6
®
20
0 5
10
30 40 50 60
NO DECO
C Z
DECO
C Z
O
2
Variable Ascent Rate Indicator
™
(VARI)
The Variable Ascent Rate Indicator™ (Fig. 6a) is provided to help you avoid
excessive ascent rates by displaying a visual representation of ascent speed,
rather than just showing that you are ascending too fast. The Variable Ascent
Rate Indicator has been granted U.S. Patent no. 5,156,055.
The 5 triangular segments of the bar graph, located beside green, yellow, and
red reference zones, appear beginning from the left and may be considered an
ascent rate speedometer. Green is a 'normal' rate, yellow is a 'caution' rate,
and red is 'Too Fast'.
In the event that your ascent rate exceeds the maximum recommended rate of
60 feet (18 meters) per minute, the bar graph segments will enter the red zone
and all 5 segments will flash once per second until your ascent speed is slowed.
If this occurs, you should immediately slow your ascent.
Breathing Gas Time Remaining Bar Graph
The Breathing Gas Time Remaining Bar Graph located along the bottom of
the lower display (Fig. 6b) provides a graphic representation of the time that
you can remain at your present depth and then, following a safe ascent, sur-
face with a predetermined breathing gas reserve. This calculation and display
is based on your breathing gas consumption rate that is continually monitored
Fig. 6 - Variable Ascent
Rate Indicator and Breathing
Gas Time Remaining Bar
Graph
Segments = Speed (rate)
0 = 0 - 20 fpm (0 - 6 mpm)
1 = 21 - 30 fpm (6.5 - 9 mpm)
2 = 31 - 40 fpm (9.5 - 12 mpm)
3 = 41 - 50 fpm (12.5 - 15 mpm)
4 = 51 - 60 fpm (15.5 - 18 mpm)
5 = 61+ fpm (18.5+ mpm)
(when 5, all will flash)
a
b
