Suunto Zoop Novo Dive Computers

Product Information

There are many audible alarms on the Zoop Novo to let you know when important limits are being reached or passed. This doesn’t mean it’s going to be beeping at you every two minutes though. The floor is the deepest depth at which the decompression stop time does not increase. Decompression starts when you pass this depth during your ascent. Obviously, if you are exceeding the NDL and your dive becomes a decompression dive, the Suunto RGBM penalizes you with extended surface intervals and any subsequent dives will be impacted. Be aware that this is a recreational computer. It is NOT designed for use on planned decompression dives. If you are intending to go into decompression it can be put into gauge mode and used as a bottom timer along with your dive plan. You may surface only after ASC TIME and CEILING have disappeared. This means that the decompression stop and any mandatory safety stop have been completed. The Zoop Novo also allows you to change the altitude setting which will adjust the computer’s decompression calculations. The default is 0-300m/0-980ft and can be changed to 300-1500m/980-4900ft or 1500-3000m/4900-9800ft.

Both the Suunto Zoop Novo and Cressi Leonardo are designed as entry-level dive computers. Because they are durable, reliable, and easy to use, both are popular choices for new divers and dive schools alike. If you are based in one of 36 countries, you can apply for an online service request and send your Zoop Novo for repair. If your computer is outside the warranty period, Suunto will send a quote before beginning any repairs. Turn around time is generally seven working days. Below is an example of a decompression dive with a ceiling of 3 m and total ascent time of 9 minutes.

Display states and views

Suunto uses its own customized RGBM model which was developed in collaboration with Dr. Bruce Wienke. Unlike the classic Haldane models still used in some dive computers, the Suunto RGBM predicts free gas as well as dissolved gas in the tissue of divers. One thing we like about the Suunto RGBM is the use of a full continuous decompression if the NDL (no-decompression limit) is exceeded. Instead of staged decompression where you’re required to make rapid ascents followed by stops at fixed depths, continuous decompression slows the ascent rate without the need for lengthy deep stops. What Does This Mean for the Diver?

It’s possible to change the Zoop Novo’s battery without having to head to a registered service center. We recommend getting the Suunto Zoop Novo battery replacement kit which includes the battery, O-ring and extra screws. With the right screwdriver and this kit, we found replacing the battery pretty easy and straightforward. When you reach the ceiling zone, the display will show you two arrows pointing at each other as shown below. Adjusting the computer to dive on Nitrox is easy. In Nitrox mode, you enter both the percentage of oxygen being used and the ppO2 (oxygen partial pressure) limit. It’s programmable for 21% to 50% oxygen mixtures and adjusts between 1.2 and 1.6 bar (17.4 to 23.2 psi) ppO2. Audible Alarms Each approach has its pros and cons. With a single button, you’re not going to get confused about which to press. But we found it tiresome having to navigate through so many menus just to find the item we needed.There are different tones to indicate high and low priority. High priority alarms will sound if the decompression ceiling depth is exceeded, the current depth is too deep for the gas mix in use, or if you’re exceeding the maximum ascent rate (10m/32ft per minute). Whether scuba diving or freediving, the low priority alarm will sound when you reach the defined maximum depth. Logbook Memory During the decompression stop, your total ascent time continues to count down towards zero. If the ceiling moves upwards, you can ascend to the new ceiling. However, it’s important to note that any “user errors” when replacing the battery (such as a dirty seal or a battery compartment not closed correctly) will void the warranty. If you’re not confident about changing it yourself, you can always get the battery changed as part of the computers regular two-year service.

Memory capacity: approximately 60 hours with 20-second recording interval and without transmitter data. With transmitter data, the capacity is approximately 40 hours. In free dive mode (2-second recording interval), maximum capacity is 3 hours. Both offer air, Nitrox (to 50%), and gauge modes. In addition, the Zoop Novo has a freediving and an off mode. If you exceed the no-decompression limits on a dive, the dive computer provides the decompression information required for ascent along with subsequent details that are updated as you ascend.If you are returning something because it does not fit, is the wrong colour or is unsuitable you will need to pay for the return postage. One change Suunto has made to the original Zoop is to add a fourth button to the Novo for easier navigation. You have mode, select, up, and down, all clearly marked, and with the large display, it’s super easy to navigate through the menus to find what you’re looking for. As we all know, there are a number of factors that can increase your risk of DCS. If you’re diving and you know you carry certain DCS risk factors (age, obesity, circulatory issues), the Zoop Novo allows you to adjust the algorithm to be more conservative, providing an extra level of safety.

Before you do a decompression dive, you need to understand the meaning of ceiling, ceiling zone, floor, and decompression range. You need to understand these concepts to be able to correctly interpret the guidance provided by the dive computer. For an entry-level dive computer, the Zoop Novo boasts a large logbook memory and can store up to 140 hours of data (approximately 100 dives). However, in freediving mode, this reduces to 35 hours.The Zoop Novo computer includes full decompression capabilities, five dive modes (Air, Nitrox, Gauge, Free and Off) and straight-forward, menu-based Suunto user interface. Suunto Zoop Novo Dive Computer – Features The Leonardo allows you to easily reset the computer, wiping the memory. This is a great feature for dive centers and schools; each new diver can start fresh. However, we found that if you’re using it as a personal computer, it’s not a function you would use at all. At first glance, it’s easy to think there’s not much separating these two. Both have nice big displays and offer similar functionality. Looking closer, the main difference is how you access these functions. The Zoop Novo has four navigation buttons while the Leonardo has just one. The ascent time shown on your dive computer is the minimum amount of time needed to reach the surface on a decompression dive. This includes: If you ascend above the ceiling during a decompression stop, a downward arrow appears in from of the ceiling depth, and a continuous beeping starts.