Compass (Alterra Only); Compass Screen; Calibrating The Compass; Magnetic Declination - HighGear Aerial User Manual

COMPASS (ALTERRA ONLY)

The Alterra is equipped with a highly accurate digital magnetic compass with reading in one degree
increments. The compass can be adjusted to compensate for the magnetic declination corresponding to
the area where the compass is being used.

COMPASS SCREEN

There is only one screen display available in the COMPASS mode.
The display shows the TIME OF DAY in the top line. The CURRENT
HEADING IN QUARTER CARDINAL POINTS is shown as a rotating
scale across the center line and the bottom line displays the CURRENT
HEADING IN DEGREES.

CALIBRATING THE COMPASS

The COMPASS of the Alterra must be calibrated on a regular basis. The
compass should be calibrated any time it does not seem to be working
properly. We recommend calibrating the compass prior to any activity
where optimal accuracy is desired, such as a long back country trip.
1. Start in COMPASS mode.
2. PRESS & HOLD the S5 key to enter the calibration sequence.
3. CAL will appear in the center line of the display.
4. Rotate the watch clockwise for two complete rotations of
approximately 15-seconds per rotation.
5. To exit the calibration sequence at this point
key. Or advance to setting the magnetic declination using a
PRESS of the S5 key.
NOTE: For the optimum accuracy, the compass must be held
completely level during the calibration process. We recommend
placing the unit on top of a drinking glass while performing
the calibration as this will make it easier to keep the compass
level.
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ALTIWARE SERIES
QUICK PRESS the S1
QUICK
COMPASS (ALTERRA ONLY)
CALIBRATING THE COMPASS
(continued)
6. If the calibration is successful the display will show CAL in the
center line and END in the lower line and automatically advance
to the compass display.
7. If the calibration was unsuccessful, an ERR message will appear
in the lower line of the display, and you will need to repeat the
calibration sequence.
8. If you have chosen to set a magnetic declination, adjust the
degrees and direction using the S1 and S2
from variable to variable using the S4 key.
9. If you do not know the Magnetic Declination for your area, leave
this setting at ZERO.
10. When you have completely entered the magnetic declination, exit
the calibration sequence using the S5 key.

MAGNETIC DECLINATION

A magnetic compass points to the earth's magnetic north pole. Depending on your location, this may
be different from True North. Adjusting the MAGNETIC DECLINATION allows you to compensate for
this variation. Magnetic Declination for an area can be found on topographical maps. Declination can
change over time and distance. Make sure the source for your declination settings is up to date. The
following websites are good sources for finding local Magnetic Declination.
http://www.gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/geomag/field/mdcalc_e.php
http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/geomag/jsp/Declination.jsp

REACTIVATING COMPASS

To save power, the compass feature of the Alterra unit only remains active for a period of 30-seconds.
To reactivate the compass display, QUICK PRESS
keys. Set and advance
the S1 key.
alterra/aerial
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