Tusa element II User manual

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LIMITED TWO-YEAR WARRANTY
For details, refer to the Product Warranty Registration Card provided.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This manual is copyrighted, all rights are reserved. It may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, repro-
duced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable form without prior consent in writing from
Tabata USA, Inc. and Tabata Corp. Ltd. / 2002 Design.
Element II Owner's Manual, Doc. No. 12-2980
©2002 Design, 2009
San Leandro, CA USA 94577
TRADEMARK NOTICE
TUSA, the TUSA logo, Element II, and the Element II logo, are all registered and unregistered trademarks of Tabata USA
and Tabata Corp. Ltd. All rights are reserved.
PATENT NOTICE
U.S. Patents have been issued, or applied for, to protect the following design features:
Data Sensing and Processing Device (U.S. Patent no. 4,882,678), Ascent Rate Indicator (U.S. Patent no. 5,156,055).
CE
The CE mark is used to mark conformity with the European Union EMC directive 89/336/EEC. TUSA dive instruments
fulfill the required EU directives.
EN 13319 "Diving accessories - Depth gauges and combined depth and time measuring devices - Functional and
safety requirements, test methods" is a European diving depth gauge standard. The Element II is designed to comply
with this standard.
DECOMPRESSION MODEL
The program within the Element II simulates the absorption of nitrogen into the body by using a mathematical model.
This model is merely a way to apply a limited set of data to a large range of experiences. The Element II dive computer
model is based upon the latest research and experiments in decompression theory. Still, using the Element II, just
as using the Navy (or other) No Decompression Tables, is no guarantee of avoiding decompression
sickness, i.e. “the bends.” Every diver’s physiology is different, and can even vary from day to day. No machine
can predict how your body will react to a particular dive profile.

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CONTENTS
WARRANTY, NOTICES, DECOMPRESSION MODEL ....................................................................................................2
OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
FULL LCD .................................................................................................................................................................... 8
CONTROL BUTTONS ................................................................................................................................................. 9
OPERATING MODES ................................................................................................................................................ 10
AUDIBLE ALARM ...................................................................................................................................................... 10
BACKLIGHT .............................................................................................................................................................. 12
POWER SUPPLY ...................................................................................................................................................... 13
PC INTERFACE ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
FEATURES AND DISPLAYS .......................................................................................................................................... 15
BAR GRAPHS ........................................................................................................................................................... 16
ALPHA / NUMERIC DISPLAYS ................................................................................................................................ 18
SURFACE MODES ......................................................................................................................................................... 21
OPERATING MODES AND SURFACE MODE ......................................................................................................... 22
NORM SURF MAIN .............................................................................................................................................. 23
NORM SURFALT ................................................................................................................................................. 24
NORM/GAUGE SET MODES .................................................................................................................................... 24
Setting FO2 for Nitrox Dives................................................................................................................................. 25
SET F GROUP (FO2) ................................................................................................................................................ 26
Set FO2 GAS 1..................................................................................................................................................... 27
Set FO2 GAS 2..................................................................................................................................................... 28
Set FO2 50% Default ........................................................................................................................................... 29

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CONTENTS (continued)
SET A GROUP (NORM/GAUG ALARMS) ................................................................................................................ 29
Set Audible Alarm ................................................................................................................................................. 29
Set Depth Alarm ................................................................................................................................................... 30
Set EDT (Elapsed Dive Time) Alarm ................................................................................................................... 31
Set NiBG (Tissue Loading Bar Graph)Alarm....................................................................................................... 32
Set DTR (Dive Time Remaining) Alarm................................................................................................................ 32
Set PO2 Alarm ...................................................................................................................................................... 33
SET U GROUP (UTILITIES) ...................................................................................................................................... 34
Set Wet Activation ................................................................................................................................................ 34
Set Units of Measure ............................................................................................................................................ 35
Set Deep Stop ...................................................................................................................................................... 35
Set Safety Stop ..................................................................................................................................................... 36
Set Conservative Factor ....................................................................................................................................... 36
Set Backlight Duration .......................................................................................................................................... 37
Set Sampling Rate................................................................................................................................................ 38
SET T GROUP (TIME/DATE) .................................................................................................................................... 38
Set Date Format ................................................................................................................................................... 39
Set Time Format ................................................................................................................................................... 39
Set Time................................................................................................................................................................ 40
Set Date ................................................................................................................................................................ 40
SERIAL NUMBER ..................................................................................................................................................... 42
NORM PLAN MODE .................................................................................................................................................. 43
FLY MODE ................................................................................................................................................................. 45
DESAT MODE ............................................................................................................................................................ 46
NORM/GAUG LOG MODE ........................................................................................................................................ 47
HISTORY MODE ........................................................................................................................................................ 50

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CONTENTS (continued)
NORM DIVE MODES ...................................................................................................................................................... 53
NO DECO DIVE TIME REMAINING (NDC) .............................................................................................................. 54
OXYGEN ACCUMULATION ...................................................................................................................................... 55
ASCENT RATE INDICATOR (ASC) .......................................................................................................................... 55
NORM NO DECO DIVE MODE ................................................................................................................................. 56
No Deco Deep Stop .............................................................................................................................................. 58
No Deco Safety Stop ............................................................................................................................................ 60
CAUTIONARY MODES ................................................................................................................................................... 61
DECOMPRESSION ................................................................................................................................................... 62
CONDITIONAL VIOLATION ...................................................................................................................................... 64
DELAYED VIOLATION 1 ........................................................................................................................................... 65
DELAYED VIOLATION 2 ........................................................................................................................................... 66
DELAYED VIOLATION 3 ........................................................................................................................................... 67
VIOLATION GAUGE MODE ...................................................................................................................................... 68
HIGH PO2 .................................................................................................................................................................. 70
HIGH O2 .................................................................................................................................................................... 71
SWITCHING GAS MIXES ............................................................................................................................................... 73
NORM POST DIVE MODES ........................................................................................................................................... 77
FIRST 10 MINUTES ON SURFACE .......................................................................................................................... 78
AFTER 10 MINUTES ON SURFACE ........................................................................................................................ 79
UPLOADING SETTINGS AND DOWNLOADING DATA .......................................................................................... 80
GAUGE OPERATING MODE ......................................................................................................................................... 81
DIGITAL GAUGE MODE ........................................................................................................................................... 82

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CONTENTS (continued)
FREE DIVE OPERATING MODE ................................................................................................................................... 85
FREE COUNTDOWN TIMER (CDT) ......................................................................................................................... 88
FREE ELAPSED DIVE TIME (EDT) ALARM ............................................................................................................ 90
FREE DEPTH ALARMS (DAs) .................................................................................................................................. 91
FREE DIVE MAIN AND ALTs .................................................................................................................................... 93
FREE DIVE ALARMS ................................................................................................................................................ 94
GENERAL ....................................................................................................................................................................... 99
CARE AND CLEANING ........................................................................................................................................... 100
INSPECTIONS AND SERVICE ............................................................................................................................... 100
MODULE REMOVAL FROM BOOT ........................................................................................................................ 101
BATTERY REPLACEMENT .................................................................................................................................... 101
RETURNING MODULE TO BOOT.......................................................................................................................... 105
ALTITUDE SENSING AND ADJUSTMENT ............................................................................................................ 106
CHARTS OF NO DECOMPRESSION LIMITS AT ALTITUDE................................................................................ 107
CHART OF OXYGEN EXPOSURE LIMITS ............................................................................................................ 108
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................... 109
TUSA INTERNATIONAL .......................................................................................................................................... 114
INSPECTION/ SERVICE RECORD ......................................................................................................................... 115

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OVERVIEW

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FULL LCD
Components:
a. Icon - Log Mode
b. NiBG (Nitrogen Bar Graph)
c. Icon - operating mode
Surface Interval
Plan NDC Time
No Deco Time Remaining
Deco Total Ascent Time
d. O2BG (O2 Bar Graph)
e. Icon - Stop Time Required
Elapsed Dive Time
f. Select (S) Button
g. Icon - Time of Day
h. Icon - Depth/Max Depth
i. ASC (Ascent Rate Indicator)
j. Advance (A) Button
k. Icon - Descend Arrow
Icon - Stop Bar
Icon - Ascend Arrow
l. Icon - Dive #
m. Mode (M) Button
n. Icon - Gas # (mix)
o. Icon - Low Battery
p. Icon - Max/Depth
q. Icon - Degrees
f
j
q
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l
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n
m
i
d
k
a
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to TUSA and thank you for choosing the Element II !
It is extremely important that you read this Owner's Manual in sequence and understand it
completely before attempting to use the Element II as a dive computer.
Remember that technology is no substitute for common sense, and a dive computer only
provides the person using it with data, not the knowledge to use it.
CONTROL BUTTONS
The Element II features three Control Buttons that allow you to select mode options and
access specific information. They are also used to enter Settings, activate the Backlight,
and acknowledge the Audible Alarm.
Throughout this manual they will be referred to as the M, A, and S buttons.
• Front/Left - Mode (M) button
• Front/Right - Advance (A) button
• Right/Side - Select (S) button
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S
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Fig. 2 - FREE MODE
Fig. 1B - GAUG MODE
Fig. 1A - NORM MODE
OPERATING MODES
The Element II features 3 Operating Modes, NORM (Fig. 1A)
which is used for Air and Nitrox SCUBA dives, GAUG (Fig. 1B)
used for SCUBA dives in which Nitrogen-Oxygen calculations
are not performed, and FREE (Fig. 2) used for activities that do
not use SCUBA.
> NORM Mode allows access to Fly, Desat, Log, and History
Modes, as well as entering settings.
> GAUG Mode is similar without access to Desat Mode.
> FREE Mode only allows access to specific Free Modes.
AUDIBLE ALARM
Most warning situations that activate the Audible Alarm while
operating in NORM or GAUG Mode cause the Element II to emit
1 beep per second for 10 seconds, or until the situation is
corrected, or it is acknowledged by momentarily pressing and
releasing the S button (less than 2 seconds).
After being acknowledged and the situation corrected, the Alarm
will sound again upon reentry into the warning situation, or entry
into another type of warning situation.
FREE Dive Mode has its own set of Alarms which emit 3 short
beeps either 1 or 3 times which cannot be acknowledged or set
Off.

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Situations that will activate the NORM/GAUG 10 second Alarm include -
• Descent deeper than the Max Depth Set Point selected.
• Dive Time Remaining at the Set Point selected.
• Elapsed Dive Time at the Set Point selected.
• High PO2 of 1.60 ATA or the Set Point selected.
• High O2 of 300 OTU (single or daily exposure).
• Nitrogen Bar Graph at the segment Set Point selected.
• NORM/GAUG Ascent Rate exceeds 60 FPM (18 MPM) when deeper than 60 FT (18
M), or 30 FPM (9 MPM) at 60 FT (18 M) and shallower.
• Entry into Decompression Mode (Deco).
• Conditional Violation (above a required Deco Stop Depth for less than 5 minutes).
• Delayed Violation (above a required Deco Stop Depth for more than 5 minutes).
• Delayed Violation (a Deco Stop Depth greater than 60 FT/18 M is required).
• Delayed Violation (the Maximum Operating Depth of 330 FT/100 M in NORM, or
399 FT/120 M in GAUG, is exceeded).
• A Gas Switch would expose the diver to PO2 greater than 1.60 ATA.
A single short beep (which cannot be disabled) is emitted for the following -
• Upon completion of a battery change.
• Change from Delayed to Full Violation 5 minutes after the dive.
3 short beeps (which cannot be disabled) are emitted for the following -
• NORM/GAUG Ascent Rate is 51 to 60 FPM (15.1 to 18 MPM) when deeper than
60 FT (18 M), or 26 to 30 FPM (7.5 to 9 MPM) at 60 FT (18 M) and shallower.
• FREE Dive Elapsed Dive Time Alarm (3 beeps every 30 seconds if set On).
• FREE Dive Depth Alarms 1/2/3 (set sequentially deeper) - each 3 beeps 3 times.

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• FREE Dive NiBG Alarm (Caution zone, 4 segments) - 3 beeps 3 times.
• Entry into Deco during a FREE Dive (Permanent Violation) - 3 beeps 3 times.
• Free Dive Mode Countdown Timer reaches 0:00 - each 3 beeps 3 times.
During the following NORM Dive situations, the 10 second continuous tone will be fol-
lowed by a 5 second steady beep that will not turn off when acknowledged -
• Ascending above a required Decompression Stop Depth for more than 5 minutes
(referred to as a Delayed Violation).
• Decompression requires a Stop Depth of 70 FT/21 M or deeper.
• Being on the Surface for 5 minutes after a Conditional Violation (Permanent Violation).
BACKLIGHT
> To activate the Backlight, while on the surface and during dives >> depress the S
button for 2 seconds.
• The Backlight will illuminate the display for button depression time plus the Duration
time set 0, 5, or 10 seconds.
(*The Backlight will turn Off if the button is held depressed for more than 10 seconds.)
• Press the button again to activate as desired.
NOTE: Extensive use of the Backlight reduces estimated Battery life.
Also, the Backlight does not operate during a Low Battery Condition
or when the Element II is connected to a PC.

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Fig. 4 - LOW BATTERY
ALARM (during dive)
Fig. 3 - LOW BATTERY
a
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POWER SUPPLY
The Element II uses (1) 3 volt CR2450 Lithium Battery which
should maintain operation for 1 year or 300 dive hours if 2
dives are conducted during each dive period. The Element II
checks battery voltage every 2 minutes while on the surface.
• If voltage of the Element II decreases to the Warning level
(2.75 volts), the Battery icon will appear on Surface display
screens (Fig. 3a) as an indication that the Battery should be
changed prior to commencing a series of dives.
• If voltage decreases to the Alarm level (2.50 volts), the
Battery icon and graphic BAT will flash for 5 seconds then
the unit will shut Off.
• Low Battery conditions are not displayed during dives. If a
Low Battery condition was not displayed prior to starting a
Dive, and a Low Battery Condition occurs during the dive,
there will be sufficient Battery power remaining to maintain
operation for the remainder of that dive.
• Upon surfacing, the Low Battery icon will be displayed. If
voltage was at the Alarm level (2.50 volts), the graphics
CHG and BAT will alternate for 5 seconds (Fig. 4a)
followed by shut down of the unit until the Battery is
changed.

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PC INTERFACE
Interface with a PC (for data Upload and Download) is accom-
plished by connecting the Element II to a PC USB Port using the
USB Interface Cable avaiable as an optional accessory.
The PC Interface program, together with a USB Driver, is
downloadable from tusa.com. The Help portion serves as the
user manual and can be printed for personal use. The Settings
Upload portion is used to check the Element II's existing Settings
and for entering Time, Alarm, and other settings into the Element
II. The Download portion is used to retrieve Data that was
sampled during dives and stored in the Element II's memory.
The Element II checks for an External Access request once every
second while in Surface Mode. Checks are not made if the unit
is wet. For a connection to be made, the Interface Cable is
clipped onto the Element II's Data Port and plugged into a PC
USB Port. To establish the connection, the PC program must be
running.
When the connection is made, a PC screen appears on the
Element II displaying the graphic PC and a countdown for 2
minutes or until completion of the interface operation. Then
operation reverts to the Surface Main screen.
Fig. 5 - PC
(during upload/download)

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FEATURES AND DISPLAYS

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BAR GRAPHS
The Element II features 3 Bar Graphs >> NiBG, O2BG, and
ASC.
NiBG (Nitrogen Loading Bar Graph)
The NiBG (Fig. 6a) represents tissue loading of nitrogen, show-
ing your relative no decompression or decompression status. As
your depth and elapsed dive time increase, segments will add to
the NiBG, and as you ascend to shallower depths, the segments
will recede, indicating that additional no decompression time is
allowed for multilevel diving.
The NiBG monitors 12 different nitrogen compartments simulta-
neously and displays the one that is in control of your dive. It is
divided into a No Decompression (normal) zone, a Caution
zone (also No Deco), and a Decompression (danger) zone.
While you cannot provide a guarantee against the occurrence of
decompression sickness, you may choose your own personal
zone of caution based upon age, physique, excessive weight,
etc., to reduce the statistical risk.
NOTE: Displays associated with oxygen and the
O2BG will only appear if FO2 has been set at a
value other than 'Air' (e.g., a numerical value).
Fig. 6 - NiBG
a

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Oxygen Bar Graph (O2BG)
The O2BG (Fig. 7a) represents oxygen accumulation, showing
the maximum of either per dive accumulated oxygen, or 24 hour
period accumulated oxygen.
As your oxygen exposure (accumulation) increases during the
dive, segments will add to the O2BG, and as saturation de-
creases, it will begin to recede, indicating that additional expo-
sure is allowed for that dive and 24 hour period.
Ascent Rate Indicator (ASC)
The ASC (Fig. 7b) provides a visual representation of ascent
speed (i.e., an ascent speedometer).
The segments of the ASC represent two sets of speeds which
change at a reference Depth of 60 FT (18 M). Refer to the chart
for segment values.
WARNING: At depths greater than 60 FT (18 M),
ascent rates should not exceed 60 feet per
minute (18 meters per minute). At depths of 60
FT (18 M) and shallower, ascent rates should not
exceed 30 feet per minute (9 meters per
minute).
ASC values
Deeper than 60 FT (18 M)
Segments Ascent Rate =
Displayed FPM MPM
0 0 - 20 0 - 6
1 21-50 6.5-15
2 51-60 15.5-18
3 >60 >18
60 FT (18 M) & Shallower
Segments Ascent Rate =
Displayed FPM MPM
0 0 - 10 0 - 3
1 11-25 3.5-7.5
2 26-30 8-9
3 >30 >9
Fig. 7 - O2BG & ASC
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ALPHA/NUMERIC DISPLAYS
Each numeric and graphic display represents a
unique piece of information. It is imperative that you
understand the formats, ranges, and values of the
information represented to avoid any possible mis-
understanding that could result in error.
Depth
Current Depth is displayed on the Main Dive screens (Fig. 8a)
with the FT (or M) icon from 0 to 330 FT (99.9 M) in NORM/
FREE, 399 FT (120 M) in GAUG, in increments of 1 FT (.1 M).
Stop Depths (Deep, Safety, and Deco) are also displayed on the
Main screens (Fig. 8b) when applicable.
Max Depth is displayed on Alternate screens (Fig. 9a) with the
MAX and FT (or M) icons from 0 to 330 FT (99.9 M) in NORM/
FREE, 399 FT (120 M) in GAUG, in increments of 1 FT (.1 M).
Time and Date
Most Time displays like Time of Day (Fig. 9b) are shown in
hour:minute format (i.e., 9:46 represents 9 hours and 46 min-
utes, not 946 minutes!). The colon that separates hr:min
(min;sec) blinks once per second when the display is indicating
real time (e.g., Time of Day, Elapsed Dive Time).
Fig. 9 - DIVE ALTERNATE
a
Fig. 8 - DIVE MAIN
b
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When Times are calculated projections such as NDC and
Elapsed Dive Time (Fig. 10a/b), the colon is solid (non blinking).
FREE Dive Mode displays Times in minute:second format.
Date is only displayed in Log Mode.
Temperature
Temperature can be viewed by accessing an Alternate Display
while on the surface and during dives (Fig. 11a).
Altitude
When above the sea level range, which extends up to 3,000
feet (915 meters) elevation, Altitude can be viewed on Surface
Alternate screens as EL (Elevation Level) from 2 up to 7 (Fig.
11b).
EL2 = 3,001 to 5,000 feet (916 to 1,525 meters)
EL3 = 5,001 to 7,000 feet (1,526 to 2,135 meters)
EL4 = 7,001 to 9,000 feet (2,136 to 2,745 meters)
EL5 = 9,001 to 11,000 feet (2,746 to 3,355 meters)
EL6 = 11,001 to 13,000 feet (3,356 to 3,965 meters)
EL7 = 13,001 to 14,000 feet (3,966 to 4,270 meters)
Fig. 11 - ELEV & TEMP
a
a
Fig. 10 - TIMES (DIVE)
b
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• It should not be considered that the capabilities built into the Element II provide
an implied approval or consent from TUSA for individuals to exceed the defined
limits for recreational diving, as agreed on by all internationally recognized
training agencies.
• The oxygen features of the Element II are intended for use by recreational divers
trained for Nitrox diving by an instructor certified by a recognized training
agency to teach diving with Nitrox.
• Conducting repetitive dives using enriched nitrogen-oxygen mixtures can lead
to oxygen buildup, reducing oxygen tolerance while increasing the risk of
pulmonary oxygen toxicity.
• The Element II provides information based upon a personal dive profile, and
therefore must not be shared between divers. It is impossible for two divers to
stay precisely together underwater, and your computer's dive profile tracking
of previous dives will be pertinent to you only. Nitrogen and oxygen loading of
a second user may be significantly different and swapping dive computers
could lead to inaccurate and dangerous predictions of decompression and
oxygen accumulation status.
WARNINGS AND SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS