Suunto Cobra3 None User Manual
EN
USER’S GUIDE
COBRA3
Tank pressure
Time
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 . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . 11
4.1. TIME mode settings . . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . ... 11
4.1.1. Setting the alarm . . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . . 11
4.1.2. Setting the time ... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . 11
4.1.3. Setting the date . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . ... 11
4.1.4. Setting the units . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . ... 12
4.1.5. Setting the backlight ..... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . . 12
4.1.6. Setting the tones ..... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . 12
4.2. AC water contacts . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . 12
4.3. Learning how to use your compass . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . 13
4.3.1. Compass display .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . 13
4.3.2. Locking a bearing . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... 13
4.3.3. Compass settings . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .. 14
5. BEFORE DIVING .. . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .. 16
5.1. The Suunto RGBM/Deep Stop Algorithm . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . 16
5.2. Emergency ascents ..... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . 16
5.3. Dive computer limitations ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .. 16
5.4. Nitrox ... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . . 17
5.5. Audible and visual alarms . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . 17
5.6. Error conditions ...... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . ... 18
5.7. Air integration . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . 18
5.7.1. Connecting Suunto Cobra3 to a regulator . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . 19
5.8. DIVE mode settings ..... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . 19
5.8.1. Setting the depth alarm . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... 19
5.8.2. Setting the dive-time alarm ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .. 19
5.8.3. Setting the nitrox values .. . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . 20
5.8.4. Setting the personal/altitude adjustments . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . ... 20
5.8.5. Setting the sample rate . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . 21
5.8.6. Setting the Safety Stops/Deep Stops ...... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . 21
5.8.7. Setting the RGBM values ..... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... 21
5.8.8. Setting the units . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . ... 21
5.8.9. Setting the tank pressure alarm ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . 21
5.9. Activation and pre-checks ... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .. 22
5.9.1. Accessing DIVE mode ... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . . 22
5.9.2. DIVE mode activation . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . 22
5.9.3. Battery power indication . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .. 23
5.9.4. Diving at altitude . . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . . 23
5.9.5. Personal adjustments ..... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . 24
5.10. Safety Stops ... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . 25
5.10.1. Recommended Safety Stops ... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . . 25
5.10.2. Mandatory Safety Stops .. . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . 25
5.11. Deep stops .. . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ... 26
6. DIVING . . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . 27
6.1. Diving in AIR mode (DIVEair) . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . ... 27
6.1.1. Basic dive data . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . 27
6.1.2. Bookmark . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . ... 28
6.1.3. Tank pressure data . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . . 28
6.1.4. Ascent rate indicator . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . 29
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6.1.5. Safety Stops ...... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . . 29
6.1.6. Decompression dives . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . 29
6.2. Diving in NITROX mode (DIVEnitrox) . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . . 32
6.2.1. Before diving in NITROX mode ... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . 32
6.2.2. Oxygen displays .. . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . 32
6.2.3. Oxygen limit fraction (OLF) .. . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . 33
6.2.4. Gas change and multiple breathing gas mixes ..... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . 33
6.3. Diving in GAUGE mode (DIVEgauge) ........ . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . 33
7. AFTER DIVING .. . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... 35
7.1. Surface interval . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . . 35
7.2. Dive numbering ...... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . ... 35
7.3. Repetitive dive planning ... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... 35
7.4. Flying after diving . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . 36
7.5. PLAN mode ... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .. 36
7.5.1. Dive Planning mode (PLANnodec) . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . 36
7.5.2. Simulation Mode (PLANsimulator) .. . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . 37
7.6. MEMORY mode ..... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . ... 38
7.6.1. Dive logbook (MEMLogbook) . . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... 38
7.6.2. Dive history (MEMHistory) ... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . 39
7.7. Suunto Dive Manager (SDM) ... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . 40
7.8. www.suuntosports.com and Suunto Diving World at
www.suunto.com/diving . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . 40
8. CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF MY SUUNTO DIVING COMPUTER . . . . . ..... . . . . . 42
9. BATTERY REPLACEMENT ... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . 44
9.1. Battery kit ... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... 44
9.2. Required tools ..... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . 44
9.3. Replacing the battery . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... 44
10. TECHNICAL DATA .. . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . 46
10.1. Technical specifications . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . 46
10.2. RGBM ..... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . 47
10.2.1. Suunto RGBM adaptive decompression ... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . 47
10.2.2. No-decompression limits . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .. 48
10.2.3. Altitude diving ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . 49
10.3. Oxygen exposure .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . 49
11. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . 50
11.1. Copyright . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .. 50
11.2. Trademark . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . 50
11.3. Patent notice ...... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . 50
12. DISCLAIMERS . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . 51
12.1. User’s responsibility ......... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .. 51
12.2. CE .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .. 51
13. SUUNTO LIMITED WARRANTY FOR SUUNTO DIVING COMPUTERS AND
SUUNTO DIVING COMPUTER ACCESSORIES . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... 52
14. DISPOSAL OF THE DEVICE ... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .. 55
GLOSSARY . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . 56
4
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.
With integrated digital compass, air integration, and gas switching, Suunto Cobra3 simplifies
your diving experience because all the information you need relating to depth, time, tank
pressure, decompression status, and direction is available on one easy-to-read screen.
To get the most out of your Suunto Cobra3, please read this instruction manual carefully
and make sure you understand the use, displays, and limitations of the instrument before
using it. To make life easier, we've included a glossary of dive-specific terminology at the
back of the manual.
5
2. WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, AND NOTES
Throughout this manual, important safety icons are displayed. Three classifications are
used to separate these icons by their order of importance:
WARNING
is used in connection with a procedure or situation that could result
in serious injury or death
CAUTION
is used in connection with a procedure or situation that could result
in damage to the device
NOTE
is used to emphasize important information
Before you go on to read the manual itself, it is extremely important that you read the
following warnings. These warnings are intended to maximize your safety while using
Suunto Cobra3 and must not be ignored.
WARNING
READ THIS MANUAL! Carefully read this manual in its entirety, paying
close attention to all the warnings listed below, including Section 5.
BEFORE DIVING. Make sure that you fully understand the use,
displays and limitations of the dive computer, because any confusion
resulting from neglecting to follow this user's manual or from improper
use of this device could cause you to commit errors that may lead to
serious injury or death.
WARNING
NOT FOR PROFESSIONAL USE! Suunto dive computers are
intended for recreational use only. The demands of commercial or
professional diving may expose the diver to depths and conditions
that tend to increase the risk of decompression illness (DCI).
Therefore, Suunto strongly recommends that the device is not used
for any commercial or professional diving activities.
WARNING
ONLY DIVERS TRAINED IN THE PROPER USE OF SCUBA DIVING
EQUIPMENT SHOULD USE A DIVE COMPUTER! No dive computer
can replace the need for proper dive training. Insufficient or improper
training may cause you to commit errors that may lead to serious
injury or death.
WARNING
THERE IS ALWAYS A RISK OF DECOMPRESSION ILLNESS (DCI)
FOR ANY DIVE PROFILE, EVEN IF YOU FOLLOW THE DIVE PLAN
PRESCRIBED BY DIVE TABLES OR A DIVE COMPUTER. NO
PROCEDURE, DIVE COMPUTER, OR DIVE TABLE CAN PREVENT
THE POSSIBILITY OF DCI OR OXYGEN TOXICITY! An individual’s
physiological make-up can vary from day to day. The dive computer
cannot account for these variations. You are strongly advised to
remain well within the exposure limits provided by the instrument to
minimize the risk of DCI. As an added precaution, you should consult
a physician regarding your fitness before diving.
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 PO2OF 1.4 BAR!
6
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
PERFORM PRE-CHECKS! Always activate and check the device
before diving in order to ensure that all Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
segments are completely displayed, that the device has not run out
of battery power, and that the oxygen, altitude, personal, Safety/Deep
Stop, and RGBM adjustments are correct.
WARNING
YOU ARE ADVISED TO AVOID FLYING ANY TIME THE COMPUTER
COUNTS DOWN THE NO-FLY TIME. ALWAYS ACTIVATE THE
COMPUTER TO CHECK THE REMAINING NO-FLY TIME PRIOR
TO FLYING! Flying or traveling to a higher altitude within the no-fly
time can greatly increase the risk of DCI. Review the recommendations
given by Divers Alert Network (DAN) in Section 7.4. Flying after diving.
WARNING
THE DIVE COMPUTER SHOULD NEVER BE TRADED OR SHARED
BETWEEN USERS WHILE IT IS IN OPERATION! Its information will
not apply to someone who has not been wearing it throughout a dive,
or sequence of repetitive dives. Its dive profiles must match that of
the user. If it is left on the surface during any dive, the dive computer
will give inaccurate information for subsequent dives. No dive
computer can take into account dives made without the computer.
Thus, any diving activity up to four days prior to initial use of the
computer may cause misleading information and must be avoided.
WARNING
DO NOT DIVE WITH A CYLINDER OF ENRICHED AIR IF YOU HAVE
NOT PERSONALLY VERIFIED ITS CONTENTS AND ENTERED
THE ANALYZED VALUE INTO YOUR DIVE COMPUTER! Failure to
verify cylinder contents and enter the appropriate O2% into your dive
computer will result in incorrect dive planning information.
WARNING
THE DIVE COMPUTER WILL NOT ACCEPT FRACTIONAL
PERCENTAGE VALUES OF OXYGEN CONCENTRATION. DO NOT
ROUND UP FRACTIONAL PERCENTAGES! For example, 31.8%
oxygen should be entered as 31%. Rounding up will cause nitrogen
percentages to be understated and will affect decompression
calculations. If you want to adjust the computer to provide more
conservative calculations, use the personal adjustment feature to
affect decompression calculations, or reduce the PO2setting to affect
oxygen exposure.
7
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.
WARNING
SELECT THE CORRECT PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT SETTING!
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.
WARNING
This device contains a Lithium cell battery. To reduce the risk of fire
or burns, do not disassemble, crush, puncture, short external contacts,
or dispose of in fire or water. Replace only with manufacturer-specified
batteries. Recycle or dispose of used batteries properly.
NOTE
It is not possible to change between AIR, NITROX and GAUGE modes
before the instrument has counted down the no-fly time.
There are, however, exceptions to this: You can change from AIR to
NITROX mode, as well as from AIR or NITROX mode to GAUGE
mode even during the no-fly time.
When planning both air and nitrox dives during the same dive series,
you should set the instrument in NITROX mode and modify the gas
mix accordingly.
In GAUGE mode the no-fly time is always 48 hours.
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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. The buttons
and their use are explained in more detail in the relevant sections of the manual.
Table 3.1. Button symbols and functions
Main functionsPressButtonSymbol
Switch between main modes
Switch from submode to main mode
Activate backlight in DIVE mode
ShortMODE
Activate backlight in other modesLongMODE
Select a submode
Select and accept settings
ShortSELECT
Activate compass in TIME and DIVE modesLongSELECT
Toggle between alternative displays
Change submode
Increase values
ShortUP
9
Main functionsPressButtonSymbol
Enable gas switching in NITROX modeLongUP
Toggle between alternative displays
Change submode
Decrease values
ShortDOWN
Enter Setting mode
Toggle between ceiling and remaining air time display
LongDOWN
10
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. Make absolutely sure that you know your computer and have it set up
as you want it BEFORE getting into the water.
4.1. TIME mode settings
The first thing you'll want to do with your Suunto Cobra3, is to modify the TIME mode
settings: the time, alarm, date, units, backlight, and tones. In this section, we look at how
to do this.
NOTE
The display is illuminated by holding down the MODE button for more
than 2 seconds.
The following figure shows how to enter the TIME SETTINGS menu.
USE UP AND DOWN BUTTONS
TO TOGGLE BETWEEN ALARM, TIME,
DATE, UNITS, BACKLIGHT
AND TONES.
4.1.1. Setting the alarm
The dive computer has a daily alarm function. When the daily alarm activates, the screen
blinks and the alarm sounds for 24 seconds. Press any button to stop the alarm.
ADJUST WITH UP AND
DOWN BUTTONS. ACCEPT
WITH SELECT BUTTON.
4.1.2. Setting the time
In the TIME SETTING mode, you are able to set the hour, minute, and second, as well as
choose between 12 and 24 hour display.
ADJUST WITH UP AND
DOWN BUTTONS. ACCEPT
WITH SELECT BUTTON.
4.1.3. Setting the date
Use the DATE SETTING mode to set the year, month, and day. The day of the week is
automatically calculated in accordance with the date.
11
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). When the backlight is turned off, it does
not illuminate when an alarm sounds.
ADJUST WITH UP AND
DOWN BUTTONS. ACCEPT
WITH SELECT BUTTON.
4.1.6. Setting the tones
The TONE SETTING mode allows you to activate or deactivate the tones.
ADJUST WITH UP AND
DOWN BUTTONS. ACCEPT
WITH SELECT BUTTON.
NOTE
When the tones are off, there are no audible alarms.
4.2. AC water contacts
The water and data transfer contact is located on the rear of the case. When submerged,
the water contact poles are connected by the conductivity of the water and the “AC” symbol
appears on the display. The AC text is shown until the water contact deactivates.
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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. Learning how to use your compass
Suunto Cobra3 integrates a digital compass, which can be used both while diving and on
dry land, and can be accessed from either the DIVE mode or TIME mode.
IF ACCESSED FROM TIME MODE,
TIME AND BEARING ARE DISPLAYED AT
THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN.
IF ACCESSED FROM DIVE MODE,
CURRENT DEPTH AND TIME OR
MAXIMUM DEPTH, AS WELL AS BEARING
OR DIVE TIME OR TEMPERATURE ARE
DISPLAYED.
NOTE
When accessed from DIVE mode, toggle between the alternative
displays by pressing the UP/DOWN buttons.
4.3.1. Compass display
The Suunto Cobra3 displays the compass as a graphical representation of a compass
rose. The rose displays the cardinal and half cardinal points, in addition to which, the
current bearing is also displayed numerically.
4.3.2. Locking a bearing
A bearing can be locked to help you follow a selected course, and directional arrows point
towards the locked bearing. Locked bearings are stored in the memory for later analysis
and are available the next time the compass is activated.
TO LOCK A BEARING,
PRESS SELECT.
The Suunto Cobra3 also provides help for navigating square and triangular patterns, as
well as navigating a return heading. This is made possible by following graphical symbols
in the center of the compass display:
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Table 4.1. Locked bearing symbols
ExplanationSymbol
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. Compass settings
You can define the compass settings ( calibration, declination and time-out) when in
COMPASS mode:
Calibration
Because of changes in the surrounding magnetic field, the Suunto Cobra3 electronic
compass occasionally needs to be re-calibrated. During the calibration process, the
compass adjusts itself to the surrounding magnetic field and to tilting. As a basic rule, you
should calibrate the compass whenever it doesn’t seem to operate properly, or after
replacing the dive computer's battery.
First the compass is level calibrated and after a successful level calibration, the compass
is tilt calibrated. The tilt calibration compensates for tilting the compass in any direction in
angles of up to 45°.
Strong electromagnetic fields, such as power lines, stereo speakers, and magnets can
affect the compass calibration. It is therefore advisable to calibrate the compass if your
Suunto Cobra3 has been exposed to these fields.
NOTE
When traveling overseas, it is recommended that you recalibrate the
compass at the new location before using it.
NOTE
Remember to hold the Suunto Cobra3 level during the level calibration
process. A deviation of ± 5° is allowed in any direction from the
horizontal plane during level calibration.
To calibrate the compass:
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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.
Declination
You can compensate for the difference between true north and magnetic north by adjusting
the compass declination. The declination can be found, for example, from sea charts or
topographic maps of the local area.
ADJUST WITH UP AND
DOWN BUTTONS. ACCEPT
WITH SELECT BUTTON.
Time-out
You can set the compass time-out to 1, 3, or 5 minutes. After the set time has passed
from the latest button press, the dive computer returns to the TIME or DIVE mode from
the COMPASS mode.
ADJUST WITH UP AND
DOWN BUTTONS. ACCEPT
WITH SELECT BUTTON.
You can exit the COMPASS mode also by long pressing the SELECT button.
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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.
Always remember that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY!
When used properly, Suunto Cobra3 is an outstanding tool for assisting properly trained,
certified divers in planning and executing sport dives. It is NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR
CERTIFIED SCUBA INSTRUCTION, including training in the principles of decompression.
WARNING
Diving with enriched air mixtures (nitrox) exposes you to risks that
are different from those associated with diving with standard air. These
risks are not obvious, and require training to understand and avoid.
Risks include possible serious injury or death.
Do not attempt to dive with any gas mix other than standard air without first receiving
certified training in this specialty.
5.1. The Suunto RGBM/Deep Stop Algorithm
Suunto’s Reduced Gradient Bubble Model (RGBM), utilized in the Suunto Cobra3, predicts
both dissolved and free gas in the blood and tissues of divers. It is a significant advance
on the classic Haldane models, which do not predict free gas. The advantage of Suunto
RGBM is additional safety through its ability to adapt to a variety of situations and dive
profiles.
The Suunto Cobra3 uses traditional recommended safety stops as well as deep stops.
YOU ARE ADVISED TO MAKE A
DEEPSTOP AT 18 M. THE SECOND
INDICATOR SHOWS THAT YOU HAVE 110
SECONDS LEFT OF YOUR DEEPSTOP.
In order to optimize the response to different increased risk situations, an additional category
of stop, referred to as a Mandatory Safety Stop, has been introduced. The combination
of stop types depends on the user settings and the specific dive situation.
To get the most from the RGBM safety benefits, refer to Section 10.2. RGBM.
5.2. Emergency ascents
In the unlikely event that the dive computer malfunctions during a dive, follow the emergency
procedures provided by your certified dive training agency or, alternatively, follow these
steps:
1.
Assess the situation calmly and then move promptly to less than 18 m/60 ft.
2.
At 18 m/60 ft, slow down your ascent rate to 10 m/33 ft per minute and move to a
depth between 3 and 6 m/10 and 20 ft.
3.
Stay there for as long as your air supply will safely allow. After reaching the surface,
do not dive for at least 24 hours.
5.3. Dive computer limitations
While the dive computer's calculations are based on current decompression research and
technology, it is important to realize that the computer cannot monitor the actual
physiological functions of an individual diver. All decompression schedules currently known
to the authors, including the U.S. Navy Tables, are based on theoretical mathematical
models, which are intended to serve as a guide to reduce the probability of decompression
illness.
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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. In order to manage this risk, the dive computer tracks the time and
intensity of the oxygen exposure and provides the diver with information to adjust the dive
plan in order to maintain oxygen exposure within reasonably safe limits.
In addition to the physiological effects of enriched air on the body, there are operational
considerations to be addressed when handling altered breathing mixes. Elevated
concentrations of oxygen present a fire or explosion hazard. Consult the manufacturer of
your equipment to check its compatibility with nitrox.
5.5. Audible and visual alarms
The dive computer has audible and visual alarms that advise when important limits are
approached or that prompt you to acknowledge preset alarms. The table below describes
the different alarms and their meanings.
Table 5.1. Audible and visual alarm types
Alarm reasonAlarm type
Dive computer is activated.Short single beep
Dive computer automatically returns to the TIME mode.
Cylinder pressure reaches 50 bar/725 psi. The cylinder
pressure display will start to blink.
Three beeps with a three
second interval
Cylinder pressure reaches the selected alarm pressure.
Calculated remaining air time reaches zero.
No-decompression dive turns into a decompression stop
dive. An arrow pointing upwards and the blinking ascent
warning ASC TIME will appear.
Three beeps with a three
second interval and activated
backlight
Maximum allowed ascent rate, 10 m per min/33 ft per
min, is exceeded. Ascent rate bar graph blinks and STOP
warning appears.
Continuous beeps and
activated backlight
Decompression ceiling depth is exceeded. An error
warning Er and a downward pointing arrow appear. You
should immediately descend to, or below, the ceiling.
The instrument will otherwise enter a permanent Error
mode within three minutes, indicated by a permanent Er.
You can set alarms for maximum depth, dive time and tank pressure. See also Section 5.8.
DIVE mode settings and Section 4.1. TIME mode settings.
Table 5.2. Preset alarm types
Alarm reasonAlarm type
Preset maximum depth has
been exceeded.
Continuous beep series for 24 seconds
Maximum depth blinks as long as the current depth value
exceeds the preset value.
Preset dive time has been
exceeded.
Continuous beep series for 24 seconds or until any
button is pressed.
Dive time blinks for one minute.
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Alarm reasonAlarm type
Preset alarm time is reached.
Continuous beep series for 24 seconds or until any
button is pressed.
Current time blinks for one minute
Table 5.3. Oxygen alarms in NITROX mode
Alarm reasonAlarm type
Set oxygen partial pressure limit is exceeded. The
alternative display is replaced with a current blinking PO
2
value. You should immediately ascend above the PO
2
depth limit.
Continuous beeps for 3 minutes
and activated backlight
OLF value reaches 80%. The OLF value will start to
blink.
OLF value reaches 100%. The OLF value will blink.
NOTE
When the backlight is turned OFF, it does not illuminate when an
alarm is activated.
WARNING
WHEN THE OXYGEN LIMIT FRACTION INDICATES THAT THE
MAXIMUM LIMIT IS REACHED, YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY TAKE
ACTION TO REDUCE OXYGEN EXPOSURE. Failure to take action
to reduce oxygen exposure after the warning is given can rapidly
increase the risk of oxygen toxicity, injury, or death.
5.6. Error conditions
The dive computer has warning indicators that alert you to react to certain situations that
would significantly increase the risk 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.
If you understand the dive computer and operate it sensibly, it is very unlikely you will ever
put the instrument into the Error mode.
Omitted decompression
The Error mode results from omitted decompression, i.e. when you stay above the ceiling
for more than three minutes. During this three-minute period the Er warning is shown and
the audible alarm beeps. After this, the dive computer will enter a permanent Error mode.
The instrument will continue to function normally if you descend below the ceiling within
this three-minute period.
Once in the permanent Error mode, only the Er warning is shown in the center window.
The dive computer will not show times for ascent or stops. However, all the other displays
will function as before to provide information for ascent. You should immediately ascend
to a depth of 3 to 6 m/10 to 20 ft and remain at this depth until air supply limitations require
you to surface.
After surfacing, you should not dive for a minimum of 48 hours. During the permanent
Error mode, the Er text will be displayed in the center window and the planning mode will
be disabled.
5.7. Air integration
The Cobra3 can be attached to the high-pressure port of the regulator, enabling you to
receive cylinder pressure and remaining air time data.
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