Suunto Cobra Instruction Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Suunto Manuals
  4. Diving Instrument
  5. COBRA
  6. Instruction manual
Suunto Cobra Instruction Manual

Suunto Cobra Instruction Manual

Dive computers
Hide thumbs Also See for Cobra:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual See also: User Manual, Quick Reference Manual
I N S T R U CT I O N M A N U A L
C o b r a
Dive Computers

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Suunto Cobra

Summary of Contents for Suunto Cobra

  • Page 1 I N S T R U CT I O N M A N U A L C o b r a Dive Computers...

  • Page 3: Warnings

    PrEN 13319 "Diving accessories - Depth gauges and combined depth and time measuring devices - Functional and safety requirements, test methods" is a European diving depth gauge standard draft. The COBRA is designed to comply with this draft standard. ISO 9001 SUUNTO Oyj's Quality Assurance System is certified by Det Norske Veritas to be according to the ISO 9001 in all SUUNTO Oyj's operations (Quality Certificate No.
  • Page 4 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 its entirety paying close attention to all warnings listed below, including section 1.1.
  • Page 5 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.
  • Page 6 WARNING! DO NOT EXPOSE THE COBRA DIVE COMPUTER WITH IT´S STANDARD HOSE TO ANY GAS MIX CONTAINING MORE THAN 40% OXYGEN! Enriched air with greater oxygen content presents a risk of fire or explosion and serious injury or death.
  • Page 7 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 in erroneous dive and planning data.

  • Page 8: Table Of Contents

    1.1.2. Dive Computer Limitations ............9 1.1.3. Nitrox ..................10 2. GETTING ACQUAINTED ............2.1. FUNCTIONS ..................2.2. CONNECTING THE COBRA TO A REGULATOR ......2.3. PUSH BUTTONS .................. 2.4. WATER CONTACTS ................3. DIVING WITH THE COBRA ..........3.1. BEFORE DIVING ..................
  • Page 9 4. MENU BASED MODES ............4.1. MEMORIES AND DATA TRANSFER [1 MEMORY] ...... 4.1.1. Logbook and Dive Profile Memory [1 LOGBOOK] ....42 4.1.2. Dive History Memory [2 HISTORY] ........45 4.1.3. Data Transfer and PC-Interface [3 TR-PC] ......45 4.2.

  • Page 10: Introduction

    This air-integrated dive computer is a compact and sophisticated multipurpose dive instrument, designed to give you years of trouble-free service. CHOICE OF OPERATING MODES AND SET-UP OPTIONS User options for the Cobra are selected using the push buttons. Pre Dive configuration and setup options include: •...

  • Page 11: Safety Precautions

    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 computer, contact your SUUNTO dealer before diving with the dive computer.

  • Page 12: Nitrox

    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.

  • Page 13: Getting Acquainted

    Remove the high pressure (HP) port plug on the first stage of your regulator using an appropriate sized wrench. Thread the high pressure hose of the Cobra into the port of your regulator with your fingers. Tighten the hose fitting with a 16 mm [5/8"] wrench.

  • Page 14: Push Buttons

    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.

  • Page 15: Water Contacts

    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 conductivity of the water.

  • Page 16: Diving With The Cobra

    3. DIVING WITH THE COBRA This section contains instructions on how to operate DIVE CEILING the dive computer and interpret its displays. You will AVGPO2 SURF ASC TIME STOP QUIT find that this dive computer is easy to use and read.

  • Page 17: Battery Power Indicator And Low Battery Warning

    • 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 •...

  • Page 18: Dive Planning [Plan]

    Temperature or an internal oxidation of the battery affects the battery voltage. If the instrument is stored for a long period, the low battery warning may be displayed even though the battery has enough capacity. The low battery warning may also be displayed at low temperatures, even though the DIVE TIME...

  • Page 19: User Definable Functions And Alarms

    (see also section 3.6.2. "Dive Numbering"). 3.1.4. USER DEFINABLE FUNCTIONS AND ALARMS This Cobra has several User Definable Functions and depth and time related alarms that you can set according to your personal preference. The dive computer model, unit of measurement and backlight preferences can be set in the MODE- SET- SET PREF submode.

  • Page 20: Safety Stops

    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 different types of safety stops: Recommended Safety Stop and Mandatory Safety Stop. The Safety Stops are indicated by: •...
  • Page 21 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 Stop ceiling depth.

  • Page 22: Diving In Air Mode

    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 NO DEC TIME 1.2 m the instrument will go into the Diving mode DIVE TIME (Fig.

  • Page 23: Bookmark

    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]. AIR TIME NO DEC TIME DIVE TIME NOTE! In Dive Mode the TIME / TEMPERATURE display automatically changes back to DIVE TIME / CYLINDER PRESSURE after 5 seconds.
  • Page 24 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 STOP cylinder depending on your air consumption rate. AIR TIME NO DEC TIME With a high consumption rate the limit will be close...

  • Page 25: Consumed Bottom Time (Cbt)

    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 segment appears.

  • Page 26: Decompression Dives

    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 the SLOW warning segment and the STOP sign appear (Fig.
  • Page 27 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 •...
  • Page 28 The depth of the ceiling and floor will depend on your dive profile. The ceiling depth will be fairly shallow CEILING when you enter the decompression mode, but if you remain at depth, it will move downward and the ascent ASC TIME time will increase.
  • Page 29 DISPLAY ABOVE THE FLOOR CEILING When you ascend above the floor, the ASC TIME display stops blinking and the upward pointing arrow disappears STOP ASC TIME (Fig. 3.17.). Decompression will now begin, but is very AIR TIME slow. You should therefore continue your ascent. DIVE TIME DISPLAY AT THE CEILING ZONE When you reach the ceiling zone, the display will...

  • Page 30: Diving In Nitrox Mode

    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 be set for diving with Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) (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 Fig.

  • Page 31: Oxygen Displays

    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.): AIR TIME NO DEC TIME • the oxygen percentage, labeled with O %, is DIVE TIME...

  • Page 32: Oxygen Limit Fraction (Olf)

    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. NO DEC TIME The dive computer calculates separately for Central °...

  • Page 33: 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 AIR TIME instrument permanently to its Gauge mode (see section DIVE TIME...

  • Page 34: At The Surface

    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 DIVE TIME (Fig. 3.28.): • maximum depth of last dive in meters [ft] •...

  • Page 35: Dive Numbering

    If set to Nitrox mode, the following information will also be shown: • the oxygen percentage labeled with O % is shown on the left side of the center window • the current oxygen toxicity exposure shown with an Oxygen Limit Fraction (OLF) bar °...

  • Page 36: Flying After Diving

    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 always activate the dive computer and check that the airplane symbol is not displayed prior to flying.

  • Page 37: Audible And Visual Alarms

    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. Three double beeps occur, when: •...
  • Page 38 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.

  • Page 39: High Altitude Dives And Personal Adjustment

    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 death.

  • Page 40: Personal Adjustment

    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.

  • Page 41: Error Conditions

    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 increased.

  • Page 42: Menu Based Modes

    4. MENU BASED MODES To make yourself familiar with the menu based functions, please use your Quick Reference Guide QUIT supplied with the Cobra together with the information in this chapter. The main menu based functions are grouped under OPTIONS 1) memory, 2) dive simulation and 3) setting modes.
  • Page 43 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. SELECT THE LIST OF THE MENU BASED MODES 1.

  • Page 44: Memories And Data Transfer [1 Memory]

    4.1. MEMORIES AND DATA page 1 TRANSFER [1 MEMORY] DIVE The memory options (Fig. 4.5.) for this dive computer include the combined Logbook and Dive Profile SELECT TIME Memory (Fig. 4.6. - 4.12.), Dive History Memory (Fig. 4.13. - 4.14.) and the Data Transfer and PC-Interface functions (Fig.
  • Page 45 The END text is displayed between the oldest and most recent dive. (Fig. 4.12.) DIVE Note that chronological sequence in the logbook is determined by the date, not by the dive number. QUIT The following information will be shown on four pages: DIVE TIME...
  • Page 46 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 •...

  • Page 47: Dive History Memory [2 History]

    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 SELECT HISTORY (Fig. 4.13.). The following information will be shown on the display (Fig.
  • Page 48 20 second interval to 10, 30 or 60 seconds • input a personal, 30 character field into the Cobra (i.e. your name) • reset the Dive History's maximum depth to zero.

  • Page 49: Simulation Mode [2 Simul]

    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, QUIT for demonstration or education purposes, or just for pleasure. OPTIONS The dive computer has two simulation modes (Fig.

  • Page 50: Dive Planning Simulator [2 Simplan]

    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 SELECT increment to present surface interval time, which allows you to plan your dives in advance. This mode is also used to add the desired surface intervals for dive simulations.

  • Page 51: Set Modes [3 Set]

    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 QUIT preferences. OPTIONS 4.3.1. DIVE PARAMETER SETTINGS [1 SET DIVE] To enter the Dive Parameter Setting Mode select Fig.

  • Page 52: Dive Time Alarm Setting [2 D Alarm]

    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. DIVE TIME To enter the Dive Time Alarm Setting Mode select...

  • Page 53: Setting Time [2 Set Time]

    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.

  • Page 54: Setting Preferences [3 Set Pref]

    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. TIME 4.3.3.1. BACKLIGHT SETTING [1 LIGHT] In the Backlight Setting mode the backlight can be turned off or on and the on time can be set to be 5 to Fig.

  • Page 55: Care And Maintenance

    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 is a sophisticated precision component.

  • Page 56: Care Of Your Dive Computer

    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 water resistance check.

  • Page 57: Maintenance

    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.

  • Page 58: Battery Kit

    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.
  • Page 59 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 surfaces.
  • Page 60 17. Reassemble computer into the console. The instrument is now ready for use. CAUTION! Check after the first dives for possible moisture under the transparent battery compartment lid, indicating a leak. Cobra console, CB-71 with Securing end piece SK-7 compass...

  • Page 61: Display Shield Replacement

    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 and remove the back cover. Replace the console end part with compass.

  • Page 62: Technical Description

    6. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION 6.1. OPERATING PRINCIPLES NO-DECOMPRESSION LIMITS The no-decompression limits displayed by the dive computer for the first dive to a single depth (see Table 6.1. and Table 6.2.), are slightly more conservative than those permitted by the U.S. Navy tables. TABLE 6.1.

  • Page 63: Altitude Diving

    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 time and equilibrium is reached. It is recommended that you acclimate to the new altitude by waiting at least three hours before making a dive.

  • Page 64: Reduced Gradient Bubble Model, Suunto Rgbm

    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.

  • Page 65: Oxygen Exposure

    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 adapting the decompression algorithm Suunto RGBM will in some circumstances also advise, with the Diver Attention Symbol (review page 33) that the diver extend the surface interval...

  • Page 66: Technical Specification

    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% smaller (calibrated complying with prEN 13319).
  • Page 67 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 10s, 30s or 60s with the optional PC-interface unit and software), records the maximum depth of each interval.
  • Page 68 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. •...

  • Page 69: Warranty

    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 a period of two years after purchase to the original owner subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below: The dive computer should be serviced or repaired only by an authorized Suunto dealer or distributor.

  • Page 70: Glossary

    8. GLOSSARY The amount of dive time remaining, based on a calculation of Air Time 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.
  • Page 71 A group of repetitive dives between which the dive computer Dive series 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 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%. Oxygen percentage or oxygen fraction in the breathing gas. Standard air has 21% oxygen.
  • Page 73 TIME-KEEPING AND STAND-BY MODE SURFACE MODE DIVING MODE DIVE MODE 1.2 M MODES AND LCD & OPERATIONS Backligh (>2 s) battery Backlight MODE check AIR TIME NO DEC TIME nitrox / DIVE TIME DIVE TIME gauge display Bookmark in QUIT Plan Time &...
  • Page 74 Juvan teollisuuskatu 8 FIN-02920 Espoo, Finland Tel. +358 9 8524 050 Fax +358 9 8524 267 www.suunto.com...

Table of Contents