Metron -- altimeter fluctuations

I just purchased a Metron watch last week (for skiing and road cycling) and I have noticed quite a variation in the altimeter reading. I live about 50 m above sea level, near the Atlantic Ocean. I have tried setting the reference altitude (at sea level) or the reference sea level barometer reading (according to the local weather report), and then later in the day I notice that my altitude reading will vary as much as 150 m, as the barometric pressure changes with the weather (while still residing at the same altitude). When I reset the reference sea level barometric reading, the altitude goes back to ~ 50m at home. Is this behaviour normal ? If so, how can this watch work to record altitude changes (e.g. skiing, cycling) when the weather is constantly changing throughout the activity ? If I am skiing and recording a logbook, should you reset the reference altitude throughout the day when you are at the summit. If so, will this interupt the logbook functioning. I suspect GPS will be the ultimate solution in the future, rather than barometric pressure.

	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.

[Piste-Monkey]

I bought the Metron about 2 years ago and have used in on several ski-ing trips religiously, setting log-books for each morning and afternoon series of ascents and descents.

I know excatly what you mean by fluctuating accuracy. On one particular day, when I did about 25,000 ft cumulative skied descents, it showed 6000 ft greater descent than I manually calculated I had actually done.

The official Suunto site says to manually recalibrate the reference altitude daily or whenever setting out for another session, to account for weather changes altering the barometric pressure. And to use any map or other ref. (Not that easy when you're off piste at 11,000 ft to find a sign or map ref!)

Using the "Difference" mode can help calculate the offset, but as you say, 100% accuracy probably won't be available without GPS.

I don't think this is a Sunnto specific problem (they do seem to be the best in the world for sports instruments) and I read on a sky-diving site, that sky divers have the same altimeter fluctuation problems which could mean ground level is plus or minus 500ft depending on atmospheric pressure changes. Not something you'd want to get wrong when deciding when to pull the cord I guess!

Looks like Suunto have just released two new GPS enabed models, plus one new ski-specific model the S6 which includes an inclinometer to help calc descent speeds. Great! - If only they put GPS in it as well.

If you find out a way to use the Metron for more precise alt measurement I'd love to know. I think for next season I'll opt for the S6 as it also seems to have better granularity of measurement than the Metron (1m vs 3m altitude differnce).

	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.

	Suunto S6 - Click for more info Suunto watches are a favorite piece of gear among downhill skiiers, snowboarders, back-country guides, heli-skiiers, and other snow sports enthusiasts who are serious about their time on the snowy slopes of the world. For skiiers who stick mostly to the ski hills, the Suunto S-Lander altimeter watch offers the abiity to easily keep track of total daily vertical and the number of runs skied. For those who want even more from their watch, there's the Suunto S6. It was especially designed with downhill skiers and snowboarders in mind - the "S" stands for "Snow". The S6 includes an inclinometer, altimeter, barometer, thermometer and compass. This powerful array of functions means that your S6 can help minimize the risks involved in moving around the mountains, while also providing you with knowledge necessary to improve your riding.

[Dawn]

Agree that the specific version of the S6 seems the right way to go.

Love to hear from other skydivers on the subject as it is an important one.

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	Suunto S6 - Click for more info Suunto watches are a favorite piece of gear among downhill skiiers, snowboarders, back-country guides, heli-skiiers, and other snow sports enthusiasts who are serious about their time on the snowy slopes of the world. For skiiers who stick mostly to the ski hills, the Suunto S-Lander altimeter watch offers the abiity to easily keep track of total daily vertical and the number of runs skied. For those who want even more from their watch, there's the Suunto S6. It was especially designed with downhill skiers and snowboarders in mind - the "S" stands for "Snow". The S6 includes an inclinometer, altimeter, barometer, thermometer and compass. This powerful array of functions means that your S6 can help minimize the risks involved in moving around the mountains, while also providing you with knowledge necessary to improve your riding.