*** Avocet Alti-Watches ***

Tue Jun 13 12:16:02 1995
Message : #27328621    From: Tyler Stewart
Address : tstewart@utkvx.utk.edu
Group   : Usenet.rec.backcountry
Length  : 317 words 1945 bytes
Subject : Re: Casio Triple Sensor Altimetre/Barometre/Compass query..

Org.  : University of Tennessee, Knoxville

I have had a bad experience with Casio altimeter/barometer watches. I
owned their first altimeter watch, but the sensing mechanism broke
after 6 months. Also, it's a PAIN to change the watch battery. If you
touch the wrong thing when replacing the battery, the sensor can short
circuit.That is what happened to the second Casio altimeter watch I
owned. Right now, I'm on my third Casio altimeter watch right now, and
I've had it for for 3 years without any problems. I guess I'm just
incredibly stupid for continually buying these things.

As for temperature compensated altimeters, YOU WANT a temperature
compensated altimeter.  My experience has shown that there can be
significant discrepancies in altitude readings if the altimeter does
not compensate for temperature. The only temperature compensated altimeter
watch I know of is made by Avocet. There are two model:  The Alpine
and the Hiker. They sell for around $120-$130. They also include a
thermometer. I have a friend who owns the Hiker, and he has nothing but
good things to say about it. One day when we went hiking, we set the
altitude on our watches at the same time and at the same place. Later
on in the hike, we checked the 7.5 min quad and found that the Avocet's
altitude readings were right on. My Casio's was very far off. My friend
also takes his Avocet when he flies and says that it is just as accurate
as the altimeter in the Cessna he flies.

I've always regretted not buying an Avocet altimeter watch. My advice
is take back the Casio and buy the Avocet. The Avocet is much cheaper
than the Casio, but it doesn't have a compass. Use the money you'll save
and buy a nice Silva compass too.  If you don't know where to buy the
Avocet, email me, and I'll give you some numbers.

Tyler Stewart

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