www.divecochran.com Cochran COMMANDER Owner's Manual English - Metric Ver: CmdrAir-1.02 Manual Part Number: 4100821 For your records, please fill in the following: Serial Number: _________________________ Your Name: ____________________________ Your Contact: __________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Purchase Date: _________________________ Purchase Place: ________________________ Address: ______________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________
PRODUCT INTRODUCTION: The COMMANDER isquite simple to use and operate, but underneath thatsimplicity lies a significant level of sophistication. Toget the safest and most effective use of thisinstrument, it is important that the user fullyunderstand the product. Please read and understandthis entire manual and know the principles andpractices of safe diving before using this device.
This Manual is divided into the following Sections:Section Page
• Operation as an Air-only Dive Computer 1• Alarm Clock Operation 10• Touch Programming 13• Warnings 19• Configurable Items 22• Specifications and Maintenance 26• Liability, and Warranty 31• Itemized Index and Subjects 38
SIDE CONTACTS:
CONTACT #2
CONTACT #1
CONTACT #3
The Contacts are used to let the user command theunit to do a number of functions, communicate with aPC for extracting information or configuring the unit,and determining water conductivity. When Contacts 1& 2 are shorted, the COMMANDER can detect thedifference between wet fingers, metal objects, freshwater, salt water, and a PC interface probe.
TURNING ON THE COMMANDER: Although theCOMMANDER automatically turns on when it issubmerged in water, it is STRONGLY recommendedthat the unit be manually powered up by wetting twofingers and simultaneously touching Contacts 1 and 2for two seconds. This allows the diver to ensure thatthe unit is operating correctly and has adequatebattery capacity prior to entry. Once activated, theunit will remain on for 60 minutes. If a dive is notinitiated within this 60 minutes, the COMMANDER
2
automatically shuts off. Notice that when Contacts 1& 2 are first bridged, a short beep is issued whichindicates that the unit is recognizing the touch. Everytime Contacts 1 & 2 are bridged with wet fingers, theunit will stay on for one full hour.
The COMMANDER will not turn on if the altitude ishigher than 4,600 meters, the batteries are less than1.6 volts, or a fault is detected during the self-test.
As the COMMANDER first recognizes a turn-oncommand, it begins a “Diagnostic” function wheremany aspects of the system will be exercised andtested. This procedure takes about three secondsand an audible beep is issued each second as certaintests are successfully completed. During this time, allof the segments in the display are turned on so thattheir operability can be confirmed by the user. Shoulda test indicate a malfunction or marginal test, the unitwill turn back off again. The user should ensure thatall of the display segments are on and operatingcorrectly.
TURNING OFF THE COMMANDER: After the PostDive Interval following a dive, the COMMANDER willremain on for one hour before automatically enteringits "Sleep Mode". During the Sleep Mode, allcalculations continue, but the display is off. This is apower saving feature of the COMMANDER. The unitwill continue calculating Surface Interval,compartment off gassing as required, and anychanges in altitude as it affects Nitrogen Loading.The current Surface Interval and PreDive Predictionscan be viewed by reactivating the unit.
MAIN COMMANDER OPERATING MODES:• Surface Interval (No Nitrogen Residual)• Surface Interval (With Nitrogen Residual)• Dive Mode (Normal No Deco)• Decompression Mode• Post Dive Interval• Touch Programming
3
SURFACE INTERVAL:
After completion of the Self-Diagnostic mode or afterthe Post Dive Interval following a dive, theCOMMANDER enters the Surface Interval. TheScreen displays, if applicable; current Surface Time,the previous dive’s Maximum Depth, the previousdive’s Bottom Time, Dive of Day number, current Timeto Fly, Altitude and Temperature. Figure 2 shows thedisplay with no residual Nitrogen (a clean Dive).
Figure 5 shows the display with residual Nitrogen (arepetitive dive).
“Surface Time” starts at zero after a dive and beginscounting minutes. If the computer shuts off and isturned on with Nitrogen residual left, the Surface Timecontinues to count. If the computer shuts off and isturned on with no Nitrogen residual left, the SurfaceTime will be zero.
“Dive of Day” starts at zero and increments after eachdive regardless of the calendar day. When there is noremaining Nitrogen residual, the Dive of Day is set tozero and the computer is referred to as a “clean”system.
“Time to Fly” is displayed as the number of hoursremaining until the Nitrogen residual reaches zero
4
plus a twelve-hour safety factor. Flying is notrecommended until Time to Fly reaches zero.
“Barometric Altitude” is indicated in six ranges via theAscent Rate Bar Graph as follows (Altitudecompensation is seamless up to 4,600 meters abovesea level):
0 Bars sea level to 760 meters1 Bar 760 to 1,520 meters2 Bars 1,520 to 2,280 meters3 Bars 2,280 to 3,040 meters4 Bars 3,040 to 3,800 meters5 Bars 3,800 to 4,600 meters
The six ranges are for display purposes only: TheCOMMANDER actually senses and computesextremely small altitude changes and hence, is called“Seamless”. The term “Barometric Altitude” is usedinstead of just “Altitude” because the COMMANDERmeasures Barometric Pressure to determine Altitude.Barometric Altitude can vary from actual Altitude byover +/- 305 meters! What is important to the bodywhen diving is Barometric Altitude.
DIVE MODE:
Whether in the Surface Interval, PreDive PredictionMode, Programming Mode or the Logbook Mode, theCOMMANDER will automatically enter the Dive Modewhenever the unit determines that it is in water deeperthan 1.5 meters.
On the Display Screen the Surface time will bereplaced with the current Depth and be displayed inone tenth meter increments. Bottom (Dive) Time willbegin once the COMMANDER senses that the diverhas descended below 1.5 meters and continues untilthe diver has ascended above 1 meter. Themaximum Bottom Time displayed is 9 hours 59minutes. The maximum specified depth is 100meters, but the unit will continue to measure and
5
display depths deeper that that. A Depth Sensorwarning will be issued (See later discussion onSensor Warnings) when the unit can no longeraccurately measure depth.A Depth Alarm which can be set to warn the divershould a certain depth be exceeded is set at 40meters from the factory. The Depth Alarm issues anaudible alarm and the “WARNING” legend and DepthDigits will flash on and off for five seconds. The depthalarm is disabled if in the Decompression Mode sinceflashing depth digits have another meaning in thisMode.The maximum depth achieved on the current dive isshown as “MAX DEPTH”. This is updated once persecond.“REMAIN TIME” (NDC) is the remaining time (in hoursand minutes) that the diver can stay at the currentdepth without requiring decompression. A “TwoMinute Warning” will be issued when this time reachestwo minutes or less. An audible alarm will be issuedand the “WARNING” legend and “REMAIN TIME”digits will flash. By immediately ascending to ashallower depth, the diver may avoid a requireddecompression stop.Temperature is measured for two purposes. One is tocompensate the Depth Transducer for Temperaturevariations. The other is to compensate the Nitrogenalgorithm for changes in Temperature that may affectthe body. Both of these purposes require that theTemperature be very slow reacting, just like the DepthTransducer and the body. This slow-reactingTemperature is what is displayed. For Temperatureeffects on the body, the amount of compensation canbe set from NORMAL to REDUCED with the Analyst®
PC software Interface (see Analyst® Section), if thediver is using a good dry-suit in cold water.Temperature compensation starts at 24 degrees Cand gets progressively more conservative as thetemperature decreases. There is no compensationabove 24 degrees C.Bottom Time will begin once the COMMANDERsenses that the diver has descended below 1.5meters (see Training Mode) and continues until thediver has ascended above one meter. The maximumBottom Time displayed is 9 hours 59 minutes.
ASCENT RATE BAR GRAPH:
The Ascent Rate bar graph and alarms are active inboth the Dive Mode and Decompression Mode. The
6
five-segment bar graph is used to display the diver'srate of ascent.Via the Analyst® PC Interface, the Ascent Rate Alarmsand Bar Graph can be set to the users preferences.The first option is a VARIABLE-BY-DEPTH AscentRate. When on, the Ascent Rate Alarm is determinedby depth. As the diver ascends to shallow depths, theMaximum Ascent Rate is lowered. The MaximumAscent Rates and their associated depth are:
18 meters or deeper 18 meters per minute18 to 9 meters meter per minute equal to the depthLess than 9 meters 9 meters per minuteIf VARIABLE-BY-DEPTH is off, the Maximum AscentRate Alarm and Bar Graph is specified by the userand can be from 6 to 18 mpm, in one meterincrements.Another selection is the bar graph itself. The twoselections are either FIXED or PROPORTIONAL.With FIXED, each of the five bars indicates anadditional 3 meter per minute of Ascent Rateregardless of the Maximum Ascent Rate selected.With PROPORTIONAL, each of the five bars indicate20% (one-fifth) of the selected Maximum Ascent Rate.For FIXED, the maximum ascent rate is 18 meter perminute. With this setting, no bars will illuminate if adiver is ascending at a rate less than 3 meter perminute.
If the diver has an Ascent Rate that exceeds theselected maximum, the entire Ascent Rate Bar Graphwill flash, and the audible alarm will sound once persecond, and the WARNING legend will illuminate.The sensitivity or responsiveness of the Ascent Ratemay be selected via the Analyst®, eight different levelsof sensitivity are available.NOTE: Customizing the Ascent Rate and AscentRate Bar Graph are among many of the additionalprogrammable features available when using theAnalyst® PC Interface. Available features aredescribed in the section “USER CONFIGURABLEOPTIONS”.
7
As shipped from the factory, the Ascent Rate is set forVARIABLE-BY-DEPTH AND PROPORTIONAL.
DECOMPRESSION MODE:
Should a no-decompression limit be overstayed, theCOMMANDER will enter the Decompression Mode.In this mode, the Ceiling digits will display the depth atwhich the diver must stop and not ascend aboveduring final ascent. The “TEMP” legend and two digitswill be replaced with the “CEIL” legend and two digits.The Ceiling will start at 3 meter and increase in three-meter increments as the diver remains at a relativelydeep depth.
The Remaining No-decompression Time and “NDC”legend will be replaced with Decompression Time and“DEC” legend (Figure 16d). Both STOP time andTOTAL time are displayed in the upper left hand threedigits of the screen in hours and minutes. STOP andTOTAL time will alternate at the rate of once everytwo seconds. In this way, the diver can view the timeto spend at a particular STOP depth, and the TOTALtime it will take to complete all STOPS. Clearly, thelarger of the two alternating numbers is the TotalDecompression Time of all stops, and the smaller ofthe two numbers is the time required at the currentstop. At the three meter stop, the TOTAL and STOPtimes may be the same and therefore appear to notalternate.
When at a specific stop, the required decompressiontime at that stop is as shown, and will appear to countdown as it is recomputed every second, based on thedivers exact current depth. The Decompression times(both Stop and Total) are accurate only if the diversdepth is exactly the same as the required Ceiling.However, it is not necessary to be precisely at thatspecified Ceiling. Appropriate In-gassing or Out-gassing will be computed regardless of the diverscurrent depth.
8
A small margin shallower than the Ceiling also exists.Should a Ceiling be ‘violated’ (diver is shallower thanCeiling), the “WARNING” legend will illuminate andflash along with the Depth and Ceiling digits. AnAudible alarm will sound once every two seconds.This warning will continue until the Depth has beencorrected. Out-gassing will continue even though thediver is shallower than the Ceiling. There is no‘Gauge’ mode or ‘Lockout’ on the COMMANDER.
If the diver surfaces before satisfying hisdecompression obligation, the COMMANDER willcontinue to give out-gassing credit as if it were in adive, but at a depth of zero meters and will satisfy thedecompression time requirements of the requiredstops using an FO2 of 21%. The unit will continue tolog data and perform as if actually in a dive. When thedecompression obligation is finally satisfied, the ten-minute “Post Dive Interval” will begin.
NOTE: COCHRAN does not intend for this instrumentto be used for deliberate Decompression diving.
POST DIVE INTERVAL:
During the first ten minutes (or up to thirty if the unit isin the Training Mode) after a dive, the COMMANDERis in the Post Dive Interval. The flashing "SURF"legend and a Surface Time of less than ten minutes(or up to thirty if the unit is in the Training Mode)indicate this. Should another dive be commencedbefore the completion of the Post Dive Interval, thatdive will be considered an extension of the previousdive. In this case, Bottom Time will NOT include thetime spent on the surface in this Post Dive Interval.However, when reviewing the profile with theAnalyst®, the time spent on the surface in this periodwill be shown.
9
CONFINED WATER PROTOCOL (Training Mode):The COMMANDER is one of the first dive computersto offer an operating mode designed to record andstore data from training dives. That is, divesperformed in shallow water environments (swimmingpools, shallow lakes, lagoons, etc.) or calm openwater environments that have less than .3 meter seas.In the Training Mode, the COMMANDER enters theDive Mode at a depth of .6 meters instead of 1.5meters and will exit the Dive Mode at .3 metersinstead of 1 meter. Also the Post Dive SurfaceInterval may be extended, via the Analyst®, from 10minutes up to a maximum of 30 minutes in 1-minuteincrements after which the dive data is stored in thecomputer's memory. These changes permit theInstructor to record the complete training session,including in-water surface periods, as a single dive.The Training Mode can only be enabled/disabledvia the Professional Edition of the Analyst® PCInterface.
TACLITE™: The COMMANDER is equipped with theTACLITE™ tactical low-light fiber-optic backlighteddisplay. The standard TACLITE™ color is night visionsafe red, but it is also available in yellow for thoseindividuals who have vision difficulties with the colorred. The TACLITE™ can be activated on demand.To turn the TACLITE™ on, tap the face of theCOMMANDER and the TACLITE™ will turn on for thepreprogrammed number of seconds (1 to 98), thenturn off. By tapping the face again the TACLITE™ willturn on again. In this fashion the TACLITE™ can bekept on for as long as wanted. If 0 is entered, theTACLITE™ will never turn on. If 99 is entered, theTACLITE™ will stay on continuously and only turn offwhen the COMMANDER does. The number ofseconds that the TACLITE™ stays on can be set viathe Programming Mode or via the Analyst® PCInterface, factory setting is 10 seconds. TheTACLITE™ will turn off when the COMMANDER turns
10
off. If the batteries get too low, the TACLITE™ willturn off and cannot be turned back on until freshbatteries are installed.
CLOCK MODE: The Clock operating mode of theCOMMANDER is NOT enabled when shipped fromthe factory. It can be enabled via the Analyst® P.C.Interface or at an Authorized Cochran Dealer.
TOUCH PROGRAMMING MODE: Can only beaccessed when the unit is in the Surface Interval andallows the user to view or program into the divecomputer:
• Setting Clock and Alarm Time• The PreDive Prediction Mode• Displaying Mode, mode value, & battery voltage• A Maximum Depth Alarm• An Added degree of Conservatism from 0 to 50%• Programming the On Time for the TACLITE™• Access the Logbook Mode
TOUCH PROGRAMMING - CLOCK: When theCOMMANDER is placed into the Clock mode it willdisplay the time of day in a 24 hour day format. Theclock will continue to run when the COMMANDER isin the Dive Computer Mode. The COMMANDER canbe placed into the Clock Mode from the DiveComputer Mode when the unit is in the NormalSurface Interval, while the unit is in Clock Mode theDive Computer will be in the “Sleep” mode.The Clock Mode can be selected with or without anAlarm. If the Alarm option is selected the unit willdisplay the alarm set time as well as the current time.
When the alarm time is displayed the alarm isactivated and at the programmed time the alarm willsound once every 24 hours. When the alarm isactivated the unit will issue a medley of all the audiblewarning tones that the COMMANDER utilizes and theTACLITE™ will flash for one minute, this audiblealarm can not be turned off, it will sound for the fullone minute period.The Clock Mode is selected via Touch ContactProgramming.
NOTE: This Time of Day clock is the same clockthat is used to time stamp dives. Modifying theTime of Day clock will effect the Local Time asviewed via the Analyst®. The Date portion of theLocal Time clock must be changed via theAnalyst®.
11
CLOCK PROGRAMMING PROCEDURE:Contacts 1, 2, & 3 are for programming sequences.To begin the programming sequence:1. Turn the unit on;2. Using a coin or other conductive metal object,
briefly bridge Contacts 1 and 2 until a short beepis heard and the Clock Menu is seen on thedisplay.
3. To enter the Clock submenu, bridge Contacts 1& 2 with wetted fingers. This will cause the unitto display the Clock Alarm selection – On orOFF. To Toggle the selection, bridge contacts1&2 with wetted fingers.
4. Using a coin or other conductive metal object,bridge Contacts 1 & 2 to access the Clock Timeor Alarm setting screen.
5. Shorting Contacts 1 & 2 with a coin will causethe first digit of the minutes to flash.
6. Shorting Contacts 2 & 3 with a coin willincrement the numeric value, continue until therequired value is displayed. A confirmation beepwill sound with each increment.
7. Next using wetted finger, bridge Contacts 1 & 2to select the next digit, once selected the digitwill flash to identify that it is being programmed.Bridge Contacts 2 & 3 till the desired value isdisplayed.
8. To select Hours short Contacts 1 & 2 with a coin,increment as in step 6 and 7.
9. Repeat step 5 through 7 until all digits have beenprogrammed.
10. To save the changes that have been madebridge Contact 1 & 2 with a coin or otherconductive metal object. Once the nextprogramming option is displayed the changeshave been saved.
To exit the Clock Mode Bridge contacts 1 & 2 withwetted fingers and the computer will return to the DiveComputer Mode’s Surface Display.NOTE: Ensure that the COMMANDER is in the
Dive Computer Mode before commencing adive.
Figures 40, 41a, 41b, 42 and 43 show how the Clockdisplay screens appear.
12
NOTE: Once the COMMANDER is placed in ClockMode the unit will remain in that mode untilexited by the diver.
TOUCH PROGRAMMING MODE:
NOTE: To enable the Programming Mode, theCOMMANDER must be on the Surface andnot in the Post Dive Interval.
NOTE: All audible and visual alarms aresuspended while the COMMANDER is inthe Programming Mode. Upon exiting theProgramming Mode all alarms arereactivated.
13
NOTE: Once a value has been changed and thenext menu option selected, the new valueis stored.
NOTE: It is strongly recommended that theProgramming Mode is activated again anda complete review of what was stored isaccomplished.
NOTE: If the COMMANDER is left in theProgramming mode for five minuteswithout the contacts being touched, theunit will automatically exit theProgramming Mode and return to theSurface Interval. Once this occurs theCOMMANDER will retain the modifiedprogrammed settings that have beenstored. Options that have not beenmodified will retain their previous settings.
TOUCH PROGRAMMING MODE - PROCEDURE:Contacts 1, 2, & 3 are for programming sequences.To begin the programming sequence:1. Turn the unit on;2. Using a coin or other conductive metal object,
briefly bridge Contacts 1 and 2 until a short beepis heard and the Programming Menu is seen onthe display. The Programming Menu optionsdepend on whether the unit is activated for Clock.The Menu options are displayed in sequence,incrementing to the next selection each time thatContacts 1 & 2 are bridged with a coin. Theprogram option is displayed on the upper row ofthe display. The current setting for this option isdisplayed in the lower right of the display.
3. To reprogram the displayed menu values, bridgeContacts 1 & 2 with wetted fingers. This willcause the current setting to flash or in the case ofmulti-digit numbers, the least significant digit willflash. The clock will toggle between on and off.
4. Using a coin or other conductive metal object,bridge Contacts 2 & 3 to increment the numericvalue. A confirmation beep will sound with eachincrement.
5. Next using wetted finger, bridge Contacts 1 & 2 toselect the next digit, once selected the digit willflash to identify that it is being programmed.Bridge Contacts 2 & 3 till the desired value isdisplayed.
6. Repeat step 5 until all digits have beenprogrammed.
14
7. To save the changes that have been made bridgeContact 1 & 2 with a coin or other conductivemetal object. Once the next programming optionis displayed the changes have been saved.
All programming sequences use the same routine ofusing Contacts 1 and 2 to SELECT the nextprogramming sequence and Contacts 2 and 3 toINCREMENT the specified value.
PROGRAMMING MODE MENU:
The following table lists the various programmingchoices with their display identification and figurenumber.
Identification Description Figure Page
CLC Clock – if enabled 40 12PdP PreDive Prediction 22 14InF Misc. Information 23 14dEP AL Depth Alarm, Max value
is 99 meters 25 14Con Added Conservatism, Max
value is 50%. 26 15Tac dL TACLITE™ On Time. Allowed
value 0 to 99 33 15LOG Logbook 34a 15
15
TOUCH PROGRAMMING - PREDIVE PREDICTION:PreDive Prediction is accessed via the Touch ContactProgramming Menu. This enables the diver to viewthe PreDive Prediction information at the touch of theContacts. The COMMANDER’s PreDive Predictionstarts at 9 meters and increases in 3 meterincrements. PreDive Predictions will terminate whenthe No-Decompression (NDC) time prediction reachestwo minutes or a maximum depth of 100 meters isreached. Additional Conservatism, Residual Nitrogenand Barometric Altitude can effect PreDivePredictions. Once the maximum PreDive Predictiondepth has been reached the unit will return to theSurface Interval.
16
Refer to the Analyst® for information about how tomodify parameters. During the PreDive PredictionMode, the unit will compute and display the maximumsafe time and the calculated PO2 value at that depth.
TOUCH PROGRAMMING INFORMATION DISPLAY:The Information display is accessed via theProgramming Mode. The information presented willappear as in Figure 24. The information in the upperright of the screen indicates the unit is in the Air OnlyFO2 Mode.
Identifier DescriptionF0 Air only
The Battery voltage is displayed in the lower center ofthe screen as a two-digit number with a decimal pointproceeded by a lower case ‘b’. Figure 24 shows whatthe display screen looks like for a Commanderconfigured for Air Only.
TOUCH PROGRAMMING - DEPTH ALARM: TheDepth Alarm allows the diver to select a maximumdepth below which the diver does not wish to descendbefore an alarm is issued. This depth can be set from0 to 99 meters in one meter increments.
17
TOUCH PROGRAMMING - CONSERVATISM: Thisprogramming function allows the diver to input anadded degree of Conservatism into the Commander’snitrogen algorithm. Via Touch Programming theConservatism can be set from 0 to 50%.
TOUCH PROGRAMMING - TACLITE™: The Taclite™ dwell (on) time can be set so that whenthe face on the COMMANDER is tapped the Taclite™will stay on from 1 to 98 seconds. If the dwell time isprogrammed to ‘0’ the Taclite™ will never come on, ifprogrammed to 99 the Taclite™ will be on wheneverthe COMMANDER is awake.
TOUCH PROGRAMMING - LOGBOOK:
The Logbook of the COMMANDER has two screens,a Primary Screen and an Alternate Screen. To switchto the Alternate Screen just tap firmly on the face ofthe unit. The Logbook is accessed via the TouchContact Programming (see page 13). This enablesthe diver to view dive statistics; the COMMANDERhas the ability to provide diving data for the mostrecent 512 dives. The most recent dive will bedisplayed first. To view the next dive, touch thecontacts 1 & 2 with wetted finger after pausing for afew seconds. Do not use a metal object such as acoin or knife-blade once in the Logbook since it will
18
cause the unit to exit the Logbook and return to theSurface Interval.Information contained in the Logbook will include:Overall Dive Number Minimum NDC TimeFastest Rate of Ascent Minimum Water TemperatureBottom Time Surface Interval Before DiveMaximum Depth Ending Battery VoltageBeginning Dive Time & DateMaximum DEC Time (Deco Dive)Maximum Ceiling (Deco Dive)It is not necessary to exit the Logbook Mode prior toinitiating a dive. Once the diver has descended below1.5 meters, the COMMANDER will immediately enterthe Dive Mode.
NOTE: The overall Dive Number that is displayed onthe Logbook Menu screen (Figure 34) permits thediver to identify the total number of dives made withthat COMMANDER. If the logbook example shown isthe most recent dive made, it can be readily identifiedthat 235 dives have been made with this specific unit.
Figures 34b shows that dive 235 started at 14:26hours or 2:26 pm on the 18th of December 2001.
Figures 35 & 37b display the Logbook of a NormalDive
19
Figures 36 & 38b display a Deco Dive.
20
WARNING INDICATIONS: Failure to observe audibleand/or visual warnings and take corrective action mayresult in injury or death. In general, if the WARNINGlegend is flashing, some other digits should beflashing to indicate the anomaly.• If the diver is ascending faster than the selected
maximum ascent rate, then the top bar of theascent bar graph will flash and the “WARNING”legend will illuminate. The unique high to lowaudible sweep alarm will continue to sound onceper second until the situation is corrected.
• If the diver descends below the user set DepthAlarm, the Depth digits will flash. A single beepaudible alarm will sound once per second for fiveseconds and will repeat every two minutes. TheDepth alarm is not active in the DecompressionMode to avoid confusion with the “ShallowerThan Ceiling” alarm.
• If the battery voltage declines to 2.1 volts, the“BATT” legend will illuminate, at 1.8 volts it willflash once per second.
• If the diver has less than two minutes of No-Decompression Time (NDC) remaining, the“WARNING” legend will illuminate and flashalong with the Remaining NDC time digits. Asingle beep audible alarm will sound once persecond for five seconds and repeat every twominutes.
• If the diver enters the Decompression Mode, asingle beep audible alarm will sound once persecond for five seconds.
• During a Decompression dive, if the Depth isless than the CEILING, the “WARNING” legendwill illuminate and flash along with the Depth andCeiling digits. A unique low to high audiblesweep alarm will continue to sound once everytwo seconds until the situation is corrected.
• If the dive computer determines that either theDepth or Temperature sensor is malfunctioning.The “WARNING” legend will illuminate, thecomputer will issue a 5-beep two tone audiblealarm once every two minute to alert the diver tothis condition. On the Appropriate Screen theMaximum Depth will be replaced with “S-d“ or "S--" to indicate the low-pressure transducer or “S-t”for the temperature transducer.
If an audible alarm is being issued, the computer willnot switch to the Alternate display nor will theTACLITE™ activate.
21
SENSOR WARNING: The COMMANDER has thecapability of monitoring the integrity of its' sensors,both the low-pressure (depth/altitude) and thetemperature. When the computer detects an error inone of the transducers, the diver is alerted to thiscondition by the illumination of the “WARNING”legend, and the computer will also issue a 5-beep twotone audible alarm once every two minute to alert thediver to this condition. The Maximum Depth will bereplaced with “S-d“ or "S--" to indicate the low-pressure transducer or “S-t” for the temperaturetransducer (see figure 18). The “WARNING” legend,along with either the Temperature digits or the Depthdigits and the error code will flash once per second.In the highly unlikely situation were both sensors aredetected as having errors, the display will alternatebetween “S-d“ or "S--" and “S-t”. This warning will beissued whether the computer is in the SurfaceInterval, Dive Mode, Decompression Mode or PostDive Interval. In the unlikely case that your computerissues one of these warnings the unit should bereturned to the factory for evaluation and/or repair.Figure 18 shows a Sensor Warning, in this case aDepth Sensor, as it would be displayed in the DiveMode. If the Sensor Warning was for the temperaturesensor it would display “S-t“.
DATA STORAGE TYPES & CAPACITY: TheCOMMANDER has the following internal distinct datastorage activities that can be recalled, viewed, andstored with the Analyst® PC computer interface:• Current Variable Information: Local Time,
Altitude, Battery voltage, Current unitTemperature, and 16 tissue loading.
• Current Configuration Data: As can be seen in“USER CONFIGURABLE ITEMS”, below.
• Historical Totals Summaries: Dive Time,Number of Dives, Number of Marginal Dives,Number of Violated Dives, Number of Warnings,Decompression Dives, Decompression Time,Maximum Depth and Ceiling, Maximum Depthand Ceiling Dive Number.
22
• Each Dive Beginning Statistics: 16 tissueloading, Local Time Clock, Dive of Day, DiveNumber, Surface Time, Altitude, Time to Fly, andBattery Voltage. Capacity is the most recent 512dives.
• Each Dive Ending Statistics: 16 tissueloading, Bottom Time, Max Depth, AverageDepth, Min NDC Time, Max Deco Time, MaxDeco Ceiling, Missed Ceiling, Missed DecoTime, Max Ascent Rate, Max A/R Time, Max A/RDepth, Min Temperature, Average Temperature,Maximum Temperature, Min Battery Voltage,Time to Fly, and number of Warnings. Capacityis the most recent 512 dives.
• Each Dive Configuration Data: Full andcomplete configuration of the system, includingUser Conservatism. Capacity is the most recent512 dives.
• Profile Graphical Information: Depth Graph,Ascent Rate Graph, and Temperature Graph.Capacity is 128 hours (or 550 hours withexpanded memory upgrade) at one secondsampling.
• Inter-Dive Events: Number of Initializations,Unit Activation, Altitude Changes of 150 Meters,Low Batteries, Sensor Malfunction, Analyst®interface with Dive Computer.
INTER-DIVE EVENTS: The COMMANDER storesimportant information between dives, even when theunit is not turned on. The information is stored asacquired and is called an “Inter-Dive Event”. Theseevents can be viewed via the Analyst® P.C. Interfaceversion 3.05 or higher. Some Inter-Dive events are:
• Initialization of the unit.• The unit is turned on• Low batteries• Altitude Changes of over 150 meters• Sensor Malfunction• Analyst® P.C. Communication
USER CONFIGURABLE ITEMS: By using theoptional Analyst® Personal Computer Interface, theuser has the ability to change the following items:Caution: Items that can be changed via TouchContact Programming may be different from thefactory settings.Dive Time/date Stamp: This is the internal clock thatis used by the system to time-stamp each individualdive as it occurs. Due to changes in battery voltageand temperature, the internal Time-of-day clock may
23
slowly drift from the ideal. It is recommended that thisclock be periodically set to local time via the Analyst®.Metric or Imperial: The diver may select whether thedata is computed and displayed in Metric or Imperialunits. The COMMANDER may be ordered either wayas shipped from the factory.Selectable Ascent Rate Bar Graph (Fixed orProportional): This option determines whether theAscent Rate bar graph indicates the speed of ascentor the percentage of the selected maximum ascentrate. The COMMANDER is shipped from the factoryas ‘Proportional’ (percentage).Selectable Variable-By-Depth Ascent Rate Alarm(On or Off): This option gives the diver the ability toutilize a fixed ascent rate warning or a warning basedon depth. Should the diver prefer the fixed ascentrate warning the diver can select the maximum ascentrate limit from 6 to 18 meters per minute (See nexttopic). As shipped from the factory, this is set to ON.If the VARIABLE rate is selected then the warning willilluminate based on the following table:
DEPTH AVERAGE ASCENT RATE18 meters and deeper 18 meters per minute18 to 9 meters same as depthShallower than 9 meters 9 meters per minute
Selectable Fixed Ascent Rate Alarm Limit: IfVariable-By-Depth Ascent Rate Alarm was set to OFFfrom the above topic, the user may enter the desiredAscent Rate for the alarm to sound.Ascent Rate for Deco Predictions (6 to 18): Thisoption allows the diver to select the ascent rate to beused in the forecasting of the displayed TotalDecompression time. The COMMANDER is shippedfrom the factory with this option set to 18.Ascent Rate Responsiveness (0 to 7): This optiondetermines the responsiveness or sensitivity of theAscent Rate Bar Graph. Zero is highly responsiveand seven is very slow. This feature is set to three asshipped from the factory.Remaining Time Responsiveness (0 to 7): Thisdetermines the responsiveness of the RemainingTime information that is displayed. Zero is highlyresponsive and seven is very slow. This feature is setto three as shipped from the factoryMax Depth Alarm: This option allows the diver toselect a maximum depth below which the diver doesnot wish to descend before an alarm is sounded. Thisfunction is disabled when in the DecompressionMode. This option may also be set via the Touch
24
Contact Programming. As shipped from the factory,the Depth Alarm is set for 40 meters.Select Decompression Time Display (Total, Stop,Both): There are three options for the manner inwhich the decompression time is displayed. If youselect TOTAL, the decompression time displayed willindicate the total time you will spend indecompression.Watch the Ceiling depth change in order to identifywhen to ascend to the next stop depth. If you selectSTOP, the decompression time displayed will indicatethe time you must remain at the current Ceiling.When this time is 0:00, the Ceiling depth will decreaseand the new stop time will be displayed. If you selectBOTH, the TOTAL time and STOP time will alternateat the rate of once every 2 seconds. From the factory,the unit is set to ‘Both’.Repetitive Dive Dependent Nitrogen (Off or On):This option allows the dive computer to considerrecent dive history’s effects on the nitrogen loading,particularly if the diver engages in inverted profilediving. If “On” the recent dive history is used tocompensate the nitrogen loading for the current dive.The COMMANDER is shipped from the factory withthis feature set to ‘On’. Temperature Dependent NDC Computations(Normal or Reduced): This feature compensates thedecompression algorithm proportional to the ambientwater temperature. See User & EnvironmentalAdaptation, Water Temperature on page 34 for adetailed description of this function. TheCOMMANDER is shipped from the factory with thisfeature set to ‘Normal’.Select Altitude < 610 meters as One Zone (Off orOn): This option provides "actual" altitude for anygiven day at any diving location as explained in the“ALTITUDE ACCLIMATIZATION” on page 35. Withchanges in barometric pressure due to temperatureand weather systems, it is possible, even expected, tohave a different apparent altitude at the same dive sitefrom day to day.While the seamless means of monitoring provides themost accurate decompression schedule, all altitudesless than 610 meters above sea level can be treatedin the algorithm as sea level if so selected. With thisoption ‘OFF’, the unit is calculating altitude in aseamless fashion. With this option ‘ON’, altitudes lessthan 610 meters above sea level will be treated assea level. Regardless of the selection, altitudesgreater than 610 meters above sea level will be
25
treated in a seamless manner. From the factory, thisis set to ‘Off’, seamless altitude from sea level to4,600 meters.Select Alternate Screen Viewing Time (3 to 10):This option allows the diver to set the amount of timethat the Alternate Screen will be viewed once it hasbeen accessed. From the factory this is set to 4.Select Display Backlight On Time (0 to 99): Thisoption allows the user to set the amount of time, inseconds, that the TACLITE™ stays on once activated.If this option is set to "0" the TACLITE™ will neveractivate, if set to "99" the TACLITE™ will stay on allthe time and only turn off when the COMMANDERdoes. This option may also be set via the TouchContact Programming. From the factory this is set to10.Select Audible Beeper Alarm (On or Off): Thisallows the user to enable or disable the AudibleAlarms and beeper. As shipped from the factory, thisis set to ‘On’.Select Ceiling Display Divided by 10 (On or Off):This option allows the diver to select when in theDecompression Mode the Ceilings are displayed as 1= 10, 2 = 20, 3 = 30 etc. (On) or as 10, 20, 30 etc(Off). From the factory this option is set to ‘Off’.Selectable NDC Conservatism (0% to 50%): Thisfeature allows the diver to input an added degree ofconservatism to the decompression algorithm from 0to 50 percent in one-percent increments. This may bedesirable if the diver is dehydrated, tired, or has someother factor that warrants added conservatism. Thisoption may also be set via the Touch ContactProgramming. Conservatism is set to ‘0%’ as shippedfrom the factory.Confined Water Protocol (Training Mode) -(Enabled or Disabled): This option enables theTraining Mode for the COMMANDER. In this modethe COMMANDER will enter the Dive Mode at .6meters instead of 1.5 meter and exit the Dive Mode at.3 meters instead of 1 meter. The Training Mode alsopermits the selection of an increased Post DiveInterval period from 10 to 30 minutes in one-minuteincrements. These changes permit the Instructor torecord a complete training session, including in-watersurface periods, as a single dive. As shipped from thefactory, this is set to ‘Disabled’. This option can onlybe ‘Enabled’ via the Professional Edition of theAnalyst®.
26
Training Mode Post Dive Interval Period (10 to 30):If the Training Mode is enabled this allows the user toselect the duration of the Post Dive Interval periodfrom a minimum of 10 minutes to a maximum of 30minutes in one-minute increments. As shipped fromthe factory, this is set to 10. This option can only beset via the Professional Edition of the Analyst®.Select Clock Functions (ON or OFF): This optionallows the diver to enable or disable the time of dayClock. If set to ‘ON’ the clock time can also be set viaTouch Contact Programming. As shipped from thefactory, this is set to ‘OFF’.Enter Clock Time: This allows the diver to set theclock’s time to that of the P.C. time.Select Alarm Clock Audible Alarm (ON or OFF):This option allows the diver to enable or disable thetime of day Clock’s Alarm feature. If set to ‘ON’ theAlarm Clock time can also be set via Touch ContactProgramming. As shipped from the factory, this is setto ‘OFF’.Enter Alarm Clock Hour (0 to 23): This allows thediver to program the time of day Alarm Clock’s hoursetting. The Alarm Clock’s time utilizes a 24 hourformat, i.e. 00:00 = 12:00 am, 20:00 = 8:00 PM, etc.This is also settable via Touch Contact Programming.Enter Alarm Clock Minute (0 to 60): This allows thediver to program the time of day Alarm Clock’s minutesetting. This is also settable via Touch ContactProgramming.Restore Original Configuration Settings: Thisallows the diver to restore the original factory defaultsettings with a single command.
SPECIFICATIONS:Algorithm 16 Tissue Adaptive Modified HaldaneanComputation Period Once every secondActivation Manual and WaterMaximum Depth 100 meters, .1 meter incrementsDepth Accuracy +/- 1% of full scale (+/- 1 meter)Maximum Altitude 4,600 meters, seamlessAltitude Accuracy +/- 305 metersTemperature Display 0 to 37 degrees C, 1 degree incrementsTemperature Accuracy +/- 2% of full scale (after the unit has
stabilized from a change in Temperature)Surface Time 0 to 9:59 hrs/mins, 1-minute incrementsBottom Time 0 to 9:59 hrs/mins, 1-minute incrementsTime To Fly 0 to 36 hours, 1 hour incrementsNo-Deco Time 0 to 9:59 hrs/mins, 1-minute incrementsDecompression Time 0 to 9:59 hrs/mins, 1-minute incrementsDecompression Ceiling 0 to 99 meters, 3 meter incrementsDive Summary Storage up to 512 DivesDive Profile Storage up to 550 Dive hours at one second sampling
depending on configurationProfile Sampling 1 second increments
27
Typical Battery Life* Over 2000 dive hours under normal divingconditions or two years (whichever is first),TACLITE off.Over 40 hours, TACLITE on continuously.With Clock Mode on, Battery Life is over1000 dive hours or one year.
* With fresh new ENERGIZER® brand alkaline batteries
Note: Specifications are additionally +/- one least significant digit due torounding. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
ENHANCEMENTS: The COMMANDER is capable ofhaving its’ capabilities enhanced. It can be upgradedto a one blend Nitrox ( can be done by an AuthorizedDealer) or two blend Nitrox computer or a One or Twoblend Nitrox/PO2 computer. The Dive Profile Storagememory capacity can be upgraded from a base of 135hours to 550 hours. The COMMANDER must bereturned to the factory for all upgrades except tothat of a one blend Nitrox.
CLEANING THE COMMANDER: Clean the unit onlywith fresh water after each use. Towel dry the unit,never use air pressure to dry the unit. This coulddamage the unit and will void the warranty. Do not usechemicals to clean the case or lens as this maydamage the unit, or permanently fog the lens.
CHANGING BATTERY: The batteries should bechanged when the ‘BATT’ legend is seen or batteryvoltage reaches 2.1 volts as can be seen on theInformation Display. The unit will operate until thebattery voltage drops below 1.6 volts. Only use fresh,name brand N-Cell size Alkaline batteries formaximum battery life. At this time, EvereadyEnergizer Alkaline is recommended. Care should betaken not to activate the TACLITE™ during batteryreplacement. Be sure to confirm that the batteries areREALLY new and have not been sitting on a shelflosing life. Cold temperatures tend to shortenapparent battery life. Change batteries every twoyears regardless of battery condition.
CAUTION!!! COMPLETE LOSS OF BATTERYPOWER MAY CAUSE ALL PREVIOUS DIVENITROGEN LOADING TO BE LOST. THIS MAYAFFECT NITROGEN CALCULATIONS ON NEAR-FUTURE DIVES. AFTER A BATTERY CHANGE,CONFIRM THAT NO-DECOMPRESSION TIMEDATA IS REASONABLE DURING PRE-DIVEPREDICTION MODE. DIVE-OF-DAY NUMBERGOING TO ZERO IMMEDIATELY AFTERCHANGING BATTERIES IS ANOTHER INDICATIONOF A LOSS OF NITROGEN LOADING.
28
Plus end goes in First.
When installing new batteries, ensure that the positive“+” end of the battery is inserted into the batterycompartment first. Inspect the battery cap O-rings fornicks and scratches. If either O-ring is damagedcarefully remove both O-rings and replace with newsilicone O-rings. Lightly lubricate each end of thebatteries with silicone grease or petroleum jelly to helpminimize corrosion and therefore extend battery life.
When reinstalling the battery cap, lubricate the O-rings lightly and slowly twist the cap into place using acoin (US Quarter supplied). Press the coin into thebattery cap slot firmly to prevent slipping anddamaging the slot. Ensure there is no dirt or debris onthe O-rings or the mating surface and that the O-ringsare properly installed.
As the battery cap is screwed in, carefully observethat the double O-rings install correctly. Ask anAuthorized Cochran Dealer for a demonstration.
It is best to have the new batteries ready toimmediately install since the COMMANDER wasdesigned to allow for battery changes withoutresetting and losing any Nitrogen residuals. Thisperiod of time is typically 30 seconds, but varies withtemperature and the voltage of the batteries beingreplaced. It can be significantly less if batteries arenot replaced promptly when the ‘BATT’ legend firstcomes on. Again care should be taken not to activatethe TACLITE™ during battery replacement, if theTACLITE™ is activated it will significantly reduce thetime that the COMMANDER allows for batterychanges without losing Nitrogen residuals.
If the batteries are allowed to discharge too low, or ifremoved for too long, the COMMANDER may enter astate where it will not turn on even with new batteries.If this occurs, remove the batteries and allow the unitto set for 30 minutes and then install fresh batteries.This will, of course, erase any residual accumulatedNitrogen from previous dives making the next diveappear as a ‘clean’ dive. This procedure could alsoeffect the internal Time of Day Clock’s settings andthese settings should be verified via the Analyst® P.C.Interface.
29
ASSISTANCE, REPAIR & MAINTENANCE: TheCochran Commander does not require an AnnualMaintenance, but if you suspect that yourCOMMANDER is not operating correctly, pleasecontact our Customer Support Department in the USAfor assistance at 972.644.6284 or FAX details to972.644.6286 or E-mail details [email protected]. Most problems can beresolved without returning the unit. The unit may alsobe returned to the place of purchase and request thedealer to contact us. If this is not possible or isinconvenient due to a change in location, contact usfor the name of the nearest Team Cochran AuthorizedDealer.• NEVER TEST OR SUBJECT THE PRODUCT TO
PRESSURIZED AIR! (Voids Warranty)• NEVER REMOVE THE LENS FROM THE UNIT!
(Voids Warranty)• ONLY USE FRESH WATER TO CLEAN UNIT!
NEVER USE SOLVENTS! (Voids Warranty)• DO NOT USE A SCREWDRIVER TO REMOVE
BATTERIES INSTALLED!• LUBRICATE BATTERY ENDS WITH THIN FILM OF
SILICONE GREASE!
REPLACEMENT PARTS:Batteries (2)Battery Cap O-ringsBattery Cap AssemblyPins (2) ReplacementWrist Strap (long Gray)Wrist Strap (long, black)Retractor OnlyRetractor with CompassLens Protector (Pkg. of 3)
ANALYST® Personal Computer InterfaceThe ANALYST® Personal Computer Interface is acomplete hardware/software system that uploads datafrom the Cochran COMMANDER to an IBM orcompatible Personal Computer with a Windows®
95/98/NT operating system. The ANALYST® PersonalComputer Interface allows the diver to retrieve divedata, customize the dive computer and also to enterand store information for each dive in a logbook.
30
FCC LABEL FCC ID: LYP744556-03This device complies with Part 15 of the FCCRules. Operation is subject to the following twoconditions: (1) this device may not cause harmfulinterference, and (2) this device must accept anyinterference received, including interference thatmay cause undesired operation.
INTERFERENCE STATEMENTNOTE: This equipment has been tested and found tocomply with the limits for a Class B digital device. Ifnot installed and used in accordance with theinstructions, it may cause interference to radiocommunications. The limits are designed to providereasonable protection against such interference in aresidential situation. However, there is no guaranteethat interference will not occur in a particularinstallation. If this equipment does cause interferenceto radio or television reception, which can bedetermined by turning the equipment on and off, theuser is encouraged to try to correct the interference byone or more of the following measures:• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna of the
affected radio or television.• Increase the separation between the equipment
and the affected receiver.• Connect equipment and the affected receiver to
power outlets on separate circuits.• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
MODIFICATIONSChanges or modifications not expressly approved byCochran Consulting, Inc. could void the user'sauthority to operate the equipment.
SHIELDED CABLESThis product is designed to be used only with theAnalyst® interface cable (RS-232) to maintaincompliance with FCC Regulations.
PATENT INFORMATIONProtected under one or more Foreign or US patents.
5,899,204 5,794,6165,617,848 5,570,688
Other patents may be pending.
All specifications subject to change without priornotice. Analyst® is a registered trademark of CochranConsulting, Inc. Energizer is a registered trademark of
31
the Eveready Battery Co., St. Louis MO. Copyright2002 Cochran Consulting, Inc.
CEThe CE mark is used to mark conformity with theEuropean Union EMC directive 89/336/EEC. Cochrandive instruments fulfill all the required EU directives.
PREN 13319PREN 13319 “Diving accessories – Depth gauges andcombined depth and time measuring devices –Functional and safety requirements test methods” is aEuropean diving depth gauge standard draft.Cochran dive instruments are designed and tested tocomply with this standard draft.
LIMITED WARRANTYTo the original purchaser ("OWNER") only, CochranUndersea Technology, a division of CochranConsulting, Inc. ("COCHRAN"), represents thisProduct to be free of defects in materials andworkmanship under normal SCUBA use for 24 monthsfrom the date of shipment from COCHRAN to theAuthorized Dealer or Distributor. For purposes ofestablishing warranty eligibility, this date of shipmentmay be noted on the original Product box, or can bedetermined by contacting COCHRAN.
Any defective Product, unless cause is specificallyexcluded in the "Warranty Conditions and Limitations"section below, will at the sole discretion ofCOCHRAN, be repaired or replaced with a new orrefurbished unit of comparable or better functionand/or condition. COCHRAN is not responsible forany incidental or secondary damages as a result ofProduct malfunction.
WARRANTY CONDITIONS and LIMITATIONSProduct must have been obtained from a COCHRANAuthorized Dealer. Contact COCHRAN forverification of dealer status. This Limited Warranty isnot transferable.
The Warranty Registration card must be sent toCOCHRAN within 15 days of purchase in order tovalidate Limited Warranty.
Failure to provide proper care for this Product willrender this Limited Warranty null and void. Damagesor malfunction resulting from accidental or deliberateabuse, tampering, battery leakage, exceedingmaximum intended operating depth or otherparameters, extreme heat or cold, or other conditions
32
which COCHRAN may deem to be outside theintended scope of this Limited Warranty are notcovered. Plastics, O-rings, batteries, battery life, andflooded battery compartments are NOT covered bythis Limited Warranty.
This Limited Warranty will be rendered null and void ifan attempt is made to establish communications withthe computer with any hardware and/or software otherthan the Cochran approved Analyst® Interface.OWNER is responsible for shipping this Product toCOCHRAN for service, and paying all associatedcosts, including shipping, insurance, and importduties. OWNER may take Product to an AuthorizedDealer to arrange service under terms of this LimitedWarranty. COCHRAN will return Product to OWNERor Dealer via a method and carrier of its choosing.Costs for requested expedited return shipping will bethe responsibility of OWNER. Product returned forservice under terms of this Limited Warranty must beaccompanied by a photocopy of the original salesreceipt in order for warranty repair or replacement tobe performed if the Warranty Registration Card is noton file.
STATEMENT of LIMITED LIABILITYA mathematical model is used by this Product tocalculate physiological effects of SCUBA divingrelated to use of compressed air or other breathingmixtures while at depth. Such effects specificallyrelate to nitrogen absorption into and elimination frombody tissues, as well as effects of oxygen used inEnriched Air Nitrox breathing mixtures.
However, because of the number of variables and thevarying degrees to which they may affect individualsengaged in SCUBA diving, COCHRAN DOES NOTGUARANTEE THAT USE OF THIS PRODUCT WILLPREVENT DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS OR ANYOTHER CONDITION OR INJURY INCURRED WHILEUSING THIS PRODUCT.
These influencing variables may include, but are notlimited to, dehydration, obesity, age, old injuries, orother physical conditions on the part of the diver, orenvironmental extremes of heat or cold, or poortraining, or diving practices, any of which maypromote the onset of decompression sickness or otherharmful effects.
This Product is sold and intended to be used only as aguide, providing the TRAINED and CERTIFIED diver
33
the information needed to make safe diving decisions.It is expressly understood that by buying and/or usingthis Product the Diver assumes ALL RISK as to itsoperability, reliability, quality, performance, accuracy,and suitability for his diving style.Furthermore, Diver recognizes that this Product is anelectronic instrument being used in a hostileenvironment and is subject to failure, which maymanifest itself in a number of ways. COCHRAN andits distributors and retailers will not be held liable forany personal injuries or other damages resulting fromits use, even if COCHRAN has been advised of suchoccurrences or damages.
These products must be handled with care andproperly maintained to assure the optimumperformance. Users must possess the proper trainingfor SCUBA diving activities and should be fullyeducated in the operation of this product. Users areencouraged to possess and utilize a redundant(backup) computer for their dive planning andexecution. Divers are always encouraged to dive witha buddy at all times.
COCHRAN strongly supports and agrees withmaximum depth limits of 40 meters for recreationalSCUBA diving, as established by recognized trainingand certification agencies, and in no way encouragesdiving beyond these or any prudent lesser limits asmay be necessitated by environmental, diver-specific,or other conditions.
THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTHABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALLOTHERS, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN,EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. COCHRAN UNDERSEATECHNOLOGY SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANYAND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING,WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OFMERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR APARTICULAR PURPOSE.
No Cochran Undersea Technology dealer, agent, oremployee is authorized to make any modification,extension, or addition to this warranty.
USER & ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTATION: TheCOMMANDER is one of the new breed of DiveComputers that adapts its algorithm to the usersdiving environment and style as originally pioneeredby COCHRAN. All of COCHRAN’s newer divecomputers incorporate this capability. The factors that
34
are used for this “Adaptation” in the COMMANDERare:
Water Temperature Salt/Fresh Water CompensationMicrobubble Altitude AcclimatizationUser Conservatism Previous Dive Profiles
WATER TEMPERATURE: Diving in cold water canlead to a lower diver core and skin temperature whichcan affect the gas exchange rate of the body’stissues. The COMMANDER features two modes ofTemperature Compensation, Normal or Reduced.The COMMANDER progressively makes its nitrogenalgorithms more conservative as the watertemperature declines below 24 degrees C. Above thiswater temperature, there is no temperaturecompensation. In the Reduced Mode, the algorithmsare made more conservative by approximately one-half the amount of the Normal Mode. If the diver iswearing an insulated dry suit and is relatively warmeven in cold water, this temperature compensationfactor may be set to Reduced Mode at the diversdiscretion using the Analyst® PC software.
MICROBUBBLE: There are several theoriesregarding the exact method by which a nitrogenbubble forms from a microbubble which was formedfrom micronuclei. Currently the predominant theorystates that more rapid ascents accelerate bubbleformation. The COMMANDER comprehends andadjusts for this phenomenon.
USER CONSERVATISM: Current dive computerscannot tell if the diver is dehydrated, tired, smokes,overweight, or has some other physical issue that mayrequire additional conservatism in the nitrogenalgorithm. The COMMANDER allows the diver toinput an added degree of conservatism to the nitrogenalgorithm from 0 to 50 percent in one-percentincrements. This can be done via the Touch ContactProgramming Mode or with the Analyst® PersonalComputer Interface.
PREVIOUS DIVE PROFILES: Under somecircumstances, recent dive activity can have an effecton nitrogen loading, particularly if the diver engages ininverted profile diving. This occurs when a deep diveis followed by an even deeper dive. This recent divehistory is used to compensate the nitrogen loading forthe current dive. This can be enabled or disabled with
35
the Analyst® Personal Computer Interface.
SALT/FRESH WATER COMPENSATION (High/LowWater Conductivity): There is approximately a threepercent difference in depth readings taken in saltwater versus fresh water. Some dive computers arecalibrated in feet of fresh water and some arecalibrated in feet of seawater. Diving in a mediumdifferent from what the dive computer is calibrated forwill cause apparent depth errors. Only COCHRANdive computers, including the COMMANDER, actuallydetermine the type of diving medium and compensatethe depth reading accordingly. This is accomplishedby measuring the conductivity of the water during adive. Caution must be taken in interpreting thisreading since some apparent fresh water is actuallyhigh in minerals or contaminants and is correctlycompensated as salt water (High Conductivity). Thiscommonly occurs in some caves, springs, and lakes.
ALTITUDE ACCLIMATIZATION: Driving or flying toa dive site significantly higher in altitude requiresspecial modifications to the "sea level" algorithm. TheCOMMANDER regularly samples the ambientbarometric pressure to determine these changes inaltitude whether the unit is On or Off. Accordingly, thedecompression algorithm is changed to reflect thesebarometric pressure changes. Note that temperatureand weather systems also affect barometric pressureand hence, apparent altitude. Using the Time-To-Flydigits, the number of hours required to “adapt” to thenew altitude is immediately known to the diver. If asignificant altitude change occurs, a minimum of onehour should pass before diving to allow the unit toadapt to this new altitude. Rapid changes in altitudeshould be avoided. The dive computer may interpreta rapid change from a higher altitude to a loweraltitude as a dive. Should this occur, removing thebatteries for ten minutes will reset the computer,however, all tissue nitrogen loading will also be lost.
Should it be desired to initiate a dive PRIOR tocompleting the adaptation time, the COMMANDERwill treat this dive as a repetitive dive in its algorithm,taking into account the "residual" nitrogen present dueto travel to altitude. There are two methods ofcompensating for altitude. Via the Analyst® PCInterface, ZONE or SEAMLESS altitude compensationmay be selected.
In ZONE all altitudes less than 610 meters above sealevel use the sea-level algorithm. At altitudes greaterthan this, altitude compensation is “seamless”;
36
literally, every small fraction of gained altitude isconsidered in adjusting the algorithm. ZONE willreduce the occurrences of obtaining slightly differentaltitude readings and corresponding no-decompression (NDC) limits when diving within agiven area. However, ZONE reduces the accuracy ofthe altitude compensation for the first 610 metersabove sea level, since all altitudes below 610 metersare treated as sea level. The advantage in ZONE isthat changes in apparent altitude due to temperatureor weather changes at sea level will not affect theNDC computations.
In SEAMLESS, the algorithm is adjusted for extremelysmall changes in altitude. However, a difference inaltitude may be seen from day-to-day at a given divesite due to temperature or weather systems and theireffect on barometric pressures. SEAMLESS willprovide the most accurate altitude compensationalgorithm, but normal variations in atmosphericbarometric pressure may affect the no-decompressiontime which is more predominantly seen in the Pre-divePrediction forecast.
CAUTION: The COMMANDER will not performAltitude Acclimatization if the touch contactsare shorted or bridged. Rinse the unit withclean fresh water and dry it with a towel aftereach dive. Transporting and storing the unitin its case will help prevent the possibility ofthe contacts being shorted or bridged.
WARNING: While your COMMANDER willautomatically adjust its no decompressionalgorithm for altitude, you should NOTattempt to dive at altitudes greater than 300meters above sea level without firstcompleting a sanctioned altitude divingcourse from a recognized training agency forrecreational diving. The COMMANDERshould not be used for this type of diving byanyone without this important training.
METRIC/IMPERIAL MODES: Most dive computersalways compute in either Metric or Imperial units andmerely convert the display to the other units. TheCOMMANDER actually computes and displays in theselected units giving maximum accuracy and userfamiliarity. If the computer is computing anddisplaying in Metric, the “METRIC” legend will beilluminated when the computer is on. Metric/Imperialselection is made using the Analyst® software.
37
Changing Modes does not affect any profiles or datastored in the computer.
LOW BATTERY INDICATIONS: Fresh ENERGIZER®
brand alkaline batteries should read about 3.2 volts onthe Information Screen. When the battery voltagedrops to 2.1 volts, the “BATT” legend will beilluminated. It is recommended to change thebatteries at this point, but several dives might stillremain possible. When the battery voltage decays to1.8 volts, the “BATT” legend will begin to flash on andoff. Once the “BATT” legend begins to flash theTACLITE™ is deactivated, to conserve the remainingbattery power even though the unit may be on a dive,and can not be activated until fresh batteries areinstalled. While there should be sufficient batterypower to normally complete a dive, it is notrecommended to begin a new dive until freshENERGIZER® brand alkaline batteries are installed.After the computer automatically turns itself off (entersSleep Mode) 70 minutes after a dive, it cannot beturned back on if the battery voltage is less than 1.6volts. Fresh ENERGIZER® brand alkaline batteriesmust be installed. See the “BATTERY CHANGES”section of this manual for detailed information on howto change batteries.
CAUTION!!! COMPLETE LOSS OF BATTERYPOWER MAY CAUSE ALL PREVIOUS DIVENITROGEN LOADING TO BE LOST. THIS WILLAFFECT NITROGEN CALCULATIONS ON NEAR-FUTURE DIVES. AFTER A BATTERY CHANGE,CONFIRM THAT NO-DECOMPRESSION TIMEDATA IS REASONABLE IN THE PRE-DIVEPREDICTION MODE. DIVE-OF-DAY NUMBERGOING TO ZERO IMMEDIATELY AFTERCHANGING BATTERIES IS ANOTHER INDICATIONOF A LOSS OF NITROGEN LOADING.
38
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Number
Product Introduction 1Side Touch Contacts 1Turning the Product On & Off 1Main Operating Modes 2
