Mares Puck Pro Dive Computer Manual
This comprehensive manual provides detailed instructions on how to operate and maintain your Mares Puck Pro dive computer. Explore its features, dive functions, settings, and more. Learn about its decompression algorithm, battery life, and how to connect it to your computer. This manual also includes troubleshooting tips and warranty information.
Introduction
Welcome to the world of diving with the Mares Puck Pro dive computer! This manual is your guide to understanding and utilizing all the features and functions of this user-friendly and reliable dive computer. The Mares Puck Pro is the updated version of the popular Mares Puck, known for its intuitive and easy-to-use interface. The Pro version builds upon the original’s strengths while offering enhanced features and maintaining an affordable price point.
This manual provides a comprehensive overview of the Puck Pro, covering everything from basic operation to advanced dive functions. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to make the most of your diving experience with the Puck Pro.
The Mares Puck Pro is a testament to Mares’ commitment to providing divers with innovative and reliable equipment. Designed with safety, efficiency, and durability in mind, the Puck Pro is ideal for a wide range of diving activities, from recreational dives to technical explorations. This manual will serve as your trusted companion, ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable diving experience with your Mares Puck Pro.
Features and Benefits
The Mares Puck Pro dive computer is packed with features designed to enhance your diving experience and ensure your safety. Here are some of its key features and benefits⁚
- User-friendly interface⁚ The Puck Pro boasts an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced divers. Its clear display and simple controls allow for effortless navigation and data interpretation.
- Multigas capability⁚ The Puck Pro supports multigas diving, allowing you to switch between different gas mixtures with ease. This feature is particularly valuable for technical divers who utilize various gas blends during their dives.
- Decompression algorithm⁚ The Puck Pro employs the Mares-Wienke RGBM (Reduced Gradient Bubbles Model) algorithm, which is known for its accuracy and reliability. This algorithm helps prevent the formation of microbubbles during decompression, ensuring a safe ascent.
- Durable construction⁚ The Puck Pro is built with a sturdy and robust polymer casing and tempered (shatter-proof) glass covering the display, making it exceptionally durable and resistant to the rigors of diving. This robust construction ensures long-lasting performance, even in challenging conditions.
- User-replaceable battery⁚ The Puck Pro features a user-replaceable battery, eliminating the need for expensive service calls and ensuring convenience and cost-effectiveness. Simply replace the battery yourself, and you’re ready to dive again.
- Data logging and download⁚ The Puck Pro allows you to log your dives and download the data to your computer using the optional clip, USB cable, and Dive Organizer software. This feature enables you to review your dive profiles, track your progress, and share your diving experiences with others.
The Mares Puck Pro is a comprehensive dive computer that combines ease of use with advanced features and durability. It is an excellent choice for divers of all levels who are looking for a reliable and versatile dive companion.
Operating Modes
The Mares Puck Pro dive computer offers various operating modes to cater to different diving scenarios and preferences. Understanding these modes is crucial for maximizing the computer’s functionality and ensuring a safe dive. Here’s a breakdown of the primary operating modes⁚
- Dive Mode⁚ This is the primary mode for underwater use. It displays essential dive parameters like depth, time, ascent rate, and remaining air pressure. The Puck Pro automatically switches to Dive Mode when submerged, providing real-time information for a safe and enjoyable dive.
- Air Mode⁚ This mode is specifically designed for air diving, where you use compressed air as your breathing gas. It provides depth and time information, essential for monitoring your dive profile and ensuring safe decompression.
- Nitrox Mode⁚ The Puck Pro supports nitrox diving, allowing you to use gas mixtures containing a higher percentage of oxygen than standard air. This mode calculates your decompression parameters based on the specific nitrox mix you’re using, ensuring safe ascents with enriched air.
- Gauge Mode⁚ Gauge mode functions as a basic depth gauge and timer, ideal for snorkeling or shallow dives where decompression calculations are not necessary. This mode provides simple depth and time readings, making it a versatile option for various underwater activities.
- Free Dive Mode⁚ Designed for freediving, this mode tracks your depth and time during freediving excursions. It provides valuable information for monitoring your dive profile and ensuring safe ascents without using breathing apparatus.
By understanding and utilizing these operating modes, you can tailor the Puck Pro to your specific diving needs and optimize its performance. Remember to consult the manual for detailed instructions on switching between modes and utilizing their features effectively.
Settings and Customization
The Mares Puck Pro offers a range of settings and customization options to personalize your diving experience and ensure optimal performance. Understanding these settings allows you to tailor the computer to your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a guide to some key settings and customization features⁚
- Units of Measurement⁚ You can choose between metric (meters and Celsius) and imperial (feet and Fahrenheit) units for displaying depth, time, and temperature measurements. This ensures the computer displays information in your preferred format.
- Dive Mode Settings⁚ Customize the dive mode settings to suit your diving style. Options include adjusting the ascent rate alarm, setting the maximum depth alarm, and configuring the backlight duration.
- Nitrox Settings⁚ If you use nitrox, you can configure the Puck Pro to accommodate specific gas mixtures. Set the oxygen percentage of your nitrox blend to ensure accurate decompression calculations and safe dives with enriched air.
- Alarm Settings⁚ Customize the various alarms to suit your diving preferences and safety protocols. You can adjust the sound levels, vibration settings, and trigger points for alarms related to depth, ascent rate, air pressure, and other critical parameters.
- Date and Time⁚ Set the date and time on the Puck Pro to ensure accurate timekeeping and logbook entries. This helps track your dive history and provides valuable information for future dives.
By exploring and adjusting these settings, you can personalize the Puck Pro to your specific requirements. Refer to the manual for a comprehensive list of settings and instructions on how to customize them effectively.
Dive Functions
The Mares Puck Pro is equipped with a range of essential dive functions designed to enhance your underwater experience and ensure safety. These functions provide vital information and alerts, helping you navigate dives confidently and make informed decisions.
- Depth Measurement⁚ The Puck Pro accurately measures your depth during dives, providing real-time feedback on your current position. This helps you stay within safe depth limits and understand the pressure changes you’re experiencing.
- Dive Time⁚ The computer tracks your dive time, allowing you to monitor your dive duration and plan your ascent accordingly. This function helps prevent exceeding safe dive times and minimizes the risk of decompression sickness.
- Ascent Rate⁚ The Puck Pro monitors your ascent rate, alerting you if you ascend too quickly. This safety feature helps prevent barotrauma and other potential injuries related to rapid decompression.
- Decompression Calculations⁚ The Puck Pro utilizes the Mares-Wienke RGBM algorithm to calculate decompression stops based on your dive profile. This ensures you have adequate time to decompress safely and prevent nitrogen build-up in your tissues.
- Air Integration⁚ The Puck Pro can be integrated with a compatible air pressure gauge, allowing you to monitor your air supply in real time. This feature provides crucial information about your remaining air and helps you plan your ascent accordingly.
- Temperature Measurement⁚ The computer displays the water temperature, providing valuable information about the dive environment and helping you adjust your gear and dive plan if necessary.
These dive functions work in tandem to provide you with essential information for safe and enjoyable dives. Familiarize yourself with these features and how they operate to maximize your underwater experience.
Decompression Algorithm
The Mares Puck Pro employs the Mares-Wienke RGBM (Reduced Gradient Bubbles Model) algorithm for calculating decompression stops. This algorithm is widely recognized in the diving community for its accuracy and safety. It takes into account various factors, including dive depth, dive time, and individual diver characteristics, to determine the necessary decompression stops.
The RGBM model is based on the principle of micro-bubble formation. It recognizes that even during safe dives, tiny bubbles of nitrogen can form in the tissues. These micro-bubbles are usually harmless, but if they become too numerous or large, they can lead to decompression sickness (DCS). The RGBM algorithm aims to prevent the formation of these micro-bubbles by calculating decompression stops that allow for sufficient time for the nitrogen to dissipate from the body.
The Mares Puck Pro’s RGBM algorithm is designed to provide conservative decompression schedules, meaning that the computer will often recommend longer decompression stops than some other algorithms. This approach prioritizes safety and minimizes the risk of DCS. It is important to note that even with the most sophisticated algorithms, decompression sickness is still a potential risk, and divers should always follow the recommendations of their dive computer and adhere to safe diving practices.
Battery Life and Replacement
The Mares Puck Pro features a user-replaceable battery, ensuring that you can easily extend its lifespan. The battery typically provides up to 20 hours of dive time, making it suitable for multiple dives without needing a recharge. The battery life can vary depending on factors like dive depth, water temperature, and the use of features like backlighting. It is recommended to perform a full battery charge before each dive to ensure optimal performance.
To replace the battery, you can follow the instructions provided in the user manual. The process is relatively straightforward and involves opening the battery compartment, removing the old battery, and inserting the new one. Ensure that the new battery is a compatible type specifically designed for the Mares Puck Pro. It is crucial to use only the recommended battery type to avoid damage to the dive computer.
When replacing the battery, it is essential to ensure that the battery compartment is securely closed to prevent water ingress, which could damage the internal components. Always check the battery compartment for any signs of leakage or corrosion. If you notice any issues, consult the user manual or contact Mares customer support for assistance.
Connecting to a Computer
The Mares Puck Pro offers the functionality to connect to a computer for data transfer and analysis. This feature allows you to download dive logs, review your dive profiles, and analyze your dive data in detail. To connect the Puck Pro to a computer, you’ll need the optional clip and the USB cable. These accessories can be purchased separately from Mares or authorized retailers.
Once you have the necessary accessories, connect the USB cable to the Puck Pro using the clip. The other end of the USB cable should be plugged into a USB port on your computer. Once connected, your computer should recognize the dive computer as a removable drive. You can then access the dive data files stored on the Puck Pro. To download the data, you will need to use Mares’ Dive Organizer software for Windows computers or Divers Diary software for Mac computers. Both software programs are available for free download from the Mares website.
The Dive Organizer or Divers Diary software allows you to view your dive logs, analyze your dive profiles, and create reports. You can also use the software to manage your dive data, including creating dive sites, adding notes, and sharing your dive experiences with others. Connecting your Puck Pro to a computer is a convenient way to keep track of your dives, analyze your data, and improve your diving skills.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
While the Mares Puck Pro is a robust and reliable dive computer, occasional issues might arise. This section outlines common troubleshooting steps and maintenance practices to ensure optimal performance. If you encounter any problems with your Puck Pro, consult this section for potential solutions.
If your Puck Pro is not displaying any information, it’s possible that the battery is low. Try replacing the battery with a fresh one. If the issue persists, ensure the O-ring seals are properly fitted and the computer is not damaged. Inspect the display for any cracks or scratches that might hinder functionality. If you suspect water ingress, avoid using the dive computer until it has been thoroughly dried and inspected by a qualified technician.
Regular maintenance is crucial for prolonging the life of your Puck Pro. Rinse the computer thoroughly with fresh water after each dive to remove salt and debris. Avoid exposing the computer to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. Store the computer in a dry, cool place when not in use. If you notice any signs of wear or tear, it’s recommended to contact Mares for repair or service. Following these maintenance practices will help ensure your Puck Pro operates reliably for years to come.