Mares AIRLAB User Manual

LIBRETTO D’ISTRUZIONI - USER’S GUIDE - BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG - MANUEL D’UTILISATION - MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES - MANUAL DE INSTRUÇÕES

AIRLAB DIVE COMPUTER

EN

17

CONTENTS

 AIRLAB DIVE COMPUTER 18
 WARNINGS 18
 RESPONSIBLE DIVING PRACTICES 19
 QUICK GUIDE 20
 TECHNICAL/FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS 21

 T

ECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 21

 F

UNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS 21

 O

PERATING MODES 21

 UTILITY FUNCTIONS 21

 M

ONITORING OF THE BATTERY POWER LEVEL 21

 A

UTOMATIC SWITCH-OFF 22

 D

ISPLAY BACKLIGHT

22

 P

REDIVE - DIVE 22

 SETUP OF TECHNICAL PARAMETERS 22

 SET1 -

SETUP OF

"AIR", "NITROX" OPERATING MODE AND ASSOCIATED PARAMETERS 22

 SET2 -

SETUP OF TECHNICAL PARAMETERS 23

 SET 3 -

OPTIONAL PARAMETER SETUP 23

 SET 4 -

SETUP OF TANK DATA

23

 SET 5 -

DATE AND TIME SETUP 24

 SET 6 -

CLEAR RESIDUAL NITROGEN MEMORY 24

 ACTIVATING DIVE MODE 24
 AIR DIVE 24
 "NITROX" DIVE 27
 SURFACE MODE 27

 P

OST DIVE SURFACE TIME 27

 C

ALENDAR AND CLOCK 27

 S

CROLLING OF NO DECOMPRESSION LIMITS 29

 D

IVE SIMULATOR 29

 L

OGBOOK 29

 I

NTERFACING TO A PC 30

 FAQ 30
 MAINTENANCE 31

 R

EPLACING THE BATTERIES 31

 I

NSTRUCTIONS FOR CONNECTING AIRLAB TO THE HP HOSE 31

 I

NSTRUCTIONS FOR CONNECTING THE COMPASS 31

 WARRANTY 32

EN

18

AIRLAB DIVE COMPUTER

AIRLAB DIVE COMPUTER

Congratulations! The dive computer which you have purchased is the result
of the latest MARES technology, and has been designed to ensure maximum
safety, efficiency, reliability and long life.
This computer is further enhanced by certain innovative features, which
place it at the top of the MARES product range.

• Exclusive patented system of visual alarms which use high-efficiency LEDs
to indicate when the programmed low-air limit is reached.

• New RGBM Mares-Wienke decompression algorithm with deep stop option.

• Operating modes: "Air", "Nitrox".

• Optical port for uploading data to a PC.

• Increased Logbook capacity (approximately 25 hours of profiles, with points
at 20 sec intervals).

• Timer-controlled or permanent backlighting.

In this manual you will discover all the other functions that make AIRLAB one of
the most complete computers available on the market today. You will find all
the instructions for learning how to use the AIRLAB computer and its functions.
MARES thanks you for your choice and urges you to always practice safe and
responsible diving.

WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND

SAFETY RULES

Important:

Any critical information or warnings that might affect the performance or
result in the injury of the technician, COMPUTER AIRLAB owner, or other
persons are highlighted with the following symbols:

The safety of a dive can only be assured by adequate preparation.
MARES recommends taking a specialist training course before diving with a
dive computer.
MARES recommends scrupulous observance of the simple safe diving rules
set out in the paragraph on "responsible diving practices".



WARNING

Correctly setting the tank volume is essential for obtaining a precise

indication of the breathing rate.



WARNING

In the case of Nitrox mixes, it is recommended to replace the HP

hose every two years.



WARNING

The high pressure seals on the AIRLAB must be lubricated exclusively
with oxygen compatible grease; use of other types of lubricants in

the presence of oxygen rich mixtures may spark an explosion.



WARNING

AIRLAB has been designed for use with oxygen-air mixtures
(Maximum permitted oxygen percentage: 50%). If you wish to use the
dive computer with normal compressed air, before using it again with
oxygen-rich mixtures, thoroughly clean it to remove all traces of
contaminants (hydrocarbons or other impurities) which may spark
combustion. It is also necessary to replace the high pressure hose with

a new one, or with one that has only been used with Nitrox mixes.



WARNING

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES USE NITROX MIXES WITH

OXYGEN PERCENTAGES GREATER THAN 50%.



WARNING

Before starting a "Nitrox" dive, check that the dive computer is set
to "Nitrox" mode, then check the composition of the breathing mix
you will be using and enter its oxygen percentage in the appropriate
SET function. Entering an incorrect oxygen percentage will lead to
errors in the readouts for:

- no decompression time remaining;

- decompression stop times;

- alarm for exceeding the maximum permitted O

2 partial pressure.



WARNING

The use of oxygen-rich mixtures exposes the diver to different
hazards from those associated with compressed air. The diver must be

aware of these risks and understand how to avoid them.



WARNING

AIRLAB may be used with oxygen-rich mixtures (Nitrox) ONLY by
suitably trained and certified divers. Attempting to dive without

adequate Nitrox training might result in serious injury.



WARNING

Do not dive in mountain lakes without having first checked that the

appropriate altitude program is selected.



WARNING

Check the battery power level before starting your dive.
Do not dive if the <battery> icon indicates that the battery is low.
Replace the batteries. The position of the <battery> icon in the display
is shown in the quick guide in the paragraph following point 23.



WARNING

Do not dive if the readings on the instrument appear irregular or

unclear.



WARNING

Before diving, make sure you have correctly set the units of
measurement. An incorrect setting may give rise to confusion during

the dive, and hence to underwater behavior errors.



WARNING

To use your SCUBA equipment safely, along with a dive computer
you also need a depth gauge, a pressure gauge, a watch or timer,

and the decompression tables.



WARNING

The dive computer cannot prevent possible decompression problems.
The dive computer cannot take into account the physical conditions of
the individual diver, which may vary from one day to the next. For your

safety, have a general medical check-up before undertaking a dive.



WARNING

Before diving, make sure you have read and understood the entire
instruction manual.



DANGER

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.



WARNING

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious injury.



CAUTION

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert

against unsafe practices.

EN

19

AIRLAB DIVE COMPUTER

RESPONSIBLE DIVING PRACTICES

• Always plan your dives in advance.

• Never exceed the limits of your skill and experience.

• Go to your deepest planned depth at the beginning of the dive.

• Check your computer frequently during the dive.

• Comply with the ascent rate indicated by the computer.

• Always do a safety stop at 10 - 16 feet (3 - 5 meters) for at least 3 minutes.

• After the safety stop, ascend very slowly to the surface.

• Avoid yo-yo dives (repeatedly ascending and descending underwater).

• Avoid strenuous activity during the dive and for half an hour after surfacing.

• When diving in cold water or in the case of a strenuous dive, start
ascending well before reaching the NO DEC limits.

• If it is a decompression dive, prolong the decompression stop nearest to
the surface by several minutes.

• Repetitive dives should be separated by a surface interval of at least 2
hours.

• Your deepest dive should be the first one of the day.

• Avoid diving until the computer memory has cleared from the preceding
day's dive.

• When doing repetitive dives for several consecutive days, take at least one
day off from diving every week. In the case of decompression-stop diving,
it is recommended to take one day off from diving every three days.

• Avoid planned decompression dives and do not dive deeper than 130 feet
(40 meters) unless you have been specifically trained in this type of
technical diving.

• Avoid repetitive "square profile" dives (dives to a single depth) deeper than
60 feet (18 meters).

• Always wait as long as possible before flying after a dive (at least 12 and
preferably 24 hours), in accordance with the recommendations of the
Divers' Alert Network.

MARES recommends that divers never exceed the maximum permitted depth
for their qualification. Dives deeper than 130 feet (40 meters) or outside the
safety curve (decompression dives) significantly increase the risk of
decompression sickness. Always ascend several minutes before going into
DEC mode, and allow yourself even more time in the case of cold water
conditions, repetitive dives deeper than 60 feet (18 m), or for any dive
involving unusually high exertion. Failure to do this will increase your risk of
decompression sickness.

Do not compress your AIRLAB computer in a hyperbaric chamber. The
instrument can be seriously damaged if it is not submerged in water.



WARNING

Do not fly within 24 hours of your last dive, and in any case wait

until the AIRLAB <airplane> icon disappears.



WARNING

NEVER use your AIRLAB or any other dive computer for repetitive
"square profile" dives (dives to the same or nearly the same depth)
deeper than 60 feet (18 m). This is an unsafe diving practice which
will greatly increase your risk of DCS, regardless of what your

AIRLAB reads.



WARNING

The user must be aware of the risks related to using the instrument
under specific conditions:

- Be careful when diving in conditions of poor visibility; the
readings provided by the instrument may not be visible.

- Be careful when diving in cold water; you may use more air than
during standard dives. Check the pressure gauge readings
frequently.

- Be careful during dives that require more physical exertion than
standard dives; you may use a greater amount of air. Check the
pressure gauge readings frequently.

- Check the position of the hose to avoid the risk of becoming

entangled.



WARNING

NEVER dive alone. AIRLAB cannot replace the assistance provided by

a diving buddy.



WARNING

NEVER dive deeper than 130 feet (40 m) or do planned
decompression dives with the COMPUTER unless you are a trained
and certified technical diver (IANTD, TDI, ANDI, PSA, etc.) familiar
with the skills and risks of deep air diving, and licensed at least to
the level of Deep Air diving for depths beyond 130 feet (40 m).
Even with this level of certification and experience, this type of
technical dive entails a much higher risk of DCS, regardless of the
dive table or computer used. You must be aware of and willing to

accept these risks before attempting such a dive.



WARNING

Recreational divers should NOT dive deeper than 40m (130 ft).
Although this computer will continue to provide information for
compressed-air dives deeper than 40m (130 ft.), the risk of nitrogen
narcosis and decompression sickness (DCS) is greatly increased;

therefore this information should be treated as only approximate.

QUICK GUIDE

1 <MODE> button.
2 <-> button.

DISPLAY "A"

3 Current depth

Date (clock function)
Total Dives (logbook function, history)

4 Dive time

Month (clock function)

5 no-dec time

Deco stop
Time (clock function)
surface time
No-fly time
Desaturation time
Total number of hours dived (logbook function, history)

6 Greatest depth logged

% O

2 mixture

7 Temperature ( for no dec dives)

Total time to surface (for decompression dives)

N° of dives (in logbook function)
8 % ascent rate
9 error indications: omitted stop and uncontrolled ascent

10 Altitude level
11 No-fly indicator
12 Unit of depth measurement
13 Unit of temperature measurement
14 Salt / fresh water
15 "Nitrox" dive

DISPLAY "B"

16 Tank pressure

Year (in clock function)

17 Air time
18 Air consumption

CNS O

2 % limit

19 Tank volume
20 Pressure unit
21 Volume unit
22 Air consumption: "lung" icon
23 Low battery indicator

EN

20

AIRLAB DIVE COMPUTER

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

PRESSURE GAUGE FUNCTION

The pressure gauges integrated into the AIRLAB dive computer have been
tested and CE certified by Registered Test Center n°0426 - ITALCERT, V.le
Sarca, 336 -20126 Milan - Italy.
The pressure gauges integrated into the AIRLAB dive computer is a Category
III device as defined under European Directive 89/686/CEE, and complies with
the specifications set out in the harmonised European Standard EN 250/2000.
The EC certification process and verification of pressure gauge performance in
the AIRLAB dive computer according to EN 250:2000 standard are intended for
a maximum depth of 50 meters below the surface and for use with breathable
air in conformity with the EN 12021 standard (oxygen content of 21%).

The AIRLAB dive computer can be used in cold water (water at temperatures
below 10°C).

MARKING

The instrument markings are located on the back of the case, and consist of
the following:

• maximum rated pressure: 300 bar / 4,350 psi

• reference standard: EN 250/2000

• reference marking: CE 0426.
The conformity marking indicates compliance with the essential health and

safety requirements as per annex II D. and 89/686/CEE. The number after EC
identifies Registered Test Centre n° 0426 - ITALCERT V.le Sarca, 336 - 20126
Milano - Italy, assigned to inspect the production system with oversight as
per Art. 11 B.D. e. 89/686/EEC.

CHARACTERISTICS

Maximum pressure indication: 360 bar (5150 psi).
Accuracy: The guaranteed accuracy of the pressure measurement is:
at 50 bar ± 5 bar
at 100 bar ± 10 bar
at 200 bar ± 10 bar
at 300 bar ± 15 bar
Connecting port airflow: <100 liters/min. at a pressure of 100 bar.
Measurement resolution: 1 bar (10 psi).

DEPTH MEASUREMENT:

• Maximum displayed depth: 150 m (15,087.60 cm).

• Measurement resolution: 10 cm in the 0-100 m range / 1 m in the 100­150 m range.

• Temperature compensation of the measurement.

• Measurement accuracy: from 0 to 80 m, ±1% of full scale.

• Calibration in fresh water.

• Difference in sea water: 2.5%.

TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT:

• Measurement range: -10 / +50 °C (14/122°F).

• Measurement resolution: 1°C.

• Measurement accuracy: ±2°C (±2°F).

ALGORITHM:

RGBM Mares-Wienke , the result of a collaboration between Dr. Bruce R.
Wienke and the MARES research and development center.

• 10 tissue compartments.

• Reduction of permissible gradient (M factors) in case of repetitive dives,
deeper-than-previous dives or multi-day diving.

• Deep stop.

• 10 m/min ascent rate.

• Display backlight: timer-controlled and permanent.

• Power supply: 2 alkaline 1.5 V batteries (type AAA) easily replaceable by
the user.

• Life:

• Approximately 12 months with 50 dives and occasional use of the

backlight.

• Approximately 10 dives with the backlight always on.

• Operating temperature: from -10 to +50°C (14/122°F).

• Storage temperature: from -20 to +70° C (-4/+158° F).

FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Operating modes:

• "Air".

• "Nitrox".

• Stop Mode: lockout in case of omitted stop and/or uncontrolled

ascent (unless disabled by the user).

• Depth display: meters / feet.

• Temperature display: °C/°F.

• Indication of pressure: bar/psi.

• Indication of tank volume: liters/cubic-feet.

• Fresh/sea water selection: manual.

• Altitude programs:

• P0 (0-700 m) (0-2296 ft)

• P1 (700-1500 m) (2300-4900 ft). (2296-4921 ft)

• P2 (1500-2400 m).(4921-7874 ft)

• P3 (2400-3700 m / 7900- 12100 ft). (7874-12139 ft)

• Decompression stops: up to 24 meters (79 feet).

• Visual alarms:

• yellow LEDs - 80-120 bar (1160-1740 psi) low-air alarm

• red LEDs - 50-70 bar (725-1015 psi) low-air alarm.

• Audible alarms:

• Low battery.

• Deco stop depth violation.

• Excessive ascent rate.

• No decompression limits reached.

• Maximum permitted depth for the programmed value of max PPO

2.

• Deep stop indication.

• Simulator mode.

• Scrolling of no decompression limits: from 12 to 48 meters (39 to 157 feet).

• Calendar and clock: Year, month, date, hour, minutes (leap year
management).

• PC Interface: Optical, with RS232 serial adapter.

• History.

• Dives stored in logbook: 50 with profile for a maximum of approximately
25 hours.

• Profile point interval: 20 Sec.

OPERATING MODES

The nine operating modes of the AIRLAB dive computer are listed below:

1. OFF mode.

2. DIVE mode.

3. SURF mode.

4. SET mode.

5. CLOCK mode.

6. PLAN mode.

7. SIMUL mode.

8. LOGBOOK mode.

9. PC mode.

UTILITY FUNCTIONS

MONITORING OF THE BATTERY POWER LEVEL

AIRLAB periodically monitors the battery power level. If the battery power is
found to be low (level 1), an audible alarm is sounded, the battery icon appears,
and the display backlight function is disabled. If battery power level 1 is
reached during a dive, the battery icon appears but the audible alarm is
disabled. If the battery icon is visible, do not dive, and replace the batteries.
When the battery reaches its lowest power level (level2), the "off bAt" message
appears, Fig. 1, and the AIRLAB is disabled.
Even if the dive computer is not used, the batteries should be replaced at least
every 12 months.

EN

21

AIRLAB DIVE COMPUTER

TECHNICAL/FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

AUTOMATIC SWITCH-OFF

If the AIRLAB is ON but no buttons are pressed for a certain amount of time,
it will automatically switch itself OFF. The delay before automatic switch-off
varies depending on the current operating mode.

DIVE - PreDive 10 min
DIVE - Dive NEVER
SIMUL - Dive, PostDive and Surface 15 min
LOGBOOK - automatic scrolling of the profile 10 min
Under all other conditions 3 min

The switch-off delay timer is cleared whenever a button is pressed, and in PC
mode it is cleared at each transmission.
After a dive, if the no-fly time is not zero, the AIRLAB switches to OFF mode
but the display remains active, showing some information. When the no-fly
time goes to zero the display switches off.

DISPLAY BACKLIGHT

The illumination of the backlight is enabled in DIVE Mode and can be
activated in two ways:

PREDIVE

• 15 sec timer-controlled: press the <-> button for approximately 2 sec.

DIVE

• 15 sec timer-controlled: press and release the <-> button.

• Always on: press the <-> button for approximately 2 sec; the backlight
can then be switched off by pressing the <-> button again.

SETUP OF TECHNICAL
PARAMETERS

SET mode can be accessed in the following ways : by pressing the <Mode>
button from DIVE or SURF mode, or by pressing the <-> button from CLOCK
mode.
To access SET mode, press the <Mode> button for 2 seconds.
SET mode is subdivided into six groups, SET1...SET6. It is possible to advance to
the next group, or go back to the preceding one, in the following way:

• To enter a given SET function group, press the <Mode> button for
approximately 2 sec.

• Alternatively, press and immediately release the <Mode> button to skip
to the next SET function.

• Press and immediately release the <-> button to go back to the preceding SET
function.

From SET6, pressing the <Mode> button saves any changes made to the
settings and goes on to CLOCK mode.
The parameters within a given SET function group are modified using the <->
button.

SET1 - SETUP OF "AIR", "NITROX"

OPERATING MODE AND
ASSOCIATED PARAMETERS

The display initially shows the following parameters, (fig. 2):

• "Nitrox" icon.

• "Air".
To enter SET1 press the < Mode > button for approximately 2 sec.
Alternatively, to advance to SET2, press and immediately release the <Mode>
button .

• OPERATING MODE SETUP: "AIR" - "NITROX"

The display shows the currently active operating mode. Press the <-> button
to change the setting.
If 'Nitrox' mode is selected, pressing the <Mode> button will advance to the
setup of %O

2 and then of max PPO2. Otherwise, if "Air" or "Bt" mode is

selected, pressing the <Mode> button advances to SET2.

• "NITROX" BREATHING MIX SETUP

The percentage of O2 in the breathing mix can be entered in the range
between 21% - 50%, in increments of 1%. Press the <-> button to increase
the percentage. Press the <Mode> button to save the percentage value and
advance to the next parameter.



WARNING

Correctly setting the percentage of oxygen in the breathing mix is
indispensable for ensuring correct readouts of:

- no decompression time remaining;

- decompression stop times;

- alarm on exceeding the maximum permitted PPO

2.



WARNING

Do not use breathing mixes with % of O2 higher than 50%.



WARNING

If you have completed a NITROX dive and are planning a repetitive
dive using compressed air, set your dive computer for NITROX mode
with a % O2 of 21%. In this way, the monitoring of the % CNSO2

will remain active.



WARNING

If the dive computer is left connected to a pressurized hose, it will

remain in PreDive mode. This may considerably reduce battery life.

EN

22

AIRLAB DIVE COMPUTER

fig. 1

fig. 2

fig. 3

• MAXIMUM O2 PARTIAL PRESSURE SETUP

The maximum partial pressure of O2, which triggers an alarm if exceeded, can
be programmed between a minimum of 1.2 bar (17.4 psi) and a maximum of

1.6 bar (23.2 psi) in increments of 0.1 bar (1.45 psi). Press the <-> button to
increase the percentage. Press the <Mode> button to save the changes made
and advance to SET2.

SET2 - SETUP OF TECHNICAL PARAMETERS

The display initially shows the various parameters which can be programmed
in the SET4 function group (fig. 3):

• Altitude program.

• "°C" or "°F" temperature units.

• "m" or "ft" depth units.

• "salt" or "fresh" water.
To enter SET2 press the < Mode > button for approximately 2 sec.

To skip to SET3 press and immediately release the <Mode> button.
To go back to SET1 press and immediately release the <-> button.

• ALTITUDE PROGRAM

On entering this setup, the currently selected altitude program (P0, P1, P2,
P3) is displayed; press the <-> button to select the next altitude program.
Press the <Mode> button to skip to the next parameter.

• TEMPERATURE UNIT SETUP

On entering this setup, the currently selected unit of measurement will start
blinking; use the <-> button to change the setting. Press the <Mode> button
to skip to the next parameter.

• DEPTH UNIT SETUP

On entering this setup, the currently selected unit of measurement will start
blinking; use the <-> button to change the setting. Press the <Mode> button
to skip to the next parameter.

• FRESH/SEA WATER SETUP

On entering this setup, the currently selected option (fresh or seawater) will
start blinking. Press <-> to change the setting. Press the <Mode> button to
skip to SET3.

SET 3 - OPTIONAL PARAMETER SETUP

The display initially shows the various parameters which can be programmed
in the SET4 function group (fig. 4):

• "BEEP".

• Ascent rate icons.
To enter SET3, press the <Mode> button for approximately 2 sec.

To skip to SET4, press and immediately release the <Mode> button.
To go back to SET2, press and immediately release the <-> button.

• BEEPER SETUP

This function is used for inhibiting or enabling the audible alarms.
On entering this setup, the 'beep' message appears together with the current
setting (ON or OFF).
Press <-> to change the setting.
Press the <Mode> button to skip to the uncontrolled ascent setup.

• UNCONTROLLED ASCENT SETUP

This function disables or enables the "stop" in case of uncontrolled ascent. It
can be useful for instructors when practicing emergency ascents, to prevent
the dive computer from locking out.
On entering this setup, the ascent rate indicator and the currently selected
option (ON or OFF) will appear. Press <-> to change the setting. Press
<Mode> to skip to SET4.

SET 4 - SETUP OF TANK DATA

To enter SET4, press <Mode> for approximately 2 sec.
To skip to SET5, press and immediately release the <Mode> button.
To go back to SET3, press and immediately release the <-> button.

SET MEASUREMENT UNITS - CUBIC FEET - PSI / LITERS BAR

On entering this setup, the currently selected unit of measurement will start
blinking; use the <-> button to change the setting.

SET TANK CAPACITY

Depending on the unit of measurement chosen previously, the tank volume
will be set up as follows:

• liters - bar

- enter the tank capacity in liters (from 0 to 39.9 liters)

• cubic feet- psi

- enter the tank capacity in cubic feet (from 0 to 399 Cuft) and the
nominal reference pressure in psi (from 0 to 4999 psi).



WARNING

The above option is intended only for highly experienced divers, who
take full responsibility for the consequences of disabling the function
which locks out the computer in case of an uncontrolled ascent.



WARNING

The audible alarms should only be disabled by expert divers who
take full responsibility for the consequences of this operation.

EN

23

AIRLAB DIVE COMPUTER

fig. 4

fig. 5