Alti-2 Altimaster Series User manual

ALTIMASTER SERIES
ALTIMETER
Owners Manual
40-06095-99 Issue F
Sport parachuting is a hazardous activity that can result in injury or death. An altimeter is a mechanical device and may
malfunction, even when properly designed, built, assembled, maintained and used. Do not rely upon an altimeter for your
safety. Your altimeter must only be considered as an aid when checking your altitude.
“The needle can stick during both ascent and descent – a visual cross reference with the ground should be used in
combination with the altimeter”: USPA Skydivers Information Manual 8-5.03.C.2.

ALTIMASTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Congratulations on purchasing an Altimaster Altimeter: the original skydiving
altimeter, and still the world’s best !
This owner’s manual applies to the following Altimaster Altimeters:
Altimaster II
Classic Altimaster III
Altimaster Galaxy
Altimaster Stratosphere
Please take the time to read all sections of this manual before using your Altimaster
Altimeter.
WARNING! - FAILURE TO FOLLOW ALL
WARNINGS, INSTRUCTIONS, AND REQUIRED
PROCEDURES MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH.
DISCLAIMER
Read and follow all warning labels, manuals, instructions, requirements, and
recommendations on use of the altimeter.
Use only Alti-2 Inc recommended compatible components.
Replace or repair ANY defective, or deteriorated component parts.
Check all altimeters and spare parts before each use.
Never attempt to use equipment assembled by someone other than Alti-2 Inc, or an
Alti-2 Inc approved service agent.
Information supplied in this document does not substitute for a training course. You
must be a licensed skydiver, or a student on a recognized skydiving course, to use
Altimaster Altimeters
Sport parachuting is a hazardous activity that can result in injury or death.

An Altimeter is a mechanical device and may malfunction, even when properly
designed, built, assembled, maintained and used. Failure to be aware of such
malfunctions may result in serious injury or death.
THEORY OF OPERATION
Altimaster Altimeters do not measure altitude! The altimeter relies upon the
relationship between air pressure and altitude (air pressure decreases as altitude
increases, and vice versa), and the fact that this relationship does not change
significantly during the time period taken to perform a normal skydive. The altimeter is a
mechanical device that indicates changes in altitude by reacting to changes in air
pressure. A sealed capsule changes volume as the outside air pressure changes, and
moves a needle through a mechanism to indicate relative altitude.
It is the responsibility of the user to adjust the altimeter so that it will indicate altitudes that
correspond with the above ground level (AGL) altitude above the intended landing area, and
that the altimeter will read 0 (zero) on the ground at the intended landing area.
Capsule
The mechanism of the altimeter consists of an evacuated aneroid capsule and a
mechanical movement to amplify the linear motion of the capsule to a rotational motion
of the pointer.
The aneroid capsule consists of two diaphragms made of an alloy of copper and
beryllium. The two diaphragms are welded together under high vacuum to produce a
virtually airless capsule. Since the atmospheric pressure decreases with an increase in
altitude and the pressure inside the capsule remains constant, the capsule expands with
an increase in altitude. As the altitude decreases, the capsule will return to its normal
state. The motion of the capsule’s expansion and contraction is transferred to the
mechanical movement to cause the pinion to rotate.
Since the capsule will expand and contract with changes in the barometric pressure, the
altimeter is designed to allow the user to adjust the mechanism to the zero setting on the
dial.
Mechanism
The mechanical movement transfers the linear motion of the capsule to a rotational
motion of a pinion through a system of levers and gears. A pointer is attached to the
pinion so the rotation of the pinion can be indicated.

USING YOUR ALTIMASTER
Equipment usage
DO NOT use this equipment unless you are on, or have passed an approved skydiving
training course.
Alti-2 Inc. highly recommends at LEAST one of the following be used as a backup device
for your altimeter:
•use more than one altimeter.
•use an audible altimeter.
•use an Automatic Activation Device.
Altimeter handling
An altimeter is a delicate instrument used for safety purposes. Handle the altimeter in a
careful manner.
Warning Segments
The Altimaster Altimeters have red and yellow warning segments on the faceplate of the
altimeter. These brightly colored warning segments should be used as additional
indications of close proximity to the ground.
The warning segments are not intended to indicate exactly when to deploy your
parachute. You must deploy your parachute at a safe altitude. This altitude may depend
upon the type of skydive. For example, students, tandems, and sky surfers usually begin
parachute deployment at higher altitudes than other skydives. Break-off and deployment
altitudes should be agreed amongst all jumpers prior to starting the skydive.
Use other methods to confirm your altitude. Do not rely upon the altimeter and/or the
warning segments as the only method for determining proximity to the ground.
Altitude Indication Limits
The standard Altimaster II Altimeter can measure altitude up to 17,000 ft. MSL (above
Mean Sea Level). The altimeter will not read altitudes higher than 17,000 ft. MSL. The
altimeter needle may not move once the altitude is over this limit. The needle will begin
to move again once the altitude is lower than 17,000 ft. MSL.

Altimeter Adjustment
An altimeter is an AGL device sensing air pressure and needs to be adjusted to account
for the following variable conditions:
•Barometric Pressure
•Drop Zone Altitude
Adjustment for Barometric Pressure
The capsule in the altimeter senses air pressure, therefore, an altimeter also needs to
be adjusted to account for changes in barometric pressure.
Barometric pressure can change dramatically in a short amount of time.
WARNING! - Always ensure your altimeter is
adjusted to zero to account for any changes in
barometric pressure.
Drop Zone Altitude is different than airport altitude.
In some cases, particularly on demo jumps, the drop zone elevation may differ
significantly from the elevation at the airport where you take off. In this case, a
correction must be made when adjusting your altimeter.
If possible, travel to the drop zone shortly before the jump and set your Altimaster to
zero; if not, follow this procedure to adjust your Altimaster:
1. Determine the altitude of the DZ and the airport using sectional maps or other means.
2. Calculate the altitude of the airport relative to the DZ by subtracting the DZ altitude
from the airport altitude.
3. At the airport, set the altimeter to the altitude calculated above. If the number
calculated above is a negative number, you should set your altimeter to a negative
altitude.
EXAMPLE:

DZ elevation 5,000 ft MSL
Airport elevation 0 ft MSL
Airport elevation relative to DZ -5,000 ft
Alti-2 Inc strongly recommends that you plan to pull higher on any skydive where
this method has been used to calibrate your altimeter as a safety precaution.
WARNING
If the DZ elevation is lower than the airport, the airport elevation relative to the DZ
is always a positive number. If the airport elevation relative to the DZ is
miscalculated to be a negative number, you are placing yourself in great danger.
For example, if the DZ elevation is 500 ft below that of the airport, the altimeter
should be set to +500 ft. If by error, it is set to -500 ft instead, the altimeter will
read 1000 ft lower than it should.
Altimeter Adjustment Process
This adjustment is completed by moving the adjustment knob or bezel so that the needle
points to the zero position before each use. Examine the instructions specific to your
altimeter to complete this necessary adjustment.
Any adjustment during usage AFTER “zeroing” an altimeter can result in serious
consequences. This could occur by many means including, but not limited to:
•upon/during exit of the aircraft
•contact with other skydivers in freefall.
WARNING
It May Not Be Possible To Determine If Your Altimeter Has Been Adjusted Without
Your Knowledge During Freefall.

Altitude Determination - Considerations for Safety
Use other methods for determining your altitude
It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to ALWAYS USE OTHER METHODS in addition to an
altimeter to determine the current situation, use common sense, and act appropriately-
Some methods are listed below:
•Learn to visually judge the distance from the ground.
•Check your second altimeter.
•Listen for your audible altimeter.
•If other jumpers in your group pull, this may indicate a low altitude or other
danger.
Altimeter accuracy during maneuvers
WARNING
Altimeters may give erroneous readings if you are tumbling or the altimeter is in a
burble (wake), such as when sit flying or sky surfing. Chest mount altimeters are
more vulnerable to this problem. If you are in doubt about how this limitation
affects your skydiving, consult a licensed instructor.
DZ at high elevation
If your DZ is located at a high elevation, you may notice that the accuracy of your
Altimaster decreases dramatically at higher altitudes. This occurs when you exceed the
linear operating range of the unit which is a function of MSL altitude, not AGL. As an
example, consider the following situation:
Altimaster altimeter with 0-17,000 ft MSL operating range
DZ elevation is 5,000 ft MSL
When your altitude exceeds 13,000 ft AGL (18,000 ft MSL) the accuracy of the altimeter
may decrease rapidly. This is normal and will not cause damage to your Altimaster. This
effect will also be evident when making high altitude jumps from any DZ.

Testing the altimeter
Proper use of an altimeter involves constant checking to ensure safety.
To ensure your safety, Alti-2 Inc. HIGHLY RECOMMENDS checking your altimeter using
the following methods:
Test your altimeter on the ground using an altitude test chamber.
Compare your altimeter performance to other altimeters during the climb to
altitude.
Visit Alti-2, Inc. at various events throughout the United States for a free
Calibration Check on your altimeter. Events are listed at www.alti-2.com
Base jumping
Altimaster altimeters are designed to be useful in the range of altitudes typically used by
skydivers. Base jumping altitudes and safety factors are completely different. Alti-2 has not
investigated the suitability of Altimaster altimeters for use in base jumping and has no plans
to do so in the future.
DO NOT use an Altimaster Altimeter for Base Jumping
Safety Notices
Check and consider safety notices that apply to products being used. Check with PIA,
other manufacturers, ALTI-2 Inc. directly or the ALTI-2 Inc. web page, drop zone
message boards, riggers, etc., for any applicable safety notices.
Alti-2 Inc Web Page Address - http://www.alti-2.com
Malfunction
An altimeter is a mechanical device and subject to failure. Do not rely upon an altimeter
for your safety. If the altimeter appears to be non-functional, use other methods to
determine your altitude and act appropriately.

MAINTENANCE / SERVICING
Altimeter
Alti-2 does not recommend that the user disassemble the altimeter. Special equipment
is required for re-assembly. Unless specifically described here, all maintenance on your
altimeter should be performed by Alti-2.
NOTE: Disassembling your Altimaster voids all warranties.
Proper care
No servicing should be required with proper care and use.
Altimeters immersed in water should be returned to Alti-2 Inc.
Altimeters immersed in salt water are probably damaged beyond repair. However,
if this does occur, disassemble the altimeter and rinse with fresh water before
returning to Alti-2 Inc. (Do not reassemble the altimeter.)
Cleaning the Altimeter
To clean the altimeter, use a brush to remove any dirt that may accumulate. Wipe with a
damp cloth to remove any other contaminants.
Do not attempt to wash the altimeter by placing it in liquid.
Do not oil the altimeter.
Return for Servicing
If the altimeter behaves abnormally or unusually, discontinue use IMMEDIATELY and
return to Alti-2 Inc.
Discontinue use if the altimeter has been dropped onto a hard surface.
Return to:
Alti-2 Incorporated
1400 Flightline Blvd, Suite E
DeLand, MI 32724
Tel: [phone]
http://www.alti-2.com
Please be sure to include:
A method to contact you, such as daytime phone number, fax number, and/or email

address. And a description of the problem.
Repair Status
The current repair turnaround time for altimeter repairs can be checked on the Aalti-2 Inc
Web Page, http://www.alti-2.com.
Status on your altimeter can be checked by contacting the Alti-2 Inc. Repair Department,
or by initiating a Request for Repair Status through the Alti-2 web-page.
MODEL SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Altimaster II
Additional checks to ensure operation:
Do not block the small air hole on the back side of your altimeter. Free air flow through
this hole is critical for proper operation. Do not attempt to clean this hole with
compressed air or with any sharp object. Use of light suction to clean this hole is
acceptable. If this area has been damaged or blocked, your altimeter should be
returned to ALTI-2 for service.
Inspect the small O-Ring located at the base of the calibration knob regularly. This ring
is used to provide friction and reduce the chance of inadvertently changing the
calibration of your altimeter. If it is damaged or you find that the calibration knob turns
too easily or is difficult to turn, you should return the altimeter to Alti-2 for service.
If the lens becomes scratched excessively, it will obscure your view of the needle and
faceplate, you should return the altimeter to AltiI-2 for service.
Adjusting the Altimaster II Altimeter
This is accomplished by rotation of the knob positioned on the outside of the case. Prior to
usage, rotate this knob until the needle is in line with the number zero on the faceplate.
Mounting the Altimaster II:
The Altimaster II can be mounted using a wrist strap or chest mount.
Wrist Mount – The Altimaster II can be mounted on a wrist using the Velcro Wrist Mount
Kit.

Chest mount
The Altimaster II can be mounted on the chest using a U-Bracket Kit and a chest mount.
The Altimaster II can also be mounted on a chest mount without the U-Bracket. To
mount the Altimaster II on a pillow, or other similar chest mount, remove the hand mount
and stitch the instrument to the pillow using the four small holes provided in the corner of
the case
Altimaster III
Do not attempt to replace lens or O-ring assembly yourself. Special training and
equipment is needed to avoid damage to your altimeter.
Adjusting the Altimaster III Altimeter is accomplished by rotation of the mechanism case
situated beneath the lens frame.
Altimaster Galaxy & Stratosphere
Adjusting the Altimaster Galaxy & Stratosphere Altimeter is accomplished by rotation of
the mechanism case situated beneath the lens frame.
SPARE PARTS
Replacement Lens – Altimaster II, Galaxy & Stratosphere
To remove the clear plastic lens, press lightly on the lens with the palm of your hand and
twist lens counter clockwise.
Twist the lens in a clockwise direction to install the replacement lens. You may find that
the lens will screw on and off easier with an extremely small (pin head amount) of
silicone gel on the threads of the lens.
Wrist Mount Kit
The Wrist mount Kit allows the Altimaster II to be mounted onto your wrist. The Velcro
wrist mount strap is adjustable to all wrist sizes.
U-Bracket Kit
The U-Bracket Kit allows the Altimaster II to be mounted on a chest mount.

Mini-Cyalume Retention Sleeve Kit
The Cyalume Retension Sleeve Kit is used for illumination on the Altimaster II
Altimeters. The kit contains mounting screws, Cyalume light Retension Sleeve, and two
mini-Cyalume light sticks.
Check with Alti-2 Inc. for the part number for the Cyalume Retension Sleeve Kit
applicable to your altimeter.
Usage of this kit requires an Altimeter equipped with a U-Bracket or Wrist mount Kit.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model Altimaster II Altimaster III Altimaster
Galaxy Altimaster Stratosphere
Case
Material High Impact fiberglass
reinforced
lexan.
Aluminum. Aluminum. Aluminum.
Lens
Material High impact 1/8” thick
molded
lexan.
High impact
1/16” thick
molded lexan.
High impact
1/8” thick
molded lexan.
High impact 1/8”
thick molded
lexan.
Mechanism Single
pointer
aneroid
mechanism
with a linear
pointer travel
from 0-
18,000 feet
MSL in 1 ½
revolutions.
Single pointer
aneroid
mechanism
with a linear
pointer travel
from 0-18,000
feet MSL in 1
½ revolutions
Single pointer
aneroid
mechanism
with a linear
pointer travel
from 0-18,000
feet MSL in 1
½ revolutions
Single pointer
aneroid
mechanism with
a linear pointer
travel from 0-
30,000 feet
MSL in 2 ½
revolutions.
Dimensions 3.1” x 3.1” x
1.5”79 mm x
79 mm x 38
mm
2.5” x 2.5” x
1.1”63.5 mm
x 63.5 mm x
28 mm
2.5” x 2.5” x
1.1”63.5 mm
x 63.5 mm x
28 mm
2.5” x 2.5” x
1.1”63.5 mm x
63.5 mm x 28
mm
Weight 3.8
ounces108
grams
5.9 ounces 5.9 ounces 5.9 ounces

Thank you for choosing an Alti-2 Incorporated product.
Have fun and be safe.
We would be pleased to answer any questions you have.
Alti-2 Incorporated
1400 Flightline Blvd., Suite E
DeLand, FL 32724
Tel: [phone]
http://www.alti-2.com
Altimaster is a registered trademark of SSE Incorporated used under license by Alti-2 Inc. -- VELCRO®is a registered trademark of Velcro
Ind. B.V. -- CYALUME is a registered trademark of American Cyanmid Company exclusively licensed to Omniglow Corporation.