Cochran commander+ Owner's Manual page 11

nitrogen bubble forms from a microbubble which was formed from a micronuclei. One
predominant theory states that more rapid ascents accelerate bubble formation. The
COMMANDER+ attempts to compensate, or adapt, for these higher Ascent Rates. For
Ascent Rates less than 9 metres-per-minute (mpm) there is no compensation. As the
Ascent Rate goes progressively higher than 9 mpm the compensation progressively
increases.
USER CONSERVATISM: Current dive computers cannot tell if the diver is dehydrated,
tired, smokes, overweight, or has some other physical issue that may require additional
conservatism in the nitrogen algorithm. The COMMANDER+ allows the diver to input an
added degree of conservatism to the nitrogen algorithm from 0 to 50 percent in one-
percent increments. Field programming is featured.
SALT/FRESH WATER COMPENSATION (High/Low Conductivity): There is
approximately three percent difference in depth readings taken in salt water versus
fresh water. Some dive computers are calibrated in metres of fresh water and some are
calibrated in metres of seawater. Diving in a medium different from what the dive
computer is calibrated will cause apparent depth errors. Only COCHRAN dive
computers, including the COMMANDER+, actually determine the type of diving medium
and compensate the depth reading accordingly. This is accomplished by measuring the
conductivity of the water during a dive. Caution must be taken interpreting readings
since some apparent fresh water is actually high in minerals or contaminants and is
correctly compensated as salt water (High Conductivity). This commonly occurs in
some caves, springs, and lakes.
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PREVIOUS DIVE PROFILES: Under some circumstances, recent dive activity can have
an effect on nitrogen loading, particularly if the diver engages in inverted profile diving.