lower left corner of the display. Display Indication...
  • Page 71: Tank Pressure Alarm

    Display Indication 3. Transmitter is on another channel. To correct this: batt Pressure transmitter battery voltage is low. Change the transmitter battery! 3.25.4 Tank pressure alarm There are two tank pressure alarms. The first is fixed at 50 bar (700 psi) and cannot be changed.
  • Page 72: Tones

    The water contact is located on the side of the case. When submerged, the water contact poles are connected by the conductivity of the water. Suunto DX switches to dive state when water is detected and the depth gauge senses water pressure at 1.2...
  • Page 73 The AC is shown until the water contact deactivates. It is important to keep the water contact area clean. Contamination or dirt can 4.1 Handling prevent automatic activation/deactivation. See guidelines . NOTE: Moisture build-up around the water contact may cause the dive mode to activate.
  • Page 74: Care And Support

    Never try to open the case of the dive computer. Have your Suunto DX serviced every two years or after 200 dives (whichever comes first) by an authorized Suunto service center.
  • Page 75: Water Resistance

    Store your dive computer in a dry place when you are not using it. 4.2 Water resistance Suunto DX is water resistant to 200 meters (656 ft) in compliance with the dive watch standard ISO 6425. WARNING: Water resistance is not equivalent to maximum operating depth.
  • Page 76: Battery Replacement

    • 4.3 Battery replacement Suunto DX displays a battery symbol as a warning when the power gets too low. When this happens, your Suunto DX should not be used for diving until the battery has been replaced.
  • Page 77: Reference

    5 REFERENCE 5.1 Technical specifications Dimensions and weight Length: 49 mm (1.94 in) • Width: 49 mm (1.94 in) • Height: 17 mm (0.68 in) • Weight: 107 g (3.77 oz) (with elastomer bracelet), 182 g (42 oz) • (with titanium bracelet) Operating Instructions Water resistance: 200 m (656 ft) (complying with ISO 6425) •...
  • Page 78 Accuracy: ± 2 °C (± 3.6 °F) within 20 minutes of temperature • change Mixed mode Helium: 0–95% • Oxygen: 5–99% • Partial pressure of oxygen (pO2): 0.2 – 3.0 • Oxygen Limit Fraction: 0–200% with 1% resolution • Gas mixtures: up to 8 •...
  • Page 79: Compliance

    Tissue calculation model Suunto Fused RGBM • Maximum depth of operation: 150 m (492 ft) • 5.2 Compliance 5.2.1 CE Suunto Oy hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
  • Page 80: En 13319

    FIOH, notified body no.0430, has EC type-examined this type of personal protective equipment. 5.3 Trademark Suunto DX, its logos, and other Suunto brand trademarks and made names are registered or unregistered trademarks of Suunto Oy. All rights are reserved.
  • Page 81 1. has been opened beyond intended use; 2. has been repaired using unauthorized spare parts; modified or repaired by unauthorized Service Center; 3. serial number has been removed, altered or made illegible in any way, as determined at the sole discretion of Suunto;...
  • Page 82 4. has been exposed to chemicals including but not limited to mosquito repellents. Suunto does not warrant that the operation of the Product will be uninterrupted or error free, or that the Product will work with any hardware or software provided by a third party.
  • Page 83: Copyright

    Suunto Oy. While we have taken great care to ensure that information contained in this documentation is both comprehensive and accurate, no warranty of accuracy is expressed or implied.
  • Page 84 CNS% Central nervous system toxicity limit fraction. Compartment See "Tissue group". Suunto DM5 with Movescount, a software for managing your dives. Time spent at a decompression stop, or range, Decompression before surfacing, to allow absorbed nitrogen to escape naturally from tissues.
  • Page 85 Term What it means or body fluids, as a result of inadequately controlled decompression. A group of repetitive dives between which the dive computer indicates some nitrogen loading is Dive series present. When nitrogen loading reaches zero the dive computer deactivates. Elapsed time between leaving the surface to Dive time descend, and returning to the surface at the end...
  • Page 86 Term What it means No deco (No Any dive which permits a direct, uninterrupted decompression ascent to the surface at any time. stop time) No dec time Abbreviation for no decompression time limit. Open-circuit. Scuba that exhausts all exhaled gas. Oxygen limit fraction.
  • Page 87 Term What it means Residual The amount of excess nitrogen remaining in a nitrogen diver after one or more dives. Scuba Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Elapsed time between surfacing from a dive and Surface time beginning a descent for the subsequent dive. Theoretical concept used to model bodily tissues Tissue group for the construction of decompression tables or...
  • Page 89: Index

    INDEX decompression, 64 Decompression Activation Safety, 63 pre-checks, 16 deepstop Air mode, 39 safety stop, 55 Alarm, 28 Depth alarm, 34 Alarms, 19 display, 11 Altitude adjustment, 52 Display Ascent rate, 25 contrast, 34 Dive history Backlight, 26 Memory mode, 35 Battery, 76 Dive mode indicators, 18...
  • Page 90 Er, 50 Personal adjustment, 52 Fused RGBM, 62 rebreather diving, 43 Gauge mode, 47 closed-circuit gases, 43 Glossary, 83 open-circuit gases, 43 Rebreather diving, 43, 54 handling care, 74 safety stop, 25 high-altitude diving, 64 Sample rate, 54 Set up, 13 Setpoint Icon, 11 CCR mode, 45...
  • Page 91 Warnings, 19 Water contact AC symbol, 72 Wireless transmitter installing, 68 pairing, 68 transmitted data, 70 Wireless Transmitter, 18...
  • Page 92 +34 91 11 43 175 SWEDEN +46 8 5250 0730 SWITZERLAND +41 44 580 9988 +44 20 3608 0534 +1 855 258 0900 © Suunto Oy 10/2012, 12/2015, 4/2016, 6/2016 Suunto is a registered trademark of Suunto Oy. All Rights reserved.

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