subject: Timepiece Altimeters - Are The Batteries Likely To Last? [print this page] You wouldn't believe how quickly batteries deplete altimeter watches. The reason for that is there are so many things this watch type can do and what all those functions can perform. But, the battery for resources can be killed very fast by using them a lot.
Normally this type of battery is of the lithium variety. Operating "normally" manufacturers generally say you can get a year or more out of the battery. However, that doesn't mean you will, because the way use the watch is going to be different than the way anyone else uses the watch.
For example my Timex digital watch has worn out at least five times in the last five years. But, if you look at the owner's manual it says the watch battery should last for 10 years. Obviously, I'm using a lot more than their other test case was using.
It's probably good idea, too, if you have be outside a lot to carry a spare battery along with you. When you're long way away from civilization, it will be very difficult to get back and buy another one if you're watch fails. Typically, when these watches fail, they drop off very quickly. All of a sudden you just realize your watch is dead. At least that's been my experience.
Nonetheless, these are the aspects of watch functionality that tend to drag the most on battery resources:
Compass - the compass is a real pig. It is driven by magnetic sensor and is constantly in "on" mode unless you take it out of that mode. That means it will be continually sucking power even when you're not trying to get a compass reading. Therefore if you're not immediately reading your compass go ahead and take it out of compass mode or put in sleep mode.
With the compass also you need to make sure you're not near any metal objects that could decrease the accuracy of what the sensors trying to read [which is magnetic North]. A building with a lot of metal in it could read in a way that really messes things up. Also, make sure that when you are reading the compass that you hold your arm level or parallel to the surface of the earth as much as possible. That will give you the most accurate results.
Altimeter - the altimeter of course is driven by the barometer, or barometric pressure sensor. It is constantly looking at the barometric pressure to understand what future whether units may be in store for you. Therefore, you pay a lot in terms of battery life for this feature.
The best plan is just to put your altimeter watch in sleep mode if you're not using these functions. That's the best way to preserve your battery. I say that, but most watches will automatically go to sleep mode - is just a good idea to check to make sure or else you could lose your battery and not even realize it. They could be catastrophic if you're on the woods and not caring a backup battery.
