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Published by Liberty systems s.r.o., www.CCRLiberty.com Tomáš Sládek, Aleš Procháska, Jakub Šimánek Date of issue: 11. June 2015 CU HW rev. 1.4, HS HW rev. 3.0, FW 2.5...
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This user manual is part of the CCR Liberty documentation. The CCR Liberty is intended for use exclusively by a trained person who is capable of fully understanding the instructions contained in this manual or is in the process of training with the CCR Liberty in a course accredited by the manufacturer.
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The technical-support department at Liberty systems s.r.o. will endeavor to respond to technical questions from potential users and unregistered users. Prior to submitting a question, please familiarize yourself with the general principles of rebreather diving with trimix and the freely available CCR Liberty technical documentation.
Water temperature limits CCR Liberty is intended for use in water temperatures above 4 °C and less than 34 °C according to requirements of EN 14143:2013 (Article 5.1). The minimal temperature is set by CO₂ scrubber duration tests, which are done at 4 °C.
Basic schematic The principle of the rebreather consists in recycling the breathing mixture. Carbon dioxide is removed from the exhaled mixture and is again prepared for the next inhalation after replenishment with oxygen. The composition of the breathing mixture changes continuously.
Dive/surface valve The breathing mixture is delivered to the dive/surface valve (DSV) by the corrugated hose from the left. When inhaling, the mixture passes through the inhalation valve to the mouthpiece and then into the diver’s respiratory tract. When exhaling, it passes through the exhalation valve into the corrugated hose on the right.
Closing the DSV is done using the gate handle in the front part of the DSV. In the open position, the handle protrudes forward; in the closed position, it is tilted downward. 1.2.3 Mouthpiece Tight sealing of the mouthpiece in the diver’s mouth prevents entry of water into the circuit.
Long-term deformation of the hose, for example when storing and preparing the unit, is also undesirable. Using the hoses for grasping or fastening the CCR Liberty in or out of the water is not permissible.
Elbow on the inhalation side (left) and exhalation side (right). 1.3.3 Connection to the breathing bags The T-pieces have standard bayonet connections. On the exhalation side, the T-piece has a partition that directs any water that may penetrate the DSV to the exhalation bag and improves blending of the mixture with oxygen added using the manual bypass valve.
Inhalation bag The inhalation bag is mounted on the left part of the harness (from the diver’s perspective when wearing the CCR Liberty). It is comprised of an external cover of resilient textile, which defines the shape and ensures mechanical protection, and an internal bag of polyurethane sheet.
Exhalation bag The exhalation bag is situated on the right part of the harness (from the diver’s perspective when wearing the CCR Liberty). The design and means of connection to the harness and breathing loop are analogous to that of the inhalation bag.
1.6.3 Reduction valve The CCR Liberty uses Apeks DST4 first-stage regulator with a specially made revolving medium-pressure component, which is mounted on the backplate. This serves as the lower tank-mounting point; in the middle part, the tank is attached with a strap and Velcro.
Diluent tank 1.7.1 Tank Three-liter steel tank, 100 mm diameter, 230 bar filling pressure. The original 300 bar filling pressure of the bare tank was changed because a 230 bar valve is used. The tank is labeled DILUENT. The tank is situated on the LEFT from the diver’s perspective when wearing the CCR Liberty.
CO₂ scrubber The CCR Liberty uses a radial scrubber. The breathing mixture flows from the outside to the center of the scrubber cartridge. The scrubber consists of a scrubber cartridge inserted into a scrubber canister, which comprises the external body (tube) of the CCR Liberty.
Head The head is mounted on the CO₂ scrubber canister. When mounting the head, push the scrubber-canister pin into the opening on the head and close the head. The head contains the control units; solenoids; oxygen, helium and pressure sensors; and batteries.
The manual option is superordinate to automatic detection of faulty sensors. If all sensors are excluded, the CCR Liberty automatically switches to the backup algorithm for calculation of the partial pressure of oxygen by indirect means using measurement of the He content.
1.9.4 Pressure and depth measurement Each of the CCR Liberty’s control units uses dual pressure sensors. The first sensor, intended for measuring low pressures, is used for determining sea level, for calibration of the ppO₂ sensors, and for improving the accuracy of depth data in the zone closely below the surface.
1.9.7 Power supply The minimum service life of the batteries is six months. The typical service life of the batteries is two years. See also 3.1.6 Battery charging.
CCR Liberty’s user. Prior to diving, the user of the CCR Liberty must familiarize his/her diving partner with the buddy display’s functionality and agree on the emergency procedure to be carried out in the event that the buddy display indicates an error situation.
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HUD and buddy-display signals HUD signals Mode Event / state BD signals LED 1 LED 2 LED 3 Startup Initializing components Binary coded service numbers ppO₂ < 0.16 ● red blinking ● red blinking ● red blinking 0.16 ≤ ppO₂ < 0.20 ●...
1.11 Backplate and mounting The method of mounting the CCR Liberty on the diver’s body is based on the backplate and harness common among wing-type buoyancy compensators used in technical diving. The body of the rebreather, comprised of the scrubber canister and attached head, is attached to the backplate with a cam.
1.12 Harness The backplate is supplied with harness that is threaded through in a way that ensures proper system functioning. Do not change the way the harness is fed through the backplate. If you do try to take the harness out, record or remember exactly how it is threaded through in order to prevent interference with the functioning of the whole system.
1.13 Buoyancy compensator Wing-type buoyancy compensator (BCD) with displacement of 200 N. The compensator’s design and materials correspond to the demands placed on equipment used in cave diving. The wing has a two-ply design. The internal bladder is made of high-frequency-welded Cordura 560 fabric with PU coating.
A diver in a dry suit typically needs 2x4 kg of ballast. Determination of the optimum size and distribution of ballast is a subject of the course on diving with the CCR Liberty.
1.15 Weights of individual parts Those weights are indicative only, were mostly determined by weighing. In particular apparatus may vary. Backplate with the wing, harness and hoses, without counterlungs 10.68 kg Weight pockets (without weights) 0.43 kg Couterlungs incl. all valves 1.86 kg Tank with valve, empty 5.44 kg...
Control elements All operating control is concentrated in the handsets. The following inputs and combinations thereof are differentiated: Press upper key Press lower key Press both keys Long press upper key Long press lower key ...
2.1.3 Language All textual information on the CCR Liberty is in English. Controlling the apparatus requires knowledge of the English language minimally at a level that allows the user to thoroughly understand this information.
Switching on the unit In order for it to be possible to switch on the CCR Liberty’s control unit, it must be in standby mode, which is indicated on the HUD (slowly flashing blue LED) and the buddy display (slowly flashing green LED).
2.3.1 Entering surface mode The CCR Liberty switches to surface mode upon being switched on and activated by pressing the keys. In the water, surface mode can be selected in the menu if the depth is less than 1.5 m.
Battery symbol A graphical indication of remaining battery capacity. Two batteries are indicated separately. The battery is full Bar height is proportional to remaining battery capacity Color is changed if less than half capacity Plugged to a charger Setpoints Descent (“-.—“ if disabled), low and high setpoint are listed. ppO₂...
2.3.5 ppO₂ control Simple ppO₂ control is started in surface mode. If the oxygen content in the loop falls below 19% (with respect to the current atmospheric pressure), ppO₂ is increased to 23% by opening the solenoid. Then O₂ is injected in six-second intervals. This control algorithm is intended to prevent dangerous decline of ppO₂...
Dive mode 2.4.1 Detailed screen The primary screen displays all necessary information during a dive. Most information is provided by clear values and unambiguous symbols. Dive time The timer starts after submersion (depth > 1.5 m) and halts after surfacing (depth <...
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Combined graphic symbol The combined graphic symbol on the detailed screen is intended for rapid orientation. It tells the diver what must be done. The color of the warning symbols changes from yellow to red according to the degree of importance. Permitted to ascend to the surface.
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Solenoid symbols In the lower left and right corners, there are symbols indicating the state of the solenoids according to data from the control units. X – solenoid in closed state = – solenoid in open state Setpnt The setpoint is a required ppO₂ value; for information on adjusting the setpoint, see 2.8.1 Setpoints.
2.4.2 Synoptic screen The depth value is easy to read. It is accompanied by other important information. The meaning of all values is identical to the detailed screen. 2.4.3 Big Screen The most important information is written in really big characters. This screen is useful in very bad visibility.
2.5.3 ppO₂ regulation The basic function of the CCR Liberty is to maintain correct partial pressure of oxygen. Predictive algorithm off ppO₂ control is used. Measured ppO₂ is adjusted according to the mathematical model of the breathing loop. The calculation of O₂ delivery and possible subsequent opening of the solenoid is performed at six-second intervals.
Descent setpoint The descent setpoint is designed for situations when it is necessary to rapidly descend to a given depth, for example when diving in a current. The utilized algorithm uses the natural rise of ppO₂ during descent. A prerequisite of the function is a sufficiently rapid descent leading to a faster rise of ppO₂...
Manual CCR mode This mode serves primarily for resolving emergency situations. 2.6.1 Entering manual CCR mode It is possible to switch to manual CCR mode in the menu of CCR mode, bailout OC mode or surface mode. 2.6.2 Switching to other modes In the menu, it is possible to switch from manual CCR mode to CCR mode and bailout OC mode.
After switching to bailout OC mode, the safety level is automatically set using the bailout gradient factors (GFs). It is possible to switch between the standard and bailout GF sets in the menu without affecting the mode in which the CCR Liberty is operating. 2.7.5 Specific handset control Long press upper key —...
If you are not sure which value to set, leave the values of the default setting. The manufacturer does not provide a warranty for faulty operation of the CCR Liberty if such faulty operation is the result of improper setup.
oxygen, which can bring about the necessity of discharging the content of the breathing loop and make balancing more difficult. See also 2.5.3 Setpoint limitation. Metabolic consump. [0.7 l/min] Physiological consumption of oxygen (range: 0.5—1.5 l/min.). The ppO₂ predictive regulation algorithm takes account of this value in the breathing loop. Entry of an incorrect value reduces the accuracy of ppO₂...
Mixtures that you have prepared for bailout (tank stage) must be entered and marked as active. In an emergency, a mixture can be marked as active during the course of a dive. Furthermore, a new mixture can be defined in the course of a dive. These possibilities are reserved for emergency situations.
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As a general rule, a higher GF value (a lower additional increase of safety) is set for bailout GF low than for standard GF low. Bailout GF high [0.95] Gradient factor for bailout at the end of decompression (range: 0.10—1.00). As a general rule, a higher GF value (a lower additional increase of safety) is set for bailout GF high than for standard GF high.
A diver that uses the CCR Liberty after resetting the decompression data should not dive for 48 hours prior to submersion with the reset apparatus or significantly increased altitude above sea level.
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Rates Descent rate [Off] Descent rate exceeded at a depth greater than that set. Ascent rate [On] Set ascent rate exceeded, with tolerance of the diver’s ordinary movements. Low battery [25%] Decline of battery power below the set limit (range: 0—40%). Setting of 0 means deactivation of this alarm.
Stack time [150 min] Notification that the cumulative time in any close circuit dive mode has been reached (range: 0—360min). 0 means deactivation of the notification. To reset a timer go to the Predive menu. 2.8.5 Preferences Display Orientation Setting for left/right hand. ???? Screensaver The display becomes inactive after the set period (range: 0—120 s).
Auto switch off The time period after which the CCR Liberty switches from surface mode to standby mode (range: 0—999 min.), whereas 0 means prohibition of automatic switching to standby mode. If no handset is connected, switch-off will occur after 150 minutes regardless of the setting.
Do not use air for calibration. The partial pressure of oxygen in air at atmospheric pressure significantly differs from the partial pressures determined by the setpoints. At the end of its service life, an oxygen sensor can successfully undergo calibration to 21% (air), but will no longer be capable of measuring ppO₂...
2.8.8 Miscellaneous Set time Date and time setting in the format YYYY/MM/DD hh:mm:ss. Horizontal calibration Calibration of the accelerometers for proper functioning of setup by tilting and tapping. Place the handset on a level surface (e.g. a table) before starting calibration. Factory defaults This resets all settings to the default values.
Games Do not disable error messages and notifications if the games are played underwater. Ensure to not accidentally reposition during playing during a dive. Check pressure gauges and rebreather state at second handset on a regular basis. Playing a game will reduce your attention.
Dive preparation 3.1.1 Replacement of CO₂ sorbent Sorbent service life Continually keep records of the extent of consumption of the scrubber cartridge. If in doubt, replace the sorbent. The recommended scrubber filling material is Sofnolime 797 sorbent (producer: Molecular Products). The cartridge holds approximately 2.5 kg of sorbent. The maximum safe operating period of sorbent is 168 min, determined by a test pursuant to EN 14143:2013 (Article 6.6.2) during which 1.6 liters of CO₂...
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Sorbent replacement procedure Handle the sorbent in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Comply with all safety instructions and use protective gear. Take environmental protection into account when disposing of used sorbent. Remove entire old sorbent content from the cartridge. If you disinfect the rebreather, proceed according to 3.4.2 Cleaning and disinfection.
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After filling, close the lid and pressure plate with springs and press down. Then remove the pressure plate and lid and verify that the surface of the sorbent is level and that no channels have formed in it. Then again close the lid and pressure plate with springs, press down and secure the assembly with the retaining ring.
3.1.2 Assembling the rebreather body Mount the head on the CO₂ scrubber canister. When mounting the head, push the scrubber-canister pin into the opening on the head and close the head. Press the head from above so that it is fully seated. If too much force is required to completely close the head, apply oxygen-compatible lubricant to the O-ring on the neck of the head.
3.1.3 Mounting the rebreather body Procedure: 1. Mount the body of the apparatus on the frame so that the recess in the lower part fits into the protrusions on the base. 2. Lift the lever in the center of the backplate. 3.
4. Connect the manual oxygen bypass valve to the middle bulkhead of the right breathing bag. 5. Attach the inhalation T-piece (without the partition) to the upper bulkhead of the left breathing bag. 6. Attach the exhalation T-piece (with the partition) to the upper bulkhead of the right breathing bag.
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When handling oxygen, adhere to the procedures and rules with which you were familiarized in a course on diving with trimix and subsequently in a course on diving with the CCR Liberty. If you have not successfully completed such a course, do not handle the CCR Liberty.
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The standards according to which the CCR Liberty is CE certified and designated do not cover diving to depths greater than 100 m. Therefore CCR Liberty is CE certified to 100 Oxygen Use oxygen intended for breathing. Contaminant content of the oxygen shall not exceed the limits given by the standard EN 12021 Section 6.2 for compressed air for breathing...
15 hours. Charging from a computer’s USB port can be done via an adapter connected to the external connector of the handset. In you prepare the CCR Liberty for diving soon after charging, insert the jumpers so that their pins are inserted into the connector. The rebreather will thus be switched to standby mode and it will be possible to switch on the control unit using the handset.
At higher altitudes above sea level, the partial pressure of oxygen in the calibration mixture decreases in proportion to lower atmospheric pressure. The CCR Liberty measures atmospheric pressure and takes it into account during calibration. Therefore, do not perform any corrections at higher altitudes above sea level.
Check to ensure that the CCR Liberty is complete, correctly assembled and mechanically undamaged. If the CCR Liberty is operated within an organization where someone other than the diver is responsible for physical preparation of the apparatus, we recommend implementation of detailed organizational rules and confirmation of the individual steps of preparing the rebreather on a form created for this purpose.
(in accordance with the Responsibility of the CCR Liberty User set forth in the introduction). Ignoring the conclusions of the pre-dive inspection is the diver’s choice, for which he/she bears responsibility.
5. If the pressure-rise indicator stops in the green field, the test result is positive. Final evaluation of the test and confirmation of the result are at the user’s discretion. See also Chapter 3.6.2 Leak detection. 3.2.3 Positive pressure test The purpose of this test is to detect possible leakage in the breathing loop, which appears when pressure in the loop is higher than the ambient pressure.
The test is automatic. Confirmation by the user is required only in the event that the test result is negative. 3.2.7 Comparison of pressure sensors The measured values of both pairs of pressure sensors are compared. The user is informed of the ongoing test on the HS display. 3.2.8 Comparison of oxygen sensors and calibration thereof The current values of individual sensors are shown on the display in millivolts and values...
Diving 3.3.1 Breathing high oxygen content gases The mixture in the CCR Liberty circuit usually contains oxygen at a much higher partial pressure than corresponding to breathing air at the surface. Acute (CNS) oxygen poisoning Exposure to high oxygen partial pressure may under certain circumstances cause acute (CNS) oxygen poisoning.
3.3.2 Putting on the apparatus After the pre-dive inspection, set the CCR Liberty on its stand on a hard surface – on the ground, a bench or table, or in a vehicle’s cargo space. Properly secure the rebreather against falling, for example by having a partner hold it in place.
Opening the DSV on the surface and under the surface when it is not in your mouth will cause an immediate loss of buoyancy and the possibility of flooding of the breathing loop. 3.3.4 Monitoring of devices Partial pressure of oxygen You must know of the concentration of oxygen (ppO₂) in the breathing loop at all times.
Determination of the correct amount of ballast is one of the skills that you will learn in a course on diving with the CCR Liberty. 3.3.8 In-water check Verify the ppO2 control system and adjust buoyancy.
3.3.12 Increased physical exertion The CCR Liberty adds oxygen to the breathing loop as needed. Unlike with some mechanical rebreathers, increased physical exertion does not lead to a reduction of the partial pressure of oxygen. In the case of an extended increase of exertion, frequently check the pressure in the oxygen tank.
Not more than a week may elapse from the first dive after disinfection until the next disinfection if the CCR Liberty is stored in a cool place. When storing the rebreather at a temperature higher than 25 °C, this interval is shortened to four days; the weekly interval can be maintained only for the scrubber cartridge.
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DSV, breathing bags and CO₂ filter in the tub. Manipulate the corrugated-hose assembly and the DSV to expel air so that the antiseptic solution fills the entire space (this necessary skill is part of the CCR Liberty training course). Completely fill the breathing bags with the antiseptic solution.
Dive log download After disconnecting the handset and attaching a multipurpose USB connector to the handset connector on the head (without the connected handset), the CCR Liberty’s dive- record memory is accessible via the USB interface in mass storage mode. This means that for the computer to which the USB cable is connected, it appears as an ordinary flash drive with restriction to read only.
If you store the CCR Liberty in an environment with a lower degree of cleanliness, store it assembled and closed (without sorbent). Such an environment with a lower degree of...
A common type of backup device is a standard stage bottle. If, during a dive, a malfunction occurs in the CCR Liberty that you are not able to resolve or precisely identify, or if you even have a suspicion that something is wrong with the rebreather, switch to the bailout breathing apparatus: 1.
If this situation arises due to a lack of thoroughness when preparing for the dive or due to failure to regularly check the pressure during the dive, please consider whether diving with a rebreather represents too great a risk for you. Solenoids have stopped delivering oxygen If the partial pressure falls significantly below the setpoint but there is still sufficient pressure in the oxygen tank, use the manual bypass valve to add oxygen.
Bear in mind that in this case it is not possible to perform the standard procedure for the case of high ppO₂ (flushing out the loop, adding diluent) and that such a situation can be resolved only by immediately switching to the bailout breathing apparatus, which you should therefore have in standby position.
in the circuit due to improper functioning of the scrubber. You may also be afflicted with nausea, a headache and confusion. Conversely, another possible cause of similar symptoms is psychosomatic hyperventilation and reduced content of carbon dioxide in the blood and other bodily tissues.
If the compensator’s capacity is insufficient or if it is not possible after a malfunction to fill it either with an inflator or orally, use your dry suit to attain buoyancy. The CCR Liberty user must have sufficient knowledge and skill to safely use a dry suit as a backup source of buoyancy, and must especially know how to maintain a suitable position and to prevent increased pressure of the neck seal on the diver’s neck when filling the suit.
3.5.8 Rescue on the surface When assisting an injured CCR Liberty user on the surface, it is possible to increase buoyancy by jettisoning the ballast. Even if the diver’s life is in serious danger and it is anticipated that during the rescue it will be necessary to jettison all equipment, first ensure buoyancy by closing the DSV, inflating the compensator wings and jettisoning the ballast.
Maintenance operations, including necessary technical information, are described in the maintenance manual. In the user manual, only basic maintenance operations that every CCR Liberty user should master in the field are described in the user manual. Use only oxygen-compatible lubricant for maintenance and maintain the oxygen purity of all components.
3.6.5 Firmware update The CCR Liberty’s electronics have two different types of firmware (FW): one for the control unit, the other for the handset. It is possible to download the current version from...
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the support page at www.CCRLiberty.com. Perform FW updates with respect to maintaining CE certification according to the description on the support page. Perform updates with the head removed from the rebreather’s body. It is necessary to combine CU and handset FW updates. First load the FW into the CU and then allow routing (see below) and load the FW into the handset.
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DSLoader It is possible to update the firmware from a PC with the Microsoft Windows 7 or higher operating system on which a DSLoader application is installed (installation on Microsoft Windows XP is not supported, though it is possible for the DSLoader version from May 2014).
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5. Launch the DSLoader; click on the Enable routing button (leave the route path at 6. Connect the DSLoader (click on the Connect DSLoader button). 7. On the disk, choose the firmware that you want to load into the handset. 8.
If you need to prepare the CCR Liberty for diving while onboard a boat, secure it by the holes in the upper part of the backplate to the back part of a bench. You will thus have full access to the tanks for the purpose of filling them and you can remove the head and scrubber canister.
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Familiarize yourself with the valid regulations governing air transport of sorbent. Consider the possibility of purchasing sorbent at your destination. Head For the purposes of air transport, the batteries must be disconnected by removing or turning the battery jumpers. Do not transport the CCR Liberty in standby mode.
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Imprint CCR Liberty User Manual Author Tomáš Sládek, Aleš Procháska, Jakub Šimánek Publisher Liberty systems s.r.o. www.CCRLiberty.com Issue Revision 1.07 11. June 2015 Use of this manual approved by Lucie Šmejkalová, CEO EC Type-examination for Directive 89/686/EEC by Notified body No. 0120, SGS United Kingdom Ltd.