Operating instructions

Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your Matrix dive computer. Our designers have condensed all the crucial dive
information into a user-friendly dive instrument. By combining a color-coded system with bold alphanumerics, we have
created an easy-to-use computer that provides dive data at a glance.
As with all life support diving equipment, it is crucial to understand the features and functions of the Matrix. Before
using the Matrix, it is essential to read this manual in its entirety. Contained within this easy to read manual are illustra-
tions to aid you in the complete understanding of the computer.
This manual covers both the imperial and metric versions of the Matrix. Where applicable, two illustrations are used - an
imperial version and metric version.
Chapter 1 covers all the operating instructions, including attaching the computer to the regulator. Chapter 2 is dedicated
to diving conditions that U.S. Divers considers extreme, or are past the operational limits of the Matrix. Chapter 3 offers
advise on care and maintenance, and instructions on changing the battery. Lastly, the reference section contains the
technical specifications and glossary.
Figure 1
Rectangular Profile
Figure 2
Multi-Level Profile
WHAT IS A “DIVE COMPUTER”
Definition of Compartments
A dive computer is an instrument that mathematically simulates the absortion
and release of nitrogen by hypothetical tissue types in the human body. These
hypothetical tissues are commonly referred to as “compartments.” Each
compartment absorbs and releases nitrogen at different rates. The Matrix tracks
these compartments constantly, providing you with up-to-the-minute decom-
pression information.
Multi-Level Diving
If you use, or have used, dive tables you know the total amount of time you can
stay under water is based on the maximum depth reached during the dive. Dive
tables, such as the U.S. Navy dive tables, assume that you immediately
descend to a single depth, stay at that depth for the duration of the dive, then
immediately surface from that depth. This type of dive profile is referred to as a
rectangular dive profile (figure 1). In reality, however, most recreational divers go
to the deepest depth first and make a gradual ascent to the surface. This type
of dive profile is referred to as a multi-level dive profile (figure 2).
Multi-level diving is where the Matrix excels. By continuously calculating the
nitrogen absorption/release of all the compartments, the computer updates the
amount of no-decompression time (NDT) you have left. As you ascend to
shallower depths, the computer credits you with more allowable NDT; if you go
deeper, it reduces the NDT available.
Diving Responsibly
Years of research and thousands of dives have gone into the mathematical
formulas used by the Matrix. However, the computer does not have special
sensors attached to your body; it doesn’t know if you are tired, dehydrated,
overweight, or out of shape. For this reason, U.S. Divers recommends that you
never push the no-decompression limits of the computer. Always leave a
comfortable safety margin in respect to no-decompression time and ascent
speed. Let the computer assist you in making a safe dive. Do not let it control
your dive.
WARNING: Using the Matrix will not prevent the possibility
of decompression sickness, but using it sensibly reduces
this risk. Any sport diver, however, must accept that there
is no device or procedure which will totally prevent the
possibility of a decompression accident.