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Suunto COBRA Instruction Manual

Other manuals for COBRA: User Manual, Quick Reference Manual
Manual is about: Suunto Cobra Diving Instruments: User Guide

Summary of COBRA

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    Dive computers i n s t r u c t i o n m a n u a l c o b r a.

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    1 definition of warnings, cautions and notes throughout this manual, special references are made when deemed important. Three classifications are used to separate these references by their order of importance. Warning is used in connection with a procedure or situation that may result in serious inj...

  • Page 4: Warnings

    2 warnings suunto oyj does not assume any responsibility for losses or claims by third parties, which may arise through the use of this device. Due to continuous product development, the cobra is subject to change without notice. Warning! Read this manual! Carefully read this instruction manual in i...

  • Page 5: Warning!

    3 warning! Suunto strongly recommends that sport divers limit their maximum depth to 40 m [130 ft] or to the depth calculated by the computer based on the selected o2% and a maximum po2 of 1.4 bar settings! Warning! Dives with required decompression stops are not recommended. You should ascend and b...

  • Page 6: Warning!

    4 warning! The dive computer should never be traded or shared between users while it is in operation! Its information will not apply to someone who has not been wearing it throughout a dive or sequence of repetitive dives. Its dive profiles must match that of the user. If it is left on the surface d...

  • Page 7: Warning!

    5 warning! Set the correct personal adjustment mode!, whenever it is believed that factors that tend to increase the possibility of dci exist, it is recommended that you use this option to make the calculations more conservative. Failure to select the correct personal adjustment setting will result ...

  • Page 8: Table of Contents

    6 table of contents warnings .................................................................................... 1 1. Introduction ...................................................................... 8 1.1. Safety precautions ..........................................................................

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    7 4. Menu based modes ......................................................... 40 4.1. Memories and data transfer [1 memory] ...................... 42 4.1.1. Logbook and dive profile memory [1 logbook] .............. 42 4.1.2. Dive history memory [2 history] ...................................... 4...

  • Page 10: 1. Introduction

    8 1. Introduction congratulations on your purchase of the suunto cobra advanced dive computer. The cobra builds on the suunto tradition of delivering feature-rich dive computers. The cobra provides many new and enhanced features that cannot be found in any other air-integrated dive computer. Push bu...

  • Page 11: 1.1. Safety Precautions

    9 1.1. Safety precautions do not attempt to use the dive computer without reading this instruction manual in its entirety, including all the warnings. Make sure that you fully understand the use, displays and limitations of the instrument. If you have any questions about the manual or the dive compu...

  • Page 12: 1.1.3. Nitrox

    10 1.1.3. Nitrox diving with nitrox provides the diver with an opportunity to reduce the risk of decompression illness by reducing the nitrogen content in the breathing gas mix. However, when the gas mix is altered, the oxygen content of the mix is generally increased. This increase exposes the dive...

  • Page 13: 2. Getting Acquainted

    11 2. Getting acquainted 2.1. Functions you can select the dive computer model between the regular air dive computer, nitrox dive computer and depth gauge with timer mode. The cobra multipurpose dive computer is an air integrated computer featuring three dive computer modes (air, nitrox, gauge), thr...

  • Page 14: 2.3. Push Buttons

    12 2.3. Push buttons the dive computer has easy-to-use push buttons and an advisory display, which guides the user. The smart (mode) button is the key to the system. The two scroll buttons, plan and time, are used for scrolling up and down the menus and to show the alternative displays. The dive com...

  • Page 15: 2.4. Water Contacts

    13 2.4. Water contacts the water contacts control the automatic activation of the dive mode. The water and data transfer contacts are located on bottom of the case (fig 2.3.). When submerged the water contacts are connected to the push buttons (which are the other pole of the water contact) by the c...

  • Page 16: 3. Diving With The Cobra

    14 3. Diving with the cobra this section contains instructions on how to operate the dive computer and interpret its displays. You will find that this dive computer is easy to use and read. Each display shows only the data relevant to that specific diving situation. 3.1 before diving 3.1.1. Activati...

  • Page 17: Battery Warning

    15 • you have enough air for your planned dive. You should also check the pressure reading against your back-up pressure gauge. And if set to nitrox mode, make sure that: • the oxygen percentage is adjusted according to the measured nitrox blend in your cylinder • the oxygen partial pressure limit i...

  • Page 18: 3.1.3. Dive Planning [Plan]

    16 fig 3.3. Startup iii. Surface mode. Depth and dive time are zero and cylinder pressure is 300 bar [4350 psi]. Pressing time button activates alternative display of temperature and current time. Fig. 3.4. Startup iv. Gauge mode. Fig. 3.5. Low battery warning. Battery symbol indicates that the batt...

  • Page 19: And Alarms

    17 higher altitude and conservative personal adjustment modes will shorten the no- decompression time limits. These limits at different altitude and personal adjustment mode selections are shown in table 6.1 and 6.2 in section 6.1. "operating principles". The planning mode also accounts for the foll...

  • Page 20: 3.2. Safety Stops

    18 3.2. Safety stops safety stops are widely considered "good diving practice" and are an integral part of most dive tables. Reasons to perform a safety stop include a reduction in sub clinical dci, microbubble reduction, ascent control, and orientation before surfacing. The cobra displays two diffe...

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    19 you must not ascend shallower than 3 m [10 ft] with the mandatory safety stop warning on. If you ascend above the mandatory safety stop ceiling, a downward pointing arrow will appear and a continuous beeping starts (fig. 3.15.). You should immediately descend to, or below, the mandatory safety st...

  • Page 22: 3.3. Diving In Air Mode

    20 3.3. Diving in air mode 3.3.1. Basic dive data the dive computer will remain in the surface mode at depths less than 1.2 m [4 feet]. At depths greater than 1.2 m the instrument will go into the diving mode (fig. 3.7.). All information on the display is labeled (fig. 3.7. And 3.8.). During a no-de...

  • Page 23: 3.3.2. Bookmark

    21 alternative displays by pressing the time button (fig. 3.9.): • the current time, shown as time • the water temperature followed by °c for centigrade [or °f for fahrenheit]. Note! In dive mode the time / temperature display automatically changes back to dive time / cylinder pressure after 5 secon...

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    22 the remaining air time calculation includes a 35 bar [500 psi] safety reserve. This means that when the instrument shows the air time to be zero, there is still about 35 bar [500 psi] pressure left in your cylinder depending on your air consumption rate. With a high consumption rate the limit wil...

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    23 3.3.4. Consumed bottom time (cbt) the available no-decompression stop time is also shown visually in the multi- function bar graph on the left side of the display (fig. 3.7., 3.8. And 3.9.). When your available no-decompression time decreases below 200 minutes, the first (lowest) bar graph segmen...

  • Page 26: Warning!

    24 when the maximum allowed ascent rate is exceeded, the fifth slow warning segment and the stop sign appear and the depth reading starts to blink, indicating that the maximum ascent rate has been exceeded continuously or that the current ascent rate is significantly above the allowed rate. Whenever...

  • Page 27: Warning!

    25 the ascent time (asc time) is the minimum amount of time needed to reach the surface in a decompression dive. It includes: • the time needed to ascend to the ceiling at an ascent rate of 10 m/min [33 ft/min] plus • the time needed at the ceiling. The ceiling is the shallowest depth to which you s...

  • Page 28: Warning!

    26 fig. 3.16. Decompression dive, below floor. Upward pointing arrow, blinking asc time label and an audible alarm tell you to ascend. Minimum total ascent time including safety stop is 7 minutes. Ceiling is at 3 m [10 ft]. Fig. 3.18. Decompression dive, at ceiling zone. Two arrows point at each oth...

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    27 display above the floor when you ascend above the floor, the asc time display stops blinking and the upward pointing arrow disappears (fig. 3.17.). Decompression will now begin, but is very slow. You should therefore continue your ascent. Display at the ceiling zone when you reach the ceiling zon...

  • Page 30: 3.4. Diving In Nitrox Mode

    28 fig. 3.21. Nitrox display. Maximum depth based on set o 2 % (21%) and po 2 (1.4 bar) is 54.1 m [177 ft]. Fig. 3.22. Diving in nitrox mode. The o 2 % is set to 32%. 3.4. Diving in nitrox mode 3.4.1. Before diving this dive computer can be set for diving with standard air only (air mode) or it can ...

  • Page 31: 3.4.2. Oxygen Displays

    29 3.4.2. Oxygen displays if set to nitrox mode the nitrox display, with all labeled oxygen information and the label nitrox, is shown after activation. In dive planning mode the nitrox display shows (fig. 3.21.): • the oxygen percentage, labeled with o 2 %, is shown in the left side of the center w...

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    30 3.4.3. Oxygen limit fraction (olf) in addition to tracking the diver's exposure to nitrogen, the instrument tracks the exposure to oxygen, if set to nitrox mode. These calculations are treated as entirely separate functions. The dive computer calculates separately for central nervous system oxyge...

  • Page 33: 3.5. Diving In Gauge Mode

    31 fig. 3.27. Diving in gauge mode. 3.5. Diving in gauge mode if set to gauge mode, the dive computer can be used for diving with technical diving mixed gases. If you are trained for technical diving and you plan to use gauge mode on a regular basis, it may be preferable to set the instrument perman...

  • Page 34: 3.6. At The Surface

    32 3.6. At the surface 3.6.1. Surface interval an ascent to any depth shallower than 1.2 m [4 ft] will cause the diving display to be replaced by the surface display, giving the following information (fig. 3.28.): • maximum depth of last dive in meters [ft] • present depth in meters [ft] • no-flying...

  • Page 35: 3.6.2. Dive Numbering

    33 if set to nitrox mode, the following information will also be shown: • the oxygen percentage labeled with o 2 % is shown on the left side of the center window • the current oxygen toxicity exposure shown with an oxygen limit fraction (olf) bar graph along the left side of the display. 3.6.2. Dive...

  • Page 36: 3.6.3. Flying After Diving

    34 3.6.3. Flying after diving the no-flying time is shown in the center window next to the airplane image. Flying or travelling to a higher altitude should be avoided at any time the computer counts down the no-flying time. Note! The airplane symbol is not shown on the stand-by display. You should a...

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    35 3.7. Audible and visual alarms the dive computer features audible and visual alarms to advise when important limits are approached or to acknowledge preset alarms. A short single beep occurs, when: • the dive computer is activated. • when the dive computer automatically returns to the time mode. ...

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    36 you are able to preset alarms before the actual dive. The user programmable alarms can be set for maximum depth, dive time and time. The alarms activate when: • the preset maximum depth is reached - continuous beep series for 24 seconds or until any button is pressed. - the maximum depth blinks a...

  • Page 39: Warning!

    37 warning! When the oxygen limit fraction indicates that the maximum limit is reached, you must immediately ascend until the warning stops blinking! Failure to take action to reduce oxygen exposure after the warning is given can rapidly increase the risk of oxygen toxicity and the risk of injury or...

  • Page 40: 3.8.2. Personal Adjustment

    38 3.8.2. Personal adjustment there are adverse personal factors for dci which divers can predict in advance and input into the decompression model. Factors that may affect susceptibility to decompression illness vary between divers and also for the same diver from one day to another. The three-step...

  • Page 41: 3.9.  Error Conditions

    39 3.9. Error conditions the dive computer has warning indicators that alert the user to react to certain situations that would significantly increased risk thew of dci. If you do not respond to its warnings, the dive computer will enter an error mode, indicating that the risk of dci has greatly inc...

  • Page 42: 4. Menu Based Modes

    40 4. Menu based modes to make yourself familiar with the menu based functions, please use your quick reference guide supplied with the cobra together with the information in this chapter. The main menu based functions are grouped under 1) memory, 2) dive simulation and 3) setting modes. The use of ...

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    41 exit / quit! By pressing the smart button for more than 1 second, any menu based function or submode can be quit and the dive computer will return directly to the dive mode. The list of the menu based modes 1. Memories and data transfer [1 memory] 1. Logbook and dive profile memory [1 logbook] 2....

  • Page 44: 4.1. Memories And Data

    42 4.1. Memories and data transfer [1 memory] the memory options (fig. 4.5.) for this dive computer include the combined logbook and dive profile memory (fig. 4.6. - 4.12.), dive history memory (fig. 4.13. - 4.14.) and the data transfer and pc-interface functions (fig. 4.15.). The dive entry time an...

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    43 the end text is displayed between the oldest and most recent dive. (fig. 4.12.) note that chronological sequence in the logbook is determined by the date, not by the dive number. The following information will be shown on four pages: page i, main display (fig. 4.7.) • dive number in the dive seri...

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    44 page iii (fig. 4.9.) • dive number in the dive series • average depth • surface interval time before the dive • ∆ p describing cylinder pressure drop during the dive. Page iv (fig. 4.10.) • dive number in the dive series • the profile of the dive, automatic scrolling during which: • logbook symbo...

  • Page 47: 4.1.2. Dive History Memory

    45 4.1.2. Dive history memory [2 history] the dive history is a summary of all the dives recorded by the dive computer. To enter the dive history memory mode select mode- 1 memory- 2 history (fig. 4.13.). The following information will be shown on the display (fig. 4.14.): • the maximum depth ever r...

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    46 the following data is transferred to the pc: • depth profile of the dive • dive time • preceding surface interval time • dive number • altitude and personal adjustment settings • oxygen percentage setting and maximum olf (in nitrox mode) • tissue calculation data • temperature at the beginning of...

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    47 4.2. Simulation mode [2 simul] the simulation mode can be used to acquaint yourself with the features and displays of the instrument before diving, to plan dives in advance, for demonstration or education purposes, or just for pleasure. The dive computer has two simulation modes (fig. 4.16.): • t...

  • Page 50: [2 Simplan]

    48 4.2.2. Dive planning simulator [2 simplan] the dive planning simulator mode shows you the present no-decompression limits. In this mode, you are also able to add the desired surface interval increment to present surface interval time, which allows you to plan your dives in advance. This mode is a...

  • Page 51: 4.3. Set Modes [3 Set]

    49 4.3. Set modes [3 set] the set modes (fig. 4.22.) are divided into three submodes for setting the dive-related parameters, time-related parameters and your personal preferences. 4.3.1. Dive parameter settings [1 set dive] to enter the dive parameter setting mode select mode- 3 set- 1 set dive. Th...

  • Page 52: [2 D Alarm]

    50 4.3.1.2. Dive time alarm setting [2 d alarm] the instrument has one dive time alarm setting, which can be used for several purposes to add to your diving safety. The alarm can be set, for example, to your planned bottom time. To enter the dive time alarm setting mode select mode- 3 set- 1 set div...

  • Page 53: [3 T Alarm]

    51 4.3.2. Setting time [2 set time] to enter the time setting mode select mode- 3 set- 2 set time. The time setting mode has three options: 1 time, 2 date and 3 daily time alarm. 4.3.2.1. Adjusting time [1 adj time] to enter the time setting mode select mode- 3 set- 2 set time- 1 adj time. After ent...

  • Page 54: 4.3.3. Setting Preferences

    52 4.3.3. Setting preferences [3 set pref] to enter the setting preferences mode select mode- 3 set- 3 set pref. The setting preferences mode has three options: 1 light, 2 units and 3 model. 4.3.3.1. Backlight setting [1 light] in the backlight setting mode the backlight can be turned off or on and ...

  • Page 55: 5. Care and Maintenance

    53 5. Care and maintenance this suunto dive computer is a sophisticated precision instrument. Though designed to withstand the rigors of scuba diving, you must treat it with proper care and caution as any other precision instrument. 5.1. Important information depth sensor the built-in depth sensor i...

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    54 5.2. Care of your dive computer • never try to open the case of the dive computer. • service your dive computer every two years or after 200 dives (whichever comes first) by an authorized dealer or distributor. This service will include a general operational check, replacement of the battery, and...

  • Page 57: 5.3. Maintenance

    55 5.3. Maintenance the instrument should be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water, then dried with a soft towel after each dive. Make sure that all salt crystals and sand particles have been flushed out. Check the display and the transparent battery compartment cover for possible moisture or water. Do...

  • Page 58: Caution!

    56 caution! Defects caused by improper battery installation are not covered by the warranty. All history and profile data, as well as the altitude, personal and alarm settings, will remain in the dive computer memory after the battery change. However, the clock time and time alarm setting is lost. I...

  • Page 59

    57 5. Carefully remove the lid with the beeper attached to it. The lid can be removed by pressing with your finger on the outermost edge of the lid while at the same time pulling with your nail at the opposite side. Do not use sharp metal objects as they might damage the o-ring or the sealing surfac...

  • Page 60: Caution!

    58 16. The dive computer should now activate it's timekeeping mode and show time 18:00 [6:00 pm] and date sa 01,01. Activate the instrument. Check that: • all display segments work. • the low battery warning is off. • the buzzer beeps and backlight works. • all the settings are correct. Reset curren...

  • Page 61: 5.7. Compass Attachment

    59 5.6. Display shield replacement unscrew the four screws at the back of the console and remove the back cover. Remove the computer and the display shield. Install new display shield and reinstall computer and console back. 5.7. Compass attachment unscrew the four screws at the back of the console ...

  • Page 62: 6. Technical Description

    60 6.1 9 p0/a0 p0/a1 p0/a2 p1/a0 p1/a1 p1/a2 p2/a0 p2/a1 p2/a2 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 - - 124 72 52 37 29 23 18 13 11 9 7 6 163 89 57 39 29 24 18 14 11 9 8 6 5 130 67 43 30 23 19 15 12 9 8 6 5 5 89 57 39 29 24 14 11 9 7 6 5 130 67 43 30 23 19 15 12 9 8 6 5 5 96 54 35 25 20 16 12 9 8 6 5...

  • Page 63

    61 altitude diving the atmospheric pressure is lower at high altitudes than at sea level. After traveling to a higher altitude, the diver will have additional nitrogen in his body, compared to the equilibrium situation at the original altitude. This "additional" nitrogen is released gradually in tim...

  • Page 64: Suunto Rgbm

    62 6.2. Reduced gradient bubble model, suunto rgbm the suunto reduced gradient bubble model (rgbm) is a modern algorithm for predicting both dissolved and free gas in the tissues and blood of divers. It was developed in a co-operation between suunto and bruce r. Wienke bsc, msc. Phd. It is based on ...

  • Page 65: 6.3. Oxygen Exposure

    63 diver attention symbol - advice to extend surface interval some patterns of diving cumulatively add a higher risk of dci, e.G. Dives with short surface intervals, repetitive dives deeper than earlier ones, multiple ascents, substantial multiday diving. When this is detected in addition to adaptin...

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    64 6.4. Technical specification dimensions and weight: • diameter: width 73mm [2.85in], length 165mm [6.50in]. • thickness: 35mm [1.40in]. • weight: 210g without hose [7.4 oz]. Depth gauge: • temperature compensated pressure sensor. • salt water calibrated, in fresh water the readings are about 3% s...

  • Page 67

    65 displays only in nitrox mode: • oxygen%: 21 - 50. • oxygen partial pressure display: 1.2 - 1.6 bar depending on the limit setting. • oxygen limit fraction: 1 - 110% with 10% resolution (bar graph). Logbook/dive profile memory: • recording interval: 20 seconds (the recording interval can be set to...

  • Page 68

    66 battery • one 3 v lithium battery: cr 2450 (k5597) and o-ring 1,78 mm x 31,47 mm 70 sha (k5664). • battery storage time (shelf life): up to three years. • replacement: every two years or more often depending on dive activity. • life expectancy at 20°c [68°f]: - 0 dives/y -> 3 years - 100 dives/y ...

  • Page 69: 7. Warranty

    67 7. Warranty note! The warranty arrangements are different in different countries. The dive computer packaging contains information regarding the warranty benefits and requirements applicable to your purchase. This suunto dive computer is warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for ...

  • Page 70: 8. Glossary

    68 8. Glossary air time the amount of dive time remaining, based on a calculation of cylinder pressure and ambient pressure and present air consumption. Altitude dive a dive made at an elevation greater than 300 m [1000 ft] above sea level. Ascent rate the speed at which the diver ascends toward the...

  • Page 71

    69 dive series a group of repetitive dives between which the dive computer indicates some nitrogen loading is present. When nitrogen loading reaches zero the dive computer deactivates. Dive time elapsed time between leaving the surface to descend, and returning to the surface at the end of a dive. ∆...

  • Page 72

    70 oxygen tolerance unit is used to measure the whole-body-toxicity. Oxygen limit fraction a term used by suunto for the values displayed in the oxygen toxicity bargraph. The value is either the cns% or the otu%. O 2 % oxygen percentage or oxygen fraction in the breathing gas. Standard air has 21% o...

  • Page 73

    Activate the timekeeping display lcd & battery check nitrox / gauge display plan backlight on mode backligh (>2 s) 3 set 1 memory 2 simul 3 mode options simulate diving ascend descend add surface interval hours add surface interval minutes 2 simplan 1 simdive dive simulation: surface mode 2 simulati...

  • Page 74

    Juvan teollisuuskatu 8 fin-02920 espoo, finland tel. +358 9 8524 050 fax +358 9 8524 267 www.Suunto.Com.