Suunto Escape203 User manual

Escape203
EN

Barometer Alarm Symbol
Barometer Trend Indicator
Altimeter/Barometer Alarm Symbol Field 4
Low Battery Warning
Field 3
Mode Indicator
Field 1
Field 2
[-] -Button
Altimeter Function Indicator
Weather Station Function Indicator
[+] -Button
Center Button

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................4
1.1. GENERAL INFORMATION .........................................................................4
1.2. LCD DISPLAY .............................................................................................4
1.3. BUTTON FUNCTIONS ................................................................................4
1.3.1. The Center Button ............................................................................4
1.3.2. The [-] Minus Button .........................................................................5
1.3.3. The [+] Plus Button ...........................................................................5
1.4. MAIN FUNCTIONS (MODES) .....................................................................5
1.4.1. Time [TIME] ......................................................................................5
1.4.2. Altimeter [ALTI] .................................................................................6
1.4.3. Altimeter Memory [LOG] ...................................................................6
1.4.4. Barometer [BARO] ............................................................................6
1.4.5. Barometer Memory [MEM] ................................................................7
1.4.6. Other Functions ................................................................................7
1.5. CARE AND MAINTENANCE .......................................................................8
1.5.1. Battery Replacement ........................................................................8
2. TIME MODE [TIME] ............................................................................................10
2.1. SETTING THE TIME (WATCH FUNCTION) .............................................10
2.2. SETTING UNITS OF MEASUREMENT ....................................................12
3. ALTIMETER MODE [ALTI] .................................................................................14
3.1. SETTING THE ALTIMETER .....................................................................15
3.1.1. Setting the Reference Altitude ........................................................15
3.1.2. Zeroing the Altitude Difference .......................................................16
3.1.3. Setting the Altitude Alarm ...............................................................16

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3.1.4. Adjusting the Resolution ..................................................................17
3.2. ENTERING AN ALTITUDE POINT INTO MEMORY .................................17
4. ALTIMETER MEMORY MODE [LOG] .................................................................19
4.1. HOW TO START AND STOP A LOGBOOK ..............................................19
4.2. READING THE ALTIMETER MEMORY ....................................................20
4.3. CLEARING THE ALTIMETER MEMORY ..................................................21
4.3.1. To Clear the Altitude Points .............................................................22
4.3.2. To Clear the Altitude History ...........................................................22
5. BAROMETER MODE [BARO] .............................................................................23
5.1. THE BAROMETRIC TREND INDICATOR .................................................23
5.2. SETTING THE BAROMETER ...................................................................24
5.2.1. To Set the Sea Level Pressure .......................................................24
5.2.2. To Set the Barometer Alarm ............................................................25
5.3. WEATHER STATION FUNCTION .............................................................26
6. BAROMETER MEMORY MODE [MEM] .............................................................27
6.1. SCROLLING THROUGH THE BAROMETER MEMORY DISPLAYS .......27
6.1.1. To view the Summarized History Information ..................................28
6.1.2. Viewing the Pressure and Temperature Information .......................28
6.2. CLEARING THE BAROMETER MEMORY ...............................................29
7. ABBREVIATIONS ...............................................................................................30
8. COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE ........................................................30
9. CE COMPLIANCE ...............................................................................................31
10. LIMITS OF LIABILITY AND ISO 9001 COMPLIANCE .....................................31
11. DISPOSAL OF THE DEVICE ............................................................................32

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Congratulations on your newly purchased Escape203 Electronic Altimeter. The hand-
held electronic altimeter-barometer is an ideal instrument for outdoor enthusiasts.
With this product, you will find a Warranty card, this User’s Guide, and a full service
support team to give you the results you need anytime, anywhere, quickly and
professionally. You can Find the User’s Guide in English, French, German, Spanish,
Finnish and Swedish at www.suunto.com.
We wish you many safe trips to new heights with your new Escape203 Electronic
Altimeter.

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Escape203 Electronic Altimeter is designed for the outdoor enthusiast combining
state-of-the-art technology with practical altimeter-barometer functions.
The Escape203 hand-held device, light and ergonomically comfortable, weighs
approximately 55 g. or 2 oz. The LCD exhibits a large number display. The position of
the triangle indicator clearly shows which main mode the user is viewing. The
indicator bar displays all the main functions (modes).
1.2. LCD DISPLAY
The display is designed to offer the user maximum clarity and simplicity.
The display is divided into several areas:
• A Barometric Trend Indicator provides a quick reference of the last 6 hours in the
form of a graph.
• Fields 1-4 display values either number or text depending on the mode or sub
mode you are in.
• A Mode Indicator Bar displays the main functions (a triangle arrow located just
above the bar indicates the mode you are in).
1.3. BUTTON FUNCTIONS
Three buttons are used to operate the Escape203: the Center Button, the [-] Minus
Button, and the [+] Plus Button.
1.3.1. The Center Button
• The Center Button is located in the center just below the LCD display.
• Pressing the Center Button and holding for 2 seconds will allow you to enter and

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exit the setup mode of the function (mode) you are viewing.
• In the setup process, the Center Button allows you to move between settable units
or values and determine preferences.
1.3.2. The [-] Minus Button
• The [-] Minus Button is located on the left just below the LCD display.
• Pressing the [-] Minus Button moves the indicator (triangle arrow) to the left along
the indicator bar.
• In the setup process, pressing the [-] Minus Button will allow you to decrease a unit
or value by scrolling numerically downward.
1.3.3. The [+] Plus Button
• The [+] Plus Button is located on the right just below the LCD display.
• Pressing the [+] Plus Button moves the indicator (triangle arrow) to the right along
the indicator bar.
• In the setup process, pressing the [+] Plus Button will allow you to increase a unit
or value by scrolling numerically upward.
1.4. MAIN FUNCTIONS (MODES)
The Escape203 has five main features: Time [TIME], Altimeter [ALTI], Altimeter
Memory [LOG], Barometer [BARO] and Barometer Memory [MEM].
1.4.1. Time [TIME]
• Shows the Day, Date and Time.
• User adjustable 12/24 hour clock.
• Calendar date, pre-programmed to the year 2089.

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1.4.2. Altimeter [ALTI]
• Shows: altitude, altitude difference, time, ascent/descent rate in m/hour or ft/hour.
• Altitude range: -500 - 9,000 m; -1,600 - 29,500 ft.
• Resolution: adjustable by the user to 1 m/5 m; 3 ft/10 ft.
• Altitude alarm range up to 9,000 m; 29,500 ft.
• Difference measurement function enables zeroing of Altimeter to follow vertical
progress from start of hike/climb.
• Up to 20 user-definable altitude points can be stored in memory for later viewing
(information stored: # of point stored, altitude, date and time).
1.4.3. Altimeter Memory [LOG]
• Stores altitude information for one event (= log) as well as altitude points entered
into the memory in the Altimeter mode.
• Information stored in the log is:
• the start date and time of log
• the altitude gain/loss for log
• the average ascent/descent rate for log
• the max/min altitude for log
• the cumulative altitude gain/loss since clearing the memory
• the date when memory was cleared
• the altitude points entered into the memory in the [ALTI] mode.
1.4.4. Barometer [BARO]
• Shows: temperature, sea level pressure, absolute pressure, time, barometric trend
indicator.
• Atmospheric pressure range: 300 - 1,100 hPa; 8.90 - 32.40 inHg.

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• Resolution: 1 hPa; 0.05 inHg.
• Temperature range: -20 to +60°C; -5 to +140°F.
• Temperature resolution: 1°C; 1°F.
• Pressure change alarm activated when pressure drops 4 hPa / 0.12 inHg or more
during a 3-hour period.
• Altimeter-Barometer (use as altimeter or weather station) Locking Feature to use
altimeter or barometer independently.
1.4.5. Barometer Memory [MEM]
• Stores pressure and temperature information (max/min) for the last 24 hours.
• Shows a summarized history of barometric pressure and temperature over the last
24 hours.
• Shows individual barometric pressure and temperature information for the last 24
hours in intervals of 30 minutes for the last three hours and thereafter in 3 hour
intervals.
1.4.6. Other Functions
• Adjustable for metric or imperial units.
• User-replaceable battery.
• Neck lanyard.
• Temperature compensated altitude and barometer readings.
• Water resistant up to the depth of 5m; 15ft.
• Storage temperature range -20 to +60°C (+5 to 140°F).
• Low battery warning (When 5-15% battery power is left. Low battery indicator
appears on the left in the LCD display.

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1.5. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Perform only the processes discussed in this manual. Never attempt to take the
Escape203 apart or service it yourself (i.e. open the case or remove the buttons).
Protect your Escape203 Electronic Altimeter from shocks, extreme heat and
prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. When not in use the Escape203 should be
stored in a clean, dry environment at room temperature when not in use.
The Escape203 Electronic Altimeter can be wiped clean with a lightly moistened (use
warm water) cloth. Apply a mild soap to clean stubborn stains or marks.
Avoid exposing the Escape203 Electronic Altimeter to strong chemicals like gasoline,
cleaning solvents, acetone, alcohol, adhesives, and paint. These will damage the
unit's seals, case and finish.
Make sure the area around the sensors (bottom front side of the instrument) is kept
free of dirt and sand. Never insert any objects into the sensor openings.
1.5.1. Battery Replacement
The Escape203 Electronic Altimeter operates on a three-volt lithium cell. Type: CR
2450. The maximum life expectancy is approximately 2-3 years.
A low battery-warning indicator is activated when 5-15 percent of the battery capacity
is still available. When this occurs we recommend replacement of the battery.
Extreme cold weather will activate the low battery-warning indicator. Though the
indicator is activated, the battery may not need to be replaced due to this condition. In
temperatures above 10°C (50°F), if the low battery warning indicator is showing, the
battery will need to be replaced.
To replace the battery:
1. Turn the Escape203 Electronic Altimeter over to view the backside.
2. Insert a coin in the coin slot located on the battery compartment cover.

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3. Turn the coin counterclockwise gently to the open position marked on the back of
the case.
4. Remove the battery compartment cover.
5. Remove the old cell from the battery compartment and ensure the O-ring and all
surfaces are clean and dry. Be careful not to pinch the O-ring. Do not use a knife or
other sharp objects to open the battery housing. These will damage the o-ring. Do
not stretch the O-ring.
6. Place the new cell into the battery compartment (negative side down, positive side
up).
7. Ensure the O-ring is in place to keep the Escape203 Electronic Altimeter
waterproof and replace the battery compartment cover back onto the backside of
the instrument.
8. Insert a coin into the coin slot; and turn the coin clockwise to the closed position
marked on the back of the case.
Note: Battery replacement should be performed with extreme care to ensure the
Escape203 Electronic Altimeter continues to remain waterproof. It is the operator's
responsibility to due care to ensure the instrument remains waterproof.

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2. TIME MODE [TIME]
The time feature or watch function provides you with:
• An adjustable 24/12 hour clock display.
• A calendar pre-programmed to the year 2089.
To view the Time Mode:
If the triangle arrow is not pointing on TIME, PRESS the [+] or [-] button until the
triangle arrow is directly above TIME on the mode bar.
The display will show the following information:
• Field 2 shows the current time.
• Field 3 shows the day of the week.
• Field 4 shows the date (day/month if the 24-hour clock has been chosen; month/
day if the 12-hour has been chosen
2.1. SETTING THE TIME (WATCH FUNCTION)
You will be setting the year, time (in hours and minutes), the current clock format and
the date (12-/24-hours). The weekday is automatically calculated based on date set.
In the TIME mode:
1. PRESS and HOLD the Center button for 2 seconds. Located in Field 2, the minutes
will begin to flash.
2. PRESS either the [+] button or the [-] button to scroll up or down until the desired
minutes are displayed.
Note: The seconds are zeroed when you press either the [+] button or the [-] button.
3. PRESS the Center button to accept the minutes chosen, and move to the next
menu item. Located in Field 2, the hour will begin to flash. (If you don't want to set

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anything else PRESS and HOLD the Center button for 2 seconds to accept all
changes made and return to the TIME mode.)
4. PRESS either the [+] button or the [-] button to scroll up or down until the desired
hour is displayed.
5. PRESS the Center button to accept the hour chosen and move to the next menu
item. Located in Field 1, the year will begin to flash.
6. PRESS either the [+] button or the [-] button to scroll up or down until the desired
year is displayed.
7. PRESS the Center button to accept the year chosen and move to the next menu
item. Located in Field 4, the month will begin to flash.
8. PRESS either the [+] button or the [-] button to scroll up or down until the desired
month is displayed.
9. PRESS the Center button to accept the month chosen and move to the next menu
item. Located in Field 4, the day of the month will begin to flash.
10. PRESS either the [+] button or the [-] button to scroll up or down until the desired
day of the month is displayed.
Note: Once the user has determined the year, month and day, the Escape203 will
supply the day of the week in the Field 3.
11. PRESS the Center button to accept the day chosen and move to the next menu
item. Located in Field 3, the 24/12 hour increment will begin to flash.
12. PRESS either the [+] button or the [-] button to toggle between 12 hour or 24
clock format.
Note: If the 24-hour clock is chosen, the date will be displayed day/month. If the 12-
hour clock is chosen, the date will be displayed month/day.

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13. PRESS the Center button to accept the choice and move to next menu setting the
units of measurements. Alternatively, PRESS and HOLD the Center button for 2
seconds to accept all changes made and return to the TIME mode.
Note: It is not necessary to set or change each menu item. You can PRESS the Cen-
ter button until the desired menu item flashes and then make adjustments. To accept
the desired value, PRESS and HOLD the Center button for 2 seconds thereby exiting
the setup mode and returning to the main feature you were in.
Note: If no buttons are pushed within one minute after entering the setup, the device
automatically exits the setup mode and the values displayed at this time will remain
as the current settings.
2.2. SETTING UNITS OF MEASUREMENT
In this mode, the user will be setting the following units of measure: temperature,
vertical ascent/descent rate, atmospheric pressure, and altitude.
To set or change the units of measurement:
In the TIME mode:
1. PRESS and HOLD the Center button in for 2 seconds.
2. Then PRESS the Center button (6 times) until the text "Set Unit" appears in Fields
3 and 4. Located above Field 4, either the text "m" or "ft" begins to flash.
3. PRESS either the [+] button or the [-] button to toggle between meters ("m") or feet
("ft") until the desired unit of measure is displayed.
4. PRESS the Center button to accept the choice and move to the next menu item.
Located above Field 4, the text "hPa" or "inHg" will begin to flash.
5. PRESS either the [+] button or the [-] button to toggle between "hPa" or "inHg" until
the desired unit of measure is displayed.

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6. PRESS the Center button to accept the choice and move to the next menu item.
Located in Field 1, the text "°C" or "°F" will begin to flash.
7. PRESS either the [+] button or the [-] button to toggle between "°C" or "°F" until the
desired unit of measure is displayed.
8. PRESS the Center button to accept the choice and move to the next menu item.
Located in Field 1, the text "m/h" or "ft/h" will begin to flash.
9. PRESS either the [+] button or the [-] button to toggle between "m/h" or "ft/h" until
the desired measure of ascent/descent rate is displayed.
10.PRESS the Center button to accept the choice and move to return to setting the
Time. Alternatively, PRESS and HOLD the Center button for 2 seconds to accept
all changes currently performed and return to the TIME mode.
Note: If no buttons are pushed within one minute after entering the setup, the device
automatically exits the setup mode and the values displayed at this time will remain at
the current settings.

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3. ALTIMETER MODE [ALTI]
The Altimeter mode provides you with:
• Shows: altitude, altitude difference from start of hike/climb, time, ascent/descent
rate in m/hour or ft/hour.
• Altitude range: from -500 to 9,000 m; from -1,600 to 29,500 ft.
• Resolution: adjustable by the user to 1 m/5 m; 3 ft/16 ft.
• Altitude alarm range up to 9,000 m; 29,500 ft.
• Difference measurement function enables zeroing of Altimeter to follow vertical
progress from start of hike/climb.
• Up to 20 user-definable altitude points can be stored in memory for later viewing
(information stored: # of point stored, altitude, date and time).
Note: The Weather Station Function is discussed in Chapter 5 Barometer Mode.
NOTE! AS ALTITUDE IS CALCULATED BASED ON CHANGES IN BAROMETRIC
PRESSURE, IT IS IMPORTANT TO SET THE REFERENCE ALTITUDE AT REGU-
LAR INTERVALS.
To view the Altimeter mode:
If the triangle arrow is not pointing to ALTI, PRESS the [+] or [-] button until the
triangle arrow is directly above ALTI on the mode bar.
The display will show the following information:
• Field 1 shows the vertical ascent/descent rate.
• Field 2 shows the current altitude.
• Field 3 shows the current time.
• Field 4 shows the altitude difference from zeroing the Altimeter.

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Note: If the user does not press any button for 20 hours in the [ALTI] mode, the unit
will exit this mode and return to the main TIME mode.
3.1. SETTING THE ALTIMETER
Four settings can be performed when in [ALTI] mode:
1. Setting the reference altitude (1st display).
2. Zeroing the altitude for altitude difference measurement (2nd display).
3. Setting the altitude alarm (3rd display).
4. Adjusting the resolution of the altitude reading (4th display).
Note: If no buttons are pushed within one minute after entering the setup, the
Escape203 automatically exits the setup mode and the values displayed at this time
will remain at the current settings.
The factory or default setting equals a pressure of 1013.5 hPa and an altitude of 0
meters.
3.1.1. Setting the Reference Altitude
Setting the unit using reference altitude leads to the most accurate altimeter readings.
Beware that adjusting the reference altitude will affect the Barometer readings since
sea level pressure and reference altitude are inter-related.
In the [ALTI] mode:
1. PRESS and HOLD the Center button in for 2 seconds. Field 3 displays "REF" and
in Field 2 the altitude reading will begin to flash.
2. PRESS either the [+] button or the [-] button to numerically scroll up or down until
the desired altitude is displayed.
3. PRESS the Center button to accept the choice and move to next menu Zeroing the
Altitude.

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Note: It is not necessary to set or change each menu item. You can PRESS the Cen-
ter button until the display menu item to adjust flashes. Once the desired changes has
been made, PRESS and HOLD the Center button for 2 seconds to exit the setup
mode.
3.1.2. Zeroing the Altitude Difference
In the [ALTI] mode:
1. PRESS and HOLD the Center button in for 2 seconds.
2. Then PRESS the Center button (once) until the text "dIFF" appears in Field 2 and
"SEt" in Field 3. Located in Field 4 the altitude difference from previous zeroing
begins to flash.
3. PRESS either the [+] button or the [-] button to toggle between the current altitude
difference and zeroing.
4. PRESS the Center button to accept the choice and move to next menu Setting the
Altitude Alarm. Alternatively, PRESS and HOLD the Center button for 2 seconds to
accept any changes made and return to the [ALTI] main mode. This will reset the
altitude measurement and begin displaying the difference in altitude.
3.1.3. Setting the Altitude Alarm
In the [ALTI] mode:
1. PRESS and HOLD the Center button in for 2 seconds.
2. Then PRESS the Center button (twice) until the text "AL" appears in Field 3 and.
Located in Field 4, "On" or "OFF" begin to flash.
3. PRESS either the [+] button or the [-] button to toggle between on and off.
4. PRESS the Center button to accept the choice and move to next item. Located in
Field 2, the numeric value will begin to flash.

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5. PRESS either the [+] button or the [-] button to numerically scroll up or down until
the desired altitude is displayed.
6. PRESS the Center button to accept the choice and move to next menu Adjusting
the Resolution. Alternatively, PRESS and HOLD the Center button for 2 seconds to
accept any changes made and return to the [ALTI] main mode.
Note: Altitude Alarm is on and the alarm symbol visible only when you are using
Escape203 as Altimeter (not Weather Station).
3.1.4. Adjusting the Resolution
The screen displays "REs" and the value will begin to flash.
In the [ALTI] mode:
1. PRESS and HOLD the Center button in for 2 seconds.
2. Then PRESS the Center button (four times) until the text "RES" appears in Field 3
and. Located in Field 2, the resolution of the altitude reading begin to flash.
3. PRESS either the [+] button or the [-] button to toggle between 1 or 5 meters or 3 or
10 feet.
4. At the desired value, PRESS the Center button to accept the choice and return to
Setting the Reference Altitude. Alternatively, PRESS and HOLD the Center button
for 2 seconds to accept any changes made and return to the [ALTI] main mode.
3.2. ENTERING AN ALTITUDE POINT INTO MEMORY
In the Altimeter mode, double-PRESS the Center button to enter an altitude point into
memory. The device will show the stored information on the display for 3 seconds,
before returning to the main [ALTI] mode:
1. The altitude point number entered into memory in chronological order (e.g. P12 =
point number 12).