Tusa Element User manual

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LIMITED WARRANTY
For details, refer to the Product Warranty Registration information 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 User's Manual, Doc. No. 12-2917
© 2002 Design, 2008
San Leandro, CA USA 94577
TRADEMARK NOTICE
TUSA, the TUSA logo, Element, and the Element logo are all registered and unregistered trademarks of Tabata USA,
Inc. and Tabata Corp. Ltd. All rights are reserved.
PATENT NOTICE
U.S. Patents have been issued to protect the following design features:
Dive Time Remaining (U.S. Patent no. 4,586,136), Data Sensing and Processing Device (U.S. Patent no. 4,882,678),
and Variable 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 is designed to comply
with this standard.
DECOMPRESSION MODEL
The program within the Element 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 dive computer model
is based upon the latest research and experiments in decompression theory. Still, using the Element, 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
NOTICES ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2
FULL LCD .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
FEATURES AND DISPLAYS............................................................................................. 7
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
CONTROL BUTTON ................................................................................................................................................... 8
BAR GRAPHS ............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Nitrogen Loading Bar Graph (NiBG) ...................................................................................................................... 9
Oxygen Bar Graph (O2BG) .................................................................................................................................. 10
Ascent Rate Indicator (ASC) ................................................................................................................................ 10
ALPHA / NUMERIC DISPLAYS................................................................................................................................. 11
Depth Displays...................................................................................................................................................... 11
Time Displays ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
Temperature Display............................................................................................................................................. 12
POWER SUPPLY ...................................................................................................................................................... 13
Battery Indicator ................................................................................................................................................... 13
Low Battery Condition .......................................................................................................................................... 13
FO2 MODE ................................................................................................................................................................ 15
FO2 50% Default .................................................................................................................................................. 16
ACTIVATIONAND SETUP .............................................................................................. 17
ACTIVATION .............................................................................................................................................................. 18
Wet Contact Activation ......................................................................................................................................... 19
SURFACE SEQUENCE ............................................................................................................................................. 19
SURFACE MODE ...................................................................................................................................................... 19

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CONTENTS (continued)
SET MODE ................................................................................................................................................................ 20
TO SET FO2 ......................................................................................................................................................... 20
TO SET WET ACTIVATION ................................................................................................................................. 21
TO SET UNITS OF MEASURE ............................................................................................................................ 22
TO SET HOUR FORMAT ..................................................................................................................................... 23
TO SET TIME ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
TO SET PO2 ALARM ........................................................................................................................................... 25
TO SET FO2 50% DEFAULT ............................................................................................................................... 26
SUMMARY OF PRE DIVE SETUP ............................................................................................................................ 27
PLANAND DIVE MODES ............................................................................................... 29
PRE DIVE PLANNER ................................................................................................................................................ 30
NIBG (NITROGEN LOADING BAR GRAPH) ........................................................................................................... 32
O2BG (OXYGEN ACCUMULATION BAR GRAPH) ................................................................................................. 32
ASC (ASCENT RATE INDICATOR) .......................................................................................................................... 32
CONTROL OF DISPLAYS ......................................................................................................................................... 33
NO DECOMPRESSION DIVE MODE ....................................................................................................................... 33
No Deco Dive Deep Stop ..................................................................................................................................... 34
No Deco Dive Safety Stop .................................................................................................................................... 36
DECOMPRESSION DIVE MODE .............................................................................................................................. 37
CONDITIONAL VIOLATION MODE .......................................................................................................................... 38
DELAYED VIOLATION MODE # 1 ............................................................................................................................ 39
DELAYED VIOLATION MODE # 2 ............................................................................................................................ 39
DELAYED VIOLATION MODE # 3 ............................................................................................................................ 40
VIOLATION GAUGE MODE ...................................................................................................................................... 40
HIGH PO2 .................................................................................................................................................................. 42
HIGH OXYGEN ACCUMULATION ............................................................................................................................ 42

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CONTENTS (continued)
POST DIVE MODES ....................................................................................................... 45
POST DIVE SURFACE MODE .................................................................................................................................. 46
TRANSITION PERIOD .............................................................................................................................................. 46
AFTER THE TRANSITION PERIOD (THE FIRST 2 HOURS) .................................................................................. 47
Time to Fly/Desaturate ......................................................................................................................................... 47
Pre Dive Planner .................................................................................................................................................. 48
Log Mode .............................................................................................................................................................. 48
AFTER THE FIRST 2 HOURS .................................................................................................................................. 50
WET CONTACTS ....................................................................................................................................................... 51
RESET (CLEAR) FEATURE ...................................................................................................................................... 51
GENERAL ....................................................................................................................... 53
CARE AND CLEANING ............................................................................................................................................. 54
INSPECTIONS AND SERVICE ................................................................................................................................. 54
MODULE REMOVAL FROM BOOT .......................................................................................................................... 55
BATTERY REPLACEMENT ...................................................................................................................................... 55
RETURNING THE MODULE TO BOOT ................................................................................................................... 59
ALTITUDE COMPENSATION.................................................................................................................................... 60
SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................................................... 61
TUSA INTERNATIONAL ............................................................................................................................................ 66
SERVICE RECORD ................................................................................................................................................... 67
Pay special attention to items marked
with this Warning symbol.

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LCD DISPLAY
Components:
a. Icon - DS (Deep Stop)
Icon - Descend Arrow
Icon - Stop Bar
Icon - Ascend Arrow
b. O2 Bar Graph
c. Icons - Operating Modes
d. Icons - Times
e. Icons - Am/Pm
f. Icons - Depths
g. ASC - Ascent Rate Indicator
h. Icon - Dive No.
i. Icon - Low Battery
i. O2 Bar Graph
j. Icons - Max Depth
k. Nitrogen Bar Graph
l. Icon - Log Mode
m. Icon - Temperature
c
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FEATURES and DISPLAYS
NOTE: The Element will enter Dive Mode upon descent to 5 FT (1.5 M) if
first activated by push button or if Wet Activation was previously set ON.

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Be a - RESPONSIBLE DIVER at all times.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to TUSA and thank you for choosing the Element !
It is extremely important that you read this manual in sequence
and understand it completely before attempting to use the
Element.
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.

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CONTROL BUTTON
The Control Button allows you to select display options and access specific information
when you want to see it. It is also used to enter settings.
BARGRAPHS
Nitrogen Loading Bar Graph (NiBG)
The NiBG (Fig. 1a) represents tissue loading of nitrogen, showing your relative no decom-
pression or decompression status. As your depth and elapsed dive time increase, seg-
ments 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 Nitrogen Loading Bar Graph monitors 12 different nitrogen compartments simulta-
neously and displays the one that is in control of your dive. It is divided into a No Decom-
pression (normal) zone, a Caution zone (also No Decompression), 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 O2
Bar Graph will only appear if FO2 has been set at a
value other than 'Air' (e.g., a numerical value).
Fig. 1 - NiBG
a

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Oxygen Accumulation Bar Graph (O2BG)
The O2BG (Fig. 2a) 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 loading de-
creases, it will begin to recede, indicating that additional
exposure is allowed for that dive and 24 hour period.
Ascent Rate Indicator (ASC)
The ASC (Fig. 2b) 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).
Fig. 2 - O2BG and ASC
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
a
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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 Displays
During a dive, the Current Depth display (Fig. 3Aa), indicates
depths from 0 to 330 FT (99.9 M) in 1 FT (0.1 M) increments.
The Maximum Depth reached during that dive is displayed
on an Alternate screen by pressing the button (Fig. 3Ba).
During a No Deco Dive Deep and Safety Stops and while in
Decompression, the required Stop Depth is displayed on the
Main (Fig. 4a).
Fig. 4 - STOP DEPTH
a
a
Fig. 3A - CURRENT DEPTH
a
Fig. 3B - MAX DEPTH

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Time Displays
Time displays are shown in hour:minute format (i.e., 1:16
represents 1 hour and 16 minutes, not 116 minutes). The colon
that separates hours and minutes blinks once per second when
the display is indicating real time (e.g., Elapsed Dive Time), and
is solid (not blinking) when times are calculated projections (e.g.,
Time to Fly).
The Main Time display is located at the top of the display (Fig.
5a) and a second time display (Fig. 5b) is located in the
center/right. Both displays are identified by a clock icon.
• Time of Day (Fig. 6a) can be set for 12 hour format (Am/Pm)
or 24 hour format.
Temperature Display
Ambient Temperature is displayed in the center/left portion
of the screen (Fig. 6b) while in the Surface Mode and Log
Mode, and can be viewed as part of an Alternate Display when
the button is pressed while in a dive mode.
NOTE: The informational displays are described in
detail as the various operating modes they appear in
are presented throughout this manual.
Fig. 5 - TIME
Fig. 6 - TEMPERATURE
ab
ba

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POWER SUPPLY
The Element utilizes one (1) type CR 2450 Lithium 3 volt cell style
Battery that should provide 300 hours of continuous, or 50
activation periods, of operation.
• If you conduct 1 dive each time the unit is activated, you
should obtain approximately 50 dives.
• If you conduct 3 dives each time the unit is activated, you
should obtain approximately 150 dives.
Battery Indicator
A Battery Indicator (icon) provides an indication of Low Battery
condition. When power is sufficient for normal unit operation,
the icon will not be displayed upon activation or during Surface
Mode (Fig. 7). The icon is not displayed during any Dive
Mode(s).
Low Battery Condition
Voltage level is checked upon activation and every (1) minute
during operation on the surface.
• When voltage decreases to < 2.75 v and is > 2.50 v, the
Battery icon will be displayed solid (Fig. 8a) as a warning
that the Battery is to be replaced prior to conducting any
further dives.
Fig. 8 - LOW BATTERY
Fig. 7 - ACTIVATION
(no Battery icon = normal)
a

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• Upon decreasing to a voltage level that will no longer sustain
proper operation (<= 2.50 v), the icon will flash 5 times
followed by shutdown of the unit.
• If a Low Battery Condition exists when the unit is activated
(by pressing the button), the graphic bAT and the Battery
Indicator will appear flashing for 5 seconds followed by
shutdown of the unit.
• If the button is not pressed to activate the unit prior to a dive,
and a Low Battery Condition exists, the Battery Indicator will
appear flashing as a warning upon descent to 5 FT (1.5 M).
No other information will be displayed.
• If the unit did not display a Low Battery Condition 'prior to'
entering the Dive Mode, and a Low Battery Condition occurs
during the dive, there will be sufficient battery power to
maintain unit operation for the remainder of 'that dive'. The
Battery icon will then appear after the dive upon entry into
Surface Mode.
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FO2 MODE
After Activation, the Element will operate as an AIR computer
without displaying information associated with oxygen calcula-
tions, unless it is set for Nitrox which is a percentage of O2
(FO2) other than AIR (a numerical value between 21 and 50 %).
When set for an FO2 value of AIR (Fig. 9), the Element will
perform calculations the same as if FO2 were set for 21% O2,
internally accounting for O2 accumulation for any subsequent
Nitrox dives. However, O2 related displays, warnings, and the
O2BG will not appear on the display for that dive, or subse-
quent dives, unless FO2 is set for Nitrox (a numerical value of
21 to 50 %).
Once a dive is made with the unit set as a Nitrox computer (FO2
set for a numerical value), it cannot be programmed to operate
as an AIR computer until 24 hours after the last dive. AIR will
not be displayed as an option in the FO2 Mode. However, you
can set FO2 for 21% for use with AIR.
When FO2 is set at a value of 21% (Fig. 10), the unit will
remain set at 21% for subsequent Nitrox dives until FO2 is set to
a higher value, or until it automatically turns Off 24 hours after
the last dive and is reactivated.
Setting FO2 is described on Page 21.
Fig. 9 - FO2 Set for AIR
Fig. 10 - FO2 Set for 21%

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Fig. 11 - FO2 DEFAULT ON
Fig. 12 - FO2 DEFAULT OFF
FO2 50% DEFAULT
If the FO2 Default is set to ON (Fig. 11) and FO2 is set to a
value greater than 21%, the FO2 set point value will automati-
cally revert to 50% 10 minutes after that dive. The Maximum
Depth that can be achieved with a PO2 of 1.60 ATA will also
be displayed.
• FO2 must therefore be reset for each repetitive nitrox dive,
or the value will automatically Default to 50(%) and the dives
will be calculated based on 50% O2 (50% nitrogen) for
oxygen calculations and 21% O2 (79% nitrogen) for nitro-
gen calculations.
If the Default is set to OFF (Fig. 12), the FO2 value for repetitive
dives remains the same as previously set until the Set Point is
manually changed.

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WARNING: During Activation and Diagnostics, if any display or function
varies from the information presented here, return the Element to your
Authorized TUSA Dealer for inspection.
ACTIVATION and SETUP

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ACTIVATION
WARNING: If the unit is activated at elevations
higher than 14,000 feet (4,270 meters), it will per-
form a diagnostic check and immediately shutdown.
To Activate the Element, press and release the Button.
• Upon manual activation, the unit will enter Diagnostic
Mode (Fig. 13), displaying all segments of the LCD as 8's,
followed by dashes ( - - ), then a countdown from 9 to 0.
Diagnostic Mode checks the display and Battery voltage to
ensure that everything is within tolerance and functioning
properly.
• When the button is held depressed and the Diagnostic
countdown reaches 00, a Serial Number screen appears
displaying the unit’s Serial Number and firmware code
Revision Number as long as the button is held depressed
(Fig. 14). Upon releasing the button, the unit shuts Off.
• After manual activation, it will also check the ambient
barometric pressure, and calibrate its present depth as
zero. At elevations of 3,000 feet (915 meters) or higher, it
will recalibrate itself to measure depth at that higher Alti-
tude.
Fig. 13 - DIAGNOSTIC MODE
Fig. 14 - SERIAL NUMBER

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Wet Contact Activation (only if set ON)
The Element will also automatically activate by Wet Contact.
This is accomplished by bridging the gap between contacts
located on the Button's stem and back of the case.
If no dive is made within 2 hours after initial activation, the unit
will automatically deactivate. If the wet contacts are still
bridged, the unit will reactivate and display the H2O graphic.
SURFACESEQUENCE
While on the surface, the unit will automatically scroll through a
Sequence of displays including -
• Surface Mode
• Fly Mode
• DeSat Mode
• Plan Mode
As the Surface Sequence is scrolling, you can use the button to
access Log Mode and Set Mode.
SURFACE MODE
Surface Mode, identified by the Surface Time icon (Fig. 15a),
follows Diagnostic Mode after Activation. Information includes
Surface Time with flashing colon (and clock/wave icon, Tem-
perature (with icon and graphic C or F), Time of Day (with clock
icon), and Dive Number with # icon (0 if no dive made yet). Fig. 15 - SURFACE MODE
a

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SET MODE
After gaining access to Set Mode, settings can be made in
sequence one after the other, or you can access a specific item
that you want to set, bypassing others.
To access Set Mode while the Surface Sequence is scrolling,
press the button for 2 seconds.
• Upon entry into Set Mode, the Set FO2 screen will be
displayed with the Set Point flashing (Fig. 16).
• If the button is not pressed during a 2 minute period while in
the Set Mode, the unit will revert to Surface Mode and
resume the Surface Sequence scroll.
TO SET - FO2
Each time the unit is activated (if Off), FO2 will be automatically
set for a default value of AIR which can then be changed to
values between 21 and 50% in increments of 1%.
• While the Surface Sequence is scrolling, depress the button
for 2 seconds.
• Release the button when the FO2 screen appears with the
Set Point flashing.
• Press/release the button repeatedly to increase the FO2
value from 21 to 50% in increments of 1%, then display AIR
again.
Fig. 16 - SET MODE ENTRY