EN COBRA3 USER’S GUIDE
Time Tank pressure
1. WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF SUUNTO DIVING INSTRUMENTS ................ 5 2. WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, AND NOTES ................................................... 6 3. SUUNTO AT A GLANCE .................................................................... 9 3.1. Navigating in the menus ............................................................... 9 3.2. Button symbols and functions ......................................................... 9 4. GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR SUUNTO Cobra3 ............................
6.1.5. Safety Stops ...................................................................... 6.1.6. Decompression dives ........................................................... 6.2. Diving in NITROX mode (DIVEnitrox) ............................................... 6.2.1. Before diving in NITROX mode ................................................ 6.2.2. Oxygen displays ................................................................. 6.2.3. Oxygen limit fraction (OLF) .....................................
1. WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF SUUNTO DIVING INSTRUMENTS Suunto Cobra3 was designed to help you get the most out of your diving. By reading this manual and becoming familiar with the functions of your dive computer, you can begin a new era in your diving.
2. WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, AND NOTES Throughout this manual, important safety icons are displayed.
WARNING DIVES THAT REQUIRE DECOMPRESSION STOPS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED. YOU SHOULD ASCEND AND BEGIN DECOMPRESSION IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE DIVE COMPUTER SHOWS YOU THAT A DECOMPRESSION STOP IS REQUIRED! Note the blinking ASC TIME symbol and the upward pointing arrow. WARNING USE BACK-UP INSTRUMENTS! Make sure that you use back-up instrumentation, including a depth gauge, submersible pressure gauge, timer or watch, and have access to decompression tables whenever diving with the dive computer.
WARNING SELECT THE CORRECT ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENT SETTING! When diving at altitudes greater than 300 m/1,000 ft the Altitude Adjustment feature must be correctly selected in order for the computer to calculate the decompression status. The dive computer is not intended for use at altitudes greater than 3,000 m/10,000 ft. Failure to select the correct Altitude Adjustment setting, or diving above the maximum altitude limit will result in erroneous dive and planning data.
3. SUUNTO AT A GLANCE 3.1. Navigating in the menus Suunto Cobra3 has four main operating modes - TIME mode (TIME), DIVE mode (DIVE), PLAN mode (PLAN), and MEMORY mode (MEMORY) – as well as the COMPASS submode, which can be activated from either TIME or DIVE modes. To toggle between the main modes, press the MODE button. To select a submode in DIVE, PLAN and MEMORY modes, press the UP/DOWN buttons. 3.2. Button symbols and functions The table below explains the main functions of the dive computer's buttons.
Symbol 10 Button Press Main functions UP Long Enable gas switching in NITROX mode DOWN Short Toggle between alternative displays Change submode Decrease values DOWN Long Enter Setting mode Toggle between ceiling and remaining air time display
4. GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR SUUNTO COBRA3 To get the most out of your Suunto Cobra3, take some time to personalize it and really make it YOUR computer. Set the correct time and date, as well as the alarms and tones, unit and backlight settings. Then, calibrate and test the compass function. Suunto Cobra3 is a very user-friendly dive computer, and you will quickly become familiar with its functions.
ADJUST WITH UP AND DOWN BUTTONS. ACCEPT WITH SELECT BUTTON. 4.1.4. Setting the units In the UNITS SETTING mode you can choose to have the units displayed in either the metric or imperial system - meters/feet, Celsius/Fahrenheit etc. ADJUST WITH UP AND DOWN BUTTONS. ACCEPT WITH SELECT BUTTON. 4.1.5. Setting the backlight Use the BACKLIGHT SETTING mode to turn the backlight on or off and to define how long it stays on for (5, 10, 20, 30, or 60 seconds).
AC APPEARS IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER OF THE DISPLAY, WHEN THE DIVE COMPUTER IS IN CONTACT WITH WATER. THIS ALSO ACTIVATES THE DIVE MODE. Contamination or dirt on the water contact may prevent this automatic activation. It is therefore important that the water contact is kept clean. The contact can be cleaned with fresh water and a soft brush, for example a tooth brush. 4.3.
Table 4.1. Locked bearing symbols Symbol Explanation You are traveling towards the locked bearing You are 90 (or 270) degrees from the locked bearing You are 180 degrees from the locked bearing You are 120 (or 240) degrees from the locked bearing 4.3.3.
HOLD THE DEVICE LEVEL AND SLOWLY ROTATE 360°. HOLD THE DEVICE STILL AND SLOWLY TILT 90° VERTICALLY. If the calibration fails several times in a row, it is possible that you are in an area with sources of magnetism, such as large metal objects, power lines or electric appliances. Move to another location and try to calibrate the compass again. If the calibration continues to fail, contact an authorized Suunto service center.
5. BEFORE DIVING Do not attempt to use the dive computer without reading this user's 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 Suunto Cobra3, please contact your Suunto representative before diving with the dive computer.
5.4. Nitrox Diving with nitrox provides you with an opportunity to increase bottom times or reduce the risk of decompression illness by reducing the nitrogen content in the gas mix. However, when the gas mix is altered, the oxygen content of the mix is generally increased. This increase exposes the diver to an oxygen toxicity risk not usually considered in recreational diving.
Alarm type Alarm reason Continuous beep series for 24 seconds or until any button is pressed. Current time blinks for one minute Preset alarm time is reached. Table 5.3. Oxygen alarms in NITROX mode Alarm type Alarm reason Continuous beeps for 3 minutes Set oxygen partial pressure limit is exceeded. The and activated backlight alternative display is replaced with a current blinking PO2 value. You should immediately ascend above the PO2 depth limit. OLF value reaches 80%.
5.7.1. Connecting Suunto Cobra3 to a regulator When purchasing the Suunto Cobra3, we strongly recommend that you have your Suunto representative attach it to the first stage of your regulator. However, if you decide to attach it yourself, follow the steps outlined below: 1. Remove the high pressure (HP) port plug on the first stage of your regulator using an appropriate tool. 2. Thread the high pressure hose of the Suunto Cobra3 into the HP port of your regulator with your fingers.
ADJUST WITH UP AND DOWN BUTTONS. ACCEPT WITH SELECT BUTTON. NOTE With a range of 1 - 999 minutes, the alarm can be set to your planned bottom time, for example. 5.8.3. Setting the nitrox values If set to the NITROX mode, the correct oxygen percentage of the gas in your cylinder (and additional gases) must always be entered into the computer to ensure correct nitrogen and oxygen calculations. In addition, the oxygen partial pressure limit must be set.
5.8.5. Setting the sample rate The sample rate controls how often the depth, time, tank pressure, and water temperature is stored in the memory. You can set the dive profile sample rate to 1, 10, 20, 30, or 60 seconds. The factory default setting is 20 seconds. ADJUST WITH UP AND DOWN BUTTONS. ACCEPT WITH SELECT BUTTON. 5.8.6. Setting the Safety Stops/Deep Stops The Deep Stop setting allows you to view Deep Stops. If Deep Stops are set to OFF, only the traditional Safety Stop calculation is used.
ADJUST WITH UP AND DOWN BUTTONS. ACCEPT WITH SELECT BUTTON. 5.9. Activation and pre-checks This section describes how to activate the DIVE mode and explains the pre-checks that it is highly recommended you perform before you get into the water. 5.9.1. Accessing DIVE mode The Suunto Cobra3 has three diving modes: AIR mode for diving with standard air only, NITROX mode for diving with oxygen enriched mixtures, and GAUGE mode for use as a bottom timer and for freediving.
the correct oxygen percentages are adjusted according to the measured oxygen percentages in your cylinders • the oxygen partial pressure limits are set correctly For more information on the NITROX mode, refer to Section 6.2. Diving in NITROX mode (DIVEnitrox). The dive computer is now ready for diving. • 5.9.3. Battery power indication Temperature or internal oxidation of the battery affect the battery voltage.
5.9.5. Personal adjustments There are personal factors that can affect your susceptibility to DCI, which you can predict in advance, and input into the decompression model. Such factors vary between divers and also for the same diver from one day to another.
5.10. Safety Stops Safety Stops are widely considered good diving practice for recreational diving, and are an integral part of most dive tables. The reasons for performing a Safety Stop include: reducing sub-clinical DCI, microbubble reduction, ascent control, and orientation before surfacing. The Suunto Cobra3 displays two different types of Safety Stops: Recommended Safety Stop and Mandatory Safety Stop. 5.10.1.
WHEN CEILING AND STOP ARE DISPLAYED, IMMEDIATELY (WITHIN 3 MINUTES) DESCEND TO OR BELOW CEILING. If you continue to violate the Mandatory Safety Stop, the tissue calculation model is affected and the dive computer shortens the available no-decompression time for your next dive. In this situation, it is recommended that you prolong your surface interval time before your next dive. 5.11.
6. DIVING This section contains instructions on how to operate the dive computer and interpret its displays. You’ll find that this dive computer is easy to use and read. Each display shows only the data relevant to that specific diving mode. 6.1. Diving in AIR mode (DIVEair) In this section, we look at how to make the most of the dive computer when diving with standard air. To activate DIVEair mode, please see Section 5.9.1. Accessing DIVE mode.
UP BUTTON TOGGLES BETWEEN DIVE TIME AND WATER TEMPERATURE. 6.1.2. Bookmark It is possible to record bookmarks in the profile memory during a dive. These bookmarks are displayed when scrolling the profile memory on the display. The bookmarks will also be shown as annotations in the downloadable Suunto Dive Manager PC software. The bookmark logs the depth, time, and water temperature, as well as compass heading (if the compass has been enabled).
Low Air Pressure Warnings The dive computer will warn you with three audible double beeps and a blinking pressure display when the cylinder pressure reaches 50 bar/725 psi. Three double beeps are also heard when the cylinder pressure goes down to the user-selected alarm pressure and when the remaining air time reaches zero. 6.1.4. Ascent rate indicator The ascent rate is shown graphically along the right hand side.
NOTE In addition, there may also be Mandatory Safety Stops which are not displayed in ASC TIME. WARNING YOUR ACTUAL ASCENT TIME MAY BE LONGER THAN DISPLAYED BY THE INSTRUMENT! The ascent time will increase if you: • remain at depth • ascend slower than 10 m/33 ft per minute • make your decompression stop deeper than at the ceiling These factors will also increase the amount of air required to reach the surface.
UPWARD POINTING ARROW, BLINKING ASC TIME AND AN ALARM TELL YOU TO ASCEND. MINIMUM TOTAL ASCENT TIME INCLUDING MANDATORY SAFETY STOP IS 15 MINUTES. CEILING IS AT 3 M. Display above the floor When you ascend above the floor, the ASC TIME display stops blinking and the upward pointing arrow disappears. Below is an example of a decompression dive above the floor. UPWARD POINTING ARROW HAS DISAPPEARED AND ASC TIME LABEL HAS STOPPED BLINKING, MEANING YOU ARE IN THE DECOMPRESSION RANGE.
6.2. Diving in NITROX mode (DIVEnitrox) NITROX mode (DIVEnitrox) is the second dive mode available in Suunto Cobra3 and is used when using oxygen-enriched gas mixtures. 6.2.1. Before diving in NITROX mode If set to the NITROX mode, the correct oxygen percentage of the gas in your cylinder must always be entered into the computer to ensure correct nitrogen and oxygen calculations. The dive computer adjusts its mathematical nitrogen and oxygen calculation models accordingly.
DOWN BUTTON TOGGLES BETWEEN O2, MAXIMUM DEPTH TANK PRESSURE AND CURRENT TIME. UP BUTTON TOGGLES BETWEEN PO2, OLF, DIVE TIME AND WATER TEMPERATURE. 6.2.3. Oxygen limit fraction (OLF) If set to NITROX mode, in addition to tracking the diver's exposure to nitrogen, the instrument tracks the exposure to oxygen. These calculations are treated as entirely separate functions.
In the GAUGE mode, the total dive time is always displayed in minutes in the lower right corner. In addition, a Dive Timer in the center window displays time in minutes and seconds. The center window Dive Timer is activated at the start of the dive and it can be reset during the dive and used as a stopwatch by pressing the SELECT button. BY PRESSING THE SELECT BUTTON DURING A DIVE, A BOOKMARK IS WRITTEN IN THE PROFILE MEMORY, THE DIVE TIMER IS RESET, AND THE PREVIOUSLY-TIMED INTERVAL IS DISPLAYED BELOW.
7. AFTER DIVING Once back at the surface, Suunto Cobra3 continues to provide post-dive safety information and alarms. Calculations to enable repetitive dive planning also help to maximize diver safety. Table 7.1. Alarms Symbol on display Indication Diver Attention Symbol - Extend Surface Interval Violated Decompression Ceiling Do Not Fly Symbol 7.1. Surface interval An ascent to any depth shallower than 1.
7.4. Flying after diving In DIVE mode, the no-fly time is shown in the center window next to the airplane image. In TIME mode, the airplane image is shown in the top left corner. Flying or traveling to a higher altitude should be avoided at any time when the computer is counting down the no-fly time. The no-fly time is always at least 12 hours, or equivalent to the so-called desaturation time (if longer than 12 hours). For desaturation times lower than 70 minutes, no no-fly time is given.
WHEN ENTERING THE PLANNODEC MODE THE DISPLAY FIRST BRIEFLY SHOWS TISSUE LOADING, THE REMAINING DESATURATION TIME BEFORE GOING INTO PLAN MODE. USE UP AND DOWN BUTTONS TO SCROLL DIFFERENT NO-DECOMPRESSION LIMITS. NO-DECOMPRESSION LIMITS LONGER THAN 99 MINUTES ARE DISPLAYED AS “–”.
PRESS UP OR DOWN BUTTONS TO DESCEND OR ASCEND. The mode can also be used to add the desired surface intervals for dive simulations. Add the desired surface interval increments to the present surface interval by pressing the UP and DOWN buttons. ADD SURFACE TIME IN 15 MINUTES INCREMENTS. 7.6. MEMORY mode The memory options include a dive logbook (MEMLogbook) and dive history (MEMHistory). The dive time and date are registered in the Logbook memory.
THERE ARE THREE PAGES OF LOGBOOK DIVE INFORMATION. USE SELECT BUTTON TO SCROLL BETWEEN LOGBOOK PAGES I, II, AND III. THE DATA OF THE MOST RECENT DIVE IS SHOWN FIRST.
NOTE The maximum depth can be reset to 0.0 m/0 ft using the PC Interface unit and the downloadable Suunto Dive Manager software. 7.7. Suunto Dive Manager (SDM) Suunto Dive Manager (SDM) is optional PC software that greatly enhances the functionality of your Suunto Cobra3. With the SDM software, you can download dive data from your dive computer to your PC. You can then view and organize all the data recorded with your Suunto Cobra3.
To learn more about SuuntoSports.com’s functions and activities, visit the site, try them and, if necessary, use the site Help. The Help is available on the right side of the bar that divides the screen.
8. CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF MY SUUNTO DIVING COMPUTER The SUUNTO dive computer is a sophisticated precision instrument. Although it is designed to withstand the rigors of scuba diving, you must treat it with the same proper care and caution as any other precision instrument. • WATER CONTACTS AND PUSH BUTTONS Contamination or dirt on the water contacts/connector or push buttons may prevent the automatic activation of the Dive Mode and cause problems during the data transfer.
The water resistance of the unit must be checked after replacing the battery or after other service operations. The check requires special equipment and training. You must frequently check the transparent battery compartment cover and the display for any sign of leaks. If you find moisture inside your dive computer, there is a leak. A leak must be corrected without delay as moisture will seriously damage the unit, even beyond repair.
9. BATTERY REPLACEMENT NOTE It is advisable to contact an authorized Suunto representative for battery replacement. It is imperative that the change is made in a proper manner to avoid any leakage of water into the battery compartment or computer. CAUTION Defects caused by improper battery installation are not covered by the warranty. CAUTION When the battery is changed, all nitrogen and oxygen uptake data is lost.
9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Check the condition of the O-ring; a defective O-ring may indicate sealing or other problems. Dispose the old O-ring, even if it seems to be in good condition. Check that the battery compartment, battery holder and lid are clean. Clean with soft cloth if necessary. Reinstall the battery retainer in its correct position. Check that the new lubricated O-ring is in good condition. Put it in the right position on the battery compartment lid.
10. TECHNICAL DATA 10.1. Technical specifications Dimensions and weight: • Diameter: width 73 mm/2.85 in, length 165 mm/6.50 in • Thickness: 35 mm/1.40 in • Weight: 210 g/7.
• Life expectancy at 20°C/68°F: • 0 dives/year –> 3 years • 100 dives/year –>1.5 years • 300 dives/year –>1 year The following conditions have an effect on the expected battery lifetime: • The length of the dives • The conditions in which the unit is operated and stored (e.g. temperature/cold conditions). Below 10°C/50°F the expected battery lifetime is about 50-75% of that at 20°C/68°F • The use of the backlight and audible alarms • The use of the compass • The quality of the battery.
Diver Attention Symbol – Advice to Extend Surface Interval Some patterns of diving cumulatively add a higher risk of DCI; for example, dives with short surface intervals, repetitive dives deeper than earlier ones, multiple ascents, and substantial multiday diving. When this is detected, in addition to adapting the decompression algorithm, the Suunto RGBM model will in some circumstances also advise, with the Diver Attention Symbol, that you extend your surface interval. 10.2.2.
No-decompression time limits (mins) for various depths (ft) for the first dive of a series Depth (ft) 120 130 140 150 Personal Mode / Altitude Mode P0/A0 P0/A1 P0/A2 P1/A0 P1/A1 P1/A2 P2/A0 P2/A1 10 9 7 6 9 7 6 5 8 6 5 4 9 7 6 5 8 6 5 4 6 5 4 4 8 6 5 4 6 5 4 4 P2/A2 5 4 4 3 10.2.3. Altitude diving The atmospheric pressure is lower at high altitudes than at sea level.
11. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 11.1. Copyright This user's manual is copyrighted and all rights are reserved. It may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, or translated to any media without prior written consent from Suunto. 11.2. Trademark Suunto, Cobra3, Consumed Bottom Time (CBT), Oxygen Limit Fraction (OLF), Suunto Reduced Gradient Bubble Model (RGBM), and Continuous Decompression and their logos are all registered or unregistered trademarks of Suunto. All rights are reserved. 11.3.
12. DISCLAIMERS 12.1. User’s responsibility This instrument is intended for recreational use only. Suunto Cobra3 must not be used for obtaining measurements that require professional or industrial precision. 12.2. CE The CE mark is used to mark conformity with the European Union EMC directive 89/336/EEC FIOH, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, FI-00250 Helsinki, Finland, notified body no.0430, has EC type-examined this type of personal protective equipment.
13. SUUNTO LIMITED WARRANTY FOR SUUNTO DIVING COMPUTERS AND SUUNTO DIVING COMPUTER ACCESSORIES This Limited Warranty is valid as of January 1st, 2007. Suunto Oy ("Suunto") provides this limited warranty to those who have purchased the Suunto Diving computer and/or Suunto diving computer accessories ("Product").
This Limited Warranty is not enforceable if: 1. the Product has been opened, modified or repaired by anyone other than Suunto or a Suunto Authorized Service Centre; 2. the Product has been repaired using unauthorized spare parts; 3. the Product's serial number has been removed, erased, defaced, altered or made illegible in any way - and this shall be determined at the sole discretion of Suunto; 4.
RESULTING FROM THE PURCHASE OR USE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING FROM BREACH OF THE WARRANTY, BREACH OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL OR EQUITABLE THEORY, EVEN IF SUUNTO KNEW OF THE LIKELIHOOD OF SUCH DAMAGES. SUUNTO SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DELAY IN RENDERING SERVICE UNDER THE LIMITED WARRANTY, OR LOSS OF USE DURING THE TIME THE PRODUCT IS BEING REPAIRED.
14. DISPOSAL OF THE DEVICE Please dispose of the device in an appropriate way, treating it as electronic waste. Do not throw it in the garbage. If you wish, you may return the device to your nearest Suunto representative.
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 surface. ASC RATE Abbreviation for ascent rate. Ascent time The minimum amount of time needed to reach the surface on a decompression stop dive. ASC TIME Abbreviation for ascent time.
Multi level dive A single or repetitive dive that includes time spent at various depths and whose no decompression limits are therefore not determined solely by the maximum depth attained. Nitrox In sports diving, refers to any mix with a higher fraction of oxygen than standard air. NOAA United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
CUSTOMER SERVICE CONTACTS Global Help Desk Suunto USA Phone Canada Phone Suunto website +358 2 284 11 60 +1 (800) 543-9124 +1 (800) 267-7506 www.suunto.com COPYRIGHT This publication and its contents are proprietary to Suunto Oy. Suunto, Dive Computer, Suunto Cobra3 and their logos are registered or unregistered trademarks of Suunto Oy. All rights reserved.
TWO YEAR WARRANTY This product is warranted to be free of defects in material and/or workmanship to the original owner for the above noted period (does not include battery life). Keep a copy of the original purchase receipt and make sure to get this warranty card stamped at the place of purchase. The warranty originates from the date of purchase. All warranties are limited and are subject to the restrictions given in the instruction manual.
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