Continuous Decompression

Continuous Decompression is the ability to measure and calculate, in real time, the optimum depth for decompression. This is a safer type of decompression as it more closely follows the way nitrogen is eliminated from the body.

Continuous decompression is the ability to measure and calculate, in real time, the optimum depth for decompression. Since the calculation is updated at very short intervals, the diver is guided to the surface in numerous short stops. The sets of ideal decompression depths tend towards an exponential curve, which represents the function governing tissue nitrogen absorption and elimination. Combined with a controlled ascent rate, it is one of the most natural decompression methods known today.

Log Book Memory

36-Hour Log Book Memory allows you to store a lot of information about your dive and the best computers boast 36 hours of continuous recording.

Memory is important. You'll need a computer with sufficient memory to cover you for your dive period. The Vytec can store up to 36 hours of detailed dive information that can be either viewed on the screen, or downloaded to your PC. In fact, the Vytec even allows you to set the sampling rate (the interval it takes a reading, either 60, 30, 20 or 10 seconds).

Nitrox Compatible

Nitrox Compatible computers are becoming more desirable as nitrox diving is becoming more popular.

What's gas switching
Gas switching is as it sounds, switching gas mixtures while under the surface. Practised by only very capable divers, but becoming increasingly popular, gas switching can increase bottom time and decrease decompression time significantly. Clearly, this exercise would require an advanced dive computer. The Suunto Vytec is up to the challenge. When in Nitrox mode the user can preset up to three different gas-mixes containing 21-99% oxygen. Preferred gas mixes can be stored as default (e.g. EAN32, EAN50, EAN99), and be set ON or OFF for each dive, or modified as needed. The Suunto Vytec provides easy and reliable gas switching between enabled gases during the dive.

Multiple Operating Modes

Multiple Operating Modes in advanced dive computers are capable of being set in several different modes ? Air (for operation as a diver computer with standard air mixes), Nitrox (for operation with oxygen-enriched air mixes, Gauge (for operation without decompression function, often used by technical divers) and Free (for free diving and snorkelling).

Bookmark Facility

The Bookmark Facility enables the diver to enter bookmarks (possibly highlighting interesting parts of the dive) into the computer?s logbook for future reference. The information, including profiles, can be read from the display or downloaded to a PC.

Wireless Air Integration

Wireless Air Integration allows for the display of tank pressure and calculates remaining air time based on current gas consumption. The wireless transmission can be used in Air, Nitrox and Gauge modes. The pressure transmitter is 300 bar (4000 psi) compatible and has a user-replaceable battery.

How good is wireless technology?

These days, very good. In days gone by cameras, strobes and other divers' gauges interfered with the crude wireless technology of the gauge. This meant they weren't that accurate or, subsequently, popular. Now, thanks to developments from Suunto, wireless technology is accurate and dependable, and becoming increasingly popular with divers who seek a more streamlined system. The Suunto D9 comes with a wireless pressure transmitter that can easily be attached to the high-pressure port. The wireless operation can easily be enabled or disabled in the D9's settings. With the wireless transmission enabled, the D9 displays tank pressure and calculates remaining air time based on current gas consumption. The wireless transmission can be used in Air, Nitrox and Gauge modes. The pressure transmitter is 300bar compatible, and has user replaceable battery.

PC Downloadable

PC Downloadable gives you the opportunity to transfer information - depths, temperature, air consumption, nitrox information and ascent rate - to a PC or laptop after your dive You can then enter further data - buddy's name, weather, tides, etc - to create a comprehensive dive log that can be stored electronically and shared via email.

Being able to download dive profiles is becoming increasingly popular among divers. Suunto introduced the first PC interface in 1989 and has held the lead in this area ever since. The large memory capacity of the Suunto dive computers allows you to transfer data - dive profile, maximum depth, temperatures, air consumption and nitrox information - directly from your dive computer to your PC at home or your laptop on board.

RGBM

RGBM Tables (Reduced Gradient Bubble Model) ? are by far the most advanced way of calculating decompression rates, increasing bottom time and decreasing the risk of decompression illness.

Maximum Depth Alarm / Bottom Time Alarm

A Maximum Depth Alarm / Bottom Time Alarm eliminates the need to constantly check your depth gauge, allowing you to enjoy the dive.

Calendar / Clock Function

The Calendar / Clock Function offers time and date functions. (Some units offer dual time and stopwatch functions.)