Altimeters

[freefaller76 0]

I am currently looking into buying an altimeter. I know that the Altimaster III Galaxy is good up to 18,000'. What about the Altimaster V and the FT-50? I know that they both read up to 12,000' but can they be used above that?

[AggieDave 6]

How often are you going to go above 15,000ft?

I took my Galaxy III to 21,000ft once on a high-altitude jump. It basically stopped about 17,000, BUT when I went back through it, it worked like a champ below 17k.

Basically, find one you like, that's easy for you to read and go with it.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[kallend 2,106]

They just keep going round, like a clock. Regular mechanical altimeters do not read accurately at very high altitudes, the mechanism is non-linear. There are altimeters that are accurate at high altitudes, but these are typically found in airplanes, not on skydivers wrists.

My FT50 is within 200ft at 10,000ft but reads over 1000ft low at 20,000ft.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[FrancoR 0]

I have a metric FT-50 that goes up to 4000m (=13000ft). I did a 6200m jump this year most alitmeters on the plane only showed about 5000m mine showed a lot more, i guess mine works best in high altitudes.

I really like my FT-50 because it is very easy to read.

If it does not cost anything you are the product.

[Spatula 0]

For a newbie, would you reccomend a basic alti (FT-50/Galazy) or a Neptune style?

[AggieDave 6]

Do you want a digital or an analog altimeter?

That's the first question.

The next question is (if digitial) do you want it to have a log book feature?

The next question for (if analog) would be, do I want different colors and smaller numbers or just a FT-50.

It really is about personal preference, as long as the alti you choose is reasonably accurate (not really a problem with modern altis) and you can read it easily.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Spatula 0]

I'll have a Pro-Track so thet will also log my jump stats, so it's not a necessity for the alti. So I'll probably go witth the analog since it's cheaper, thanks!

[sdctlc 0]

When your looking for a new altimeter dont forget to look at Free Fall Acessories! I recently purchased one from them and find it to be the nicest altimeter I have owned. Extremely smooth and accurate movement. Now the highest I have jumped it was just undr 17,000 and it was spot on when comparing it to the altimeter the pilot was using.

The other bonus was the custom made altimeter face that they made for mine! They have been running ads in Parachutist or you can go to the website Free Fall Accessories

Good Luck!
Scott C.

"He who Hesitates Shall Inherit the Earth!"

[freefaller76 0]

Does Alti-2 still service Altimaster V's?

[AggieDave 6]

You'd have to e-mail them and ask.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[arlo 0]

i just spoke with alti-2 and they no longer service the altimaster V. they do, however, offer a trade-in program. if you send your V in, they replace it with a galaxy for $99 + shipping ($6.50-ish).

now, for spatula, i would recommend an analog. it's what you're used to right not, it's inexpensive and there's really no need in throwing in more variables this early in the game.
hope this helps,
arlo

[ianmdrennan 2]

I'm all for my neptune, but it's very important to note that because it's digital and runs on batteries if you don't pay attention you could end up with no alti on a jump. No biggie for me, but be prepared to experience that if you're not diligent and decide to go digital.

Every device will have it's pros and cons. See which falls into your need category.

Good luck.

Blue skies
Ian

Performance Designs Factory Team

[sdctlc 0]

Quote

Does Alti-2 still service Altimaster V's?

I believe that they do. Also, I do know that Free Fall Accessories services all types of altimeters as well.

Scott C.

"He who Hesitates Shall Inherit the Earth!"

[FrancoR 0]

Definatly basic analog Altimeter. I find an analog display is much faster and more reliable to read.
I have mine since i was a student.

If it does not cost anything you are the product.

[councilman24 37]

Forget the V. Every one I ever saw broke withing a year. My II is 23 years old and still going strong.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[champu 1]

I like analog gauges whether it's an altimeter, speedometer, clock, whatever.

It's just how my mind is. For example when I glance at my watch, I don't usually read the time off of it, I just kinda look at the shape of the hands and I go right from that to my "mental perception of time" or whatever you want to call it.

Simliarly with an altimeter, I don't really read the altitude, just kinda look at what direction the needle is pointing. I think an altimeter with nothing on the face except for a single line to zero it would probably be just as useful to me.