How to turn off the X9i

[Francisco]

Hi,I recently bought a suunto X9i and I'd like to turn off the watch in the times I'm not using it. Is this possible by pressing any button? or maybe is it 'intelligent' and automatically shutdowns after X inactivity time? how many time?

I want to know if is there any way for reseting the watch too, because in two times, the watch entered in a system failure...When this happens it can't link with any satellite, last position's screen doesn't resfresh, the compass doesn't work (perpetual -- where the degrees are usually shown and blocked bearings too), and I'm not able to select any route in the NAVI mode, because an error message appears. When this 'block' happens I can only fix it by plugging the data clip connected into computer's USB port or the electric charger; as soon as I do this it, it resets and all back to the normality when I unplug the data clip. But I need a quick-`in field`way to reseting it 'cause I'm a soldier and access to computers or electrical line where connect the data clip is not always possible.

Sorry if my English is bad :S
Thank you!

	Suunto Visit SuuntoWatches.com to see Suunto's full line of wrist top computers and compasses.

	Suunto X9i - Click for more info Introducing the Suunto X9i - the new and improved version of the Suunto's X9, voted "Best Product of 2004" by Fortune Magazine. Now available in two colors, the X9i combines GPS functionality with an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer ... all these instruments, packed into a single watch.

	Compass Compasses are sensitive, absolutely crucial instruments to precision navigation. The earth's magnetic field, inclination, and your longitude and latitude all influence the horizontal plane of a compass needle. As a result, compasses are balanced for different geographical zones. Suunto Compasses overcome this limitation to traditional compasses by using a simple 'Two Zone System'. With a Suunto Compass, the only 'balancing zones' are the northern and southern hemispheres. In addition to this innovation, certain Suunto Compasses come equipped with useful features like luminous needles and marks, centimeter/inch scales, magnifying glasses, clinometers, sighting notches, and more.

[cdmackay]

I'm not aware of either, I'm afraid.

My understanding is that there is no way to turn off the X9i, nor does it turn itself off. Nor is there any way to reset it. And of course, you can't just remove the battery.

[there may be undocumented methods, of course]

why would you want to turn it off? I've found that, without GPS use, a full charge on a new X9i lasts many weeks. It's only the GPS that uses much power. I doubt you would see much increase in battery life by turning it off. And the LCD screen won't suffer burn in.

The reset would be more useful, as you say, but it seems not to be possible.

	Suunto X9i - Click for more info Introducing the Suunto X9i - the new and improved version of the Suunto's X9, voted "Best Product of 2004" by Fortune Magazine. Now available in two colors, the X9i combines GPS functionality with an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer ... all these instruments, packed into a single watch.

[cdmackay]

I would add: if you bought this new, then it should definitely go back to the dealer or Suunto. That failure mode isn't "normal".

	Suunto Visit SuuntoWatches.com to see Suunto's full line of wrist top computers and compasses.

[cdmackay]

Finally...

as a workaround, you might carry a portable USB charging solution, using e.g. batteries or solar panel, then you can attach the USB lead in the field.

	Solio - Click for more info The Solio Solar Hybrid Charger is the most versatile and durable handheld solar charger to date. Powerful enough to charge any handheld electronic device from an iPod to a digital camera with just the rays of the sun, the Solio Universal Hybrid Charger is exactly what the adventurous Suunto X9i or X9Mi GPS watch user needs to stay in the field longer.

[Francisco]

Thanks!
I've been thinking about the usb portable charger today, it's a great idea, (Another option I've thought is to using a little self-powered USB hub attached to a 9V battery) but the failure persists!!! A few minutes ago I was testing the device connecting it to the satellites multiple times in the three different modes, everything was OK, but in the last connection request, the white rectangle appeared but it wasn't tilting, the compass didn't work, if I tried to get a new connection request didn't work too (And I can't kill the battery) etc. etc. I setted the GPS off, but when I turned on again, the problem persisted. The only solution is to connect the data clip (powered).
Well, really is a good idea to call my suunto dealer, but my suunto dealer is an ebayer in USA, and I'm in Spain I bought the item two weeks ago, it is brand new, has a serial number in his box and the ebay shop was announced as an authorized suunto dealer. Does the warranty protect me in order to take it to the repairing service? or shall I return it to the dealer?
Here's what you get when you try to save money buying in other countries

	Suunto Visit SuuntoWatches.com to see Suunto's full line of wrist top computers and compasses.

	Suunto X9i - Click for more info Introducing the Suunto X9i - the new and improved version of the Suunto's X9, voted "Best Product of 2004" by Fortune Magazine. Now available in two colors, the X9i combines GPS functionality with an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer ... all these instruments, packed into a single watch.

	Compass Compasses are sensitive, absolutely crucial instruments to precision navigation. The earth's magnetic field, inclination, and your longitude and latitude all influence the horizontal plane of a compass needle. As a result, compasses are balanced for different geographical zones. Suunto Compasses overcome this limitation to traditional compasses by using a simple 'Two Zone System'. With a Suunto Compass, the only 'balancing zones' are the northern and southern hemispheres. In addition to this innovation, certain Suunto Compasses come equipped with useful features like luminous needles and marks, centimeter/inch scales, magnifying glasses, clinometers, sighting notches, and more.

[cdmackay]

Not good at all

most people aren't having your level of problems, so I suspect a bad unit. The GPS can be a bit reluctant, and don't expect it to work much other than under open skies.

I cycled to a shop today, and it got a lock in a few minutes, on my wrist, under a jacket. But it's failed to do that when it's been a few weeks since the last lock. Then, I put it on a handle bar mount. But other than that I've had no issues at all.

For warranty service, I think it has to go back to Suunto, not to the dealer. Given they're in Finland, that might actually be easier than were you in the US

Which dealer was it? Have you contacted them for comment? I would also contact Suunto customer support. They will tell you what you need to do.

I'm now in the UK, but originally got mine in the US, too, so I sympathise.

	Suunto Visit SuuntoWatches.com to see Suunto's full line of wrist top computers and compasses.

	Suunto X9i - Click for more info Introducing the Suunto X9i - the new and improved version of the Suunto's X9, voted "Best Product of 2004" by Fortune Magazine. Now available in two colors, the X9i combines GPS functionality with an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer ... all these instruments, packed into a single watch.

[cdmackay]

or you may be able to take it to a local main dealer in Spain, perhaps? Either way, Suunto should be able to tell you (as should your original dealer)

	Suunto Visit SuuntoWatches.com to see Suunto's full line of wrist top computers and compasses.

[Francisco]

Hi!, well, I purchased the watch on the ebay store of mypodextras.com.
Yesterday I registered the watch into suunto.com and filled the warranty formcustomer support (I had to put the vendor's name and it worked, so I guess is a valid dealer) and I tell them about the problem. I'm really postively amazed because they work really well (most of technical support services in Spain are a completely disaster) and responded me this in a few minutes:

"Dear Sir,
Thank you for contacting Suunto.

This is a very rare issue which you will most likely never encounter again. The correct way to fix this is to connect the watch to the PC, or to drain the battery completely.

With Best Regards,
Suunto Helpdesk"

I responded:
"Thank you for your response.
The failure has happened 3 times in 4 uses. But I noted each time it delays more in appear. What I do? Drain the battery?"

And finally, the agent sentenced:
"Dear Sir,
Thank you for contacting Suunto.

Yes, please drain the battery until the watch turns off then after at least 5 minutes fully charge it. This should resolve the problem. Setting the GPS to 1second fix should drain the battery in a day.

With Best Regards,
Suunto Helpdesk"

For the moment, totally true. I've not drained the battery, only connected the watch to PC for half an hour.
Yesterday at night and today I've been testing the watch doing multiple manual connections and later, setting it to 1 second conection I've made a 6km running test in the morning and next I've drived to my house wich is about 100km ago the quarter where I'm posted in without any issue.

I've just seen the exported trace on google earth and the watch has been quite efficient in the driving session, but it has not been worked so fine when I was running; obviously it will be more difficult to retrieve your position when you are in movement and moving yourself at one.
The test I made yesterday night was a little walk with manual connections taking the watch in my hand out of my wrist in a sensively horizontal position and some connections putting it in the ground looking to the sky. It worked so fine as a medium-low (etrex type) handheld unit.

Anyway I've been noticed that Suunto does not have an International Warranty wich allows you to repair the item in your country, but I don´t knew that you said about it is possible to repair the watch in Finland. I guess than send it there would be cheaper than sending it to US , or not?

	Suunto Visit SuuntoWatches.com to see Suunto's full line of wrist top computers and compasses.

	Suunto X9i - Click for more info Introducing the Suunto X9i - the new and improved version of the Suunto's X9, voted "Best Product of 2004" by Fortune Magazine. Now available in two colors, the X9i combines GPS functionality with an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer ... all these instruments, packed into a single watch.

[cdmackay]

ah that's good news indeed. let's hope your PC fix remains good. failing that, you can try draining it, as you say. I'll remember that in case mine plays up, too. Ideally, lithium batteries are best if charged from about 40%, so I don't normally let mine drain.

sounds like good service; good response, certainly.

no idea re postage costs, sorry.

[Francisco]

I don't knew this!! Why is better to charge them at40%? I always heard about the best thing was to charge them when they are completely drained for avoid the 'memory' effect.

[cdmackay]

there is no "memory effect" for lithium batteries; that is for Nickel-based rechargables.

but lithium batteries don't really like being deep-discharged, hence the 40%.