Diving In Nitrox Mode; Before Diving - Suunto Gekko Instruction Manual

3.4. DIVING IN NITROX MODE

3.4.1. Before Diving

The GEKKO can be set for diving with standard air only (Air mode) or it can be
set for diving with Enriched Air Nitrox (Nitrox mode). If you are educated for
nitrox diving and you plan to make nitrox dives, it is recommended that you set
the dive computer permanently to its NITROX Mode. The Nitrox mode can be
enabled by accessing MODE-SET-MODEL (see chapter 4.2. "Set Modes").
If set to Nitrox mode, the correct oxygen percentage of the gas in your cylinder
must always be entered into the computer to ensure correct nitrogen and oxygen
calculations. The dive computer adjusts its mathematical nitrogen and oxygen
calculation models according to the entered O2% and PO2 values. Calculations
based on Nitrox use result in longer no-decompression times and shallower
maximum depths than diving with air. When the dive computer is set in Nitrox
mode the Dive Planning modes calculates with the O2% and PO2 values that
are currently in the computer.
DO NOT DIVE WITH A CYLINDER OF ENRICHED AIR IF YOU HAVE
NOT PERSONALLY VERIFIED ITS CONTENTS AND ENTERED THE
ANALYSIS VALUE INTO YOUR DIVE COMPUTER!
Failure to verify cylinder contents and enter the appropriate O
dive computer will result in incorrect dive planning information.
The dive computer will not accept fractional percentage values of oxygen
concentration. Do not round up fractional percentages. For example, 31.8%
oxygen should be entered as 31%. Rounding up will cause nitrogen percent-
ages to be understated and will affect decompression calculations. If there is
a desire to adjust the computer to provide more conservative calculations,
use the personal adjustment feature to affect decompression calculations or
reduce the PO
2
O % and PO values.
2 2
Fig. 3.19. Ceiling and Floor
Zones. The Recommended
and Manadatory Safety Stop
zone lies between 6m and
3m [20 ft and 10ft].
WARNING!
WARNING!
setting to affect oxygen exposure according to the entered
% into your
2
CEILING
3m / 10ft
6m / 18ft
FLOOR
27