24
VTX OPERATING MANUAL
© 2002 Design, 2014 Doc. No. 12-5382-r01 (10/24/14)
NORM SET UTILITIES
WATER =
DEEP STOP =
SAFE STOP =
ALGORITHM =
CONSERV =
SAMPLING =
UNITS =
ON
FRESH
IMPERIAL
OFF
DSAT
ON
15 SEC
FT
GAS 1 GTR
PSI
1480 42
86
AR
TL
DS
0:24
NDC
0:35
EDT
AR
TL
WET ACTIVATION
The VTX is configured with contacts that will automatically activate Dive Mode when the space between the contacts is bridged
by a conductive material (immersed in water) and it senses a Depth of 5 FT (1.5 M).
The contacts are the metal pins of the PC/Mac Interface Data Port and the stems of the buttons.
BAR GRAPHS
The VTX features 2 bar graphs, one on each side of the LCD (Fig. 35).
> The one on the left represents nitrogen loading. It is referred to as the TLBG (Tissue Loading Bar Graph).
> The one on the right represents ascent rate. It is referred to as the VARI (Variable Ascent Rate Indicator).
TLBG (TL)
The TLBG (on the left) represents your relative No Deco or Deco status. The lower (green & yellow) segments represent No Deco
status and the top (red) segment indicates a Decompression condition. As your Depth and Elapsed Dive Time increase segments
add, and as you ascend segments recede indicating that additional No Deco time is available.
The VTX monitors 12 different nitrogen compartments simultaneously and the TLBG displays the one that is in control of your dive
at any given time.
VARI (AR)
The VARI (on the right) provides a visual representation of ascent speed (i.e., an ascent speedometer).
The segments represent two sets of speeds which change at a reference depth of 60 FT (18 M). Refer to the chart.
When ascent is too fast, all segments of the VARI will flash until ascent is slowed.
WARNING: At depths greater than 60 FT (18 M), ascent rates should not exceed 60 FPM (18 MPM).
At depths of 60 FT (18 M) and shallower, ascent rates should not exceed 30 FPM (9 MPM).
ALGORITHM
The VTX is configured with 2 algorithms which allows you to choose which set of NDLs (No Deco Limits) will be used for Ni/O2
calculations and displays relating to Plan and DTR (Dive Time Remaining). The selection will lock until 24 hours elapse on the
surface after the last dive, or all residual nitrogen has been offgassed (tissue desaturation time decreases to 0:00).
You can select DSAT or Z+. Refer to the NORM Set Utilities Menu (Fig. 36) to make sure the one desired is currently selected.
DSAT has been the standard used by Oceanic in almost all of its dive computers until this time. It features NDLs that are based
on exposures and test data which also formed validation for the PADI RDP. It imposes restrictions for repetitive Deco dives,
considered more risky.
Z+ (Pelagic Z+) performance is based on Buhlmann ZHL-16c. It features NDLs that are considerably more conservative, espe-
cially at shallower depths.
To create even greater margins of safety with respect to decompression, a Conservative Factor as well as No Deco Deep and
Safety Stops can be included for No Deco dives.
CONSERVATIVE FACTOR (CF)
When the CF is set ON, the NDLs which are based on the algorithm selected and used for Ni/O2 calculations and displays relat-
ing to Plan and DTR will be reduced to the values available at the altitude level that is 3,000 feet (915 meters) higher. Refer to
the NDL charts in the back of this manual.
DEEP STOP (DS)
When the Deep Stop feature is set ON, it will trigger during NORM No Deco dives when you descend to 80 FT (24 M) and cal-
culate (and continually update) a Stop Depth equal to 1/2 the Max Depth. An icon will be displayed on the NORM Dive Main
screen (Fig. 37a) after it has triggered.
While 10 FT (3 M) deeper than the calculated Stop Depth, you will be able to access a DS Preview screen that will display the
current Deep Stop Depth (calculated) and Time (fixed at 2 min) for 10 seconds then return to the Main.
Upon initial ascent to within 10 FT (3 M) below the calculated Stop Depth, a DS screen displaying a Stop Depth at 1/2 the Max
Depth will appear with a Countdown Timer beginning at 2:00 (min:sec) and counting down to 0:00.
> If you descend 10 FT (3 M) below, or ascend 10 FT (3 M) above, the calculated Stop Depth for 10 seconds during the
countdown, the No Deco Main will replace the DS Main display and the DS feature will be disabled for the remainder of
that dive. There is no Penalty if the DS is ignored.
> In the event that you enter Deco, exceed 190 FT (57 M), or a High O2 condition (=> 80%) occurs, the DS will be disabled
for the remainder of that dive.
> The DS is disabled during a High PO2 Alarm condition (=> Set Point).
Fig. 35 - BAR GRAPHS
VARI Ascent Rate
Segments FPM MPM
0 0 - 20 0 - 6
1 21 - 30 6.1 - 9
2 31 - 40 9.1 - 12
3 41 - 50 12.1 - 15
4 51 - 60 15.1 - 18
5 60 + 18 +
VARI Ascent Rate
Segments FPM MPM
0 0 - 10 0 - 3
1 11 - 15 3.1 - 4.5
2 16 - 20 4.6 - 6
3 21 - 25 6.1 - 7.5
4 26 - 30 7.6 - 9
5 30 + 9 +
Fig. 36 - NORM SURF MAIN
Fig. 37 - NORM DIVE MAIN
a