Compass won't callibrate

[Caveboy]

Although I am probably denying the obvious here I have to ask…

I’ve had my Observer for around three years now. For the last couple of months I have found the compass being less and less reliable. Now no matter what direction the watch is pointed in the compass varies no more than 15-30 degrees.

I have attempted to re-calibrate the compass but when I rotate the watch the degree indicator does not change…

So… any suggestions or is this sounding like a repair issue?

Thanks in advance,

Caveboy

	Suunto Observer - Click for more info The shock-resistant Suunto Observer is a tool built for outdoor challenges, but its timeless design makes it wearable in any situation. The Observer is 1/3 smaller in both diameter and width than the first generation Suunto Watches (Vector, Altimax, etc). It also features a chronograph, which previously was only offered in the Navitech but is now discontinued.

	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.

[doug]

Hi Caveboy,

Mine did the same thing after nearly 4 years and I had to replace the watch....

Doug.........

[Caveboy]

Originally Posted by doug

Hi Caveboy,

Mine did the same thing after nearly 4 years and I had to replace the watch....

Doug.........

Wow... that really sucks! Did you try to have the watch repaired? A four year lifespan is rather crazy for a watch of this price!

Caveboy

[Janice]

Hi Caveboy,

It definitely sounds like a repair issue. Just give Suunto a call at 800-543-9124. Hope this helps!

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

[coinvanish]

I have that same problem with my vector but I've only had it for 4 days!

	Suunto Vector - Click for more info Suunto's original Wristop Computer, the Vector changed the face of sport watches forever with its groundbreaking combination of features, including an altimeter, barometer, electronic compass, digital log book, and watch. Introduced in 1998, the Vector was the first watch to make it to the summit of Mt. Everest. In addition, the Vector won the prestigious European Outdoor Award - Product of the Year in 1999/2000.

[chods70]

I had this problem also. I found taking the battery out and restarting the calibration helped.

[p6steve]

Welll - seems I've joined the forum just at the right time. I've had this problem three times now and finally sent it back to Finland. The repair place up in Scotland couldn't find the problem each time although it did mysteriously come back working again each time - for a few weeks at least.

Anyway the problem is (was with mine) - Errorcode 1 - 510210 battery Magnetised. Battery replaced - demagnetization and re-callibration of compass.

Problem sorted!

	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.