Suunto M9 Operation Manual

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CUSTOMER SERVICE CONT ACTS

Suunto Oy Phone [phone]

Fax [phone]

Suunto USA Phone [phone]

Canada Phone [phone]
European Call Center Phone [phone]
PC-related questions [e-mail]
Suunto Website

www.suunto.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 6

1.1 CHECKLIST .................................................................................................... 6

1.2 CARE AND MAINTENANCE ........................................................................... 6

1.3 WATER RESISTANCE .................................................................................... 6

1.4 CHARGING THE BATTERY ............................................................................7

2. HOW TO USE YOUR SUUNTO M9 ..........................................................................8

2.1 DISPLAY ...................................................................................................... 8

2.1.1 Mode Indicator ................................................................................. 8

2.1.2 Battery Indicator ..............................................................................8

2.1.3 Alarm Symbol ................................................................................... 8

2.1.4 GPS Activity and Accuracy Bar Display .........................................8

2.2 BUTTONS ...................................................................................................... 9

2.2.1 Short and Long Press ..................................................................... 9

2.2.2 Start/Data Button.............................................................................. 9

2.2.3 Stop/Cancel Button ..........................................................................9

2.2.4 Enter Button ...................................................................................10

2.2.5 Arrow Buttons ...............................................................................10

2.2.6 Key Lock ........................................................................................ 11

2.3 MENUS ....................................................................................................... 12

2.3.1 Basic Menu Structure ....................................................................12

2.3.2 Navigating in Menus ......................................................................13

2.4 Understanding GPS ....................................................................................13

2.4.1Overview ........................................................................................ 13

2.4.2 Line-of-sight Needed ..................................................................... 14

2.4.3 Accuracy .......................................................................................14

2.4.4 GPS Usage ....................................................................................14

2.4.5 Versatility .......................................................................................15

3. MODES ..............................................................................................................16

3.1 GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................................16

3.2 TIME MODE ................................................................................................. 16

3.2.1 Main Display ...................................................................................16

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3.2.2 Stopwatch ..................................................................................... 17

3.2.3 Function Menu ............................................................................... 17

3.2.4 Alarm .............................................................................................. 17

3.2.5 Time/Date ....................................................................................... 18

3.2.6 General ..........................................................................................20

3.2.7 Units ...............................................................................................22

3.3 WEATHER MODE .........................................................................................26

3.3.1 Main Display ...................................................................................26

3.3.2 Function Menu ............................................................................... 26

3.3.3 Barometric Memory ......................................................................26

3.3.4 Weather Alarm ............................................................................... 27

3.4 COMPASS MODE.........................................................................................28

3.4.1 Main Display ...................................................................................28

3.4.2 Function Menu ............................................................................... 28

3.4.3 Calibrate .........................................................................................29

3.4.4 Declination .....................................................................................31

3.5 SAILING MODE ............................................................................................32

3.5.1 Main Display ...................................................................................32

3.5.2 Function Menu ............................................................................... 34

3.5.3 Tracking .........................................................................................34

3.5.4 Tracks ............................................................................................35

3.5.5 Race ...............................................................................................36

3.6 NAVIGATION MODE ....................................................................................36

3.6.1 Main Display ...................................................................................36

3.6.2 Function Menu ............................................................................... 37

3.6.3 Navigate ......................................................................................... 37

3.6.4 Routes............................................................................................38

3.6.5 Race ...............................................................................................42

3.7 RACING MODE ............................................................................................ 43

3.7.1 Main Display ...................................................................................43

3.7.2 Function menu ............................................................................... 46

3.8 FUNCTION MENU .........................................................................................52

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3.8.1 GPS ................................................................................................ 52

3.8.2 MOB ............................................................................................... 53

3.8.3 Memory Point ................................................................................. 54

3.8.4 POSITION .......................................................................................55

3.8.5 WINDdir .......................................................................................... 56

4. ADDITIONAL FEATURES ........................................................................................ 57

4.1 PC INTERFACE .............................................................................................57

4.1.1 Transferring Data ..........................................................................57

4.2 SUUNTO SAIL MANAGER ................................................................ 58

4.2.1 Suunto Sail Manager Features ...................................................... 58

4.2.2 Changing the Suunto M9 Settings .................................................59

4.3 SUUNTOSPORTS.COM ...............................................................................60

4.3.1 System Requirements ................................................................... 60

4.3.2 SuuntoSports.com Sections..........................................................60

5. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................63

6. GPS DATUM LISTING .............................................................................................64

7. GLOSSARY ......................................................................................................... 72

8. COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE ...............................................................75

9. CE COMPLIANCE ...................................................................................................76

10. LIMITS OF LIABILITY AND ISO 9001 COMPLIANCE ............................................ 76

11. DISCLAIMER ....................................................................................................... 77

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1. INTRODUCTION

Congratulations, your newly purchased Suunto M9 is designed to provide years of
enjoyment in your sailing activities.

Suunto M9 is a reliable high precision electronic instrument intended for recreational use.

NOTE: Suunto M9 should not be substituted for acquiring measurements that require
professional or industrial precision.

1.1 CHECKLIST

After purchasing this instrument, make sure the package contains the following items:

• Suunto M9

• Docking Station

• Charger

• PC-interface cable

• CD containing the Suunto Sail Manager software and Suunto M9 instruction manual

• Suunto M9 Quick Guide
Should any of these be missing from the package, contact the resale agent who sold

you the package.

1.2 CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Only perform the procedures described in this manual. Never attempt to disassemble
or service your Suunto M9. Protect your Suunto M9 from shocks, extreme heat and
prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. If not in use, your Suunto M9 should be stored
in a clean, dry environment at room temperature.

Suunto M9 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 Suunto
M9 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.

1.3 WATER RESISTANCE

Suunto M9 is water resistance-tested up to 10 bar (equivalent of 100 m/330ft depth)
according to ISO 2281 standard (www.iso.ch). However, it is not a diving instrument

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and therefore it should not be used to obtain data under water. Do not push the buttons
under water.

NOTE: Large amounts of water or dirt under the cover of Suunto M9 may disturb the
satellite signal reception.

1.4 CHARGING THE BATTERY

Suunto M9 is equipped with an internal rechargeable battery. You can recharge the
battery approximately 500 times. The life expectancy of a single charge depends on
the use of the GPS, Compass and data storage functions. When the battery level
indicator on the display reaches the red zone, the battery voltage is low. When this
occurs, you should recharge the battery. However, extremely cold weather af­fects the battery voltage even when the battery is still fully opera­tional.

If the battery warning indicator is activated in tem­peratures above 10°C (50°F), recharge the bat­tery.

Do not attempt to change the battery, as this will
void warranty. Take the Suunto M9 to an author­ized Suunto dealer for a battery change.

You can charge the battery with either 110V or
220 V mains charger (depending on the area of
purchase), with a car cigarette lighter charger
(optional) or with a 9 V battery.

To charge the battery:

1. Place Suunto M9 on the docking station with the
display facing up.

2. Plug the charger in the docking station. Plug the
charger in an electric outlet.

3. When the battery indicator shows a full battery, dis­connect the charger from the electric outlet. Suunto
M9 is now ready for use.

NOTE: Heavy use of the GPS, backlight and compass
will significantly reduce the battery life.

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2. HOW TO USE YOUR SUUNTO M9

2.1 DISPLAY

2.1.1 Mode Indicator

On the left side of the display there is a mode indicator that shows the currently active
mode. The mode indicator displays the modes from the top down in the following order:
TIME, WEATHER, COMPASS, SAILING and NAVIGATION. The active mode is indicated
by the moving segment next to the indicator bar. When the RACING mode is active, both

the SAILING and the NAVIGATION segments are displayed.

2.1.2 Battery Indicator

On the right side of the display there is a battery indicator that
shows the battery voltage. When the indicator is in the red
zone, the battery needs recharging. When the battery is be­ing recharged, the battery indicator moves up continuously
until the battery is full, and the indicator is shown in full length.

2.1.3. Alarm Symbol

If a regular alarm or a Baro Alarm is activated, a rectangular
symbol is displayed at the right side of the lower horizontal
dot line.

2.1.4. GPS Activity and Accuracy Bar Display

When the GPS is set on, a dot bar display appears on the

upper horizontal dot line of the display.
When the GPS is on but does not have
a fix, an empty rectangular dot is dis­played. When the GPS has a fix, 1 to 5
filled rectangular dots are displayed.
The amount depends on the fix quality.
More dots represent better satellite
coverage and signal reception.

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2.2 BUTTONS

2.2.1 Short and Long Press

The buttons may have different functions depending on how long you press them.
The ordinary
The

long press

press

or

short press

means that the button is pressed quickly.

means that the button is pressed for more than 2 seconds.

2.2.2 Start/Data Button

Short Press

• In the Time mode, it starts the timing and records the split times.

• Activates the information displays in the Sailing, Navigation and Racing modes and
in the MOB function. Returns to the main display from the Sailing, Navigation, Racing
and MOB information displays.

Long Press

• Activates the backlight when the backlight is not set to the off position. 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 20.

2.2.3 Stop/Cancel Button

Short Press

• Returns to the previous menu level or to the previous selection

without accepting

the selection.

• In the main mode displays, it 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. Changing the shortcut in the Time mode
is possible only after the Stopwatch has been reset.

• In the Time mode, it stops the timing and scrolls the split times on the display.

Long Press

• Returns to the main display of the current mode

without accepting

the last selection.

• In the Time/Stopwatch mode, it resets the stopwatch.

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2.2.4 Enter Button Short Press

• Moves to a lower menu level.

• Activates the Function menu in all the main modes.

• Records all the Function menu parameters in the temporary memory. The param­eters are erased when the unit returns to the main mode, except for the one that has
been confirmed by the user. For more information on the Function menu, see section

3.8, Function Menu.

• If the GPS is not active, it accesses the Function menu in order to turn the GPS on.
Accepting any selection that requires GPS usage, also turns the GPS on.

• With two possible selections (e.g. light on/off), it activates the selection and ac­cepts the selections made with the arrow keys.

• Accepts the selections made on the information displays and returns to the main
display.

Long Press

• Moves to the Set menu from the main displays. (The individual Set menu names are
identical to the mode names.)

• Accepts the selections made with the arrow keys and returns to the main display.

2.2.5 Arrow Buttons

Short Press

• Scroll the menus up and down.

Move between the main modes

• From the Racing mode, the
arrow navigates to the Navigation mode.

up

arrow navigates to the Sailing mode and the

down

NOTE: You can only access the racing mode after you have activated it. (For more
information on this, see sections 3.5.5 and 3.6.5 race.)

• Change the values. The
creases the value. With two possible selections (e.g. light on/off), both arrows
change the value.

up

arrow increases the value and the

down

arrow de-

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2.2.6 Key Lock

The key lock prevents you from pushing the buttons acciden­tally.

Activating the key lock

To activate the key lock:

1. Short press

Enter

. Suunto M9 switches to the Function

menu.

2. Press

Start/Data

within 3 seconds. The buttons are now
locked and the message “KEYS LOCKED” is displayed. Suunto
M9 switches to the main display of the current mode and
the key lock function indicator is displayed.

Deactivating the key lock

To deactivate the key lock:

1. Press

2. Press

Enter

.

Start/Data

within 3 seconds. The text “KEYS UNLOCKED”

is displayed.

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2.3 MENUS

2.3.1 Basic Menu Structure

The menus are organized hierarchically under the modes. When you select a mode,
first the name of the mode, then its main display appears. When you press the up or
down arrow quickly, only the names of the modes are shown. When you long press

Enter

in the mode’s main display, the mode’s

Set menu

is displayed. The Set menu
includes several functions, all of which include sub-functions or settings. This is
called the hierarchical menu structure.

By pressing Enter the Suunto M9 records data in the temporary memory, from all the
sensors. The data is utilized in the Function menu features.

STOP/CANCEL

ENTER (stores sensor data to temporary memory)

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Press ENTER
for over 2 sec

Time menu

ALARM
TIME/DATE

STOP/
CANCEL

UNITS

GENERAL

STOP/
CANCEL

ENTER for over 2 sec: accept and return to the main display

Scroll the menu
with UP/DOWN

ENTER

TIME 24h

DATE dd.mm
TEMP °C

ENTER

TIME 24h
DATE dd.mm
TEMP °C

ENTER: accept and return
STOP/CANCEL: discard and return

Function menu

GPS On/Off
See page 52

Change the value
with UP/DOWN

2.3.2 Navigating in Menus

The menu items can be scrolled with the
of Suunto M9. Three menu items are displayed at the same time. The menu item that is
currently active and can thus be selected is displayed in reversed color. The indicator
bar on the left side of the display shows the active mode. To move deeper into the
hierarchy, select a menu item and press
press

Stop/Cancel

in the menu are not saved. First you have to accept the changes with the
If you want to return directly to the main display of the active mode, press either

(saves the changes) or
seconds.

Suunto M9 has been designed to guide you as much as possible when you navigate
in the menus. When you perform a function, Suunto M9 often returns automatically to
the menu item you are likely to use next.

Short pressing
menu is almost identical in all the main modes. In the Function menu you can:

• Turn the GPS on or off manually (GPS On/Off)

• Record and store the coordinates of a Man Over Board situation (MOB)

• View the current position (Position)

• Store a memory point (MEMPoint)

• Store the wind direction (WIND DIR)
For more information on the Function menu, see section 3.8 Function Menu.
The Function menu of the Racing mode differs to a certain extent from other modes.

For more information refer to the Racing mode section 3.7.2 Function menu.

2.4. UNDERSTANDING GPS

2.4.1. Overview

Suunto M9 uses Global Positioning System (GPS) in determining the user’s position.
GPS incorporates a set of satellites orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 20 000 km, at the
speed of 4 km/s. The satellites send relatively weak radio signals at power levels
comparable to normal household light bulbs. So, the GPS reception gets disturbed
much more easily than, for example, cellular phone signal reception because the GPS
signals that reach the Earth are thousands of times weaker than cell phone signals.

. Remember that if you just press

Stop/Cancel

Enter

in any of the modes brings up the Function menu. The Function

up

and

down

arrows located on the right side

Enter

. To return one step up in the hierarchy,

Stop/Cancel

, the changes made

Enter

button.

Enter

(discards the last change) for more than 2

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However, due to the extreme sensitivity of the built-in GPS radio receiver, even the
faintest signals can be picked up.

2.4.2. Line-of-sight Needed

To ensure a good position measurement, there must be a line-of-sight connection
between the satellites and the receiver. This means that the objects or materials
between the satellites and the GPS receiver must not excessively attenuate the signal.
In practice, water-containing objects, such as people, trees or other dense vegeta­tion, can cause problems. The signals will not penetrate rocks or buildings or any
metallic materials. However, the receiver typically works well under relatively thin
plastic, fabric or wooden covers, e.g. inside boats.

2.4.3. Accuracy

To calculate a position, a GPS receiver usually requires simultaneous reception from at
least four satellites. The position accuracy typically increases with the number of
satellites being tracked but the most important factor is actually the relative geometric
position of the satellites. The best position estimate is obtained when satellites from
different directions and angles can be tracked. In other words, the less obstructed the
receiver’s view of the sky, the better the accuracy.

The accuracy also improves with the number of measurements made on the same
spot, as some errors will be averaged out. Under all-in-view satellite conditions a
global average horizontal positioning error is 7.8 meters (95% confidence level). How­ever, depending on the satellite constellation and the distortion the GPS signal experi­ences when traveling through the ionosphere, the instantaneous accuracy can vary
from a couple of meters to over ten meters. The vertical position estimate is roughly
two times more inaccurate than the horizontal.

2.4.4. GPS Usage

When you turn on the GPS, the receiver starts searching for radio signals from the
satellites and as soon as one is found, data starts flowing from the satellite to the
receiver. The data includes a list of the satellite positions and the GPS time. The GPS
time is highly accurate because each satellite has an atomic clock on board.

The data flows quite slowly and usually a little less than a minute is needed for the
calculation of the first position estimate. To minimize the duration, you should maintain
an unobstructed view of the sky right after turning on the GPS. You need the satellite

14

positions and the GPS time before you can perform the actual position calculation and
before the GPS becomes functional. After the first position fix has been established, it
still takes additional 10 minutes before all relevant data has been received from the
satellites. The position estimate accuracy improves during this time as more satellites
can be used for position calculation.

The downloaded data is valid roughly for the next four hours during which the re­ceiver starts more quickly, typically in less than 10 seconds if it was turned off in
between.

You should turn off the GPS when you do not need it. This is because satellite tracking
consumes large amounts of power. Suunto M9 uses the lowest power consuming
GPS technology available but you should still turn off the GPS when you do not need it.

2.4.5. Versatility

The GPS system is run by the United States Department of Defense and has been fully
operational since 1995. At least 24 operational satellites circle the globe every 12
hours in 6 orbital planes with 4 satellites per plane to provide a true global coverage.
A worldwide ground control network monitors the health and status of the satellites.
The system works 24 hours a day regardless of the weather. It can provide service to
an unlimited number of users and it is free of charge.

NOTE: The very first time you initiate the GPS, it will take longer than usual for the
GPS to start, as it has no reference to its current location. This may also happen if the
GPS has not been used for a long time.

Please activate your new Suunto M9 GPS at least once before sailing out. Subsequent
GPS starts will take less time. To minimize the GPS initiation time, hold the unit steady in
one position with the display facing up and make sure you are located in an open area
so that the unit has a clear view to the sky. After starting the GPS (i.e. after it has a fix),
the unit can be moved more freely without losing the connection to the satellites. The
signal strength bar on the unit’s display indicates the fix. (See section 2.1.4, GPS
Activity and Accuracy Bar Display)

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3. MODES

3.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

Suunto M9 has six different modes: Time, Weather, Compass, Sailing, Navigation and
Racing. You can switch between the modes with the arrow buttons. Each mode has
several sub-modes. The mode indicator on the left side of the display indicates the
active mode.

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 23.

Time

The second row displays the time in the selected format. For
more information about changing between 12- and 24-hour
displays, see page 22.

Shortcuts

The third row displays either the stopwatch, the seconds or
Dual time. To switch between these,

• Seconds: Displays seconds.

• Dual time: Displays the dual time if it has been set. For
more information on setting the dual time, see page 19.

• Stopwatch: (For information on operating the stopwatch,
see section 3.2.2 below.)

short

press

Stop/Cancel

.

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3.2.2 Stopwatch

Press

Start/Data

again. The time stops for three (3) seconds to show the split time and then returns to
showing the running time.

Press

Stop/Cancel

the split times with
To reset the timer,

has not been reset after stopping the timing, press
to continue the timing.

Suunto M9 can display up to 29 split times.

to start the timing. If you want to view a split time, press

to stop the timing. After the timing has been stopped, you can scroll

Stop/Cancel

long

press

.

Stop/Cancel

. If the stopwatch

Start/Data

Start/Data

NOTE: When you have used the stopwatch, you cannot select
other shortcuts before resetting the timer.

NOTE: The maximum time you can record with the stopwatch
is 10 hours.

3.2.3 Function Menu

For more information on the Function menu, see section 3.8 Function Menu.

3.2.4 Alarm

You can set altogether three independent alarms. When the
alarm is set, the alarm symbol appears on the display.

Activating alarms

To activate an alarm:

1. In the Set menu,
press

Enter

of the alarms. When you open the menu for the first time,
the alarm indicators are set to

2. Scroll to the alarm you want to set and short press
The alarm information is displayed and the on/off indicator
is displayed as active (in reversed color). When you open
the alarm information for the first time, the time is 0:00.

3. Press either the

status to on.

Alarm

to select it. The alarm menu displays the status

is already the first menu item. Short

off

as default.

Enter

up

or

down

arrow to change the alarm

.

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4. Short press
the hour selection is activated.

5. Set the correct
press

6. Set the correct
press

Deactivating alarms

To deactivate the alarm:

1. In the Set menu,

2. Scroll to the alarm you want to set off and short press
is displayed and the On/Off indicator is displayed in reversed color.

3. Press either the

Enter

. The alarm symbol disappears from the display.

Acknowledging alarms

When you hear the alarm, you can acknowledge it by pressing any of the Suunto M9
buttons.

3.2.5 Time/Date

The current time is visible on the second row of the Time mode’s main display.
Dual time allows you 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’s
main display as a shortcut. To scroll to the dual time shortcut, press
Time mode’s main display.

NOTE: The GPS checks and sets the correct time and date when activated if the
Sync function is on. You can change the UTC time offset in the Time/Date feature of

Alarm

is already the first menu item. Short press

up

or

down

button to change the alarm status to

Enter

. The alarm indicator changes to

hour

Enter

. The minute selection is activated.

Enter

. The alarm is now set.

with the arrow buttons and short

minutes

with the arrow buttons and short

Enter

on

and

Enter

. The alarm information

to select it.

off

and short press

Stop/Cancel

in the

the Set menu or in the PC. You must always change the Dual time manually.

Off GPS does not affect the time settings
On GPS sets the time but does not update the time zone

18

(uses the UTC offset set in the device or the Suunto Sail
Manager)

Sync

You can set the GPS time synchronization on or off.
To set the time synchronization:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to

2. Scroll to
is activated.

3. Change the
press
turn to the Set menu.

Sync

and short press

On/Off

Enter

. The time synchronization is now set. You re-

Time/Date

status with the arrow buttons and short

and short press

Enter

. The

On/Off

Enter

selection

.

NOTE: The time is synchronized each time the GPS is
activated and it makes the first fix. The time is not updated
continuously.

Setting the time and the dual time

To set the time and the dual time:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
The menu with the options

2. Scroll to either
activated.

Time/Date

Time/Date

Time/Date

or

Dual time

and short press

and

Dual time

and short press

Enter

.

is displayed.

Enter

. The

hour

selection is

NOTE: If the time is displayed as a 12-hour clock, the symbol AM or PM is displayed
on left side of the last row. For dual time, the AM/PM-symbol is displayed on the right
side of the time. (For more information on the 12/24-hour clock, see page 22.)

3. Change the
tion is activated.

4. Change the
selection is activated.

hour

with the arrow buttons and short press

minutes

with the arrow buttons and short press

Enter

. The

Enter

minute

. The

selec-

second

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5. When you press the down arrow button, the seconds are zeroed. If you want to set
specific seconds, press the up arrow button and the seconds start running. When
the settings are correct, short press

6. Change the
is activated.

7. Change the
is activated.

8. Change the
return to the Set menu.

date

with the arrow buttons and short press

month

with the arrow buttons and short press

year

with the arrow buttons and short press

Enter

. The

date

selection is activated.

Enter

. The

Enter

Enter

month

selection

. The

year

selection

. You automatically

NOTE: When you set the seconds for the time, they are automatically updated in the
dual time as well.

3.2.6 General

The General function includes the general settings for using
your Suunto M9.

Setting the light

Light means the backlight of the Suunto M9 display. Light has
three possible settings:

• Normal: The light switches on when you press
onds. The light is on for 5 seconds after the last press of any button.

• Off: The light does not switch on from any button.

• Night Use: The light switches on when you press any of the buttons and stays on
for 5 seconds after the last press of a button.

To change the light setting:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
The General menu is displayed.

2.

Light

is already the first menu item. Short press
select it. The current light setting is displayed in reversed
color.

3. Select the suitable light setting with the arrow buttons and
short press
you return to the Set menu.

Enter

Start/Data

General

. The light settings are now ready and

for more than 2 sec-

and short press

Enter

Enter

to

.

20

Setting the brightness

This setting adjusts the brightness of the Suunto M9 backlight. The brightness is
measured on a scale of 1 to 7. Brighter displays consume more battery power.

To change the brightness:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
The General menu is displayed.

2. Scroll to
ting is activated.

3. Change the value with the arrow buttons and short press

Enter

Bright

and short press

. The brightness is set and you return to the Set menu.

General

Enter

and short press

. The brightness set-

Enter

.

NOTE: The default brightness setting is 3.

Setting the contrast

This setting adjusts the contrast of the Suunto M9 display. The contrast is measured on
a scale of 1 (minimum) to 9 (maximum). The maximum contrast setting consumes more
power than the minimum setting.

To change the contrast:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
The General menu is displayed.

2. Scroll to
ting is activated.

3. Change the value with the arrow buttons and short press

Enter

Contrast

. Contrast is now set.

and short press

General

and short press

Enter

. The contrast set-

Enter

.

NOTE: The default contrast setting is 4.

Setting the tones

Tones are the sounds that indicate that you have success­fully pressed the buttons. The tones can be set to the on or
off position.

To set the tones on or off:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
The General menu is displayed.

2. Scroll to

Tones

and short press

General

Enter

and short press

. The On/Off field is

Enter

.

21

activated.

3. Change the value of the field to either
press

Enter

. The tones are now set.

on

or

off

with the arrow buttons and short

NOTE: The default setting is On.

Setting the display information

The display information that shows the names of the modes can also be turned on or off.

To turn the display information on or off:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
The General menu is displayed.

2. Scroll to
setting is activated.

3. Turn the display information on or
tons and short press
set.

3.2.7 Units

This menu includes the units and format settings that are used
with all the Suunto M9 functions. The unit settings affect the
way information is displayed in all the Suunto M9 modes.

Setting the time format

The time format setting defines whether the 12h or the 24h
format is used.

To change the time format:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
Units menu is displayed.

2. Scroll to
is activated.

3. Select the correct time format with the arrow buttons and
short press

Info

and short press

Time

and short press

Enter

. The time format is now set.

General

Enter

. The display information is now

Units

and short press

Enter

. The display information

off

with the arrow but-

and short press

Enter

. The time format field

Enter

Enter

. The

.

22

Setting the date format

The date settings define the format in which the date is dis­played. The possible formats are:

• DD.MM: Day before the month, e.g. 27.11.

• MM.DD: Month before the day, e.g. 11.27.
To change the date format:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
The Units menu is displayed.

2. Scroll to
is activated.

3. Select the correct date format with the arrow buttons and
short press

Setting the temperature unit

The
displayed. The options are Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F).

To change the temperature unit:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
Units menu is displayed.

2. Scroll to
field is activated.

3. Select the correct unit with the arrow buttons and press

Enter

Setting the air pressure unit

The Pres setting defines the unit in which the air pressure is
displayed. The options are

To change the air pressure unit:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
Units menu is displayed.

2. Scroll to
field is activated.

3. Select the correct unit with the arrow buttons and short
press

Date

and short press

Enter

. The date format is now set.

Temp

setting defines the unit in which the temperature is

Temp

and short press

. The temperature unit is now set.

Pres

and short press

Enter

. The air pressure unit is now set.

Units

Enter

Units

and short press

Enter

hPa

and

Units

and short press

Enter

and short press

. The date format field

Enter

Enter

. The temperature unit

inHg

.

Enter

. The air pressure unit

. The

. The

.

23

Setting the elevation unit

The

Elev

displayed. The options are meters (m) and feet (ft).
To change the elevation unit:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to

2. Scroll to

3. Select the correct unit with the arrow buttons and short press
unit is now set.

setting defines the unit in which the elevation is

Units

The Units menu is displayed.

is activated.

Elev

and short press

and short press

Enter

. The elevation unit field

Enter

. The elevation

NOTE: Elevation is displayed only in position display as GPS elevation.

Setting the distance unit

The

Dist

displayed. The units are kilometers (km), miles (mi) and nauti­cal miles (nm). The short distance units are meters (m), feet
(ft) and yards (yd); set separately using the Suunto Sail Man­ager software.

To change the distance unit:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to

2. Scroll to

3. Select the distance unit with the arrow buttons and short press
unit is now set.

Dist

and press

Setting the speed unit

The
displayed. The options are kilometers per hour (km/h), miles
per hour (mph), knots (kt) and meters per second (m/s).

To change the speed unit:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to

2. Scroll to

setting defines the unit in which the distance is

Units

and short press

Enter

. The distance unit selection is activated.

Enter

. The Units menu is displayed.

Enter

Speed

setting defines the unit in which the speed is

Units

Units menu is displayed.

is activated.

Speed

and short press

and short press

Enter

. The speed unit field

. The distance

Enter

Enter

.

. The

24

3. Select the correct unit with the arrow buttons and short press
is now set.

Setting the position format

The

Position

formats are degrees (deg), and degrees and minutes (dm), for example, 60.50000° or
60°30.000’ respectively.

To change the position format:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
The Units menu is displayed.

2. Scroll to

3. Select the correct format with the arrow buttons and short
press

setting defines the format in which position is displayed. The possible

Units

Position

Enter

and short press

. The position format is now set.

and short press

Enter

.

Enter

.

Enter

. The speed unit

NOTE: All positions are stored in WGS84 format in the Suunto
M9 memory. The position format setting refers only to the
coordinates in the position display.

Setting the datum

The

Datum

datums and their corresponding numbers, see the
To set the datum:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to

2. Scroll to

3. Select the correct datum number with the arrow buttons and short press
datum format is now set.

Setting the wind unit

The wind unit is set using the PC-interface. For more information, refer to the Suunto
Sail Manager Help.

setting defines the map datum you use. (For more information on different

Units

Datum

and short press

and short press

Enter

.

GPS Datum Listing

Enter

. The Units menu is displayed.

appendix.)

Enter

. The

25

3.3 WEATHER MODE

3.3.1 Main Display

When you select the Weather mode, the main display opens.
The main display has three rows:

Absolute air pressure

The first row displays the absolute air pressure.

Air pressure graph

The second row shows a graphical presentation of the air pressure development
during the last 6 hours in 15-minute intervals.

Shortcuts

The third row shows alternatively the temperature or the cur­rent time.

Change the displayed information with

Stop/Cancel

.

• Temperature: Displays the temperature in the selected
unit. (For more information on defining the temperature unit,
see page 23.)

• Time: Displays the current time.

3.3.2 Function Menu

For more information on the Function menu, see section 3.8 Function Menu.

3.3.3 Barometric Memory

Barometric memory stores weather-related information from the last 7 days/168 hours.
Each day is displayed individually.

To view the weather information stored in the memory:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
and short press

Baro mem

Enter

. The first information page is dis-

with the arrow buttons

played, and you can view the following information:

• Day

• A graphical presentation of the air pressure during the

period measured

26

• Maximum air pressure during the period measured.

• Minimum air pressure during the period measured.

2. Scroll the information with the arrow buttons. The
scrolls forward and the

3. To stop viewing the memory content, press either

Stop/Cancel

3.3.4 Weather Alarm

When active, the weather alarm informs you if the air pres­sure drops more than 4 hPa (0,118 inHg) in 3 hours.

To activate or deactivate the weather alarm:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
The current status of the alarm can be seen in the Set
menu.

2. Short press

3. Change the field to either
and short press

When the weather alarm goes on, the message “WEATHER ALARM ACTIVATED” is displayed.
If the backlight is set to Night Use, also the backlight goes on. To acknowledge the
weather alarm, press any button.

at any time.

Enter.

down

arrow backward.

Baro Al

with the arrow buttons.

The on/off field is activated.

on

or

off

Enter

.

with the arrow buttons

up

Enter

arrow

or

27

3.4 COMPASS MODE

Suunto M9 includes a 3D compass. The compass allows tilt­ing up to +/-30 degrees while still displaying the correct bear­ing.

3.4.1 Main Display

When you select the Compass mode, the main display opens.
The compass displays the heading with the bearing value and
cardinal points above.

The magnetic sensor of the compass functions for 45 sec­onds at a time. After this period the compass goes into the
power-saving mode and the message “START COMPASS” is dis-
played. To activate the compass again, press

Start/Data

.

The main display has three rows:

Cardinal points: The first row displays the cardinal and half-cardinal point abbrevia­tions.

Bearing: The second row displays the bearing in degrees.
Shortcuts:

• Bearing Lock: This feature helps you to follow a certain bearing. Select a bearing
by turning the Suunto M9 horizontally until the correct bearing is displayed on the
second row and press

Start/Data

. The sighting marks are fixed on the upper edge
of the display and the bearing indicator appears on the outer rim of the display. The
bearing indicator is represented by a

closed

circle. When the bearing indicator is

inside the sighting marks, you are moving in the direction of the set bearing.

The bearing indicator moves in a 120-degree arc in the upper
part of the display. If the direction of the unit deviates more
than this from the tracked bearing, the unit prompts the direc­tion where to turn the unit with arrows. Once the circle ap­pears on top of the display, the accurate bearing can be
tracked again. Pressing

Start/Data

again selects a new bear-

ing.

28

• Time: Displays the current time.

• Bearing: If you are navigating a route from the Navigation
menu, the third shortcut displays the bearing to the next
waypoint. If you have not activated a route and the GPS is
on, the shortcut displays the bearing to the position of the
initial GPS fix. If the GPS is not on, the shortcut displays the
latest value when the GPS was on.

3.4.2 Function Menu

For more information on the Function menu, see section 3.8 Function Menu.

3.4.3 Calibrating the Compass

You should calibrate the compass if it does not seem to work well, for example, when
it displays the wrong compass heading or the heading changes too slowly. Strong
electromagnetic fields, such as electric lines, loudspeakers and magnets, can affect
the compass operation. Therefore you should calibrate the compass if your Suunto M9
has been exposed to these fields.

NOTE: Calibrate the compass before using it for the first time, and before you leave
for an extended outdoor activity.

NOTE: Remember to hold the Suunto M9 level in the plane of calibration during the
calibration sequence.

29

To calibrate the compass:

1. In the Set menu scroll to

Calibrate

and short press

Enter

2. Hold the Suunto M9 horizontally level and rotate it 360
degrees for 30 seconds.

3. Hold the Suunto M9 vertically level and rotate it 360 de­grees for 30 seconds.

4. When the calibration is finished, you return to the Set
menu.

.

30

3.4.4 Declination

You can set the compass declination manually or with the
GPS.

Setting the compass declination manually

To set the compass declination manually:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
The declination setting field is activated, and you can now
set the declination to On,

2. Select

3. The direction field is activated. Select East/West with the

4. The degree field is activated. Change the degrees with the

5. The declination is now set and you return to the Set menu.

Setting the compass declination with the GPS

To set the compass declination with the GPS:

1. Scroll to

2. Select

NOTE: The GPS declination database is based on a global 2-degree latitude x 2­degree longitude grid.

On

short press

arrow buttons and short press

arrow buttons and short press

Off Compass points to the magnetic north
On Compass points to the geographic north based on

Auto Compass points to the geographic north based on

to set the compass declination manually and

Enter

Declination

Auto

sets the compass declination.

with the arrow buttons and short press

Declination

Off

.

the manually set declination

the declination from the GPS database value for
the current location

and short press

or

Auto

Enter

Enter

and short press

.

.

.

Enter

. The manual/automatic field is activated.

Enter

.

Enter

. The GPS automatically

31

3.5 SAILING MODE

3.5.1 Main Display

When you select the Sailing mode, the main display opens.
The main display has three rows:

Heading: The first row displays the heading in degrees.
Speed: The second row displays the vessel’s speed in the

unit of your choice.

Shortcuts:

The third row shows alternatively the time or the distance
from start or the average speed. Change the displayed infor­mation with

Stop/Cancel

. You can select a shortcut from the

Sail Data display to replace the average speed.

• Distance from start (dfs): Displays the distance from
start in the selected unit.

• Time from start (tfs): Displays the time from start.

• Average speed (avg): Displays the average speed in the
selected unit.

32

Sailing Data display

The Sailing, Navigation and Racing modes and the MOB func­tion have special information displays that can be accessed
from the main display of each respective mode.

To view the Sailing Data display:

1. Press

Start/Data

in the Sailing display. The Sailing Data dis­play opens. The active shortcut is displayed in reversed
color.

2. Scroll the data with the arrow buttons. The list contains the following items:

• Average speed (avg)

• Maximum speed (max)

• Velocity made on course (vmc)

• Velocity against wind (vaw)

• Distance to waypoint (dtw)

• Distance to finish (dtf)

• Cross track error (xte)

• Distance made on course (dmc)

• Distance made good (dmg)

• Estimated time of arrival (eta)

• Estimated time enroute (ete)

• Time of sunrise (tsr)

• Time of sunset (tss)

• Distance to lay line (dll); works only in Racing mode

• Time to lay line (tll); works only in Racing mode

3. To set one of these items as a shortcut, select the item and short press
do not want to change the shortcuts, press

Start/Data

to return to the Sailing

Enter

. If you

display.

NOTE: When you set a new shortcut in the Sailing Data display, the same shortcut is
also displayed in the Navigation and the Racing modes.

33

3.5.2 Function Menu

For more information on the Function menu, see section 3.8 Function Menu.

3.5.3 Tracking

The tracking function stores the vessel’s position heading and speed in the Suunto M9
memory between a selected time period. You can only set the tracking function on or
off. If you wish to alter the time period, you need to do it in the Suunto Sail Manager
software.

NOTE: When tracking is on and the GPS is activated, an
indicator is displayed in the middle of the lower horizontal
dotted line of the display.

To set the tracking function on or off:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
The On/Off field is activated.

2. Change the setting to
short press

Enter

. The tracking is now set.

On

Tracking

or

and short press

Off

with the arrow buttons and

Enter

.

34

3.5.4 Tracks

The Tracks function is used to view the information recorded
with the Tracking function.

Viewing the recorded tracks

To view the recorded tracks:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
list of all the recorded tracks is displayed. The latest track is
displayed in reversed color.

2. Select a track with the arrow buttons and short press

ter

. The following information is displayed:

• Start time and coordinates.

• Finish coordinates.

• Total duration of the track in hours and minutes, and the

length of the track in selected units.

• Maximum and average speed during the track.

• The number of recorded memory points. If the track has been recorded on a route

created earlier, the number of navigated waypoints is also displayed. See

ing a route

3. Long press

on page 39.

Enter

to exit the Tracks function.

Tracks

and short press

Enter

. A

En-

Creat-

35

3.5.5 Race

When you select
mode. (For more information on the Racing mode, see page

43.)
To select the Racing mode:

1.In the Set menu, scroll to
selection is activated.

2.Set the race function

Enter

. The Racing mode is activated and you return to the

Sailing menu.

3.6 NAVIGATION MODE

3.6.1 Main Display

When you select the Navigation mode, the main display opens.
Suunto M9 displays the direction to the destination with a
circle on the outer rim of the display. The upper part of the
display shows fixed sighting marks and a bearing indicator
represented by a circle. When the bearing indicator is inside
the sighting marks, you are moving in the direction of the set
bearing.

The bearing indicator moves in a 120-degree arc in the upper part of the display. If the
direction of the unit deviates more than this from the tracked bearing, the unit prompts
the direction where to turn the unit with arrows. Once the circle appears on top of the
display, the accurate bearing can be tracked again.

The main display has three rows:
Waypoint/Route: When Navigate is on, the first row displays the name and number

of the navigated
played.

Heading/Length: When Navigate is on, the second row displays the heading in
degrees. If Navigate is

waypoint

. If Navigate is

off

, the total length of the activated route is displayed.

Race

, Suunto M9 switches into the Racing

Race

and press

On

with the arrow buttons and press

off

, the name of the activated

Enter

. The On/Off

route

is dis-

NOTE: If the GPS is off the unit always displays the selected route and total length.

36

Shortcuts:

The third row shows alternatively the bearing, speed, average speed or memory
status. Change the displayed information with
from the Sailing or Racing Data display to replace the average speed.

• Bearing (bea): Displays the bearing to the next waypoint
in degrees.

• Speed (spd): Displays the vessel’s speed in the selected
unit.

• Average speed (avg): Display’s the vessel’s average
speed in knots.

• Memory status (mem): Displays the percentage of free
memory space.

If the GPS is
the GPS was on.

When Navigate is
where the GPS had its initial fix.

off

but the GPS is on, the shortcut values refer to the starting point

off

Stop/Cancel

, the shortcuts display the latest values when

. You can select a shortcut

NOTE: A rectangular indicator is displayed on the left side of the lower horizontal
dotted line of the display when Navigate is on.

Navigation Data display

The Sailing, Navigation and Racing modes and the MOB function have special informa­tion displays that you can access from the main display of the respective mode. The
Navigation data display shows either Waypoint information or a summary of the route.
To activate the display, press

When Navigation is on, the Navigation Data display shows Waypoint information on
four rows:

Route: The first row displays the name of the route.
Waypoint: The second row displays the name and number

of the waypoint being navigated. You can scroll the waypoints
with the arrow buttons. Long press
selected waypoint. Suunto M9 begins displaying the naviga­tion data to the new waypoint. The active waypoint is indi­cated with reversed color symbol.

Start/Data

in the Navigation display.

Enter

to activate the

37

Distance: The third row displays the distance from the previ­ous waypoint. When the active waypoint is displayed the unit
displays distance from the current location.

Bearing (bea): The non-active waypoints indicate only bear­ing.

Estimated time enroute (ete): Displays the ETE to the
active waypoint at current speed.

The summary contains the following information:

Route: The first row displays the name of the route.
Length of the route: The second row displays the length of

the route from the first waypoint to the last in nautical miles.
Number of waypoints: The third row displays the total

number of waypoints on the route.

NOTE: When the GPS is on, the unit displays active waypoint
when entering information display. If GPS is off, route summary
is displayed.

3.6.2 Function Menu

For more information on the Function menu, see section 3.8 Function Menu.

3.6.3 Navigate

The Navigate function starts the navigation and lets you choose the preferred way of
navigating through a route or to a single waypoint.

To start Navigation:
In the Set menu,

Now you can choose one of the four options marked by symbols next to the
item by short pressing

38

Navigate

Enter

is already the first menu item. Short press

:

Enter

to select it.

Navigate

Right arrow: Activates the route for navigating in the correct order, from beginning or
active waypoint to the end

Left arrow: Activates the route for navigating in the reversed order, from the end or
from the active waypoint to the beginning

Dot: Activates the navigation to a single chosen waypoint on the selected route
Dash: Selected route is not active and activates the navigation to the location of the

first GPS fix after turning on the GPS, instead of from the route start point

NOTE: When navigating to a single waypoint, the unit does
not automatically change to the next waypoint. This must be
done manually. In normal route navigation, the unit
automatically switches to the next waypoint when the vessel
arrives inside a radius of 50 meters of the waypoint or passes
at a distance larger than 100 meters of the perpendicular line
to the route that goes through the waypoint.

3.6.4 Routes

The Routes menu contains information on the routes recorded in the Suunto M9 memory.
The routes and their individual waypoints can be viewed, edited and erased.

Creating a new route

To create a new route:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to

2. Scroll to

3. The last GPS fix is displayed on the screen. Change the
coordinates with the arrow buttons and short press
to confirm the selections. The next waypoint field is acti­vated.

4. If you do not wish to change a coordinate, accept it with the

Enter

5. Press
change.

6. Press

7. Long press
Navigation display.

Create

and short press

button.

Stop/Cancel

Enter

to scroll the next waypoint.

Enter

to confirm the new route and return to the

Routes

and short press

Enter

.

Enter

.

Enter

to go back to a coordinate you wish to

39

Activating a route

To activate a route for navigation:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
message “LOADING ROUTELIST” is displayed, and then the list is
displayed.

2. Select a route with the arrow buttons and long press
to activate it.

Routes

and press

Enter

NOTE: Long pressing Enter activates the selected route.
Short pressing Enter displays the route menu of the selected
route.

Creating a new waypoint

With this function you can add new waypoints to previously created routes.
To create a new waypoint:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to

2. Scroll the list with the arrow buttons and select a route by short pressing

3. In the route menu, scroll to

Enter

.

4. The new waypoint of the route is displayed.
the route and the coordinates with the arrow buttons. Short press
the new waypoint.

5. To stop creating a new waypoint, short press
menu.

Routes

and short press

Create WP

Erasing a route

To erase a route:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
The Route list is displayed.

2. Scroll the list with the arrow buttons and select a route to
erase and short press

3. In the route menu, scroll to

4. Suunto M9 displays the message “ERASING ROUTE”; you re­turn to the routes menu.

Enter

. The Route list is displayed.

with the arrow buttons and short press

Enter

the number of the waypoint on

Stop/Cancel

and you return to the Set

Routes

Enter

.

Erase

Enter

to confirm

and short press

and short press

. The

Enter

Enter

Enter

Enter

.

.

.

40

Viewing and erasing route waypoints

To view or erase route waypoints:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to
Route list is displayed.

2. Select a route with the arrow buttons and short press

Enter

to view the route information. A list of waypoints is

displayed.

3. The first waypoint is displayed in reversed color. Select a
waypoint with the arrow buttons and short press

4. The waypoint menu is displayed.

Enter

to select it. The following waypoint information is displayed:

• Bearing and distance to the waypoint: The bearing and distance to the

waypoint are displayed from the previous waypoint, or if the GPS is active, from
the current location.

• Waypoint coordinates: The coordinates of the selected waypoint.

5. Short press
list.

6. To erase a waypoint, scroll to
Suunto M9 displays the message “ERASE WAYPOINT?” Short Press
action. You return to the waypoint list.

Editing a route waypoint

To edit a waypoint:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to Routes and short press

2. Select a route with the arrow buttons and short press
opens and the first waypoint is displayed in reversed color.

3. Select a waypoint with the arrow buttons and short press

Enter

4. Scroll to

5. The attributes of the waypoint are activated. Choose the
order number of the waypoint in the waypoint list and change
the attributes of the coordinates with the arrow buttons
and short press

Cancel

Stop/Cancel

. The waypoint menu is displayed.

Edit

with the arrow buttons and short press

if you want to return to the waypoint list without

Routes

and short press

View

to exit the waypoint information and return to the waypoint

Erase

in the waypoint menu and short press

Enter

. The

Enter

is already the first menu item. Short press

.

Enter

Enter

. The Route list is displayed.

Enter

. The waypoint list

Enter

.

Enter

to accept the changes. Press

Stop/

to confirm the

Enter

.

41

accepting changes.

6. Long press

My Points

The

My Points

that are not affixed to a route. For creating, viewing and editing
section 3.6.4 Routes.

Enter

to accept the changes and return to the main menu.

function stores up to 50 individual waypoints in the Suunto M9 memory

My Points

, refer to

NOTE: When creating routes or waypoints in the Suunto M9, the unit names them
with current date and time.

3.6.5 Race

When you select
to the Racing mode. For more information on the Racing mode,
see page 43.

To select the Racing mode:

1. In the Set menu, scroll to Race and short press

On/Off

2. Change the setting to
press

Race

in the Set menu, Suunto M9 switches

selection is activated.

Enter

. The Racing mode is activated.

On

with the arrow buttons and short

Enter

. The

42

3.7 RACING MODE

The Racing mode is a main mode reserved for racing functions, and can only be
activated in the Sailing and Navigation modes. The main display of the Racing mode
changes according to the race situation.

3.7.1 Main Display

Before starting the race, Suunto M9 asks you to set the pa­rameters for the start line, race timer and wind direction.

Before the parameters have been set in the Function menu,
the following is displayed:

Set Startline: The first row prompts to set the start line.
Set Timer: The second row prompts to synchronize the

timer.
Set Wind dir: The third row prompts to save the wind direc-

tion.

NOTE: When the Navigation is on, an indicator is displayed
on the left side of the lower horizontal dot line of the display.

To set the parameters in the Function menu, short press

Enter

in the Racing mode’s main display. (For information on the Function menu before the
race, see page 46.)

After you have set the parameters, the following is displayed:

Distance to start line (dsl): The first row displays the distance to the start line.
Timer: The second row displays the time left to the start.
Time to start line (tsl): The third row displays the time left to cross the start line

based on current speed, and heading.
The Info display shows the line bias (wind deviation from the

perpendicular line to the start line) with corresponding time
(minutes) before start and favorable side of the line. P means
wind is biased to port side and S means starboard.

Press

Start/data

Press

Start/data, Enter

to access info display.

or Stop/cancel to return to main display.

43

Main Display During the Race

After the start timer reaches zero, the timing starts automatically and Suunto M9 enters
the main display after start, the following is displayed:

Heading: The first row displays the vessel’s heading in degrees.
Speed: The second row displays the vessel’s current speed in knots.
Shortcuts: The third row displays alternatively the race timer, the tacking angle

difference or the average speed. Change the displayed information with

Stop/Cancel

You can select a shortcut from the Racing Data display to replace the average speed.

• Race Timer: Displays the time from the start of the race.

• Tacking Angle Difference (TAD): Displays the vessel’s
tacking angle difference.

• Average speed: Displays the vessel’s average speed in
the selected unit.

Racing data display

The Sailing, Navigation and Racing modes have special information displays that you
can access from the main displays of the respective modes. During the race, the
Racing data display contains statistics about the race.

To view the Racing data display:

1. Press

Start/Data

in the Racing mode’s main display to access the Racing data
display.
The following data is displayed:

• Average speed (avg)

• Maximum speed (max)

• Velocity made on course (vmc)

• Velocity against wind (vaw)

• Distance to waypoint (dtw)

• Distance to finish (dtf)

• Cross track error (xte)

• Distance made on course (dmc)

44

.

• Distance made good (dmg)

• Estimated time of arrival (eta)

• Estimated time enroute (ete)

• Time of sunrise (tsr)

• Time of sunset (tss)

• Distance to lay line (dll)

• Time to lay line (tll)

2. Scroll the data with the arrow buttons and short press
You return to the Racing display. Press

Stop/Cancel

Enter

to select a shortcut.

to return to the Racing display

without selecting a shortcut.

Main Display After the Race (Race summary)

When the race ends and the user confirms the finish line from the Function menu,
Suunto M9 displays the following information:

Distance from start: The first row displays the distance from the start
Total distance: The second row displays the distance sailed during the race in

nautical miles.
Shortcuts: The third row displays either average speed or the timer. To switch

between these,

short

press

Stop/Cancel

.

Average speed: Average speed during the race in knots.
Timer: Time sailed in the race.

45

3.7.2 Function Menu

Function menu before the race
The Racing mode has a unique Function menu that you can access by short pressing

Enter

. The contents of this menu adapt to the situation in the race. The following

options are available before the race has started:

GPS

The GPS function allows you to turn the GPS on or off and to
examine the accuracy of the GPS readings.

To turn the GPS on or off:

1. In the Function menu, scroll to
and short press

2. Change the status to
short press

Enter

.

On

Enter

. The GPS is now set.

GPS

with the arrow buttons

or

Off

with the arrow buttons and

NOTE: GPS is set on automatically 15 minutes prior to start.

Course

The Suunto M9 allows to load 10 different race courses into
the memory. These courses have the unique ability to store
the same waypoint (buoy) several times, into the waypoint
list.

If exact buoy positions are not known, updating the location of a certain buoy also
updates all the same buoys in the waypoint list. This is helpful when going around the
buoys multiple times. The Suunto M9 can thus calculate layline and other information
related to the buoys once their exact location has first been updated (see Suunto Sail
Manager Help).

The user can select a course from the Suunto M9 memory.
To select a course:

1. In the Function menu, scroll to

Enter

.

2. Select a course with the arrow buttons and short press

Course

with the Arrow buttons and short press

Enter

.

46

Synchronizing the timer

To synchronize the timer:

NOTE: The timer starts running when enter is pressed and
the unit enters the function mode.

1. In the Function menu, scroll to

Enter

. The time field is activated.

2. Change the time with the arrow buttons and short press

Enter

. The message “TIMER SYNCHRONIZED” is displayed and

you return to the Function menu.

The timer will show the time from the instant when enter was
pressed to enter the function mode.

Timer sync

and short press

NOTE: Selecting, for example, 120.00 sets the countdown to
120 minutes. The start timer sounds an alarm every ten
minutes between 120 and 60 minutes. Between 60 and 15
minutes the alarm sounds every five minutes. Between 15
and 1 minute the alarm sounds every minute. The alarm
sounds every 10 seconds during the last minute. The alarm
sounds every second during the last ten seconds.

Start line

You can set the locations of the start line buoys and line
direction. This information enables Suunto M9 to determine
the line bias and calculate the time left to the start line. You can
either set both buoys or a single buoy and the line direction.

To set the start line parameters with two buoys:

1. Sail to the first buoy and short press
mode’s main display. Buoy location is now stored in the
temporary memory.

2. Scroll to

3. Scroll to either
confirm selection. The text “BUOY STORED” is displayed.

Cancel

mode.

4. Sail to the second buoy and short press

Startline

erases buoy location and returns back to the main

and short press

Buoy S

or

Buoy P

Enter

in the Racing

Enter

.

and short press

Enter

in the Racing

Enter

Stop/

to

47

mode’s main display. The second buoy location is now stored
in the temporary memory.

5. Scroll to

6. Scroll to either
text “
and you return to the Function menu. Suunto M9 begins to
display the distance to the start line.

To set the start line information with one buoy and line direc­tion:

1. Sail to the buoy and short press
main display.

2. Scroll to
is now stored in the temporary memory.

3. Scroll to either
confirm selection. The unit goes back to the main mode.

4. The start line direction is calculated from the compass read­ing of the unit. Sail along the start line and align the unit with
the line. Short press
into the temporary memory.

5. Scroll to

Enter

6. The start line is now set.

WINDdir

The WINDdir function allows you to record the wind direction
and force.

To record the wind direction:

1. Point the Suunto M9 to the wind and short press
WINDdir is stored to the temporary memory.

2. Scroll to
The following information is displayed:

• Sailing Timer

• Line Bias

• Wind force

48

Startline

buoy stored

and short press

Buoy S

or

Buoy P

” is displayed. The start line is now set,

and short press

Enter

Startline

. The degree field is activated.

Wind Dir

and short press

Buoy S

or

Buoy P

Enter

to store the compass bearing

LineDir

with the arrow buttons and short press

and short press

Enter

.

Enter

in the Racing mode’s

Enter

. The buoy location

and short press

Enter

Enter

.

. The

Enter

. The

to

3. If you wish to change the wind force, change the value
with the arrow buttons and short press
“WIND DIR STORED” is displayed. You return to the Racing mode’s
main display.

NOTE: The wind directions can be observed in the
information display by pressing Start/data.

Enter

. The text

NOTE: The wind force is measured in zones of 0-3, 3-6, 6-9,
9-12, 12-15, 15-18 and 18- meters per second or the equivalent
in knots. Wind strength unit is set up in the Suunto Sail Manager software.

Function menu during the race

During the race, the Function menu allows you to record the locations of the turn
buoys, set tack headings for tacking angle difference measurement, store and view
wind directions and store MOB location.

Wind Data

The Wind Data function displays the recorded wind direc­tions.

To view the wind data:

1. In the Function menu, scroll to

Enter

. The Wind Data is displayed.

2. Scroll the wind directions with the arrow buttons. Short
press

Enter

to return to the Function menu.

NOTE: Before race start, the wind direction is the line bias
(angle between the wind and the perpendicular line to the

Wind Data

and short press

start line). After race start, wind direction displays geographic
wind direction (derived from unit’s compass sensor)

49

Starboard/Port Tack

The Starboard/Port Tack function allows you to set the refer­ence heading for tacking angle difference measurement (TAD).

1. Short press
access the Function menu. The unit stores the current
heading in the temporary memory.

2. Scroll to
The tacking angle is recorded. The TAD measurement is
based on reference heading stored. The message “STB/
PORT TACK SET” is displayed.

Turn Buoy

The turn buoy function allows you to update the correct the
locations of the turn buoys during the race.

To record the turn buoys:

1. Sail to the first buoy. Short press
main display to access the Function menu. The unit stores
the location in the temporary memory.

2. Scroll to
is recorded. The message “

3. Sail to the next buoy. Suunto M9 suggests the following
buoys automatically.

4. Record the location by short pressing

5. To record other than the suggested buoy, select the buoy
with the arrow buttons and short press

Enter

in the Racing mode’s main display to

STB TACK/PORT TACK

Turn buoy1

and short press

buoy stored

and short press

Enter

in the Racing mode’s

Enter

. The first buoy

” is displayed.

Enter

.

Enter

Enter

.

NOTE: Suunto M9 automatically suggests a buoy to be
recorded when navigation is set to On. When you navigate to
the Function menu, Turn buoy 1 is displayed in reversed
color. After you have recorded the first buoy, Suunto M9
suggests you to record the next buoy (Turn buoy 2) and so
on. Suunto M9 offers as many buoys as included in the race
type.

.

50

WINDDir

For more information on the

WINDDir

function, see page 56.

MOB

With this function you can record the location of Man Over Board situations.
(For more information on the MOB function, see page 53.)

Restart

Returns to the main display before race and prompts to reset the race timer for the next
start, without reseting the start line buoys and wind data.

Finish line

Select the finish line function when the vessel passes the
finish line and the race ends.

To mark the finish line:

1. In the Function menu, scroll to

Enter

. The message “TIMER STOPPED” is displayed, and you

Finishline

and short press

automatically enter the race summary display.

51

3.8 FUNCTION MENU

To access the Function menu, short press
the

Enter

menu. The information is time, date, barometer pressure, temperature, compass head­ing, GPS location. When using the various functions, the Suunto M9 keeps the neces­sary information to complete the function and discards the rest.

button records all the information needed for the functions in the functions

3.8.1 GPS

The GPS function allows you to turn the GPS on or off and to
examine the accuracy of the GPS readings.

To turn the GPS on or off:

1. In the Function menu, scroll to
and short press

2. Change the status to
short press
the main display.

Enter

in any of the main displays. Pressing

GPS

Enter

.

on or off

Enter

. The GPS function indicator appears on

with the arrow buttons

with the arrow buttons and

NOTE: The GPS On status dispalys EPE (Estimated Position
Error) after the On annotaion. Refer to position display for
more information on EPE).

52

3.8.2 MOB

The Man Over Board, or MOB function records the location where the MOB situation
took place. After the location point has been recorded, Suunto M9 begins displaying
the bearing and the distance to the location.

The MOB display shows the following:

MOB: The first row displays the identifier of the MOB function.
Distance: The second row displays the distance to the MOB location in the unit of

your choice.

Bearing: The third row displays the bearing to the MOB location in degrees.

Activating the MOB function

To activate the MOB function:

1. The MOB location is recorded by short pressing enter in
any of the main modes. If the GPS is not on the GPS is first
activated after selecting the MOB. In this case MOB location
is recorded after the GPS makes its first fix. In the Function
menu, scroll to MOB and short press
distance to the MOB location are displayed.

2. If you wish to exit and stop the MOB function, press

Cancel

and scroll to

turn to the main display.

3. If you wish to exit and keep the MOB function active, press

Stop/Cancel

you return to the main display.

Shut Down

and scroll to

Keep Active

Enter

. Press

. The bearing and

Stop/

Enter

and you re-

. Press

Enter

and

53

NOTE: If the GPS is not on when you activate the MOB function, the GPS is
automatically turned on and the text “mob activating” is displayed before entering the
MOB menu.

NOTE: Shutting down the MOB function erases the location recorded earlier. Keeping
MOB active keeps the MOB location in the units memory until the function is shut
down.

NOTE: Suunto G9 uses the GPS for guidance when you are moving. When standing
still, the direction to the marked position is indicated by the compass bearing.

MOB Data display

The MOB function has a special information display that contains the coordinates and
the recording time of the location point being tracked.

To view the MOB data display:

1. Short press

2. Short press

3.8.3 Memory Point

The Memory point function records the coordinates and all other sensor data of the
current location.

Start/Data

to enter the MOB Data display in the MOB display.

Stop/Cancel

To store a memory point press
current data is recorded in the temporary memory:

1. In the Function menu, scroll to

2. Short press

3. Short press

to exit the MOB Data display.

Enter

in the main mode. The

Enter

MEMpoint

. The coordinates and the heading are displayed.

Enter

data is stored as well. The message “MEMPOINT STORED” is
displayed and you return to the main display.

without storing the location.

to store the location. All other sensor

Stop/Cancel

to return to the function menu

and short press

NOTE: Make sure the GPS is turned on before using the
Memory point function. Activating the Memory point function
does not activate the GPS.

NOTE: The memory points can be viewed only in the Suunto
Sail Manager software.

54

3.8.4 Position

The Position function allows you to view the current position
on the display.

To view the position:

1. In the Function menu, scroll to

Enter

. The following information is displayed:

• Sat: The first number is the number of satellites used in fix
and the second is the number of visible satellites.

• Epe: Estimated position error of the GPS reading.

• Coordinates of the position fix

• Current altitude

2.

Start/Data

3. Press

NOTE: Make sure the GPS is turned on before using the
Position function. If the GPS is not on when you enter the

toggles between altitude and time to first fix.

Stop/Cancel

to return to the main display.

Position

and short press

Position menu, the coordinates of the last GPS fix are displayed.
NOTE: The position coordinates are updated as the instrument’s position changes.

55

3.8.5 WINDdir

The WINDDir function allows you to record the wind direction
and force.

To record the wind direction:

1. In the Function menu, scroll to
M9 to the wind and short press
mation is displayed:

• Timer: When not racing, the Timer displays 0.00.

• Heading: Wind geographic heading

• Wind force

2. If you wish to change the wind force, change the value
with the arrow buttons and press
“

Wind Dir stored

main display.

NOTE: The wind force is measured in zones of 0-3, 3-6, 6­9, 9-12, 12-15, 15-18 and 18 meters per second or the
equivalent in knots. The wind strength unit can be selected
in Suunto Sail Manager.

” is displayed and you then return to the

Wind Dir

, point the Suunto

Enter

. The following infor-

Enter

. The message

56

4. ADDITIONAL FEATURES

4.1 PC INTERFACE

With the PC Interface you can transfer information between
Suunto M9 and your computer. The information can be either
routes stored in the Suunto M9 memory, tracks recorded with
the tracking function or waypoints. When the data has been
transferred, you can easily organize, view and add related
information in it with the Suunto Sail Manager software.

The PC Interface cable and the Suunto Sail Manager software
are delivered in the same package with your Suunto M9. The installation instructions
for the software can be found on the cover of the Suunto Sail Manager CD-ROM.

The PC interface allows the use of the ARCS electronic charts. The ARCS (Admiralty
Raster Chart Service) charts are manufactured by the United Kingdom Hydrographic
Office, UKHO. Suunto M9 contains the user permits for the charts and has to be
connected to the docking station and the PC while charts are read. Check your local
dealer for the availability of the ARCS products.

NOTE: When purchasing ARCS charts you must have your user permit and PIN code
available in order to register for the use of the chart. The user permit and PIN code is
provided in the Suunto M9 sales package.

4.1.1 Transferring Data

To transfer data:

1. Make sure your computer has a free serial port.

2. Attach the Suunto M9 firmly to the docking station with the display facing up. Plug
the adapter to the docking station and to an electric outlet. Plug the docking station
to the serial port of the computer. The wristop enters automatically the PC INTER­FACE mode.

3. Open Suunto Sail Manager.

4. Click to open the Suunto M9 panel from the bottom left corner of the display. Click
connect to download the contents list and display them in a tree view in the Suunto
M9 panel.

5. To transfer data between the Suunto M9 and the Suunto Sail Manager, select an item
and drag it to the destination folder.

57

6. When a confirm dialog appears, click to start downloading.

7. When you have transferred the files to your PC, you can delete them from the
Suunto M9 memory with Suunto Sail Manager and make room for new log files.

For further information, see the Suunto Sail Manager Help in the Help menu.

4.2 SUUNTO SAIL MANAGER

The Suunto Sail Manager software is included in your Suunto M9 package on a CD­ROM. The instructions for installing the software are displayed on the cover of the CD.

The latest version of the Suunto Sail Manager can always be downloaded from
www.suunto.com or www.suuntosports.com. Please check for updates regularly as
new features are developed continuously.

4.2.1 Suunto Sail Manager Feature

• Tracks:
View tracks on chart or a list of track points, edit track-related information, sort
tracks in folders and upload tracks to SuuntoSports.com.

• Routes:
Create new routes, edit existing routes, view routes on chart, sort routes in folders
and upload routes to Suunto M9 or SuuntoSports.com.

• My Points:
Add, edit and view underwater rocks, shallow rocks, visible rocks, anchorages
markers and waypoints. You can also download these from SuuntoSports.com.

• Boat:
Keep track of useful information related to your boat(s) and view the logbook
related to each one.

• Charts: View, zoom and pan charts, install new charts or update old charts.

• M9: Modify Suunto M9 settings and clear the Suunto M9 memory to make room for
new data.

58

4.2.2 Changing the Suunto M9 Settings

Click the M9 panel on the bottom left corner of the display. The Suunto M9 settings tab
will open in the center of the display. After modifying the following settings click update
wristop.

- Clock (12h, 24h)

- Date (mm.dd, dd.mm)

- Altitude (m, ft)

- Temperature (C, F)

- Pressure (hPa, inHg)

- Distance (km, mi, nm)

- Short Distance (n/a, m, ft, yd)

- Speed (km/h, m/s, mph, kt)

- Wind unit (m/s, kt)

- Position (deg, dm)

- Info (off, on)

- Tones (off, on)

- Datum (WGS84 etc.)

- UTC Offset
Select the correct time zone in relation to Greenwich time.

- Fixrate
Define how often the Suunto M9 displays updates of GPS-related information. You can

set different fixrate for normal and race use.

- Log interval
Every x:th fix is saved in the Suunto M9 memory. You can set different log intervals for

normal and race use.

- UKHO Information, Pin code and User Permit
The values are saved in the Suunto M9 and cannot be edited. The information is

needed when purchasing ARCS charts.

59

4.3 SUUNTOSPORTS.COM

SuuntoSports.com is an international free Web community where you can refine and
share the data that you have measured with your personal Suunto instrument and
analyzed with the sport-specific PC interface. SuuntoSports.com offers you a number
of features that help you to get the most out of your sport and your Suunto M9.

If you already own a personal Suunto sports instrument you can access all sport­specific functions through registration. If you do not have an instrument yet, you may
either log in as a guest or register yourself. As a guest you can view and read, but
registration gives you the right to use other functions and participate to discussions.

4.3.1 System Requirements

SuuntoSports.com has the following system requirements:

• Internet Connection

• Modem: recommended 56k or faster

• Browser: IE 4.0 or better, Netscape 4.7x or newer

• Resolution: minimum 800 x 600, best viewed with 1024 x 768

4.3.2 SuuntoSports.com Sections

SuuntoSports.com includes three sections all of which have several functions. The
following paragraphs describe only the basic functions of SuuntoSports.com. You
can find detailed descriptions of all the site functions and activities and step-by-step
instructions for using them in the site Help. The Help is available on each page and its
icon is located on the right side of the bar that divides the screen. The Help is fre­quently updated as the site develops.

SuuntoSports.com offers several possibilities for searching the information on the
website. In addition to the free search, you can search, for example, for groups,
users, resorts, logs and sports.

The information published on the SuuntoSports.com contains internal links so that you
do not always have to search for the information from the very beginning. For exam­ple, if you view a resort description, you can follow the links and view the personal
information of the one who sent the resort information, the logs related to the resort
and charts created from the logs if the sender has made this information public.

60

My Suunto

This section is meant for your personal information. You can store information about
yourself, your wristop computer, your sailing activities, etc. When you upload your
personal logs to SuuntoSports.com with Suunto Sail Manager, they are displayed in
your personal information but not shown to anybody else. In My Suunto you can also
manage the logs and decide whether they can be published within communities or
presented to all SuuntoSports users.

When you have uploaded logs to SuuntoSports.com. You can also publish your logs
and compare them with other users’ logs. You can use the ARCS electronic charts and
navigation functions.

The section also contains a personal calendar that you can use to mark personal
events or practice information. The training diary can be filled with facts about your
training and development, training locations and other useful information.

My Suunto offers access to a route planner where the users may plan their routes and
view their routes and tracks. This feature contains a world wide database of ARCS
electronic charts.

Communities

In the Communities section, SuuntoSports.com users can form and manage their own
groups or search for other groups. For example, you can create a group for all your
sailor friends, and share information about each other’s results, give advice and
discuss, where and when you could go for a sailing trip together. Groups can be either
open or closed. Closed groups mean that you have to apply for membership and be
accepted before you can participate in group activities.

All groups have a home page that displays information about group events and in­cludes sections for news, notice board and other information. Group members can
also use group-specific bulletin boards, chat rooms and group calendars, and add
links and create group activities. All registered SuuntoSports users are automatically
members of the World of SuuntoSports community.

All logs can be viewed with track visualizer where the different participants of a
community may observe their sailed tracks on a single chart.

61

Sport Forums

SuuntoSports.com has its own forum for each Suunto sport. The basic features and
functions are the same for all sport forums - sport-specific news, bulletin boards and
chat rooms. Users can also suggest links to sports-related websites and tips regard­ing the sport and equipment to be published on the website. They can also publish their
own travel reports.

Sport forums include presentations of the sport-related resorts. Users can rank the
resorts and comment on them, and the results are published next to the resort informa­tion. You can also create ranking lists for other things - for example, where is the
highest peak, what group has most members, who has uploaded most logs, and so on.

Getting Started

To join the SuuntoSports.com community, connect to the Internet, open your Web
browser and go to http://www.suuntosports.com www.suuntosports.com. When
the opening page appears, click the

Register

icon and register yourself and your
Suunto sports instrument. You can change and update your personal and equipment
profiles in the My Suunto section afterwards.

After the registration you will automatically enter the

SuuntoSports.com home page

that introduces the site structure and functional principles.

NOTE: SuuntoSports.com is continuously developed further and its content is subject
to change.

62

5. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

General

• Operating temperature –20 °C to +60 °C/-5 °F to +140 °F

• Storage temperature –30 °C to +60 °C/-22 °F to +140 °F

• Weight 76g

• Water resistant to 10 bar (ISO 2281 standard)

• Mineral crystal glass

• Rechargeable battery

• Docking station

• PC interface with a serial connector

Charger

• 240V or 110V depending on area of purchase

• Cigarette lighter charger 12V (optional accessory)

Memory

• 50 routes (10 race routes)

• 500 waypoints

Barometer

• Display range 300 to 1100 hPa / 8.90 to 32.40 inHg

• Resolution 1hPa / 0.05 inHg

Thermometer

• Display range -20°C to +60°C/-5°F to +140°F

• Resolution 1°C / 1°F

Compass

• Resolution 1°

• Tilt compensated to +/- 30 degrees from horizontal plane

GPS

• Resolution 1m / 3 ft

• 12 channels

63

6. GPS DATUM LISTING

Suunto M9 offers the use of several different GPS datums that can be activated with
the Suunto Sail Manager software with the help of the PC interface. There is a list of
the available GPS datums and the number codes used in the activation process below.
For information about activating GPS datums, refer to Suunto Sail Manager.

For information about setting the correct GPS datum, see page 25.

Number Name Description

000 ADI-M Mean Solution (Ethiopian and Sudan)
001 ADI-E Burkina Faso
002 ADI-F Cameroon
003 ADI-A Ethiopia
004 ADI-C Mali
005 ADI-D Senegal
006 ADI-B Sudan
007 AFG Somalia
008 ARF-A Botswana
009 ARF-H Burundi
010 ARF-B Lesotho
011 ARF-C Malawi
012 ARF-D Swaziland
013 ARF-E Zaire
014 ARF-F Zambia
015 ARF-G Zimbabwe
016 ARS-M Mean Solution (Kenya and Tanzania)
017 ARS-A Kenya
019 PHA Djibouti
020 BID Guinea-Bissau
021 CAP South Africa
022 CGE Tunisia

64

023 DAL Guinea
024 EUR-F Egypt
025 EUR-T Tunisia
026 LEH Ghana
027 LIB Liberia
028 MAS Eritrea
029 MER Morocco
030 MIN-A Cameroon
031 MIN-B Nigeria
032 MPO Gabon
033 NSD Algeria
034 OEG Old Egypt
035 PTB Mean Solution (Burkina Faso and Niger)
036 PTN Congo
037 SCK Namibia
038 SRL Sierra Leone
039 VOR Algeria
040 AIN-A Bahrain Island
041 AIN-B Saudi Arabia
042 BAT Sumatra
043 EUR-H Iran
044 HKD Hong Kong
045 HTN Taiwan
046 IND-B Bangladesh
047 IND-I India and Nepal
048 INF-A Thailand
049 ING-A Vietnam
050 ING-B Con Son Island (Vietnam)
051 INH-A1 Thailand (1997)
052 IDN Indonesia

65

053 KAN Sri Lanka
054 KEA West Malaysia and Singapore
055 KGS Korean Geodetic System
056 NAH-A Masirah Island (Oman)
057 NAH-B United Arab Emirates
058 NAH-C Saudi Arabia
059 FAH Oman
060 QAT Qatar
061 SOA Singapore
062 TIL Brunei and East Malaysia (Sarawak and Sabah)
063 TOY-M Mean Solution (Japan, Okinawa and South Korea
064 TOY-A Japan
065 TOY-C Okinawa
066 TOY-B South Korea
067 AUA Australia and Tasmania (Australian Geodetic 1966)
068 AUG Australia and Tasmania (Australian Geodetic 1984)
069 EST Estonia
070 EUR-M Mean Solution (Europe 1950)
071 EUR-A Western Europe (1950)
072 EUR-E Cyprus
073 EUR-G England, Channel Islands, Scotland and Shetland Islands
074 EUR-K England, Ireland, Scotland and Shetland Islands
075 EUR-B Greece
076 EUR-I Italy (Sardinia)
077 EUR-J Italy (Sicily)
078 EUR-L Malta
079 EUR-C Finland and Norway
080 EUR-D Portugal and Spain
081 EUS Mean Solution (European 1979)

66

082 HJO Iceland
083 IRL Ireland
084 OGB-M Mean Solution (England, Isle of Man, Scotland,

Shetland Islands and Wales)
085 OGB-A England
086 OGB-B England, Isle of Man and Wales
087 OGB-C Scotland and Shetland Islands
088 OGB-D Wales
089 MOD Sardinia
090 SPK-A Hungary
091 SPK-B Poland
092 SPK-C Czechoslovakia
093 SPK-D Latvia
094 SPK-E Kazakhstan
095 SPK-F Albania
096 SPK-G Romania
097 CCD Czechoslovakia
098 CAC Mean Solution (Florida and Bahamas
099 NAS-C Mean Solution (CONUS)
100 NAS-B Western USA
101 NAS-A Eastern USA
102 NAS-D Alaska (excluding Aleutian islands)
103 NAS-V Aleutian islands (East of 180deg W)
104 NAS-W Aleutian islands (West of 180deg W)
105 NAS-Q Bahamas (excluding San Salvador Island)
106 NAS-R San Salvador Island
107 NAS-E Canada Mean Solution (including Newfoundland)
108 NAS-F Alberta and British Columbia
109 NAS-G Eastern Canada
110 NAS-H Manitoba and Ontario

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111 NAS-I NW Territories and Saskatchewan
112 NAS-J Yukon
113 NAS-O Canal Zone
114 NAS-P Caribbean
115 NAS-N Central America
116 NAS-T Cuba
117 NAS-U Greenland (Hayes Peninsula)
118 NAS-L Mexico
119 NAR-A Alaska (excluding Aleutian Islands)
120 NAR-E Aleutian Islands
121 NAR-B Canada
122 NAR-C CONUS
123 NAR-H Hawaii
124 NAR-D Mexico and Central America
125 BOO Columbia
126 CAI Argentina
127 CHU Paraguay
128 COA Brazil
129 PRP-M Mean Solution (Bolivia, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana,

130 PRP-A Bolivia
131 PRP-B Northern Chile (near 19deg S)
132 PRP-C Southern Chile (near 43deg S)
133 PRP-D Colombia
134 PRP-E Ecuador
135 PRP-F Guyana
136 PRP-G Peru
137 PRP-H Venezuela
138 HIT Southern Chile (near 53deg S)
139 SAN-M Mean Solution

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Peru and Venezuela)

140 SAN-A Argentina
141 SAN-B Bolivia
142 SAN-C Brazil
143 SAN-D Chile
144 SAN-E Colombia
145 SAN-F Ecuador (excluding Galapagos Islands)
146 SAN-J Baltra, Galapagos Islands
147 SAN-G Guyana
148 SAN-H Paraguay
149 SAN-I Peru
150 SAN-K Trinidad and Tobago
151 SAN-L Venezuela
152 ZAN Suriname
153 AIA Antigua, Leeward Islands
154 ASC Ascension Island
155 SHB St. Helena Island
156 BER Bermuda Islands
157 DID Deception Island, Antarctica
158 FOT Nevis, St. Kitts, Leeward Islands
159 GRA Faial, Graciosa, Pico, Sao Jorge and Terceira Islands (Azores)
160 ISG South Georgia Islands
161 LCF Cayman Brac Island
162 ASM Montserrat, Leeward Islands
163 NAP Trinidad and Tobago
164 FLO Corvo and Flores Islands (Azores)
165 PLN Canary Islands
166 POS Porto Santo and Maderira Islands
167 PUR Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands
168 QUO South Greenland
169 SAO Sao Miguel, Santa Maria Islands (Azores)

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170 SAP East Falkland Island
171 SGM Salvage Islands
172 TDC Tristan Da Cunha
173 ANO Cocos Islands
174 GAA Republic of Maldives
175 IST Diego Garcia
176 KEG Kerguelen Island
177 MIK Mahe Island
178 REU Mascarene Island
179 AMA American Samoa Islands
180 ATF Iwo Jima
181 TRN Tern Island
182 ASQ Marcus Island
183 IBE Efate and Erromango Islands
184 CAO Phoenix Islands
185 CHI Chatham Islands (New Zealand)
186 GIZ Gizo Island (New Georgia Islands)
187 EAS Easter Islands
188 GEO New Zealand
189 GUA Guam
190 DOB Guadalcanal Island
191 JOH Johnston Island
192 KUS Caroline Islands, Fed.States of Micronesia
193 LUZ-A Philippines (excluding Mindanao Island)
194 LUZ-B Mindanao Island
195 MID Midway Islands
196 OHA-M Mean Solution (Old Hawaiian)
197 OHA-A Hawaii
198 OHA-B Kauai
199 OHA-C Maui
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200 OHA-D Oahu
201 PIT Pitcairn Islands
202 SAE Espirito Santo Island
203 MVS Viti Levu Ísland (Fiji Islands)
204 ENW Marshall Islands
205 WAK Wake Atoll
206 BUR Bungka and Belitung Islands
207 CAZ Camp McMurdo Area, Antarctica
208 EUR-S Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, S. Arabia and Syria
209 GSE Kalimantan (Indonesia)
210 HEN Afghanistan
211 HER Former Yugoslavia
212 IND-P Pakistan
213 PUK Russia
214 TAN Madagascar
215 VOI Tunisia/Algeria
216 VOI-2 Tunisia/Algeria
217 YAC Uruguay
218 RT90 Sweden
254 KKJ Kartta Koordinaatisto Järjestelmä, Finland
255 WGS84 Global WGS84 coordinate system

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7. GLOSSARY

72

Bearing (bea) The compass direction from your current location to
a destination.

Course A selected route between two locations, not

Course Made Good (cmg) Heading from the starting point to the current

Cross Track Error (xte) Aberration from the selected course towards the destination

Distance from start (dfs) Distance from the start point.

Distance Made Good (dmg) The distance traveled on a straight line from the starting

Distance Made on Course (dmc) The distance traveled on the chosen course towards the

Distance to lay line (dll) Distance to the optimal line towards a waypoint.

Distance to finish (dtf) Distance to the finish line.

Distance to start line (dsl) Distance to start line.

Estimated Time of Arrival (eta) The estimated time of day when you will reach your

Estimated Time Enroute (ete) The estimated travel time to your current destination based

necessarily a straight line.

location.

in degrees.

point towards the destination.

destination.

destination based on the current velocity.

on the current velocity and heading.

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Global Positioning System (GPS) A satellite tracking system.

Heading (hea) Compass direction on the present course.

Knots (kt Velocity in nautical miles per hour.

Latitude Angular distance North or South of the Equator.

Lay line Optimal line towards a waypoint based on the wind direction.

Longitude Angular distance West or East of the prime meridian.

Nautical Mile One nautical mile equals 1852 meters.

Navigation Traveling between two locations on a route with knowledge of

Position Exact map coordinates of a given location.

Tack Direction of the vessel in relation to the wind.

Tack angle difference (tad) A change in the tack angle caused by the wind.

Time to Lay line (ttl) Time to reach an optimal line towards a waypoint.

Time to Start line (tsl) Time to reach the start line based on the current velocity

Time of Sunrise (tsr) Estimated time to sunrise based on a GPS fix.

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the current location in relation to the route.

and location.

Time of Sunset (tss) Estimated time to sunset based on a GPS fix.

Time to Waypoint (ttw) Estimated time to the next waypoint based on current velocity

Velocity Made Good (vmg) Effective velocity towards the wind.

Velocity Made on Course (vmc) Velocity on the course to the current destination.

Waypoint Location coordinates on a course recorded in the Suunto M9

Wind shift Course change due to wind in degrees.

and location.

memory.

8. COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

This publication and its contents are proprietary to Suunto Oy and are intended solely
for the use of its clients to obtain knowledge and key information regarding the opera­tion of Suunto M9 products.

Its contents shall not be used or distributed for any other purpose and/or otherwise
communicated, disclosed or reproduced without the prior written consent of Suunto
Oy.

Suunto, Suunto M9s and their logos are all registered or unregistered trademarks of
Suunto Oy. All rights are reserved.

While 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
implied. Its content is subject to change at any time without notice. The newest version
of this documentation can always be downloaded in www.suunto.com.

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9. CE

The CE mark is used to mark conformity with the European Union EMC directive
89/336/EEC.

10. LIMITS OF LIABILITY AND ISO 9001 COMPLIANCE

If this product should fail due to defects in materials or workmanship, Suunto Oy will,
at its sole option, repair or replace it with new or rebuilt parts, free of charge, for two
(2) year from the date of its purchase. This warranty is extended only to the original
purchaser and only covers failures due to defects in materials and workmanship that
occur during normal use while in the period of the warranty.

It does not cover battery replacement, damage or failures resulting in accident, mis­use, neglect, mishandling, alteration or modifications of the product, or any failure
caused by operation of the product outside the scope of its published specifications,
or any causes not covered by this warranty.

There are no express warranties except as listed above.
The client can exercise the right to repair under the warranty by contacting Suunto

Oy’s Customer Service department to obtain a repair authorization.
Suunto Oy and its subsidiaries shall in no event be liable for any incidental or conse-

quential damages arising from the use of or inability to use the product. Suunto Oy and
its subsidiaries do not assume any responsibility for losses or claims by third parties
that may arise through the use of this device.

Suunto’s Quality Assurance System is certified by Det Norske Veritas to be ISO 9001
compliant in all SUUNTO Oy’s operations (Quality Certificate No. 96-HEL-AQ-220)

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11. DISCLAIMER

Since the GPS satellites and the delivery system are neither owned nor maintained by
Suunto, Suunto takes no responsibility for possible malfunctions, changes in position­ing quality or the discontinuity of the GPS service in the future. Suunto will not reclaim
products because of changes in the GPS service.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC limits for class B digital devices. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not in­stalled or used in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular instance. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to other equip­ment, try to correct the problem by relocating the equipment.

Consult an authorized Suunto dealer or other qualified service technician if the prob­lem cannot be corrected. Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) This
device cannot cause harmful interference, and, (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Repairs should be made by authorized Suunto service personnel. Unauthorized re­pairs will void warranty.

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WARNING

Read this manual. Carefully read this instruction manual in its entirety paying attention
to all the warnings listed below. Make sure you understand the use, displays and
limitations of this instrument before utilizing it.

WARNING

Do not use Suunto M9 as the only navigation aid. Use all available navigation aids such
as charts, compass, visual sightings etc. and compare them with the Suunto M9
navigation information. Make sure all conflicting information is resolved before continu­ing with navigation.

WARNING

This instrument is intended for recreational use only. Do not use this instrument for
obtaining measurements that require professional or industrial precision.

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