Suunto X6 User manual

www.suunto.com
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

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CUSTOMER SERVICE CONTACTS
Suunto Oy Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Suunto USA Phone [phone]
Canada Phone [phone]
Suunto Europe Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Suunto Web Site www.suunto.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................ 5
1.1. Care and Maintenance .......................................................................... 5
1.2. Water Resistance ................................................................................. 5
1.3. Battery Replacement ............................................................................ 6
2. HOW TO USE YOUR SUUNTO X6 ...........................................................................8
2.1. Display .................................................................................................. 8
2.1.1. Mode Symbols .......................................................................... 8
2.1.2. Function Symbols ..................................................................... 9
2.2. Buttons ................................................................................................10
2.2.1. Short and Long Press ............................................................10
2.2.2. Start Button............................................................................. 10
2.2.3. Stop/CL Button ....................................................................... 11
2.2.4. Suunto Button ........................................................................ 11
2.2.5. Arrow Buttons .......................................................................12
2.2.6. Button Lock ............................................................................12
2.3. Menus ................................................................................................13
2.3.1. Basic Menu Structure ............................................................13
2.3.2. Navigating in Menus ...............................................................14
3. MODES ................................................................................................15
3.1. General Information ............................................................................15
3.2. Time Mode ........................................................................................... 15
3.2.1. Main Display ........................................................................... 15
3.2.2. Alarm ......................................................................................16
3.2.3. Time ........................................................................................18
3.2.4. Date ........................................................................................19

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3.2.5. General ................................................................................... 20
3.2.6. Units .......................................................................................22
3.3. Compass Mode ...................................................................................25
3.3.1. Main Display ........................................................................... 25
3.3.2. Use ......................................................................................... 26
3.3.3. Altitude/Sealevel ....................................................................27
3.3.4. Compass ................................................................................ 28
3.3.5. Slope ......................................................................................30
3.4. Weather Mode .....................................................................................31
3.4.1. Main Display ........................................................................... 31
3.4.2. Use ......................................................................................... 32
3.4.3. Sealevel ..................................................................................32
3.4.4. Alarm ...................................................................................... 33
3.4.5. Memory ...................................................................................33
3.5. Hiking Mode .........................................................................................35
3.5.1. Main Display ........................................................................... 35
3.5.2. Logbook ..................................................................................36
3.5.3. Use ......................................................................................... 40
3.5.4. Altitude ...................................................................................40
3.5.5. Alarms ....................................................................................40
3.6. Hiking Chrono ......................................................................................42
3.6.1. Main Display ........................................................................... 42
3.6.2. Use ......................................................................................... 43
3.6.3. Altitude ...................................................................................44
3.6.4. Reminder ................................................................................44
3.6.5. Memory ...................................................................................46

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3.6.6. Effect of air temperature on altitude measurement .............. 48
4.ADDITIONALFEATURES ................................................................................ 52
4.1. PC Interface ................................................................................52
4.1.1. Transferring Data ...................................................................52
4.1.2. Suunto Activity Manager Features ........................................53
4.2. SuuntoSports.com ..............................................................................55
4.2.1. System Requirements ............................................................55
4.2.2. SuuntoSports.com Sections ..................................................55
4.2.3. Getting Started .......................................................................58
5. TECHNICAL DATA ................................................................................59
6. COPYRIGHTAND TRADEMARK NOTICE ............................................................... 60
7. CE COMPLIANCE ................................................................................60
8. LIMITS OF LIABILITYAND ISO 9001 COMPLIANCE .............................................. 61

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1. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Suunto X6 Wristop Computer is a reliable high precision electronic instrument that
is intended for recreational use. Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy sports such as
mountain climbing, hiking and biking can rely on the Suunto X6’s accuracy.
NOTE: The X6 should not be substituted for obtaining measurements that require
professional or industrial precision and should not be used to obtain measurements
when skydiving, hang gliding, paragliding, gyrocopter riding and flying small aircraft.
1.1. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Perform only the procedures described in this manual. Never attempt to disassemble
or service your Suunto X6. Protect your Suunto X6 from shocks, extreme heat and
prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. If not in use, your Suunto X6 should be stored
in a clean, dry environment at room temperature.
The Suunto X6 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 X6 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. Keep the PC interface pins clean with e.g. a toothbrush.
Make sure the area around the sensor is kept free of dirt and sand. Never insert any
objects into the sensor opening.
1.2. WATER RESISTANCE
The Suunto X6 is water resistant up to 100 m/330 ft. However, it is not a diving
instrument and therefore it should not be used to obtain data under water.

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1.3. BATTERY REPLACEMENT
The Suunto X6 operates on a 3-Volt lithium cell,
type: CR 2032. The life expectancy is approxi-
mately 12 months.
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 we recommend replacing the bat-
tery. However, extremely cold weather may ac-
tivate the low battery warning indicator, even
though the battery is still fully operational. If the
battery warning indicator activates in tempera-
tures above 10°C (50°F), replace the battery.
NOTE: Heavy use of the backlight, altimeter
and compass will significantly reduce battery
life.
To replace the battery, follow these steps:
1. Insert a coin into the slot located on the bat-
tery compartment cover on the backside of
the Suunto X6.
2. Turn the coin counterclockwise until it is
aligned with the open position marker, or even
slightly further for easy opening.
3. Remove the battery compartment cover. En-
sure that the O ring and all surfaces are
➦➦
➦➦
➦
➥➥
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clean and dry. Do not stretch the O ring.
4. Remove the old battery carefully.
5. Place the new battery into the battery com-
partment with the positive side facing up.
6. With the O ring in the correct position, re-
place the battery compartment cover and turn
it with the coin clockwise until it is aligned
with the close position marker.
NOTE: Battery replacement should be
performed with extreme care to ensure that
the Suunto X6 continues to remain waterproof.
Careless battery replacement may void
warranty.
➦➦
➦➦
➦
➥➥
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➥

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2. HOW TO USE YOUR SUUNTO X6
2.1. DISPLAY
When your Suunto X6 leaves the factory, it dis-
plays the rows of the Time mode main display—
date, time and weekday. Later on, you can se-
lect which mode is displayed.
In addition to mode-specific information, the
Suunto X6 display includes several symbols.
2.1.1. Mode Symbols
The mode symbols on the left of the display
indicate the active mode:
Time
Compass
Weather
Hiking
Hiking chrono

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2.1.2. Function Symbols
The function symbols indicate that either a function has been activated (such as
Alarm) or something needs to be done (battery symbol). The function symbols are:
Alarm
Active, when at least one of the alarms is on.
Weather/Altitude alarm
Active, when weather alarm, altitude alarm or asc/dsc alarm is on.
Logbook
Active, when the logbook is recording data.
Chrono
Active, when the chrono is on and recording data to a file.
Use alti/baro
Indicates, whether the air pressure sensor is used to measure altitude or used as a
barometer.
If you select the air pressure to be displayed as altitude, the symbol is next to the
Compass mode symbol. If you select the air pressure to be displayed as weather
information, the symbol is next to the Weather mode symbol.For more information,
refer to page 26.
Battery
Active, when 5–15 percent of the battery capacity is left and the battery should be
replaced.
Button Lock
Active, when the button lock is activated.

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2.2. BUTTONS
2.2.1. Short and Long Press
The buttons may have different functions de-
pending on how long they are pressed.
The ordinary press or short press means that
the button is pressed quickly.
The long press means that the button is
pressed for more than 2 seconds.
2.2.2. Start Button
Short press
•In Chrono mode, starts timing and records
and displays the intermediate times.
•In Hiking mode, records the mark points (alti-
tude and time).
Long press
•Activates the backlight when the backlight is
not set to off. The backlight stays on as long
as a selection is active and 5 seconds after
the last selection. For more information about
backlight settings, see page 21.

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2.2.3. Stop/CL Button
Short press
•Returns to the previous menu level or to the previous selection without accepting
the selection.
•In the Chrono mode, stops timing.
•In other mode main displays, acts as a shortcut button, that toggles the lowest field
of the main display between three different alternatives. The selection stays active
even if the mode or menu level is changed.
Long press
•Returns to the main display of the current mode without accepting the last selec-
tion. In Chrono mode resets the stopwatch.
2.2.4. Suunto Button
Short press
•Scrolls to a lower menu level.
•Accepts the selections made with arrows and moves to the next phase.
•After the last selection, returns to the settings menu.
•With two possible selections (e.g. light on/off), activates the selection and accepts
the selections made with arrows.
Long press
•Returns to the main display of the current mode and accepts the selection.
•With two possible selections (e.g. light on/off), accepts the selection and returns
directly to the main display of the current mode.

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2.2.5. Arrow Buttons
Short press
•Changes modes in the mode main display.
•Scrolls the menus up and down, and logbook and memory forward and back.
•Changes the values. The up arrow increases the value and the down arrow
decreases the value.
•With two possible selections (e.g. light on/off), both arrows change the value.
2.2.6. Button Lock
The button lock prevents buttons being pushed accidentally. If the button lock is
activated and you try to press a button, the message “UNLOCK PRESS SUUNTO”is dis-
played.
Activating the lock
To activate the lock, follow these steps:
1. Press the Suunto button. The Suunto X6 moves to the function menu.
2. Press the Start button within 2 seconds. The buttons are locked and the Suunto X6
moves to the main display of the current mode.
Unlocking the lock
To unlock the button lock, follow these steps:
3. Press the Suunto button. The following text is displayed: “NOW PRESS START”.
4. Press the Start button within 2 seconds.

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2.3. MENUS
2.3.1. Basic Menu Structure

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The menus are organized hierarchically under the modes. When you select a mode,
its main display appears. When you press Suunto in the mode’s main display, the
mode’s function menu is displayed. The function menu includes several functions
and all the functions include sub-functions or settings. This constructs the hierarchi-
cal menu structure.
2.3.2. Navigating in Menus
The menu items can be scrolled with the up and down arrow buttons on the right side
of the Suunto X6. Three menu items can fit into the display at the same time. The menu
item that is currently active and can thus be selected is displayed in reversed color.
On the right side of the display is an indicator bar showing the total number of menu
items. The number of the active menu item is displayed next to the indicator bar.
You can move deeper into the hierarchy by selecting a menu item and pressing the
Suunto button. If you want to return one step up in the hierarchy, press the Stop/CL
button. Remember that pressing only the Stop/CL button does not save the changes—
first they have to be accepted using the Suunto button.
If you want to return directly to the main display of the active mode, press for more
than 2 seconds either the Suunto button (saves the changes) or the Stop/CL button
(discards the last change).
Suunto X6 has been designed to guide you as much as possible when you navigate
in the menus. When you perform a function, the Suunto X6 often returns automatically
to the menu that you are likely to use next. Also, for example, if you try to do something
that is impossible, the Suunto X6 first displays a message and then automatically
recommends a function in reversed color to help you to use the functions.

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3. MODES
3.1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Suunto X6 has five modes: Time, Compass, Weather, Hiking and Hiking Chrono.
The symbols for each mode are displayed on the left of the Suunto X6 display. When
you select a mode, the active mode indicator appears on the display next to the
symbol of the selected mode. If the icons are set to on , they also display the active
mode.
To select a mode, press either the up or down arrow while in the main display of any
mode and scroll the modes. During scrolling, the icon of the selected mode and its
name appear on the display. When you stop scrolling, the icon stays for a little while
and then the main display of that mode opens automatically.
NOTE: In addition to the active mode indicator, the Use indicator can also be dis-
played next to the Compass or Weather mode symbols. If the Use is set to Alti, the
indicator is next to the Compass mode symbol and if the Use is set to Baro, the
indicator is next to the Weather mode symbol. For more information about the Alti or
Baro Use, see page 26.
3.2. TIME MODE
3.2.1. Main Display
When you select the Time mode, the main display opens. The main display has three
rows:
Date
The first row displays the date in the selected format. For more information about
changing the date format, see page 22.

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Time
The second row displays the time in the selected format. For more information about
changing between 12- and 24-hour display, see page 22.
Shortcuts
The third row displays alternatively the weekday, seconds or dual time. To change
the displayed information, press the Stop/CL button.
•Weekday. Displays the current weekday.
•Seconds. Displays seconds.
•Dual time. Displays the dual time.
3.2.2. Alarm
You can set altogether three independent alarms. In addition to the time, you can
define a date when the alarm sounds. If you do not define the date, the alarm will
sound daily, as long as it is set to on .
When the alarm is set, the alarm symbol appears in the Suunto X6 display.
Activating alarms
To activate an alarm, follow these steps:
1. To access the function menu, press Suunto in the main display.
2. In the function menu, Alarm is already reversed in color as the first menu item.
Select it by pressing Suunto . The alarm menu displays the status of the alarms.
When you open the menu for the first time the alarm indicators are set to off as
default.
3. Scroll to the alarm you want to set and press Suunto . The alarm information is
displayed and the on/off indicator is displayed as active (in reversed color). When

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you open the alarm information for the first time, the time is 00:00 or 12:00 am.
4. Press either the up or down arrow to change the alarm status to on .
5. Press Suunto . The alarm indicator changes to on and the hour selection is acti-
vated.
6. Set the correct hour with the arrow buttons and press Suunto . The minute selec-
tion is activated.
7. Set the correct minutes with the arrow buttons and press Suunto .
8. If you want the alarm to sound every day , accept the dd.mm format by pressing
Suunto . (A long press returns back to the main display, two short presses first
activate the mm field and then return to the function menu.) The alarm is set to
sound every day and you return to the function menu.
9. If you want to set the alarm for a specific date, set the day and month with the
arrow buttons and accept the date by pressing Suunto . The alarm is set to sound
only once on the selected date and you return to the function menu.
Deactivating alarms
To deactivate the alarm, follow these steps:
1. To access the function menu, press Suunto in the main display.
2. In the function menu, scroll to Alarm and press Suunto .
3. Scroll to the alarm you want to set off and press Suunto . The alarm information is
displayed and the on/off indicator is displayed as active (in reversed color).
4. Press either the up or down button to change the alarm status to off and press
Suunto . The alarm symbol disappears from the display.
Acknowledging alarms
When you hear the alarm, you can acknowledge it by pressing any of the Suunto X6
buttons. The alarm stops automatically after 30 seconds.

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3.2.3. Time
The time means the current time that is visible on the second row of the Time mode
main display.
Dual time makes it possible to keep track of another time, for example, another time
zone when you are traveling. The dual time is displayed on the third row of the Time
mode main display as a shortcut. To scroll to the dual time shortcut, press the Stop/CL
button in the main display.
Setting time and dual time
To set the time and dual time, follow these steps:
1. To access the function menu, press Suunto in the main display.
2. Scroll to Time on the function menu and press Suunto . The menu with the options
time and dual time is displayed.
3. Scroll to either time or dual time and press Suunto . The hour selection is activated.
4. Change the hour with the arrow buttons and press Suunto . The minute selection is
activated.
NOTE: If the time is displayed as a 12-hour clock, the symbol AM or PM is displayed
on the last row. For more information about the 12/24-hour clock, see page 22.
5. Change the minutes with the arrow buttons and press Suunto . The second selec-
tion is activated.
6. When you press the arrow down button, the seconds are zeroed. If you want to
set specific seconds, press the arrow up button and the seconds start to in-
crease. When the seconds setting is correct, press Suunto . You automatically return
to the function menu.
NOTE: When you set the seconds for time, they are automatically updated to dual
time as well.