Shearwater Research has announced that this month it will launch the Nitrox Recreational Mode for the company’s Petrel dive computer. The new mode will be available free of charge, as a firmware update, on all Shearwater Petrels.
According to Shearwater:
“This new Nitrox mode is clearer and easier to use than ever before. Perfect for Air and Nitrox diving, the new mode offers optional safety stops, obvious warnings and plenty of customization. When divers are ready to take their diving to the next level, the Petrel still has its industry leading Trimix and Rebreather modes.”
Among the key features of the new mode are:
Big, Clear Displays
Optional Safety Stops
Decompression when you need it
Configurable Bottom Row
No-Decompression Limit Planner
Simple Menu System
The new, recreational mode makes the settings from the already popular technical dive modes much simpler, allowing for three breathing gas mixtures (Air or Nitrox) and placing a greater emphasis on the no decompression limits. It will also feature a bar graph display that turns from green to red as the diver approaches the no-decompression limit, as well as a 3-minute countdown safety stop which starts when the diver goes shallower than 20 feet / 6 meters on the ascent.
If the Petrel goes into a mandatory decompression situation, the display turns red and displays, “DECO STOP” with the depth and time at that stop.
“With the addition of this mode, users can simply change the settings from recreational to the technical diving modes which include Rebreathers and Open Circuit Trimix,” according to Shearwater. “All of these options are included in the firmware update, and all of this is at no additional cost to the consumer.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aInT76oeei4]
