Shearwater Perdix Instruction Manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
Powerful  Simple Reliable

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INTRODUCTION ...................................... 5
MODELS COVERED BY THIS MANUAL......................6
MODES COVERED BY THIS MANUAL.......................6
FEATURE LIST ..........................................7
INSTALLING STRAPS OR BUNGEE CORD ................ 8
BUNGEE CORD .........................................9
TURNING ON........................................ 10
COLOUR CODING ......................................12
THE TOP ROW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
THE CENTER ROW .....................................17
CENTER ROW CONFIGURATION .........................18
THE BOTTOM ROW ....................................20
INFO SCREENS .....................................23
COMPASS ..........................................29
AIR INTEGRATION ...................................32
SIMPLE EXAMPLE DIVE ..............................34
COMPLEX EXAMPLE DIVE ............................35
GAUGE MODE .......................................39
STOPWATCH ..........................................39
RESETTABLE AVERAGE DEPTH ..........................39
DECOMPRESSION AND GRADIENT FACTORS ...........40
MENU STRUCTURE ..................................43
OPEN CIRCUIT MENU STRUCTURE .......................43
CLOSED CIRCUIT (INT. PPO2) MENU STRUCTURE ......... 44
GAUGE MENU STRUCTURE ..............................45
MENU REFERENCE ..................................46
TURN OFF ............................................46
SWITCH SETPOINT ....................................47
SELECT GAS ..........................................48
RADIO STATION GASES ...........................49
SWITCH TO CC/BO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
DIVE SETUP...........................................52
LOW SETPOINT ..................................52
HIGH SETPOINT ..................................53
DEFINE GAS .....................................54
DIVE PLANNER ....................................57
NDL DISPLAY.....................................60
CONTENTS

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CONTENTS
BRIGHTNESS ..................................... 63
DIVE LOG MENU .......................................64
DISPLAY LOG..................................... 64
EDIT LOG NUMBER................................ 64
RESTORE MODE .................................. 65
DELETE ALL LOGS ................................ 65
SYSTEM SETUP ........................................66
MODE SETUP ..................................... 67
DECO SETUP ..................................... 69
OC GASES ....................................... 69
CC GASES ....................................... 69
AUTO SP (SETPOINT) SWITCH...................... 70
DISPLAY SETUP....................................71
COMPASS SETUP ..................................74
SYSTEM SETUP ................................... 76
ADVANCED CONFIGURATION 1 ......................77
ADVANCED CONFIGURATION 2..................... 78
ADVANCED CONFIGURATION 3..................... 79
STARTING BLUETOOTH ..............................80
FIRMWARE UPDATE .................................80
FIRWARE UPDATE USING SHEARWATER DESKTOP .........81
FIRWARE UPDATE USING SHEARWATER CLOUD MOBILE ....82
DIVE LOG DOWNLOAD ...............................83
DIVE LOG DOWNLOAD WITH SHEARWATER DESKTOP......83
DIVE LOG DOWNLOAD WITH SHEARWATER CLOUD MOBILE 85
CHANGING THE BATTERY ............................86
BATTERY TYPES .......................................87
BEHAVIOR ON BATTERY CHANGE........................88
ALERT DISPLAYS .................................... 91
TROUBLESHOOTING .................................95
STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE .......................96
SERVICING ....................................... 96
SPECIFICATIONS.................................. 97
FCC WARNING ................................... 98
INDUSTRY CANADA WARNING ..................... 98
CONTACT...........................................99

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This computer is capable of calculating deco stop requirements. These
calculations are at best a guess of the real physiological decompression
requirements. Dives requiring staged decompression are substantially more
risky than dives that stay well within no-stop limits.
Diving with rebreathers and/or diving mixed gases and/or performing
staged decompression dives and/or diving in overhead environments greatly
increases the risk of scuba diving.
YOU REALLY ARE RISKING YOUR LIFE WITH THIS ACTIVITY.
DANGER
This computer has bugs. Although we haven’t found them all yet, they are
there. It is certain that there are things that this computer does that either
we didn’t think about, or planned for it to do something different. Never risk
your life on only one source of information. Use a second computer or tables.
If you choose to make riskier dives, obtain the proper training and work up
to them slowly to gain experience.
This computer will fail. It is not whether it will fail but when it will fail. Do
not depend on it. Always have a plan on how to handle failures. Automatic
systems are no substitute for knowledge and training.
No technology will keep you alive. Knowledge, skill, and practiced procedures
are your best defense (Except for not doing the dive, of course).
WARNING

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The Shearwater Perdix is an advanced technical diving computer for open and
closed circuit divers.
Although we strive to make the Perdix easy enough to use without reading the
manual, please take some time to read this manual to get the best performance
from your new computer. Diving involves risk and education is your best tool
for managing this risk.
INTRODUCTION

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This manual provides operating instructions for the Perdix and Perdix AI.
Some features presented in this manual only apply to the Perdix AI. These
items are clearly identified with a (Perdix AI only) note.
Detailed descriptions of AI features can be found in the PERDIX AI
Operating Instructions manual.
MODELS COVERED BY THIS MANUAL
This manual provides operating instructions for the Perdix in the following
technical operating modes:
- Open Circuit Technical (OC Tec)
- Closed Circuit / Bail Out (CC/BO)
- Gauge
The Shearwater Perdix also has an Open Circuit Recreational mode (OC
Rec). For detailed instructions on OC Rec mode operation, please see the
Shearwater Perdix Recreational Nitrox Mode Manual.
MODES COVERED BY THIS MANUAL

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Depth, time, and deco info
display
Bühlmann decompression
model with gradient factors
conservatism
Optional VPM-B
decompression model
Imperial and metric displays
Available in Standalone (SA)
model only
A menu system that adapts
to diving status
Automatic turn off after
15 minutes on the surface
Depth sensor functions past
300msw, crush pressure
rating is 260msw (this is due
to the case)
Dive Planner
Any combination of oxygen,
nitrogen, and helium
(Air, Nitrox, Trimix)
Open and closed circuit,
switchable during a dive
5 CC and 5 OC gases
Gases can be changed and
added during a dive
CNS tracking
No lockout from violating
deco stops
Automatic PPO2 set-point
switching (configurable)
Two internal PPO2 set-points
for use with a rebreather
Flexible user replaceable
battery. Almost any
‘AA’ type
Tilt compensated digital
compass
1000 hour dive log memory
Log downloads and firmware
upgrades using Bluetooth
FEATURE LIST
PERDIX INTRODUCTION
https://youtu.be/j8Mxzl2u7Ow
To see a video introduction to the
Shearwater Perdix visit our YouTube page:

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INSTALLING STRAPS
OR BUNGEE CORD
The Perdix includes mounting points for either two elastic straps or two
bungee cords. Both types are included in the box.
Install the elastic straps as shown in the image below. The buckles feature
a locking mechanism to prevent them from inadvertently loosening. Press
the tab to allow the buckle to slide freely on the straps.
Strap width is 3/4” (19 mm).
Install the straps and buckles as shown
STRAPS

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BUNGEE CORD
Bungee cord can be installed in many ways based on your preference. Two
examples are shown. The holes are sized for 3/16” (4.8 mm) diameter cord.
A simple overhand knot (at left)
works well to secure the bungee
cord.
However, this knot can pull
through the mounting holes
under very high load.
We find that the knot shown on
the right works well.
This knot has the nice feature
of creating loops that stay wide
open while putting the Perdix on
your wrist.
1
2
3
1
2
34
Allergy Alert! The supplied elastic surgical tubing
contains LATEX.
Tip: Use two pieces of cord
When using the bungee cord, always create two independent loops so that a
single break does not result in a lost dive computer. If using a single continuous
piece of cord, isolate the sides with a knot.

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Auto-On
The Perdix will automatically turn-on when submerged underwater. This is based on pressure
increase and not on the presence of water.
Auto-On Details
The Perdix turns on automatically when the absolute pressure is greater than 1100 millibar
(mbar). For reference, normal sea level pressure is 1013 mbar and 1 mbar of pressure
corresponds to approximately 1 cm (0.4") of water.
So the Perdix will automatically turn-on when about 0.9 m (3 ft) underwater when at sea level.
If at higher altitude, then the Perdix auto-on will occur at a deeper depth. For example, when
at 2000 m (6500 ft) altitude the atmospheric pressure is only about 800 mbar. Therefore,
at this altitude the Perdix must be submerged underwater by 300 mbar to reach an absolute
pressure of 1100 mbar. This means the auto-on occurs at about 3 m (10 ft) underwater when
at an altitude of 2000 m.
TURNING ON
To turn the Perdix on, press both the MENU (left) and the SELECT (right) buttons at the same time.
This feature is supplied as a backup for when you forget to turn on your Perdix.
Shearwater recommends turning on manually before each dive to confirm proper
operation and to double check battery status and setup.
DO NOT RELY ON THE AUTO-ON FEATURE

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SELECT (right)
button
MENU
(left) button
BUTTONS
Two piezo-electric buttons are used to change settings and view menus.
Don’t worry about remembering all the button rules below.
Button hints make using the Perdix easy.
MENU button (Left)
From main screen >Brings up the menu
In a menu >Moves to the next menu item
Editing a setting >Changes the setting’s value
SELECT button (Right)
From main screen >Steps through information screens
In a menu >Performs command or starts editing
Editing a setting >Saves the setting’s value
BOTH BUTTONS
When Perdix is off pressing MENU and SELECT at the same time will turn the
Perdix on. No other operation requires pressing both buttons at the same time.
SURFACE
hr
mn
15
Save
Brightness Med
Change
2
0
DEPTH
TIME
1.2
GasPO2
MENU hint SELECT hint
When in a menu, button hints label each button.
For example, the hints to the right tell us:
Use MENU to change the brightness value.
Use SELECT to save the current value.
BUTTON HINTS
Except for turning the Perdix on, all operations are
simple single button presses.

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TIME
TTS
OC 15/40 0 56
O2/HE
NDL
1.15
GasPO2
220 22 130 1
DEPTH
TIME
STOP
Sample warning -
a better gas is available
Sample critical alert -
continuing to breathe this
gas could be fatal
Flashes
THE MAIN SCREEN
The warning or critical alert states can be determined without the use of color.
COLOR BLIND USERS
The main screen shows the most important information needed for technical
diving.
}
}
}
Top Row
Depth, Time &
Deco Stops
Centre Row
PPO2
Bottom Row
Mode, Gas &
Deco Info
COLOUR CODING
Colour coding of text draws attention
to problems or unsafe situations.
text indicates normal
conditions.
YELLOW is used for warnings that are
not immediately dangerous but should
be addressed.
FLASHING RED is used for critical
alerts that could be life threatening if
not immediately addressed.
Warnings display on a solid inverted
background. Warning - doesn't flash.
Critical alerts flash between inverted and
normal text. Critical alert - flashes.
Alert
Warning
Alert
Alert
Warning
Alert
Flashes

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TIME
220 22 130 1
DEPTH
TIME
STOP
in feet in meters
30 fpm / 9 mpm
50 fpm / 15 mpm
60+ fpm / 15+ mpm
TIME
220 22 130 1
DEPTH
TIME
STOP
69.7
DEPTH
The top row shows depth and time information
THE TOP ROW
Ascent Bar Graph
Shows how fast you are currently ascending.
Imperial: 1 arrow per 10 feet per minute (fpm) of ascent rate.
Metric: 1 arrow per 3 meters per minute (mpm) of ascent rate.
Imperial: In feet
(no decimal places).
Metric: In meters (displays with 1
decimal place up to 99.9m)
Depth
Note: If the depth shows a Flashing Red zero or shows at depth at the surface,
then the depth sensor needs service.
Note: Deco calculations assume 33fpm (10mpm) ascent rate.
when 1 to 3 arrows
Yellow when 4 to 5 arrows
Flashes Red when 6 arrows plus

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in minutes seconds bar
at about 40s
22
TIME
22
TIME
Change battery
low battery
OK
Dive Time
The length of the current dive in minutes.
The seconds display as a bar drawn below the word “Time.” It
takes 15 seconds to underline each character in the word. Does not
display the seconds bar when not diving.
Battery Icon
The default behavior is that the battery icon is shown on the
surface but disappears when diving. If low or critical then the
battery icon will appear while diving.
Yellow when the battery needs to be changed.
Red when the battery must be replaced immediately.

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Stop at 90ft for 2 min
Alert - depth is shallower
than the 90ft stop depth
TIME
90 2
STOP
TIME
84 62 90 2
DEPTH
TIME
STOP
Stop Depth and Time
Stop – The next decompression stop depth in the current units (feet or meters).
This is the shallowest depth to which you can ascend.
Time – The time in minutes to hold the stop.
By default the Perdix uses a 10ft (3m) last stop depth. At this
setting, you may perform the last stop at 20ft (6m) with no
penalty. The only difference is that the predicted time-to-surface
will be shorter than the actual TTS since off-gasing is occurring
slower than expected.
There is also an option to set the last stop to 20ft (6m) if you wish.
Will Flash Red if you ascend shallower than the current stop.

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SURFACE
TTS
OC 21/00 0 0
O2/HE
NDL
.21
GasPO2
0
DEPTH
TIME
hm
15
2
Sample surface main screen
showing the surface interval
Surface Interval
When on the surface, the STOP DEPTH and TIME are replaced
by a surface interval display.
Shows the hours and minutes since the end of your last dive.
Above 4 days, the surface interval is displayed in days.
The surface interval is reset when the decompression tissues
are cleared. See the section on Tissues Cleared.

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THE CENTER ROW
The center row displays PPO2. PPO2 units are absolute atmospheres
(1ata = 1013mbar).
The layout varies depending on the current mode
Mode Menu Setup Center Row Display
Open Circuit
Closed
Circuit with
Internal PPO2
Setpoints
Salinity Fresh
Next
Edit
Mode OC
Mode Setup
Salinity Fresh
PPO2 Mode Int.
Low SP 0.7
High SP 1.3
Next
Edit
Mode OC/CC
Mode Setup
1.15
GasPO2
1.3
CC Internal Setpoint
OC Gas
In CC mode, PPO2 displays in Flashing Red when less than 0.40 or greater than 1.6.
In OC mode, PPO2 displays in Flashing Red when less than 0.19 or greater than 1.65.
The above limits can be adjusted in the Adv. Config 2 menu.

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CENTER ROW CONFIGURATION
In most modes, the center row displays can be customized.
The center position can only display PPO2. In OC only mode, the PPO2 display
can optionally be turned off.
Configure the center row in the System Setup Center Row Menu.
The left and right positions can be set to display the following:
STOP
TTS
OC 15/40
O2/HE
NDL
DEPTH
TIME
MAX
ft
GasPO2
200
1.15
0
225
TIME
56
22 130 1
Left Max Depth
Center Gas PPO2
Right None
Next
Edit
Centre Row
Custom
Display
Watch the video:
Configurable Center Row
The centre row on the Perdix is configured the same way as on a Shearwater Petrel. See
below for a video walkthrough of how to configure the center row.

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Option Description
None Blank (default value).
Max Depth The maximum depth of the current or previous dive.
Avg Depth The average depth of the current or previous dive.
@+5 The TTS if remaining at current depth for 5 more minutes.
Δ+5 The diffrence between current TTS and @+5.
Ceil The current decompression ceiling (not rounded to the stop interval).
GF99 The Bühlmann ZHL-16C super-saturation percent gradient.
CNS Central Nervous System (CNS) toxicity clock as a percentage.
Clock The time-of-day in 24hr or am/pm format (same as system setting). Does
not show ”am” or “pm”.
DET Dive End Time. The time-of-day when the dive will end (i.e. Clock plus
TTS). In 24hr or am/pm format (same as system setting). Does not show
“am” or “pm”.
Timer Timer (stopwatch) display.
Compass A miniature compass. Works like a regular compass with the red end of
the needle always points to North.
TEMP The current temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
AI T1 The pressure transmitted by transmitter T1. (Perdix AI only)
AI T2 The pressure transmitted by transmitter T2. (Perdix AI only)
AI GTR The gas time remaining for selected transmitter (Perdix AI only)
AI SAC The surface Air consumption for the selected transmitter (Perdix AI only)
AI Mini The pressure transmitted by transmitters T1 and T2 in a compact format.
(Perdix AI only)
Dil PPO2 The diluent PPO2 at the current depth (Only available when CC is
available).
FiO2 The fraction of inspired O2 as a percentage (Only available when CC or
SC is available).
Center Row Options

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TTS
OC 15/40 0 56
O2/HE
NDL
21% O2
79% N2
10% O2
50% He
40% N2
Air Tx A better deco
gas available
21/00
O2/HE
10/50
O2/HE
21/00
O2/HE
THE BOTTOM ROW
The bottom row displays the current mode, gas and
decompression information.
Circuit Mode
The current breathing configuration. One of:
Current Gas (O2/He)
The current
gas shown as a
percentage of
Oxygen and Helium.
The remainder of the
gas is assumed to be
Nitrogen.
In closed circuit
mode, this gas is
the diluent. In open
circuit mode this is
the breathing gas.
Displays in Yellow
when there is better
deco gas available
than the current gas.
{ {
CC
OC
SC
BO
OC = Open circuit
CC = Closed circuit
SC = Semi-closed circuit
BO = Bailout
(when CC available,
displays in Yellow to
indicate bailout condition)