Introduction
The 4.0 software introduces several new, unique functionalities as compared with earlier versions. Make sure to read the chapter about DPV software configuration first, to learn about Bypass, Default start and other new functionalities.
Starting the scooter
The scooter is equipped with a contactless main ON / OFF switch located in front of the nozzle on the cylindrical part of the scooter (→ drawing 1, pos. 16).
Turn on the scooter using the main switch (→ drawing 1, pos. 16) by choosing On.
After setting the switch to the On position, on the OLED display located on the handle of the scooter the following will appear in sequence:
Manufacturer logo
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Note!
When activating the Direct Start function, screens 2A and 2B are not displayed when switching on the scooter (→ Setting the Security Options – Direct Start).
Abbreviations used in screen 2A and 2B
| Max power | Maximum power of the scooter set by the user Possible range: 60-100% (→ Setting the Maximum Scooter Power). |
| Dynamics | Drive characteristics: Constant RPM / Constant Torque (→ Setting the Drive Dynamics). |
| Time lock | Time set by the user, after which the release of the handle will automatically block the scooter by selecting gear [0] (possible range: 3-60 seconds) and transiting to Standby mode (→ Setting the Security Options – Time Lock). |
| Two-handed – screen 2A | The control mode set by the user – scooter controlled with two hands (→ Setting the Security Options – One-handed / Two-Handed Steering). |
| One-handed – screen 2B | The control mode set by the user – scooter controlled with one hand (→ Setting the Security Options – One-handed / Two-Handed Steering). |
Methods to control the scooter
The user may choose from these control methods:
– Two-handed steering – The scooter is controlled with two hands
– One-handed steering – The scooter is controlled with one hand
Caution!
For safety reasons, the manufacturer recommends selecting the two-handed control mode (the variant indicated on the display of the scooter as “Two-handed”).
It is the factory setting in every Seacraft scooter.
Selecting the “Two-handed” mode means that to turn on the motor of the scooter the user must simultaneously press the buttons on the left and right side (→ drawing 1, pos. 6) of the control handle.
In order to be able to use the scooter with one hand (variant indicated on the display of the scooter as “One-handed”) the factory settings must be changed. Information about changing the default setting to “One-handed” appears on the display screen as the red warning “One-handed”. For a description of how to change the mode (→ Setting the Security Options – One-handed / Two-Handed Steering).
2 steps to start driving
For safety reasons, the process of starting the scooter requires 2 steps:
- Activating the machine with the main switch introduces the scooter in Standby mode and does not allow the scooter to work.
In order to start the scooter’s motor it is necessary to select gear [1-9] or reverse gear [R] and to press any button (One-Handed mode) or both buttons (Two-Handed mode) on the scooter steering handles (→ drawing 1, pos. 6, 7).
In 4.0 software, there are two expert functions introduced – Bypass, and Default Start. If Default start is not set to 0, scooter will turn on with pre-selected gear, and it’s motor can run after just pressing a trigger.
If Bypass is not set to 0, and DPV experiences a steering panel damage, motor can start running just after turning the DPV on. For precise description of this functionalities, see the Configuration chapter.
Initial DPV screen
After starting, there will be an initial DPV screen displayed.
Depending if power converter is installed, DPV will automatically detect it and display screen 4 (no power converter), or 4′ (power converter installed).
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For more information about power converter, download and read its operational manual.
Turning the optional power converter on
In order to activate the power converter, first ensure that you did follow it’s operational manual and all is correctly configured. Then:
Put the scooter in gear 0, and simultaneously hold the two buttons on the scooter steering handles for 3 seconds (→ drawing 1, pos. 6, 7).
After completing the above steps, screen 11 (Power converter power level) is shown on the display:
In order to turn the power converter on, and choose it’s output voltage, use piezo buttons for power level selection. Piezo buttons (→ drawing 2, pos. 18, 19) are located directly above the display (→ drawing 2, pos. 20).
Note!
The power converter is integrated into the scooter’s electronic compartment and converts thebattery voltage down to 6-12 V.
You can choose during the dive between 5 levels of voltage output, tuned to correspond with 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% heating power of 12V systems.
It corresponds with voltage steps of 6.0V, 7.5V, 9.4V, 10,7V, 12V.
Setting the scooter gear
The scooter is capable of operating in “10 + 2” gears (gear [0-9], overspeed [+] and reverse [R]). After starting, the scooter normally is in Standby mode (gear [0] – if Default Gear is not set otherwise) in which the scooter motor does not run. Shifting gear is possible using two piezo buttons (→ drawing 2, pos. 18, 19) located directly above the display (→ drawing 2, pos. 20).
Pressing the top piezo button (→ drawing 2, pos. 18) causes the gear to move higher and pressing the bottom button (→ drawing 2, pos. 19) will lower it. Each pressing changes the gears by one step.
Note!
The user may configure the maximum power output of the scooter.
Hence you might not always experience the “real” power the scooter is capable of, when selecting a gear (→ Setting the Maximum Scooter Power).
Seacraft buttons are custom designed piezoelectric modules integrated into thick polycarbonate front-panel. Rubber “buttons” have indicative function only (easier operation in thick gloves- diver knows where the piezo modules are located).
When diving, water pressure around this device is changing slowly all the time. Buttons cannot be sensitive for SLOW pressing/depressing. If so – only RAPID pressing can activate buttons. Thus, to activate button, quick “tapping” action rather than “pressing” is favored.
Some “getting used to” their operation is recommended, as piezo buttons operation may be different from any other device you have used previously.
Capacity-dependent maximum gear
For the safety of users, to optimize the scooter’s energy consumption, and to extend the its range, the motor controller will possibly limit the maximum available gear:
- At 34-100% of the available capacity of the battery, the battery on the screen 4 is green, it is possible to run in every gear.
- At 15-33% of the available capacity of the battery, the battery on the screen 4 turns orange, it is possible to run in maximum gear [7].
- With less than 15% of the available capacity of the battery, the battery on screen 4 turns red and it is possible to run in maximum gear [5].
Overspeed gear (Booster/ ‘+’)
The scooter provides you with a special overspeed gear [+], that uses all available power to drive the propeller to the maximum RPM (revolutions per minute) possible in the given situation.
The overspeed gear [+] can be activated by pushing the button 18 (gear up) while running in gear [9].
Note!
The maximum possible RPM depend on several factors, such as battery status, battery/motor temperature, maximum power setting, diver configuration and drag etc. Hence, the maximum possible RPM will vary.
Caution!
Make use of the overspeed gear advisedly, since this gear puts a considerable load on battery and motor.
Repeated use of this gear will reduce the scooter’s range faster, which might collide with your dive plan.
Be aware, that driving the scooter at high speed requires your full attention and shortens the available reaction time.
Reverse gear
The reverse gear [R] is a Seacraft specialty, unknown to other scooters on the market.
Using this gear faces you with new challenges, so make yourself familiar with them (→ And Yet One More Seacraft Specialty: The Reverse Gear).
Note!
Please note, that the reverse gear [R] is only available when it has been activated in the scooter configuration (→ Setting the Security Options – Reverse Unlock).
The reverse gear [R] is only available after setting gear [0], when the propeller has stopped, and pressing button 19, without any of the triggers pressed.
Caution!
Use the reverse gear [R] with caution and only for short periods, since the propeller will slightly move in the opposite direction compared to normal use.
This could lead to the propeller touching the stator.
Automatic re-set to Standby mode (Time lock)
Leaving the scooter without any operation (no presses on the buttons / and the steering handle triggers) for a period longer than the preset auto-lock time (“Time Lock” function) will automatically set the scooter into gear [0] in Standby mode.
Note!
Time Lock is an important safety feature which protects the user against accidental and unintentional powering on the motor during its use under water (→ Setting the Security Options – Time Lock).
Seamless gearshift
Changing the scooter gear happens smoothly (without any jolt).
Caution!
If irregularities are found when changing gears or operating the scooter during a dive, the user should immediately return to base by selecting the shortest safe route. Consider having the scooter serviced by an authorized service point.
Starting the motor
After setting a gear, the motor can be started, depending on the selected mode.
Note!
You may configure, how fast the scooter motor will reach the maximum speed of the selected gear by changing it’s operation mode (→ Setting the Gear Dynamics (Engine modes)).
This is a comfort setting to adapt the scooter’s behavior to your personal preferences and also a practical feature for students.
Screens during driving
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Estimated remaining run time, based on the current engine load will be displayed below battery % number.
The internal electronics measures the average current drain, and every 6s it will calculate how many minutes of driving time remains at this level.
If the power converter is activated, it’s power drain will be incorporated into the remaining burntime calculation.
Clock icon and white number indicates the trigger time – how many minutes in total the DPV was running.
The calculation is based on measuring the estimated remaining battery capacity, taking into account the installed battery type (which must therefore be chosen carefully in the settings).
The displayed remaining runtime is only indicative and should not be used as a basis for any decisions, that could influence your life. Remember to abide by all dive-planning rules learned in your DPV training.
However, should you have to re-plan your dive on short notice or encounter an unusual situation (e.g. towing a partner in variable currents), the remaining run time might be a critical tool, supporting you in selecting the optimum speed.
Note!
When the engine load drops below 1.5A (approx. 50W, depending on the battery status), the remaining run time will not be displayed. The same applies if the DPV is not being driven underwater.
Two-handed mode
In case the user chooses control with both hands (Two-Handed mode), the scooter can be operated only with both hands, i. e. the user needs to press both buttons to start the engine (recommended for beginners).
One-Handed Mode
In case the user chooses control with only one hand (One-Handed mode) the scooter can be operated with one hand or both hands. This mode implies that to start operating the scooter can be done by pressing either button on the steering handle.
This also means that the propeller will spin as long as the gear is not 0 and at least one button is pressed. This allows for changing the hand that controls the scooter on the way.
Caution!
The One-Handed control mode indicates an increased risk of the other hand or body damage in case of unforeseen circumstances and an accidental touch of the propeller.
Fast Unlock
When the Fast Unlock function is activated and scooter is in gear [0] (Standby mode), it is possible to quickly start the scooter with the last-used gear.
To do this, press either the left or right button on the steering handle twice in less than 0.5 seconds.
→ Setting the Security Options – Fast Unlock.
Instant Acceleration – Double Tap
This functionality is available with the Double Tap function activated.
When using gears 1-8 and having one of the buttons on the steering handle pressed, the user simultaneously presses the other button on the steering handle twice and quickly – like a “double click” with a computer mouse. Then, the scooter will immediately shift gear to the highest possible gear, i.e. [9], [7] or [5], depending on the battery status.
Note!
The time between taps on the button must be less than 0.5 sec.
Rapid gear acceleration is only available with Double Tap function enabled.
To return to the gear before the acceleration, simply repeat the “double tap” on one side.
Caution!
This function allows you to quickly switch back and forth between 2 gears while driving, e.g. for a short sprint.
Use this function advisedly in order to avoid dangerous situations.
Showing / Hiding Parameters on the Way
Quickly press and release both buttons on the control handles (less than 1 second) will display the operating parameters of the scooter on screen 5:
Parameter display
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In addition to the gear number (yellow), there are additional information displayed. Row 4 and 5 ( voltage and power) displayed in white, are visible only when power converter is installed.
Row 3 will be alternating ever 3s to display internal unit temperature, and humidity.
| 32.8 V | operating voltage (V) |
| 560W | power drain (W) |
| 44% | humidity in electronics chamber (%) |
| 25⁰C | control system temperature (⁰C) |
| 10.7V (optional) | Currently delivered voltage from power converter |
| 59W (optional) | Currently delivered power from power converter |
Caution!
Should you notice a humidity value of more than 70 % during your dive, it is recommended to return to the base using the shortest safe route.
When you have returned to shore, check the inside of the scooter for humidity.
Also, check the seals for contamination and damage.
Above 80% humidity, a red WATER sign will be displayed on the main DPV screen.
Note!
A hint to optimize your position behind the scooter:
If you are familiar with the scooter (and not distracted by other tasks), take a look at the power used while driving the scooter. The more resistance you put against the scooter, the more Watts it will need.
So, if you optimize your position behind the scooter, the displayed Watt value will drop.
In this way, the scooter offers you an integrated “trim optimization” display. This will be working only in the Constant RPM mode.
In order to hide these parameters again, simultaneously, quickly press and release both buttons on the control handles (less than 1 second).
Stopping the motor
In order to stop the scooter temporarily, just release the buttons on the steering handle.
The scooter motor will stop immediately. Pressing any button on the steering handle again during the time range shorter than the one set on screen 7C1 (Time lock option, 3-60 seconds range) will allow to activate the motor and thus continue driving.
To stop the scooter for a longer period, switch to Standby mode as follows:
- Set gear [0] using button 19 at the display or
- Wait for scooter Auto-Lock to happen, without pressing any button on the steering handle.
As a result of each of the abovementioned actions the scooter gear will be reset to [0], the scooter will go into Standby mode. In such case even if the user accidentally presses the steering handle it will not activate the scooter’s motor.
Parking the scooter under water
To stop the scooter underwater and secure it against accidental power-on, the user should put it in Standby mode, or switch OFF with the main switch.
- Set gear [0] using button 19 at the display or
- Wait for scooter Time Lock to happen, without pressing any button on the steering handle (→ Setting the Security Options – Time Lock).
- Turn off the scooter using the main switch.
Caution!
Please note that disabling the main switch is the safest form of stopping the scooter.
After completion of a dive with the scooter, always turn off the scooter by setting the main switch to the OFF position.
