Suunto EN | FR | DE | ES | IT | NL | FI | SV User manual

USER’S GUIDE
EN | FR | DE | ES | IT | NL | FI | SV
Suunto Oy 6/2001, 7/2005

COPYRIGHT
This pub ication and its contents are proprietary to Suunto Oy.
Suunto, Wristop Computer, Suunto Observer, Rep acing Luck and their ogos are registered or unregistered trademarks
of Suunto Oy. A rights reserved.
Whi e we have taken great care to ensure that information contained in this documentation is both comprehensive and
accurate, no warranty of accuracy is expressed or imp ied. Its content is subject to change at any time without notice.

USER’S GUIDE
EN | FR | DE | ES | IT | NL | FI | SV
Suunto Oy 6/2001, 7/2005

COPYRIGHT
This pub ication and its contents are proprietary to Suunto Oy.
Suunto, Wristop Computer, Suunto Observer, Rep acing Luck and their ogos are registered or unregistered trademarks
of Suunto Oy. A rights reserved.
Whi e we have taken great care to ensure that information contained in this documentation is both comprehensive and
accurate, no warranty of accuracy is expressed or imp ied. Its content is subject to change at any time without notice.

1
USER'S GUIDE
CUSTOMER SERVICE CONTACTS
Suunto Oy Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Suunto USA Phone [phone]
Canada Phone [phone]
European Call Center Phone [phone]
Suunto Website www.suunto.com
EN

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................... 5
1.1 General Information .......................................................................................... 5
1.2 Care and Maintenance ...................................................................................... 5
1.2.1. Care of the Suunto Observer .................................................................. 5
1.3 Water Resistance ............................................................................................... 6
1.4 Battery Replacement ......................................................................................... 6
1.5 Adjusting the Bracelet (St and Tt models) ....................................................... 8
1.6 Main Functions (Modes) .................................................................................... 9
1.7 Backlight Features ............................................................................................. 9
1.8 Button Functions ................................................................................................ 9
1.9 LCD Display ...................................................................................................... 10
1.10Measurements and Units ................................................................................. 11
1.10.1 To Set or Check Unit of Measurement Settings ............................... 11
1.11 Pressure Sensor Calibration ............................................................................ 12
CHAPTER 2 TIME MODE .......................................................................... 13
2.1 Setting up the Time and Calendar ................................................................ 13
2.2 Chronometer Sub Mode .................................................................................. 14
2.2.1 How to Use the Chronometer ................................................................. 14
2.2.2 To View the Chronometer Memory ....................................................... 15
2.3 Daily Alarm Sub Mode .................................................................................... 16
2.3.1 Setting the Daily Alarm(s) ...................................................................... 17
CHAPTER 3 ALTIMETER MODE ............................................................... 17

3
3.1 Altimeter-Barometer Use ................................................................................. 18
3.2 Setting the Altimeter........................................................................................ 19
3.3 Logbook Sub Mode ......................................................................................... 21
3.3.1 Starting and Stopping a Logbook Recording ....................................... 21
3.3.2 To View in the Logbook Mode .............................................................. 21
3.4 Fast Cumulative Feature ................................................................................. 23
3.5 Logbook History Sub Mode ............................................................................. 23
3.5.1 Clearing the Logbook History................................................................. 24
3.6 Effect of Air Temperature on Altitude Measurement ..................................... 25
CHAPTER 4 BAROMETER MODE ............................................................. 28
4.1 Setting the Sea Level Pressure ...................................................................... 29
4.2 4-Day Memory Sub Mode ............................................................................... 30
4.3 Barometric Trend Indicator ............................................................................. 31
CHAPTER 5 COMPASS MODE .................................................................. 31
5.1 Bearing Tracking Sub Mode ........................................................................... 32
5.2 Declination Adjustment Sub Mode ................................................................. 33
5.2.1 Setting the Local Declination ............................................................... 33
5.3 Calibrating the Compass ................................................................................. 34
CHAPTER 6 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .................................... 35
CHAPTER 7 ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................... 38
CHAPTER 8 COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE ........................... 39
CHAPTER 9 CE COMPLIANCE ............................................................... 39
CHAPTER 10 LIMITS OF LIABILITY AND ISO 9001 COMPLIANCE ......... 40
CHAPTER 11 DISPOSAL OF THE DEVICE ................................................ 40

4
- Altitude Alarm Indicator
- Daily Alarm Indicator
- Mode Indicator
- AM/PM Indicator (12h display)
- Low Battery Indicator
- Use Indicator
- Chronometer Indicator
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
SELECT
QUICK
MODE
PRESSURE
SENSOR
ON / OFF
Figure 1.1

5
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION
The Observer Wristop Computer is a reliable high precision electronic instrument,
intended for recreational use. The outdoor enthusiast who enjoys venturing in sports like
skiing, kayaking, mountain climbing, hiking and biking can rely on the Observer’s accuracy.
NOTE: The Observer should not be substituted for acquiring measurements that require
professional or industrial precision and should not be used to acquire measurements
when skydiving, hang gliding, paragliding, gyrocopter riding and flying small aircraft.
The Observer is available in three different material combinations:
Observer Sr with stainless steel housing and elastomer strap, Observer St with stainless
steel housing and stainless steel / elastomer bracelet and Observer Tt with Titanium
housing and Titanium / elastomer bracelets. All material versions have identical functions
and operation.
1.2 CARE AND MAINTENANCE
1.2.1 Care of the Suunto Observer
Only perform the procedures described in this manual. Never attempt to disassemble or
service your Suunto Observer. Protect your Suunto Observer from shocks, extreme heat
and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Avoid rubbing the Suunto Observer against
rough surfaces as this may scratch the face. If not in use, your Suunto Observer should be
stored in a clean, dry environment at room temperature.
The Suunto Observer can be wiped clean with a lightly moistened (warm water) cloth.
If there are stubborn stains or marks, you can apply mild soap to the area. Do not expose
the Suunto Observer to strong chemicals such as gasoline, cleaning solvents, acetone,
alcohol, insect repellents, adhesives and paint, as they will damage the unit’s seals,
case and finish. Make sure the area around the sensor is kept free of dirt and sand. Never
insert any objects into the sensor opening.

6
1.3 WATER RESISTANCE
Suunto Observer is tested with ISO (International Organization for standardization,
www.iso.ch) standard 2281. This means that the product is water-resistant. In addition to
the term ‘water resistant’, Suunto Observer is marked with an indication of a test
overpressure given as a depth in meters (100 m/330 feet). This indication, however,
does not correspond to a diving depth but refers to the pressure at which the water
overpressure test was conducted.
This means that you cannot dive to a depth of 100 m/330 ft. with your Suunto Observer.
Rain, showering, swimming and other normal exposure to water will not affect its operation
but the buttons shall not be pressed if exposed to water in any circumstances.
NOTE: Suunto Observer wristop computers must not be used for diving.
1.4 BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Suunto Observer operates on a 3-Volt lithium cell, type: CR 2032. The life expectancy
is approximately 12 months in the Time mode.
A low-battery warning indicator is activated on the display when approximately 5–15
percent of the battery capacity is still available. When this occurs, you should replace
the battery. However, extremely cold weather may activate the low battery warning
indicator even though the battery is still fully operational. If the battery warning indica-
tor is activated in temperatures above 10°C (50°F), replace the battery.
NOTE: Heavy use of the backlight, altimeter and compass will significantly reduce
battery life.
You can replace the batteries yourself as long as you do it properly to avoid any leakage
of water into the battery compartment or computer. Always use original battery
replacement kits. (They include a new battery, battery lid and O-ring.) You can purchase
the battery kits from official Suunto retailers.
NOTE: When replacing the battery, also replace the battery lid and O-ring. Never use
the old ones.

7
!!
!!
!
!!
!!
!
!!
!!
!
!!
!!
!
!!
!!
!
NOTE: Change the battery at your own risk. Suunto recommends
you to have the batteries changed in official Suunto
services.
To replace the battery:
1. Insert a coin into the slot located on the battery
compartment cover on the backside of your Suunto
Observer.
2. Turn the coin counterclockwise until it is aligned
with the open position marker.
3. Remove the battery compartment cover and the
O-ring, and discard them. Ensure that all surfaces
are clean and dry.
4. Remove the old battery carefully.
5. Place the new battery into the battery compart-
ment under the metal contact clips, with the posi-
tive side facing up.
6. With the O-ring in the correct position, replace the
battery compartment cover and turn it with the
coin clockwise until it is aligned with the closed
position marker. Do not press onto the battery com-
partment cover while turning it with a coin.
NOTE: Perform battery replacement with extreme care
to ensure that your Suunto Observer remains water
resistant. Careless battery replacement may void
warranty.
WARNING: This Suunto product contains a Lithium cell battery. To reduce risk of fire or
burns, do not disassemble, crush, puncture, short external contacts, charge or dispose

8
!!
!!
!
!!
!!
!
!!
!!
!
!!
!!
!
of in fire or water. Replace only with manufacturer
specified batteries. Recycle or dispose of used
batteries properly.
1.5 ADJUSTING THE BRACELET (ST
AND TT MODELS)
The metal / elastomer bracelets of the Observer
models St and Tt have to be adjusted for the
user. The steps are
1. Remove the buckle by releasing the spring
bars with pin, paper clip or other sharp object.
2. Remove both spring bars from the pin holes.
3. Shorten the bracelet by cutting along the
grooves on the inner surface of the bracelet.
You can do this for instance with scissors. If
you are unsure of the correct length, cut the
pieces one by one and test the length after
cutting each piece. Cut in turns from both sides
of the bracelet to keep the sides equally long.
Be careful in order not to shorten the bracelet
too much.
4. Replace the spring bars into the last pin holes
of both sides of the bracelet.
5. Attach the buckle to the bracelet by placing
the spring bars into the holes in the buckle. In
both sides of the buckle are holes for two dif-
ferent positions. This can be used for fine ad-

9
justing of the bracelet length. Make sure that the spring bars are positioned straight
in the buckle.
1.6 MAIN FUNCTIONS (MODES)
The Observer has four main modes: TIME, ALTIMETER, BAROMETER, and COMPASS.
In each of the features there are associated sub modes providing further enhancements
to its usefulness during your outdoor adventures. All key features and sub features will be
discussed in further detail following this chapter.
1.7 BACKLIGHT FEATURES
The Observer has an electroluminescent backlight. To activate the backlight, press and
hold the [MODE] button for 2 seconds. The backlight will remain on for approximately 10
seconds. If you press buttons to operate, the backlight remains on 10 seconds from the last
pressing.
1.8 BUTTON FUNCTIONS
The Observer is operated with four buttons as shown in Fig. 1.1: [MODE], [ON OFF],
[QUICK], and [SELECT].
The MODE Button
Located on the top right of the Observer performs the following functions:
• A short press allows you to move from one mode to the next (TIME, ALTI, BARO,
COMP).
• While in the sub mode level, a short press returns you to the main mode.
• During the setup process, a short press accepts all changes and exits the set function.
• A long press of 2 seconds activates the backlight feature.
The ON OFF Button
Located on the bottom right of the Observer performs the following functions:
• In the TIME Mode, the bottom field view can be scrolled displaying the calendar

10
date, seconds, or dual time.
• During the setup process, a short press causes the selected value to increase.
• For chronometer, a short press acts as a start/stop.
• In ALTIMETER mode the logbook starts and stops with two short presses.
• In the COMPASS mode, two short presses change between the normal compass and
bearing tracking feature.
The QUICK Button
Located on the bottom left of the Observer performs the following function:
• In the setup process, pressing the [QUICK] button causes the selected value to
decrease.
• In the TIME, ALTIMETER, or BAROMETRIC mode, a short press quickly displays the
cumulative information of the current logbook recording. Refer to Chapter 3, Fast
Cumulative Features for more information
• For chronometer, this button is used for lap times and zeroing.
• In COMPASS mode, a short press locks the bearing.
The SELECT Button
Located on the top left of the Observer performs the following functions:
• In a main mode level, a short press allows you to enter into the sub modes of the
particular function or return to the main mode.
• For entering the setup process, a long press of 2 seconds allows you to initiate
changes to the Observer’s functions.
• While in the setup process, a short press allows you to move between settable units
or values and determine preferences.
1.9 LCD DISPLAY
Designed to offer maximum clarity and simplicity the display is divided into several
areas as shown in Fig. 1.1.

11
a) The top field displays numbers or text depending on the mode or sub mode you are
viewing.
b) The middle field displays large numbers and/or the related unit of measure of a
function.
c) The bottom field displays either numbers and/or text.
d) The Mode Indictor Bar displays the main modes of the Observer. The half oblong
shape located just below the bar indicates the mode you are viewing. The half-
moon shape under the mode indicator indicates the Observer is being used as a
barometer (weather station) or altimeter.
e) The outer circumference of the LCD graphically tracks the units of measure based on
the selected mode.
f) On the top left, an arrow shaped Barometric Trend Indicator provides a quick
reference view of weather conditions.
1.10 MEASUREMENTS AND UNITS
The Observer supplies two units of measure: Metric or Imperial. Each unit can be
selected individually.
Metric Unit of Measure Imperial Unit of Measure
mft
m/min ft/min
ºC ºF
hPa inHg
1.10.1 To Set or Check Unit of Measurement Settings
If the mode indicator is not on TIME, press the [MODE] button until it is directly below
TIME.
1. Press the [MODE] and [SELECT] buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds to enter the

12
setup mode. The top field will display “SET” momentarily and then change to “UNI”.
NOTE: Setup mode will automatically exit if left idle for more than one minute.
2. Press the [SELECT] button for 2 seconds to view the first setting. You will see the first
unit flashing.
WARNING: If you perform a short press of the [SELECT] button while in the “UNI”
setting mode, you will switch to Pressure Sensor Calibration. Refer to the next section
for more details.
3. Press the [SELECT] button to move to the unit you want to change. You can change
the flashing unit. The units are in the following order: m/ft, m/min / ft/min, hPa/inHg,
ºC/ºF.
4. Press the [ON OFF] or [QUICK] button to toggle between the metric and imperial
settings.
5. To confirm the setting(s), press the [MODE] button.
6. To exit the setup process, press the [MODE] button again.
1.11 PRESSURE SENSOR CALIBRATION
WARNING: This is a FACTORY CALIBRATION SETTING. Do not enter this mode.
If you enter this mode in error, exit immesdiately by pressing the [MODE] or [SELECT]
button to return to the “UNI” setting mode. Normally there is no need to alter the
calibration.
If the Pressure Setting Calibration has been altered, you can return the factory setting.
Proceed as follows: In the calibration setting mode, scroll the barometric pressure value
up or down until text “dEF” appears. This is the factory setting. Then exit by pressing
[MODE].

13
CHAPTER 2 TIME MODE
There are three time sub modes: time, chronometer and alarms.
NOTE: These functions are accessible in the TIME mode, i.e. when the mode indictor is
below TIME.
In the watch time mode, the fields display the following data as shown in Fig. 2.1:
a) Day of the week;
b) Current time;
c) Date dd.mm in 24h display or mm.dd in 12h display, seconds or dual time according
to the last selection (changing data with the [ON OFF] button;
d) Am/pm indicator in 12 h display; and
e) Graphical display of seconds, once every two seconds a new segment lights up until
a full circle of segments (60 seconds) is lit.
2.1 SETTING THE TIME AND CALENDAR
1. In the main mode of the time function, press the [SELECT] button for 2 seconds to
begin the setup process. In the bottom field, seconds will begin to flash.
2. Press the [SELECT] button to move to the field you want to change. The order of
fields is seconds, minutes, hours, 12/24h, year, month, day, dual-time hours, dual-
time minutes. You change the value in the field that is flashing.
3. Press the [ON OFF] button to scroll the value in the field up or the [QUICK] button to
scroll down. In the seconds field, the [QUICK] button resets the seconds to zero.
4. Press the [MODE] button to accept the changes made and exit the setup process.
NOTE: If the 12-hour clock is chosen either AM/PM will appear below the hour in the
middle field and the date shows the month first then the day.
Once you determine the year, month and day, the Observer will supply the day of the
week in the top field.
Setup mode will automatically be released if left idle for more than one minute.

14
The dual time will stay the same, even though the time in the main time mode is
adjusted. For example, if you set the dual time to show your home time, your home time
will always be displayed in the sub mode even if you travel to a different time zone and
adjust the time in the main time mode.
The dual time function is completely independent from the current time and does not
effect the alarms or the memory functions. These are dependent on the current local time
in the main time mode.
2.2 CHRONOMETER SUB MODE
In the TIME mode, press the [SELECT] button once to enter this sub mode.
The Observer chronometer feature:
• Can record 1-99 split and lap times; and
• Obtain a maximum range of one run (timing event) up to 24:00:00. Upon exceeding
this range the Observer will activate an audible sound indicating the timing process
has stopped.
In the chronometer mode, the fields display the following data as shown in Fig. 2.2:
a) Seconds and tenths of a second;
b) Hours and minutes;
c) Icon of a “stopwatch”; and
d) Current time.
2.2.1 How to Use the Chronometer
In the chronometer mode:
1. Press the [ON OFF] button to start the chronometer.
2. Press the [QUICK] button to store the lap time and split time into memory.
Lap and split times are displayed as follows:
In the top field the lap time is shown for the latest lap. The number of this lap is shown
in the bottom field “L #” (# = lap number). The lap time is displayed for five seconds
before the measured split time is displayed.

15
The split time is indicated by the abbreviation “SPL” (SPL = split) in the bottom field
displaying for five seconds before it returns to showing the run time.
NOTE: You can continuously press the [QUICK] button during this activity to record and
display new lap and split times up to 99 times.
3. Press the [ON OFF] button to stop the chronometer.
4. Press the [QUICK] button to reset the chronometer to zero once the chronometer is
stopped.
NOTE: The timing of another event cannot start until the stopwatch has been zeroed.
NOTE: Starting the timing of another event removes the data of the previous timing from
the memory.
NOTE: When the timing is going on, the chronometer remains active in the background
when you switch to other modes or sub modes. A stopwatch icon is displayed in the
bottom field to indicate that the chronometer function is active.
2.2.2 To View the Chronometer Memory
While in the chronometer mode, press the [SELECT] button for 2 seconds. This sub
mode features three main screens. You use the [ON OFF] button to advance through the
screens and the [QUICK] button to scroll back to the first screen.
The first screen (Fig. 2.3) displays:
a) The year of the timed event;
b) The time the event started to record;
c) The date of the timed event;
d) The stopwatch icon; and
e) The text “MEM” to indicate the memory view.
You press the [ON OFF] button to move to the next screen.
The second screen (Fig. 2.4) displays:

16
a) The total number of laps stored in the middle field; and
b) The text “MEM and “LAP” and the stopwatch icon in the bottom field.
You press the [ON OFF] button to move to the next screen. In this mode, you can view the
individual lap and split times, each displaying its information on separate screens. You
can view individual sets of lap and split times by using the [ON OFF] button to advance
through the screens and the [QUICK] button to scroll back to the first screen. The screens
are setup in chronological order beginning with lap 1.
These screens (Figures 2.5 and 2.6) display:
a) The seconds and tenths of seconds of the lap or split time in the top field;
b) The hours and minutes of the lap or split time in the middle field; and
c) The text “MEM” and the text “L #”(L # = Lap time number #) or “SPL” (SPL = split time)
in the bottom field. The stopwatch icon appears on the right side. The lap time will
be viewed first and then the corresponding split time will follow automatically.
NOTE: If a display is on for an extended period of time, the lap and split times will begin
to flash alternating at 4-second intervals. After10 minutes the wristop will exit this view
mode automatically.
Press the [ON OFF] button to continue viewing the reminder of lap and split times
recorded. When the last lap and split times have been viewed, the display will show the
finishing time of the event in middle field and the text “End” (indicating the end of
timing) in the bottom field.
Press the [MODE] button once to exit and return to the chronometer sub mode and a
second time to return to the main time mode.
2.3 DAILY ALARM SUB MODE
The Observer allows you to select and enter settings for up to three alarms.
In the TIME mode, press the [SELECT] button twice to enter this sub mode. (After
stopwatch)