INSTRUCTION MANUAL IQ-600
This manual contains important safety and maintenance information. Read this manual thoroughly and become familiar with all of your scuba equipment before diving. Important information regarding the use or maintenance of your dive computer is designated, throughout this manual, by the IMPORTANT symbol appearing above. This manual also uses several signal words to designate hazards with various levels seriousness.
Contents 1.00 Introduction 1.01 Simply Reliable 1.02 Key Features 1.03 Common Sense Warnings 4 4 4 6 2.00 Using the IQ-600 2.01 Accessing Display Modes 2.02 Surface Mode 2.03 Dive Plan Mode 2.04 FO2 Set Mode 2.05 Date/Time Set Mode 2.06 Dive Mode 2.07 How the IQ-600 Measures (Times) 2.08 Understanding FO2 Default 2.09 PO2/Time/Temp Mode 2.10 Log Mode 2.11 Profile Mode 2.12 Transfer (Upload) Mode 9 9 11 18 21 25 27 41 42 47 48 51 52 3.00 Additional Warnings and Cautions 3.01 General Handling 3.
1.00 Introduction This information has been developed for your safety. Please read and understand this manual completely before using your new TUSA dive computer. 1.01 Simply Reliable Congratulations! You are now the owner of a new TUSA Scuba dive computer. You’re about to experience the TUSA difference in diving equipment—products that are simply reliable. At TUSA, we focus on the type of diving you do, then design products that address your specific needs.
Through a combination of audible and visible alarms, the IQ600 helps alert divers to a number of possibly hazardous situations, including: violation of ascent rate or no-decompression status; and, whether mandatory decompression stops are necessary or divers have ascended above a mandatory stop ceiling. Nitrox-specific warnings occur when users exceed a limiting PO2 of 1.6 atmospheres, and when cumulative exposure to elevated PO2s exceeds recommended limits.
1.03 Common Sense Warnings As is true of every piece of diving equipment—including all dive computers—the IQ-600’s abilities are not limitless. Thus, there are certain limitations and restrictions of which you must be aware, and certain precautions you must take, when using the IQ-600. Before using your IQ-600, it is extremely important you read the following points— as well as similar warning and caution notices that appear throughout this manual—and follow the recommendations they provide.
The IQ-600 is designed for use by divers breathing either normal compressed air or Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) mixtures whose fraction of oxygen (FO2) falls within a range of from 22 to 50 percent. Although the IQ-600 is capable of calculating decompression stop requirements, this ability is provided as a safety feature only, should recreational divers accidentally exceed the No-Decompression Limits (NDLs).
Neither the IQ-600—nor any other dive computer presently available—physically measures the amount of nitrogen present in body tissues, or the rate at which this nitrogen is being absorbed or released.
2.00 Using the IQ-600 The key to using the IQ-600 correctly is learning to access, recognize and interpret the data presented in its various display modes. The IQ-600 is capable of displaying far more data than can fit in a single screen. Thus, to help avoid confusion, it displays only that data which is relevant to a particular situation. For example, the data appearing when the IQ-600 is in its Date/Time Set Mode is very different from that appearing when it is in Dive Mode.
Figure 1: The front of the IQ-600, showing its Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and the two large A and B buttons. You will find both buttons easy to use. In some instances, you may need only press a button once and release it to achieve the desired result. In other instances, you may need to hold the button down until you get the result you wish. This manual will outline clearly which procedure to follow for each mode or task.
2.02 Surface Mode Surface Mode is the IQ-600’s default mode. In this mode, the IQ-600’s Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) displays a minimum of date, time of day and Altitude Rank. Within 24 hours of surfacing from a dive, the IQ-600 will display additional information while in Surface Mode. To enter this mode: The IQ-600 enters Surface Mode automatically upon surfacing from a dive.
Figure 3: Surface Mode. When at least 24 hours has passed since previous dives and the IQ-600 determines there is no significant residual nitrogen present (and the cumulative effect of exposure to elevated PO2s has sufficiently diminished), it displays only date, time of day and Altitude Rank, as shown in the upper left.
Do not use your IQ-600 to dive at altitude unless the altitude settings accurately match the actual height above sea level. Doing so could cause the IQ-600 to display inaccurate information. You should also not use your IQ-600 to dive at altitude when the letter E appears instead of the numbers 0, 1, 2 or 3. This means that you are above an altitude of 19,680 ft/6,000 m, which is beyond the IQ-600’s ability to function accurately.
Your IQ-600 monitors and adjusts for changes in altitude in all modes except Dive and Date/Time Set Mode. It will display its current altitude settings in all modes except Log, Date/Time Set, Upload and Profile Modes (in Log Mode it displays the altitude settings applicable to a particular dive). Upon arriving at altitude, your IQ-600’s Residual Nitrogen Bar Graph may show that there is excess nitrogen present, even though you may not have made any dives in the preceding 24 hours.
5. “No Fly” Symbol—If less than 24 hours has passed since a previous dive, the IQ-600 will display a “No Fly” symbol while in Surface Mode. Experts recommend divers wait at least 24 hours following any dive before flying in an aircraft or driving to altitude. Failure to allow sufficient surface interval before doing so may substantially increase the risk of Decompression Illness (DCI). 6.
One of the greatest benefits of this symbolic representation of nitrogen levels during surface intervals is that it helps you decide how long to wait before reentering the water. For example, should you elect to make a repetitive dive when there are more than just a few pixels appearing, you will discover that your available no-decompression dive time ends up being very short. Thus, it makes sense to wait until fewer pixels appear, and you can enjoy longer bottom times with a greater margin of safety. 8.
Warnings you may encounter: The only warning that may appear while the IQ-600 is in Surface Mode is the Low Battery symbol. The Low Battery warning means that the IQ600’s battery lacks sufficient voltage to function properly. Figure 4: Low Battery Symbol. Once the Low Battery warning appears, you must return your IQ-600 to your local authorized TUSA distributor for battery replacement, or replace the battery yourself, following the procedures outlined later in this manual.
To exit this mode: You can exit Surface Mode in a variety of ways. Among them: Enter Another Mode—Take the steps outlined shortly to enter Dive Plan, Date/Time Set, Log, Profile or Transfer Modes. Go Diving—You can also simply take your IQ-600 under water, thus activating Dive Mode. 2.
Figure 5: Dive Plan Mode. To enter this mode: From Surface Mode, simply press the A button once and release it. What you will see: As shown in Figure 5, what you will see when you first enter Dive Plan Mode will depend on its current FO2 setting (we cover how to change this setting shortly).
1. Depth—When you first enter Dive Plan Mode, the initial depth displayed will be 30 feet or 9 meters. You can advance this depth in 9.8-ft/3m increments by pressing and releasing the A button. The IQ-600 is capable of displaying 14 different dive-plan depth increments, up to a maximum depth of 157 ft/48m. If you press the A button one more time after reaching a depth value of 157 ft/48m, your IQ-600 will return to Surface Mode. 2.
Depth Depth Air EAN32 EAN36 (Feet) (Meters) NDL NDL NDL 30 9 200 200 200 39 12 104 200 200 49 15 66 117 182 59 18 47 74 92 69 21 35 55 65 79 24 25 41 50 89 27 19 32 38 98 30 16 24 30 108 33 13 19 23 118 36 11 16 --128 39 9 14 --138 42 8 ----148 45 7 ----157 48 7 ----Similarly, for combinations of depth and FO2 that would cause divers to exceed a limiting PO2 of 1.6 atmospheres, a series of horizontal bars will appear in place of the No-Decompression Limit, as shown above.
3. Fraction of Oxygen (FO2)—The IQ-600 will display its current FO2 setting in one of three ways: FO2 NOT SET—If your IQ-600’s FO2 setting has defaulted, a series of horizontal bars appears. Again, see page 00 for a more extensive discussion of why, when and how your IQ-600’s FO2 setting defaults. FO2 SET TO AIR—If you have set your IQ-600’s FO2 to a value of 21percent, the word Air will appear and the percent sign, FO2 and Nitrox notations will not appear.
To exit this mode: You may exit Dive Plan Mode in a variety of ways: Go Diving—Taking the IQ-600 under water will cause it to automatically leave Dive Plan Mode and enter Dive Mode. Return to Surface Mode—To do so, simply press and hold the A button for at least three seconds. Access FO2 Set Mode—To do so, press and hold the A and B buttons for at least six seconds (we will describe FO2 Mode next). Do Nothing—The IQ-600 will return automatically to Surface Mode within five to six minutes. 2.
What you will see: As shown in Figure 6, when you enter FO2 Set Mode, the depth and NDL will disappear, and the FO2 value will begin to blink. Figure 6: FO2 Set Mode. To change settings: Press button B. If you press this button once and release it, the FO2 value will advance by one percent. If you press and hold button B, the FO2 value will begin to scroll. This will enable you to move more rapidly between FO2 values. If the FO2 setting has defaulted, horizontal bars will appear.
Return to Dive Plan Mode—To do so, simply press button A. Do Nothing—The IQ-600 will return automatically to Surface Mode within five to six minutes. 2.05 Date/Time Set Mode Prior to using your IQ-600 under water, you will not only want to check its FO2 setting, but also that it displays the correct date and time. Doing so not only enables you to use the IQ-600 as a timepiece, it further helps ensure that the date and time data displayed when the computer is in Log and Profile Modes are accurate.
Figure 7: Date/Time Set Mode. If the hour displayed is correct—or you have changed it to the correct hour and wish to proceed further—simply press the A button. The minutes display will now blink. You can either change this using the B button, or continue on to the seconds display. By repeating this process, you will eventually cycle through all the date/time parameters shown, in the order shown in Figure 7. This is: 1. Hours 2. Minutes 3. Seconds 4. Year 5. Month 6.
Changing Units of Measurement: While in Date/Time Set Mode, you can also change the how the IQ-600 displays depth and water temperature. Simply press and hold buttons A and B for 30 seconds. You will hear the computer’s audible alarm sound. This signifies that the computer has switched from displaying data in feet and degrees Fahrenheit to meters and degrees Centigrade (or vice versa).
To enter this mode: Simply take the IQ-600 under water. It will enter Dive Mode automatically. Figure 8: Dive Mode (No Decompression). What you will see: When you first enter Dive Mode,the IQ600 will display a variety of data, including: 1. Current Depth—The depth at which the IQ-600 is at right now. 2. Dive Time (DIVE T.)—Time spent (in minutes) under water, measured from the time at which the IQ-600 first descended below a depth of 5 ft/1.5m. Note that the abbreviation min. blinks on and off. 3.
5. Residual Nitrogen Bar Graph—A visual representation of how much nitrogen the IQ-600 assumes your body has absorbed. When all nine pixels appear, it means you are at or have exceeded the No-Decompression Limit. 6. Oxygen Limit Index (OLI)—Again, this is a column of up to eight circular pixels representing the cumulative effect of your exposure to elevated partial pressures of oxygen (PO2s).
Decompression diving is widely believed to entail substantially greater risk of decompression illness than dives made well within No-Decompression Limits (NDLs). The IQ-600 provides decompression stop information solely as a contingency in case divers accidentally exceed the No-Decompression Limits. It is not designed or intended for use as a tool to plan or execute dives that participants know, going in, will entail mandatory decompression. Figure 9: Dive Mode (Decompression).
1. The DECO symbol will appear. At first, this symbol will blink for several seconds. Then it will continue to appear, without blinking, until the IQ-600 determines that mandatory decompression stops are no longer required. 2. In place of Maximum Depth, an initial stop depth of 10 ft/3m will appear.
Be aware that it is possible to make stops at depths deeper than those indicated; however, you may find doing so increases the time you must spend at each stop. For example, let’s say that the indicated stop is five minutes at 10 ft/3m. You choose, however, to make your stop at 15 ft/5m. You may discover that, by doing so, it takes seven or eight minutes (or more) before your “five minute” stop clears and the IQ-600 returns to Dive Mode.
No Decompression Status—You can help remain within the No-Decompression Limits (NDLs) by monitoring both the remaining No-Decompression Limit displayed on the righthand side of the screen and the Residual Nitrogen Bar Graph on the left. Bear in mind that the remaining NoDecompression Limit may decrease rapidly if you descend to deeper depths.
If you exceed these ascent rates, the IQ-600’s audible alarm will sound, and the computer will display its Ascent Rate Warning, as shown in Figure 10. This consists of the SLOW symbol and current depth indicators blinking on and off. The Ascent Rate Warning will continue to display until you slow your ascent rate to that which the IQ-600 finds acceptable, or until you reach a depth of 5 ft/1.5m.
If you find yourself in Deco Stop Violation, descend to or below the indicated stop depth and remain for the time shown. If conditions make this impossible, make your stop between 3-7 ft/1-2m, and remain there until the IQ-600 returns to Dive Mode (this may take considerably longer than the display suggests it will). You should also be aware that, during a Deco Stop Violation, the IQ-600’s Ascent Rate Warning does not function.
Figure 12: PO2 Warning. Be aware that, should the PO2 Warning activate at a depth of 20 ft/6m or less, you most likely have not exceeded a limiting PO2 of 1.6 atmospheres. What is more likely is that you forgot to set the IQ-600’s FO2 prior to the dive. As a result, the computer has defaulted to an assumed FO2 of 99 percent oxygen. Such a high FO2 will, of course, set off the PO2 Warning prematurely. See page 42 for more information on why and how the IQ-600’s FO2 setting defaults, and its implications.
When seven of the OLI’s eight pixels appear, the IQ-600’s audible alarm will sound for three seconds, and the OLI display will blink on and off for the same amount of time. Figure 13: Oxygen Limit Index (OLI) Warning. If you do not ascend to a shallower depth, and all eight of the OLI’s eight pixels appear, the alarm will again sound and the display will again blink.
If you remain well within normal recreational diving depth and time limits, the odds that the cumulative effects of your exposure to elevated partial pressures of oxygen will actually exceed the IQ600’s Oxygen Limit Index are almost nonexistent. Out-of-Range Warning—There is one more warning that your IQ-600 is theoretically capable of sounding and displaying. This is the Out-of-Range Warning. This appears in Figure 14. Figure 14: Out-of-Range Warning.
An IQ-600 displaying an “Out of Range” Warning is incapable of displaying other critical information such as depth, time, Ascent Rate, PO2, OLI and Deco Stop Violations, and required decompression stops. For this reason, you should not— under any circumstance—use a IQ-600 in such a way that would cause the Out-ofRange Warning to be displayed. Under such conditions, the risk of serious personal injury or death would be substantial.
Less Than 10 Minutes More Than 10 Minutes 5.0 Feet 1.5 Meters SAME DIVE SEPARATE DIVE Figure 15: How the IQ-600 measures Actual Bottom Time and Surface Interval Time. However, as Figure 15 shows, if you spend less than ten minutes at the surface, or above a depth of 5 ft/1.5m, then descend again, the IQ-600 will count both descents—and the surface interval between them—as part of the same dive. 2.
The IQ-600 is designed to help divers avoid such situations by presenting information and warnings regarding current PO2 levels and cumulative exposure to elevated PO2s. To do so, however, the IQ-600 must be set to an FO2 that accurately matches the concentration of oxygen in the gas mixture being breathed. Similarly, the IQ-600 is designed to help divers avoid decompression illness by providing No-Decompression Limits (NDLs) or mandatory decompression stop information.
As discussed earlier, if you ascend above a depth of 5 ft/1.5m, then descend below this depth within ten minutes, the computer will treat this descent as a continuation of the same time, made using the same cylinder(s). Thus, the computer will hold its current FO2 setting for the continuation of the dive. On the other hand, if your surface interval (or time spent above a depth of 5 ft/1.5m) exceeds ten minutes, the IQ-600 will treat subsequent descents as a separate dive.
All right, what if you miss or ignore the FO2 Default Alarm and dive anyway? As discussed previously, the PO2 Warning should sound/appear at a depth of approximately 20 ft/6m. This should be soon enough for you to surface and correct the problem without affecting the computer’s Oxygen Limit Index (OLI) too adversely. How about a “worst case” scenario? That is, you are well into a dive when you notice the OLI and PO2 LIMIT symbol flashing furiously.
Be aware, however, that the computer’s ability to accurately track your exposure to elevated partial pressures of oxygen is now shot for the next 24 hours. Another situation worth addressing would be one typically encountered by dive instructors conducting open-water training. Such training involves numerous back-to-back ascents and descents, with little opportunity to set FO2 in between.
2.09 PO2 /Time/Temp Mode If, during the midst of a dive, you are curious as to the current PO2 level, time or temperature, the IQ-600 can provide you this information. Figure 16: PO2/Time/Temp Mode. To enter this mode: While in Dive Mode, press and hold button A. What you will see: Three new items will appear. These are: 1. Current Time—Displayed using 24-hour clock. 2. Current PO2—This will vary, depending on depth and FO2. 3.
2.10 Log Mode The IQ-600’s Random Access Memory (RAM) can store and display data for up to ten dives. This makes it possible for users to make a series of dives, then later transfer key dive data to a separate log book, or upload it to a personal computer using the available PC software and interface. To enter this mode: From Surface Mode, press and release button B. What you will see: If your IQ-600 has just had its battery replaced, it will contain no dive data.
1. Date—The date of the dive. 2. Start Time—Time at which the computer first descended below 5 ft/1.5 m. 3. Stop Time—Time at which the computer last ascended above 5 ft/1.5 m. 4. Maximum Depth—The deepest point reached during the dive. 5. Residual Nitrogen Bar Graph—As it appeared at the end of the dive. 6. Altitude Rank—The rank in effect at the beginning of the dive. 7. NITROX Symbol—This will appear if the IQ-600 was set for an FO2 of from 22 to 50 percent, or if it was in default during the dive. 8.
This alternate screen displays the following new information: 1. Dive Number—This indicates whether, on the date in question, the log data displayed is for dive number 1, 2, 3, etc. 2. Actual Bottom Time—This includes any safety stop or mandatory decompression stop time. 3. FO2 Setting—This appears the same as it would while in Dive Plan Mode. 4. Water Temperature—The water temperature measured at the deepest point during the dive.
2.11 Profile Mode Entering Profile Mode enables you to access minute-byminute depth information from the most recent dives stored in memory. (This same data can be uploaded to a personal computer, using the available PC software and interface.) To enter this mode: While in Log Mode, select the dive for which you want to obtain profile data. Then press and hold button A for at least five seconds. Figure 19: Profile Mode.
To exit this mode: You can exit Profile Mode in a variety of ways, including. Go Diving—The IQ-600 will automatically enter Dive Mode. Return to Log Mode—You can do so by simply pressing button B. Do Nothing—If you take no further action, the IQ-600 will return automatically to Log Mode within five to six minutes. 2.
What you will see: Upon entering Transfer Mode, the only thing you will see is the Mode Indicator pointing to the word TRN. At this point, attach the personal computer interface to your IQ-600 and upload data to your PC, following the instructions supplied with the software and interface. To exit this mode: You can exit Transfer Mode in a variety of ways, including.. Go Diving—The IQ-600 will automatically enter Dive Mode.
3.01 General Handling Do not store the computer in hot and/or humid environments. The pressure transducer is sensitive to both heat and humidity. If impaired, it may cause display of incorrect altitude or depth data. When in hot and/or humid environments, dip the computer in water for several minutes to cool it to room temperature before using it. Similarly, allow the computer to completely warm to room temperature if it is cold and, again, do not take it under water immediately after doing so.
3.02 Battery All IQ-600 functions may cease within two to three days of the Low Battery symbol first appearing. Always have low batteries replaced promptly. A depleted battery that is left in a IQ-600 for a long period of time may leak. Again, have batteries replaced promptly. 3.03 While Diving... Check battery level prior to diving. Remember the computer will not enter Dive Mode if the Low Battery symbol appears. Do not “push” the No-Decompression Limits (NDLs). Make safety stops before ascending.
4.00 Care and Maintenance This section covers the general care and maintenance procedures you should follow before, after and between dives, and the procedure for changing batteries. General maintenance procedures include: Rinse the IQ-600 thoroughly in fresh water following every dive. Do not use cleansers, chemicals or solvent to clean the IQ-600. Use a soft cloth to gently wipe dirt or water stains from the computer.
You must save the original purchase receipt. It is proof of when the dive computer was purchased. This limited warranty applies only to the original purchaser and is not transferable. TUSA makes no warranty or representation regarding the performance of any products used in conjunction with TUSA’s products. This limited warranty applies only to dive computers sold through authorized TUSA Scuba dealers. Authorized TUSA Scuba dealers do not sell dive computers through mail order.
5.02 Disclaimer/Limitation of Remedy Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or do not allow exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the following limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. TUSA expressly limits any and all dive computer warranties, expressed or implied, to the two year term of the limited warranty as set forth above. All remedies are waived unless claim is made within the applicable twenty four (24) month period.
Service Record – Retain with IQ-600 Date Purchased _____________________________________ IQ-600 Serial Number________________________________ Where Purchased____________________________________ City ______________________________________________ State______________________________________________ Name _____________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________ City ______________________________________________ State, Zip __________________________________________ Othe
TABATA U.S.A. INC. 2380 Mira Mar Ave. Long Beach, CA 90815, U.S.A. TEL: 562-498-3708 / FAX: 562-498-1390 TABATA AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD. Unit 11A, 86 Falconer Street, West Ryde, N.S.W. 2114, Australia TEL: 02-807-4117 / Fax: 02-808-1638 T.E.C. (TABATA EUROPE CORPORATION) B.V. NIEUW POORTSRAAT 84 A 1055 RZ AMSTERDAM HOLLAND TEL: 20-681-5955 / FAX: 20-682-4527 TABATA DEUTSCHLAND GMBH Balser Strabe 1579639 Grenzach-Wyhlen F.R. GERMANY TEL: 07621-669466 / FAX: 07621-669431 TABATA MFG. (TAIWAN) CO., LTD.
