Suunto Traverse Alpha User Guide

SUUNTO TRAVERSE ALPHA

USER GUIDE

1 SAFETY .............................................................................................. 5

2 Getting started ................................................................................. 8

2.1 Using buttons ........................................................................... 8

2.2 Set up ........................................................................................ 9

2.3 Adjusting settings .................................................................. 11

3 Features .......................................................................................... 13

3.1 Activity monitoring ................................................................ 13

3.2 Alti-Baro .................................................................................. 15

3.2.1 Getting correct readings ................................................ 18

3.2.2 Matching profile to activity ........................................... 20

3.2.3 Using altimeter profile ................................................... 22

3.2.4 Using barometer profile ................................................ 22

3.2.5 Using automatic profile ................................................. 23

3.3 Autopause .............................................................................. 24

3.4 Backlight ................................................................................. 24

3.5 Button lock ............................................................................. 26

3.6 Compass .................................................................................. 26

3.6.1 Calibrating compass ....................................................... 27

3.6.2 Setting declination ......................................................... 28

3.6.3 Setting bearing lock ....................................................... 30

3.7 Countdown timer ................................................................... 31

3.8 Displays ................................................................................... 32

3.8.1 Adjusting display contrast ............................................. 33

3.8.2 Inverting display color ................................................... 33

3.9 FusedAlti ................................................................................. 34

3.10 Find back ............................................................................... 34

3.11 Hunting with shot recognition ............................................ 35

3.12 Icons ...................................................................................... 35

2

3.13 Logbook ................................................................................ 39

3.14 Memory left indicator .......................................................... 41

3.15 Moon phases ........................................................................ 41

3.16 Movescount .......................................................................... 42

3.17 Movescount mobile app ...................................................... 43

3.17.1 Syncing with mobile app ............................................. 45

3.18 Navigating with GPS ............................................................ 46

3.18.1 Getting GPS signal ........................................................ 46

3.18.2 GPS grids and position formats ................................... 48

3.18.3 GPS accuracy and power saving .................................. 49

3.18.4 GPS and GLONASS ........................................................ 50

3.19 Notifications ......................................................................... 51

3.20 Recording activities .............................................................. 52

3.21 Points of interest .................................................................. 52

3.21.1 Checking your location ................................................ 54

3.21.2 Adding a POI ................................................................ 55

3.21.3 Deleting a POI .............................................................. 56

3.22 Routes ................................................................................... 57

3.22.1 Navigating a route ....................................................... 57

3.22.2 During navigation ........................................................ 59

3.23 Service menu ........................................................................ 61

3.24 Software updates ................................................................. 63

3.25 Sport modes .......................................................................... 63

3.26 Stopwatch ............................................................................. 64

3.27 Sunrise and sunset alerts ...................................................... 65

3.28 Suunto Apps ......................................................................... 66

3.29 Time ...................................................................................... 66

3.29.1 Alarm clock ................................................................... 67

3

3.29.2 Time syncing ................................................................. 68

3.30 Tones and vibration ............................................................. 69

3.31 Track back ............................................................................. 70

3.32 Weather indicators ............................................................... 70

4 Care and support ............................................................................ 73

4.1 Handling guidelines ............................................................... 73

4.2 Water resistance ..................................................................... 73

4.3 Charging the battery ............................................................. 74

4.4 Getting support ...................................................................... 75

5 Reference ........................................................................................ 77

5.1 Technical specifications .......................................................... 77

5.2 Compliance ............................................................................. 78

5.2.1 CE .................................................................................... 78

5.2.2 FCC compliance .............................................................. 78

5.2.3 IC ..................................................................................... 79

5.2.4 NOM-121-SCT1-2009 ...................................................... 80

5.3 Trademark .............................................................................. 80

5.4 Patent notice .......................................................................... 80

5.5 Warranty ................................................................................. 80

5.6 Copyright ................................................................................ 83

Index .................................................................................................. 85

4

1 SAFETY

Types of safety precautions

WARNING: - is used in connection with a procedure or situation

that may result in serious injury or death.

CAUTION: - is used in connection with a procedure or situation

that will result in damage to the product.

NOTE: - is used to emphasize important information.

TIP: - is used for extra tips on how to utilize the features and

functions of the device.

Safety precautions

WARNING: ALLERGIC REACTIONS OR SKIN IRRITATIONS MAY

OCCUR WHEN PRODUCT IS IN CONTACT WITH SKIN, EVEN THOUGH
OUR PRODUCTS COMPLY WITH INDUSTRY STANDARDS. IN SUCH
EVENT, STOP USE IMMEDIATELY AND CONSULT A DOCTOR.

WARNING:

BEGINNING AN EXERCISE PROGRAM. OVEREXERTION MAY CAUSE
SERIOUS INJURY.

ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE

5

WARNING: ONLY FOR RECREATIONAL USE.

WARNING: DO NOT ENTIRELY RELY ON THE GPS OR BATTERY

LIFETIME, ALWAYS USE MAPS AND OTHER BACKUP MATERIAL TO
ENSURE YOUR SAFETY.

CAUTION: DO NOT APPLY SOLVENT OF ANY KIND TO THE

PRODUCT, AS IT MAY DAMAGE THE SURFACE.

CAUTION: DO NOT APPLY INSECT REPELLENT ON THE PRODUCT,

AS IT MAY DAMAGE THE SURFACE.

CAUTION: DO NOT THROW THE PRODUCT AWAY, BUT TREAT IT

AS ELECTRONIC WASTE TO PRESERVE THE ENVIRONMENT.

CAUTION:

DAMAGED.

6

DO NOT KNOCK OR DROP THE DEVICE, AS IT MAY BE

NOTE: At Suunto we use advanced sensors and algorithms to

generate metrics that can help you in your activities and
adventures. We strive to be as accurate as possible. However, none
of the data our products and services collect is perfectly reliable, nor
are the metrics they generate absolutely precise. Calories, heart
rate, location, movement detection, shot recognition, physical stress
indicators and other measurements may not match the real world.
Suunto products and services are intended for recreational use only
and are not meant for medical purposes of any kind.

7

2 GETTING STARTED

START

NEXT

LIGHT

BACK LAP

VIEW

21:39

19:36

Tue

4.2.

2.1 Using buttons

Suunto Traverse Alpha has five buttons which allow you to access
all the features.

[START]:

•

press to access the start menu

•

press to pause or resume a recording or timer

•

press to increase a value or move up in the menu

•

keep pressed to start recording or access a list of available modes

•

keep pressed to stop and save a recording

[NEXT]:

•

press to change displays

•

press to enter/accept a setting

•

keep pressed to access/exit the options menu

[LIGHT]:

•

8

press to activate the backlight

•

press to decrease a value or move down in the menu

•

keep pressed to activate flashlight

•

press to deactivate flashlight

[BACK LAP]:

•

press to return to the previous menu

•

press to add a lap during a recording

•

keep pressed to lock/unlock buttons

[VIEW]:

•

press to access additional display views

•

keep pressed to save POI

TIP: When changing the values, you can increase the speed by

keeping [START] or [LIGHT] pressed until the values start to scroll
faster.

2.2 Set up

To make the most of your Suunto Traverse Alpha, we recommend
downloading the Suunto Movescount App and creating a free
Movescount account before starting up your watch. Alternatively,
you can visit movescount.com to create a user account.

To start using your watch:

1. Keep [START] pressed to wake up the device.

2. Press [START] or [LIGHT] to scroll to the desired language and
press [NEXT] to select.

9

Language

English



3. Follow the startup wizard to complete initial settings. Set values

Unit system

Metric



21:39

19:36

Tue

4.2.

with [START] or [LIGHT] and press [NEXT] to accept and go to the
next step.

After completing the setup wizard, charge the watch with the
supplied USB cable until the battery is fully charged.

10

NOTE: If a blinking battery symbol is displayed, Suunto Traverse

Enter

options

~2 sec

Alpha needs to be charged before starting.

NOTE: If the battery dies, and you recharge the product, press

and hold START to start the product

2.3 Adjusting settings

You can change the settings of your Suunto Traverse Alpha directly
in the watch, through Movescount, or on the go with Suunto
Movescount App (see

To change the settings in the watch:

1. Keep [NEXT] pressed to enter the options menu.

2. Scroll the menu with [START] and [LIGHT].

3. Press [NEXT] to enter a setting.

4. Press [START] and [LIGHT] to adjust the setting values and
confirm with [NEXT].

3.17 Movescount mobile app

).

11

NAVIGATION

GENERAL

ALTI-BARO
CONNECTIV...



5. Press [BACK LAP] to return to the previous menu or keep [NEXT]
pressed to exit.

12

3 FEATURES

19:36

Tue 4.2.

1539

steps

915

kcal

Steps

11899

3.1 Activity monitoring

Suunto Traverse Alpha measures your daily steps and estimates
calories burned during the day based on your personal settings.

Your approximate daily step count is available as a default view in
the time display. Press [VIEW] to change to the step counter view.
The step count is updated every 60 seconds.

Daily step count and calories burned are displayed under

DISPLAYS

Steps

»

. The values are reset daily at midnight.

13

NOTE: Activity monitoring is based on your movement as

26

°C

1018hPa

Barometer

950

kcal

1306

Steps

21:39

19:36

Tue 4.2.

measured by sensors in the watch. The values provided by activity
monitoring are estimations and not intended for medical
diagnostics of any kind.

Step history

Suunto Traverse Alpha provides a complete history of your step
count. The step display shows your daily steps, as well as an
overview of weekly, monthly and yearly trends. You can show/hide
the step display from the start menu under DISPLAYS » Steps.
When activated, you can view your step history by pressing [NEXT]
to scroll through active displays.

While in the steps display, you can press [VIEW] to see your 7-day,

14

30-day and yearly trends.

950

kcal

1306

Steps

avg

2018

30 days

avg

2018

7 days

avg

2018

Year

3.2 Alti-Baro

Suunto Traverse Alpha continuously measures absolute air pressure
using the built-in pressure sensor. Based on this measurement and
reference values, it calculates altitude or sea level air pressure.

Three profiles are available: Automatic, Altimeter and Barometer.
For information on setting profiles, see

.

activity

To view alti-baro information, press [NEXT] while in the time display
or activate the alti-baro display from the display menu.

3.2.2 Matching profile to

15

26

°C

1472m

Altitude

1472m

Altitude

21:39

1472

m

Altitude

ref

1018

hPa

1472m

Altitude

You can change to different views by pressing [VIEW].
In altimeter profile, you can see:

•

altitude + temperature

•

altitude + sunrise/sunset

•

altitude + reference point

•

12h altitude graph + altitude

16

26

°C

1472m

Altitude

1472m

Altitude

21:39

1472

m

Altitude

ref

1018

hPa

1472m

Altitude

In barometer profile, you get the corresponding views:

•

barometric pressure + temperature

•

barometric pressure + sunrise/sunset

•

barometric pressure + reference point

•

24h barometric pressure graph + barometric pressure

Sunrise and sunset time views are available when GPS has been
activated. If GPS is not active, sunrise and sunset times are based on
the last recorded GPS data.

You can show/hide the alti-baro display under the start menu.
To hide the alti-baro display:

1. While in the time display, press [START].

2.

Scroll to DISPLAYS with [LIGHT] and press [NEXT].

3.

Scroll to End Alti-Baro and press [NEXT].

17

4. Keep [NEXT] pressed to exit.

Repeat the procedure and select Alti-Baro to show the display
again.

NOTE: If you are wearing your Suunto Traverse Alpha on your

wrist, you will need to take it off in order to get an accurate
temperature reading because your body temperature will affect the
initial reading.

3.2.1 Getting correct readings

If your outdoor activity requires accurate sea level air pressure or
altitude, you need to calibrate your Suunto Traverse Alpha by
entering either your current altitude or the current sea level air
pressure.

TIP:

Absolute air pressure and known altitude reference = sea
level air pressure. Absolute air pressure and known sea level air
pressure = altitude.

The altitude of your location can be found from most topographic
maps or Google Earth. A sea level air pressure reference for your
location can be found using the websites of national weather
services.

18

CAUTION: Keep the area around the sensor free of dirt and

sand. Never insert any objects into the sensor openings.

If FusedAlti is activated, the altitude reading is corrected
automatically using FusedAlti together with altitude and sea level
pressure calibration. For more information, see

Changes in local weather conditions affect altitude readings. If local
weather changes often, it is advisable to reset the current altitude
reference value frequently, preferably before starting your journey
when the reference values are available. As long as the local
weather stays stable, you do not need to set reference values.

To set the sea level pressure and altitude reference values:

1. Keep [NEXT] pressed to enter the options menu.

2.

Scroll to

3.

Press [NEXT] to enter

4. The following setting options are available:

•

ALTI-BARO

FusedAlti: GPS is switched on and the watch starts calculating
altitude based on FusedAlti.

with [LIGHT] and enter with [NEXT].

Reference

.

3.9 FusedAlti

.

19

•

Altitude: Set your altitude manually.

•

Sea level pressure: Set the sea level pressure reference value
manually.

5. Set the reference value using [START] and [LIGHT]. Accept the

setting with [NEXT].

TIP: When not recording an activity, press [START] in the alti-

baro display to get directly to the ALTI-BARO menu.

Use example: Setting the altitude reference value

You’re on the second day of your two-day hike. You realize that
you forgot to switch from the barometer profile to the altimeter
profile when you started in the morning.You know that the current
altitude readings of your Suunto Traverse Alpha are wrong.

So, you hike to the nearest location shown on your topographic
map for which an altitude reference value is provided. You correct
your Suunto Traverse Alpha altitude reference value accordingly
and switch to the altimeter profile. Your altitude readings are
correct again.

3.2.2 Matching profile to activity

The altimeter profile should be selected when your outdoor activity
involves changes in altitude (such as hiking in the mountains).

The barometer profile should be selected when your outdoor
activity does not involve changes in altitude (such as canoeing).

To get correct readings, you need to match the profile to your
activity. You can either let Suunto Traverse Alpha decide a suitable

20

profile for the activity using the automatic profile, or choose a
profile yourself.

NOTE: You can also define a specific profile for each of your

sport modes under the sport mode advanced settings in
Movescount.

To set the alti-baro profile:

1. Keep [NEXT] pressed to enter the options menu.

2.

Scroll to ALTI-BARO with [LIGHT] and enter with [NEXT].

3.

Scroll to Profile with [START] and enter with [NEXT].

4. Change the profile with [START] or [LIGHT] and confirm your

selection with [NEXT].

5. Keep [NEXT] pressed to exit.

Incorrect readings

If the altimeter profile is on for an extended period of time with
the device in a fixed location while the local weather changes, the
device will give incorrect altitude readings.

If you use the altimeter profile and the weather changes frequently
while you climb in altitude or go down in altitude, the device will
give you incorrect readings.

If you use the barometer profile for an extended period of time as
you climb in altitude or go down in altitude, the device assumes
that you are standing still and interprets your changes in altitude as
changes in sea level air pressure. It will therefore give you incorrect
sea level air pressure readings.

21

3.2.3 Using altimeter profile

26

°C

1472m

Altimeter

26

°C

1018hPa

Barometer

The altimeter profile calculates altitude based on reference values.
The reference value can either be sea level air pressure or altitude.
When the altimeter profile is activated, the altimeter icon is shown
at the top of the alti-baro display.

3.2.4 Using barometer profile

The barometer profile shows the current sea level air pressure. This
is based on the reference values and the constantly measured
absolute air pressure.

When the barometer profile is activated, the barometer icon is
shown on the display.

22

3.2.5 Using automatic profile

The automatic profile switches between the altimeter and
barometer profiles according to your movement.

It is not possible to measure weather and altitude changes at the
same time, as both cause a change in the surrounding air pressure.
Suunto Traverse Alpha senses vertical movement and switches to
measuring altitude, when needed. When altitude is shown, it is
updated with a maximum delay of 10 seconds.

If you are at a constant altitude (less than 5 meters of vertical
movement within 12 minutes), Suunto Traverse Alpha interprets all
pressure changes as weather changes. The measurement interval is
10 seconds. The altitude reading remains steady and if the weather
changes, you will see changes in the sea level air pressure reading.

If you are moving in altitude (more than 5 meters of vertical
movement within 3 minutes), Suunto Traverse Alpha interprets all
pressure changes as movements in altitude.

Depending on which profile is active, you can access the altimeter
or barometer in the alti-baro display with [VIEW].

NOTE: When you are using the automatic profile, barometer or

altimeter icons are not shown on the alto-baro display.

23

3.3 Autopause

Autopause pauses the recording of your activity when your speed is
less than 2 km/h (1.2 mph). When your speed increases to more than
3 km/h (1.9 mph), the recording continues automatically.

You can turn autopause on/off for each sport mode in Movescount
under the advanced settings for the sport mode.

3.4 Backlight

Pressing [LIGHT] activates the backlight.
By default, the backlight turns on for a few seconds and turns off

automatically.
There are four backlight modes:

•

Normal: The backlight turns on for a few seconds when you
press [LIGHT] and when the alarm clock sounds. This is the
default setting.

•

Off: The backlight is not switched on by pressing a button or
when the alarm clock sounds.

•

Night: The backlight turns on for a few seconds when you press
any button and when the alarm clock sounds.

•

Toggle: The backlight turns on when you press [LIGHT] and stays
on until you press [LIGHT] again.

You can change the general backlight setting in the watch settings
under GENERAL » Tones/display » Backlight. You can also change
the general setting in Movescount.

24

You can change backlight color, when using red backlight, setting
the brightness to 10% makes it possible to view the backlight
through night vision goggles.

You can adjust the backlight brightness (in percent), either in the
watch settings under Tones/display » Backlight or in Movescount.

TIP: When the [BACK LAP] and [START] buttons are locked, you

can still activate the backlight by pressing [LIGHT].

NOTE: Setting the backlight color to red will not affect the

color of flashlight

Flashlight

In addition to normal backlight modes, Suunto Traverse Alpha has
one additional mode where the backlight is automatically set to
maximum brightness and can be used as a flashlight. To activate the
flashlight, keep [LIGHT] pressed.

The flashlight stays on for about four minutes. You can turn it off at
any time by pressing [LIGHT] or [BACK LAP].

25

3.5 Button lock

Lock

2s

21:39

19:36

Tue

4.2.

Unlock

2s

Keeping [BACK LAP] pressed locks and unlocks buttons.

You can change the button lock behavior in the watch settings
under GENERAL » Tones/display » Button lock.

Your Suunto Traverse Alpha has two button lock options:

•

Actions only

•

All buttons
Night

: Start and options menus are locked.

: All buttons are locked. Backlight can be activated in

mode.

TIP: Select the Actions only button lock setting to avoid

accidentally starting or stopping your log. When the [BACK LAP]
and [START] buttons are locked, you can still change displays by
pressing [NEXT] and views by pressing [VIEW].

3.6 Compass

Suunto Traverse Alpha has a digital compass that allows you to
orient yourself in relation to magnetic north. The tilt-compensated

26

compass gives you accurate readings even if the compass is not

273°

NW

horizontally level.
You can show/hide the compass display from the start menu under

DISPLAYS » Compass.
The default compass display includes the following information:

•

middle row: compass heading in degrees

•

bottom row: press [VIEW] to see current time, cardinal direction
or empty (no value)

You can change the compass display information from the options
menu under

General

Formats

»

Compass unit

»

. Select which is the
primary value in the center of the compass display: degrees, Mils or
cardinals.

The compass switches to power saving mode after one minute.
Reactivate it with [START].

3.6.1 Calibrating compass

If you have not used the compass before, you must first calibrate it.
Turn and tilt the watch in multiple directions until the watch beeps,
indicating calibration is complete.

27

If the calibration is successful, the text Calibration successful is
displayed. If the calibration does not succeed, the text Calibration
failed is displayed. To retry the calibration, press [START].

If you have already calibrated the compass and want to re-calibrate
it, you can manually start the calibration process.

To manually start compass calibration:

1. Keep [NEXT] pressed to enter the options menu.

2.

Scroll to

3.

Scroll to

4.

Scroll to

5.

Press [NEXT] to select

NAVIGATION
Settings
Compass

with [LIGHT] and select with [NEXT].

with [LIGHT] and select with [NEXT].

with [START] and enter with [NEXT].

Calibration

.

3.6.2 Setting declination

To ensure correct compass readings, set an accurate declination
value.

Paper maps point to true north. Compasses, however, point to
magnetic north – a region above the Earth where the Earth’s
magnetic fields pull. Because magnetic North and true North are

28

not at the same location, you must set the declination on your

Declination

--

0.0°

Declination

E

0.0°

Declination

E

0.0°

compass. The angle in between magnetic and true north is your
declination.

The declination value appears on most maps. The location of
magnetic north changes yearly, so the most accurate and up-to-date
declination value can be obtained from the internet (for example
www.magnetic-declination.com).

Orienteering maps, however, are drawn in relation to magnetic
north. This means that when you are using orienteering maps you
need to turn the declination correction off by setting the
declination value to 0 degrees.

To set the declination value:

1. Keep [NEXT] pressed to enter the options menu.

2.

Scroll to

3.

Scroll to

4.

Scroll to

5.

Scroll to

6.

Turn the declination off by selecting --, or select W (west) or

NAVIGATION
Settings
Compass

with [LIGHT] and select with [NEXT].

with [LIGHT] and select with [NEXT].

Declination

with [START] and enter with [NEXT].

with [LIGHT] and select with [NEXT].

E

(east). Set the declination value with [START] or [LIGHT].

7. Press [NEXT] to accept the setting.

29

TIP: You can also access the navigation menu and compass

settings by pressing [START] while navigating.

3.6.3 Setting bearing lock

You can mark the direction to your target in relation to North with
the bearing lock feature.

To lock a bearing:

1. With the compass active, hold the watch in front of you and turn

yourself towards your target.

2. Press [BACK LAP] to lock the current degree displayed on the

watch as your bearing.

3. An empty triangle indicates the locked bearing in relation to the

North indicator (solid triangle).

4. Press [BACK LAP] to clear the bearing lock.

30

1. 2. 3.

(3.) 4.

273°

NW

273°

NW

273°

NW

214°

SW

273°

NW

NOTE: When using the compass while recording an activity, the

[BACK LAP] button only locks and clears the bearing. Exit the
compass view to make a lap with [BACK LAP].

3.7 Countdown timer

You can set the countdown timer to count down from a preset time
to zero. You can show/hide it from the start menu under

DISPLAYS

Countdown

»

.

When activated, the countdown timer can be accessed by pressing
[NEXT] until see the display.

31

0:05'00

Countdown

Adjust

The default countdown time is five minutes. You can adjust this
time by pressing [VIEW].

TIP: You can pause/continue the countdown by pressing [START].

NOTE: Countdown timer is not available while activity

recording is ongoing.

3.8 Displays

Your Suunto Traverse Alpha comes with several different features,
such as compass (see

3.26 Stopwatch

by pressing [NEXT]. Some of them are permanent, others you can
show or hide as you like.

To show/hide displays:

1. Press [START] to enter the start menu.

2.

Scroll to DISPLAYS by pressing [LIGHT] and press [NEXT].

3. In the list of display, toggle any feature on/off by scrolling to it

with [START] or [LIGHT] and pressing [NEXT].

32

3.6 Compass

) and stopwatch (see

). These are handled as displays that can be viewed

Keep [NEXT] pressed to exit the displays menu if needed.

Your sport modes (see
that you can customize to view different information while
recording an activity.

3.25 Sport modes

) also have multiple displays

3.8.1 Adjusting display contrast

Increase or decrease the display contrast of your Suunto Traverse
Alpha in the watch settings.

To adjust the display contrast:

1. Keep [NEXT] pressed to enter the options menu.

2.

Press [NEXT] to enter the GENERAL settings.

3.

Press [NEXT] to enter Tones/display.

4.

Scroll to Display contrast with [LIGHT] and enter with [NEXT].

5. Increase the contrast with [START], or decrease it with [LIGHT].

6. Keep [NEXT] pressed to exit.

3.8.2 Inverting display color

Change the display between dark and light through the settings in
the watch.

To invert the display in the watch settings:

1. Keep [NEXT] pressed to enter the options menu.

2.

Press [NEXT] to enter the GENERAL settings.

3.

Press [NEXT] to enter Tones/display.

4.

Scroll to Invert display with [START] and invert with [NEXT].

33

3.9 FusedAlti

FusedAltiTM provides an altitude reading that is a combination of
GPS and barometric altitude. It minimizes the effect of temporary
and offset errors in the final altitude reading.

NOTE: By default, altitude is measured with FusedAlti during

recordings that use GPS and during navigation. When GPS is
switched off, altitude is measured with the barometric sensor.

If you do not want to use FusedAlti in altitude measurement, set
your reference value with altitude or sea level pressure.

You can search for a new reference value with FusedAlti by
activating it in the options menu under ALTI-BARO » Reference »

FusedAlti.

In good conditions it takes 4-12 minutes for FusedAlti to find a
reference value. During that time, Suunto Traverse Alpha shows
barometric altitude with '~' before the reading to indicate that the
altitude may not be correct.

3.10 Find back

Suunto Traverse Alpha automatically saves the starting point of
your recording if you are using GPS. With Find back, Suunto
Traverse Alpha can guide you directly back to your starting point
(or to the location where the GPS fix was established).

To find back:

1. Keep [NEXT] pressed to access the options menu.

34

2.

Press [NEXT] to select NAVIGATION.

3.

Scroll to Find back with [START] and select with [NEXT].

The navigation guidance is shown as one of the views in the
breadcrumb display.

3.11 Hunting with shot recognition

Shot recognition is on by default when you record using the
hunting sport mode. The accelerometer recognizes movement from
gun recoil and saves that as a shot. Your total shot count is updated
in the display, and each shot location is stored. You can view shot
locations later in Movescount.

NOTE: Compass accuracy may be affected when shot

recognition is active. Movement resembling the gun recoil may be
mistakenly interpreted as a shot. Not all gun calibers are
recognizable, and use of recoil dampening devices hinder shot
recognition.

3.12 Icons

The following icons are displayed in Suunto Traverse Alpha:

35

36

alarm

altimeter

barometer

battery

Bluetooth

button lock

button press indicators

current display

down/decrease

fish

flashlight

GPS signal strength

heart rate

highest point

incoming call

lowest point

message/notification

missed call

moonrise

moonset

next/confirm

pairing

settings

shot

sport mode

storm

sunrise

sunset

up/increase

POI icons

The following POI icons are available in Suunto Traverse Alpha:

animal print

begin

37

38

big game

bird

building/home

camp/camping

car/parking

cave

crossroad

emergency

end

fishing spot

food/restaurant/cafe

forest

geocache

info

lodging/hostel/hotel

meadow

mountain/hill/valley/cliff

road/trail

rock

sight

scrape/rub

small game

stand

trail cam

water/waterfall/river/lake/coast

waypoint

3.13 Logbook

The logbook stores the logs of your recorded activities. The
maximum number of logs and the maximum duration of a single
log depends on how much information is recorded in each activity.
GPS accuracy (see
example, directly impact the number and duration of logs that can
be stored.

You can view the log summary of your activity right after you have
stopped recording or through the Logbook under the start menu.

The information shown in the log summary is dynamic: it changes
depending on factors such as sport mode and whether or not you

3.18.3 GPS accuracy and power saving

), for

39

used an heart rate belt or GPS. By default, all logs include at
minimum the following information:

•

sport mode name

•

time

•

date

•

duration

•

laps

If the log includes GPS data, the logbook entry includes a view of
the full route track as well as the altitude profile of the track.

TIP: You can see many more details of your recorded activities in

Movescount.

To view log summary after stopping a recording:

1. Keep [START] pressed to stop and save the recording.

2. Press [NEXT] to view the log summary.
You can also view the summaries of all your recorded sessions(logs)

in the logbook. In the logbook recorded sessions are listed
according to date and time.

To view summary log in the logbook:

1. Press [START] to enter the start menu.

2.

Scroll to

Logbook

with [LIGHT] and enter with [NEXT].

3. Scroll the logs with [START] or [LIGHT] and select a log with

[NEXT].

4. Browse the summary views of the log with [NEXT].

40

3.14 Memory left indicator

Sync your

Moves

Memory used

75%

21:39

19:36

Tue 4.2.

26

°C

1018hPa

Barometer

5:27

Today

19:45

If more than 50 % of the logbook has not been synchronized with
Movescount, Suunto Traverse Alpha displays a reminder when you
enter the logbook.

The reminder is not displayed once the unsynced memory is full and
Suunto Traverse Alpha begins overwriting old logs.

3.15 Moon phases

You can follow moon phases based on your last known GPS location
with the moon phase display. Show/hide the display from the start
menu under
view moon phases by pressing [NEXT] to scroll through the active
displays.

DISPLAYS

Moon phase

»

. When activated, you can

41

By default, the moon phase display shows you the moon phase for

6:44

Today

4:07

Third quarter

Today

37%

6:44

Today

4:07



6:32

5.4.2016

6:04

your current location and date.
To view other dates for your current location:

1. While in the moon phase display, press BACK LAP.

2. Scroll through future or past dates with START and LIGHT.

3. Select a date other than today with NEXT to see the moon phase

information for that date.

4. Return to today’s date by pressing BACK LAP again.

3.16 Movescount

Movescount is your free personal diary and online sports
community that offers you a rich set of tools to manage your daily
activities and create engaging stories about your experiences. Use

42

Movescount to view your recorded activities in detail and customize
your watch to best meet your needs.

TIP: Connect to Movescount to get software updates for your

Suunto Traverse Alpha.

You can transfer data from your watch to Movescount either with
the USB cable and computer, or with Bluetooth and the Suunto
Movescount App (see

If you have not done so already, register for a free account in
Movescount.

To register to Movescount:

1. Go to www.movescount.com.

2. Create your account.
If you are using a computer and the supplied USB cable of your

watch, you need to install Moveslink to transfer data.
To install Moveslink:

1. Go to www.movescount.com/moveslink.

2. Download, install and open the latest version of Moveslink.

3. Connect your watch to the computer with the supplied USB

cable.

3.17 Movescount mobile app

).

3.17 Movescount mobile app

With the Suunto Movescount App, you can further enrich your
Suunto Traverse Alpha experience. Pair with the mobile app to get
notifications on your Suunto Traverse Alpha, change settings and

43

customize sport modes on the go, use your mobile device as a
second display, take pictures with data from your move, and create
a Suunto Movie.

TIP: With any Move that is stored in Movescount, you can add

pictures as well as create a Suunto Movie using Suunto Movescount
App.

To pair with Suunto Movescount App:

1. Download and install the app from iTunes App Store or Google

Play. The app description includes the latest compatibility
information.

2. Start Suunto Movescount App and turn on Bluetooth if it is not

on already.

3. Tap the settings icon in the upper right corner and then tap the

'+' watch icon to start Bluetooth searching in the app.

4. On the watch, keep [NEXT] pressed to enter the options menu.

5.

Scroll to

6.

Press [NEXT] to enter the
select

7. Enter the passkey shown on your watch display into the paring

request field on your mobile device and tap PAIR.
Pairing may vary on Android phones. You may get additional

pop-ups before getting to the passkey request.

44

CONNECTIVITY

MobileApp

with [LIGHT] and select with [NEXT].

Pair

.

menu and press [NEXT] again to

NOTE: You can change your Suunto Traverse Alpha general

settings offline. Customizing sport modes and keeping time, date
and GPS satellite data up to date require an internet connection
over Wi-Fi or mobile network. Carrier data connection fees may
apply.

3.17.1 Syncing with mobile app

If you have paired your Suunto Traverse Alpha with Suunto
Movescount App, changes in settings, sport modes, and new logs
are automatically synced by default when the Bluetooth connection
is active. The Bluetooth icon on your Suunto Traverse Alpha flashes
when data is being synced.

This default setting can be changed from the options menu.
To turn off automatic syncing:

1. Keep [NEXT] pressed to enter the options menu.

2.

Scroll to

3.

Press [NEXT] again to enter the

4. Toggle off with [LIGHT] and keep [NEXT] pressed to exit.

CONNECTIVITY

with [LIGHT] and select with [NEXT].

MobileApp sync

setting.

Manual sync

When automatic syncing is off, you need to manually start syncing
to transfer settings or new logs.

To manually sync with mobile app:

1. Ensure Suunto Movescount App is running and Bluetooth is on.

2. Keep [NEXT] pressed to enter the options menu.

45

3.

Scroll to CONNECTIVITY with [LIGHT] and select with [NEXT].

4.

Press [NEXT] to activate Sync now.

If your mobile device has an active data connection and your app is
connected to your Movescount account, settings and logs are
synced with your account. If there is no data connection, syncing is
delayed until a connection is available.

Unsynced logs recorded with your Suunto Traverse Alpha are listed
in the app, but you cannot view the log details until they are synced
with your Movescount account. Activities that you record with the
app are immediately viewable.

NOTE: Carrier data connection fees may apply when syncing

between Suunto Movescount App and Movescount.

3.18 Navigating with GPS

Suunto Traverse Alpha uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) to
determine your current position. GPS incorporates a set of satellites
that orbit the Earth at an altitude of 20,000 km at the speed of 4
km/s.

The built-in GPS receiver in Suunto Traverse Alpha is optimized for
wrist use and receives data from a very wide angle.

3.18.1 Getting GPS signal

Suunto Traverse Alpha activates GPS automatically when you select
a sport mode with the GPS functionality, determine your location,
or start navigating.

46

NOTE: When you activate GPS for the first time, or have not

used it for a long time, it might take longer than usual to get a GPS
fix. Subsequent GPS starts will take less time.

TIP: To minimize GPS initiation time, hold the watch steady

facing up and make sure you are in an open area with a clear view
of the sky.

TIP: Regularly synchronize your Suunto Traverse Alpha with

Movescount to get the latest satellite orbit data. This reduces the
time needed to get the GPS fix and improves track accuracy.

Troubleshooting: No GPS signal

•

For an optimal signal, point the GPS part of the watch upwards.
The best signal can be received in an open area with a clear view
of the sky.

•

The GPS receiver usually works well inside tents and other thin
covers. However, objects, buildings, dense vegetation or cloudy
weather can reduce the GPS signal reception quality.

47

•

GPS signal does not penetrate any solid constructions or water.
Therefore do not try to activate GPS inside buildings, caves or
under water.

3.18.2 GPS grids and position formats

Grids are lines on a map that define the coordinate system used on
the map.

Position format is the way the GPS receiver's position is displayed on
the watch. All the formats relate to the same location, they only
express it in a different way. You can change the position format in
the watch settings in the options menu under GENERAL » Formats »
Position format.

You can select the format from the following grids:

•

latitude/longitude is the most commonly used grid and has three
different formats:

o

WGS84 Hd.d°

o

WGS84 Hd°m.m'

o

WGS84 Hd°m's.s

•

UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) gives a two-dimensional
horizontal position presentation.

•

MGRS (Military Grid Reference System) is an extension of UTM
and consists of a grid zone designator, 100,000-meter square
identifier and a numerical location.

Suunto Traverse Alpha also supports the following local grids:

•

British (BNG)

•

Finnish (ETRS-TM35FIN)

•

Finnish (KKJ)

48

•

Irish (IG)

•

Swedish (RT90)

•

Swiss (CH1903)

•

UTM NAD27 Alaska

•

UTM NAD27 Conus

•

UTM NAD83

•

NZTM2000 (New Zealand)

NOTE: Some grids cannot be used in the areas north of 84°N

and south of 80°S, or outside the countries that they are intended
for.

3.18.3 GPS accuracy and power saving

When customizing sport modes, you can define the GPS fix interval
using the GPS accuracy setting in Movescount. The shorter the
interval, the better the accuracy during recording.

By increasing the interval and lowering the accuracy, you can
extend the battery life.

The GPS accuracy options are:

•

Best: ~ 1 sec fix interval, highest power consumption

•

Good: ~ 5 sec fix interval, moderate power consumption

•

OK: ~ 60 sec fix interval, lowest power consumption

•

Off: no GPS fix

You can adjust the predefined GPS accuracy of the sport mode if
needed only during a recording and while navigating. For instance,
if you notice you are low on battery, you could adjust the setting to
extend battery life.

49

Adjust GPS accuracy in the start menu under NAVIGATION »

Settings » GPS accuracy.

3.18.4 GPS and GLONASS

Suunto Traverse Alpha uses a Global Navigation Satellite System
(GNSS) to determine your location. The GNSS can use signals from
both GPS and GLONASS satellites.

By default your watch searches for GPS signals only. In some
situations and locations already the world, using GLONASS signals
can improve location accuracy. However, keep in mind that using
GLONASS consumes more battery than using GPS only.

You can activate or deactivate GLONASS at any time, even while
recording an activity.

The activate or deactivate GLONASS:

1. Keep [NEXT] pressed to enter the options menu.

2.

Scroll to NAVIGATION with [START] and enter with [NEXT].

3.

Scroll to SETTINGS with [LIGHT] and select with [NEXT].

4.

Scroll to GNSS with [START] and select with [NEXT].

5.

Choose GPS & GLONASS to activate GLONASS. If already active,
choose GPS to deactivate GLONASS.

6. Keep [NEXT] pressed to exit.

NOTE:

GLONASS is only used if GPS accuracy is set to best. (See

3.18.3 GPS accuracy and power saving).

50

3.19 Notifications

Incoming call

[phone]…

Tomorrow,

skiing in Aspen?

Peter

If you have paired your Suunto Traverse Alpha with Suunto
Movescount App (see
call, message and push notifications on the watch.

To get notifications on your watch:

1. Keep [NEXT] pressed to enter the options menu.

2.

Press [LIGHT] to scroll to

3.

Press [LIGHT] to scroll to

4. Toggle on/off with [LIGHT].

5. Exit by keeping [NEXT] pressed.
With notifications on, your Suunto Traverse Alpha gives an alert

3.30 Tones and vibration

(see
bottom row of the time display with each new event.

To view notifications on your watch:

1. Press [START] to enter the start menu.

2.

Scroll to

NOTIFICATIONS OFF

3. Scroll through the notifications with [START] or [LIGHT].

3.17 Movescount mobile app

CONNECTIVITY
Notifications

.

), you can get

and press [NEXT].

) and displays a notification icon in the

with [START] and press [NEXT].

51

Up to 10 notifications can be listed. Notifications remain in your
watch until you clear them from your mobile device. However,
notifications older than one day are hidden from view in the watch.

3.20 Recording activities

Use sport modes (see
various information during your outing.

Out of the box, Suunto Traverse Alpha has three sport modes,
Hiking, Hunting and Fishing. Start a recording by pressing [START]
and then press [NEXT] to enter RECORD.

So long as there is only one sport mode in the watch, the recording
starts immediately. If you add other sport modes, you need to select
the sport mode you want to use and then press [NEXT] to start the
recording.

TIP: You can also quickly start the recording by keeping [START]

pressed.

3.25 Sport modes

) to record activities and view

3.21 Points of interest

Suunto Traverse Alpha includes GPS navigation which allows you to
navigate to a pre-defined destination stored as a point of interest
(POI).

NOTE: You can also start navigating to a POI when you are

recording an activity (see 3.20 Recording activities).

52

To navigate to a POI:

Building 01

dst3.2km

Building 01

DST

3.2 km

ETE

11:30'

Building 01

ALTITUDE

2012 m

ALT DIFF

410 m

1. Press [START] to enter the start menu.

2.

Scroll to NAVIGATION with [START] and press [NEXT].

3.

Scroll to POIs (Points of interest) using [LIGHT] and press [NEXT].

4. Scroll to the POI you wish to navigate to with [START] or [LIGHT]

and select with [NEXT].

5.

Press [NEXT] again to select Navigate.
If you are using the compass for the first time, you need to

calibrate it (see

3.6.1 Calibrating compass

). After activating the

compass, the watch starts searching for a GPS signal.
All navigating is recorded. If your watch has more than one

sport mode, you are prompted to select one.

6. Start navigating to the POI.
The watch displays the breadcrumb display, showing your position

and the position of the POI.
By pressing [VIEW] you can access additional guidance:

•

distance and direction to POI in straight line

•

distance to POI and estimated time en route based on your
current speed,

•

difference between your current altitude and the POI altitude

53

When stationary or moving slowly (<4 km/h), the watch shows you

Building 01

dst3.2km

Building 01

dst3.2km

the direction to the POI (or waypoint if navigating a route) based
on the compass bearing.

While moving (>4 km/h), the watch shows you the direction to the
POI (or waypoint if navigating a route) based on GPS.

The direction to your target, or bearing, is shown with the empty
triangle. Your direction of travel, or heading, is indicated by the
solid lines at the top of the display. Aligning these two ensures you
are moving in the correct direction.

3.21.1 Checking your location

Suunto Traverse Alpha allows you to check the coordinates of your
current location using GPS.

To check your location:

1. Press [START] to enter the start menu.

2.

Scroll to NAVIGATION with [START] and press [NEXT].

3.

Scroll to Location with [LIGHT] and press [NEXT].

4.

Press [NEXT] to select Current.

54

5.

The watch starts searching for a GPS signal and displays GPS
found after acquiring the signal. After that your current
coordinates are shown on the display.

TIP: You can also check your location while you are recording an

activity by keeping [NEXT] pressed to access NAVIGATION in the
options menu or by pressing [START] while in the breadcrumb
display.

3.21.2 Adding a POI

Suunto Traverse Alpha allows you to save your current location or
define a location as a POI.

You can store up to 250 POIs in the watch.
When adding a POI, select a POI type (icon) and POI name from a

predefined list, or freely name the POIs in Movescount.
To save a POI:

1. Press [START] to enter the start menu.

2.

Scroll to

3.

Scroll to

4.

Select
and latitude values.

5. Press [START] to save the location.

6. Select a suitable name for the location. Scroll through the name

options with [START] or [LIGHT]. Select a name with [NEXT].

7. Press [START] to save the POI.

NAVIGATION
Location

Current

or select

with [START] and press [NEXT].

with [LIGHT] and press [NEXT].

Define

to manually change longitude

55

You can create POIs in Movescount by selecting a location on a map
or inserting the coordinates. POIs in your Suunto Traverse Alpha
and in Movescount are always synchronized when you connect the
watch to Movescount.

NOTE: When recording a hunting or fishing activity, long

pressing [VIEW] displays a shortlist of activity-specific POIs. To view
the entire list, select SHOW ALL.

TIP: You can quickly save your current location as a POI by

keeping [VIEW] pressed. This can be done from any display when
not recording an activity.

3.21.3 Deleting a POI

You can delete a POI directly in the watch or through Movescount.
However, when you delete a POI in Movescount and synchronize
your Suunto Traverse Alpha, the POI is deleted from the watch but
only disabled in Movescount.

To delete a POI:

1. Press [START] to enter the start menu.

2.

Scroll to NAVIGATIONwith [START] and press [NEXT].

3.

Scroll to POIs (Points of interest) with [LIGHT] and press [NEXT].

4. Scroll to the POI you wish to delete with [START] or [LIGHT] and

select with [NEXT].

5.

Scroll to Delete with [START] and press [NEXT].

6. Press [START] to confirm.

56

3.22 Routes

You can create a route with the route planner in Movescount or
export the track of a recorded activity to the planner.

To add a route:

1. Go to Movescount and log in.

2.

Under Plan & Create, browse to Routes to search and add
existing routes or browse to Route Planner to create your own
route.

3. Save the route and select the 'Use this route in my...' option.

4. Sync your Suunto Traverse Alpha with Movescount using Suunto

Movescount App (see

using Moveslink and the supplied USB cable.
Routes are also deleted through Movescount.
To delete a route:

1. Go to www.movescount.com and log in.

2.

Under Plan & Create, browse to Route Planner.

3.

Under MY ROUTES, click on the route you want to delete and

click DELETE.

4. Sync your Suunto Traverse Alpha with Movescount using Suunto

Movescount App (see

using Moveslink and the supplied USB cable.

3.22.1 Navigating a route

You can navigate a route you have transferred to your Suunto
Traverse Alpha from Movescount (see 3.20 Routes) or from a log in

3.17.1 Syncing with mobile app

3.17.1 Syncing with mobile app

) or by

) or by

57

your logbook with GPS data. You get a preview of the route based

Direction

Backwards

Forwards

on the route list or logbook selection.
If you are using the compass for the first time, you need to calibrate

it (see

3.6.1 Calibrating compass

). After activating the compass, the
watch will begin searching for a GPS signal. After the watch
acquires a GPS signal, you can begin to navigate a route.

To navigate a route:

1. Press [START] to enter the start menu.

2.

Scroll to NAVIGATION with [START] and press [NEXT].

3.

Scroll to Routes or NAVIGATION and press [NEXT] to enter .

4. Scroll to the route you want to navigate with [START] or [LIGHT]

and press [NEXT].

5.

Press [NEXT] to select Navigate.
All navigating is recorded. If you watch has more than one sport

mode, you are prompted to select one.

6.

Select Forwards or Backwards to chose the direction you want to
navigate (from the first waypoint or the last).

7. Start navigating. The watch informs you when you are

approaching the beginning of the route.

58

10 km

Approaching

BEGIN

10 km

8. The watch informs you when you have arrived at your

destination.

TIP: You can also start navigating while recording an activity

(see 3.20 Recording activities).

3.22.2 During navigation

During navigation, press [VIEW] to scroll the following views:

•

full track view showing the whole route

•

zoomed-in track view of the route: by default, the zoomed-in
view is scaled to a 100 m (0.1 mi) scale; the scale is larger if you
are far away from the route

Track view

The full track view shows you the following information:

•

(1) arrow indicating your location and pointing to the direction
of your heading.

•

(2) the beginning and end of the route

•

(3) The closest POI is shown as an icon.

•

(4) scale of the track view

59

10 km

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

10 km

NOTE: In the full track view the north is always up.

Map orientation

You can change the map orientation in the options menu under
NAVIGATION » Settings » Map » Orientation.

•

Heading up: Displays the zoomed-in map with the heading
pointing up.

•

North up: Displays the zoomed-in map with the north pointing
up.

Ascent profile view

The ascent profile view shows you the following information:

1. Remaining ascent

2. Real-time altitude profile graph

3. Remaining descent

60

asc 844m

dsc

40

m

3.

2.

1.

If you veer too far off the route track, the profile graph is not

Enter

service

updated. Instead, the text Off route is shown below the graph. You
need to return to the track to get accurate ascent calculations.

3.23 Service menu

To access the service menu, keep [BACK LAP] and [START] pressed
simultaneously until the watch enters the service menu.

The service menu includes the following items:

•

Info:

o

Air pressure: shows the current absolute air pressure and
temperature.

o

Version: shows the current software and hardware version.

o

BLE: shows the current Bluetooth Smart version.

61

•

Display:

o

LCD test: allows you to test that the LCD works properly.

•

ACTION:

o

Power off: allows you to put the watch into deep sleep.

o

GPS reset: allows you to reset GPS.

NOTE: Power off is a low power state. Follow the normal

startup procedure to wake up the device. All settings except time
and date are maintained. Just confirm them through the startup
wizard.

NOTE: The watch switches to power saving mode when it is

static for 10 minutes. The watch re-activates when moved.

NOTE: Service menu content is subject to change without notice

during updates.

Resetting GPS

In case the GPS unit cannot find a signal, you can reset GPS data in
the service menu.

To reset GPS:

1.

In the service menu, scroll to
with [NEXT].

2.

Press [LIGHT] to scroll to

3. Press [START] to confirm GPS reset, or press [LIGHT] to cancel.

62

ACTION

GPS reset

with [LIGHT] and enter

and enter with [NEXT].

NOTE: Resetting GPS resets GPS data and compass calibration

values. Saved logs are not removed.

3.24 Software updates

You can update your Suunto Traverse Alpha software through
Movescount. When you update the software, all logs are
automatically moved to Movescount and deleted from the watch.

To update your Suunto Traverse Alpha software:

1. Install Moveslink if you have not done so already from

Movescount.

2. Connect your Suunto Traverse Alpha to your computer with the

supplied USB cable.

3. If an update is available, your watch is updated automatically.

Wait for the update to complete before unplugging the USB
cable. This may take several minutes.

3.25 Sport modes

Sport modes are your way to customize how activities are recorded.
Different information is shown on the displays while recording
depending on the sport mode. Suunto Traverse Alpha comes with
three predefined sport modes for Hiking, Hunting and Fishing.

In Movescount you can create custom sport modes, edit the
predefined sport mode, delete sport modes, or simply hide them so
that they are not shown in your RECORD menu (see

activities

).

3.20 Recording

63

A custom sport mode can contain up to four displays. You can

00'00.0

lap0

00'00.0

choose which data appears on each display from a comprehensive
list of options.

You can transfer up to five sport modes created in Movescount to
your Suunto Traverse Alpha.

3.26 Stopwatch

The stopwatch is a display that can be turned on or off from the
start menu.

To activate the stopwatch:

1. Press [START] to enter the start menu.

2.

Scroll to DISPLAYS with [LIGHT] and press [NEXT].

3.

Scroll to Stopwatch with [LIGHT] and press [NEXT].

When activated, the timer can be accessed by pressing [NEXT] until
the timer appears.

NOTE: The stopwatch is not visible while recording an activity.

To use the stopwatch:

64

1. In the activated stopwatch display, press [START] to start

measuring time.

2. Press [BACK LAP] to make a lap, or press [START] to pause the

stopwatch. To view the lap times, press [BACK LAP] when the
stopwatch is paused.

3. Press [START] to continue.

4. To reset the time, keep [START] pressed when the stopwatch is

paused.

While the stopwatch is running, you can:

•

press [VIEW] to switch between the time and lap time shown on
the bottom row of the display.

•

switch to Time display with [NEXT].

•

enter the options menu by keeping [NEXT] pressed.

If you no longer want to see the stopwatch display, deactivate the
stopwatch.

To hide the stopwatch:

1. Press [START] to enter the start menu.

2.

Scroll to DISPLAYS with [LIGHT] and press [NEXT].

3.

Scroll to End stopwatch with [LIGHT] and press [NEXT].

3.27 Sunrise and sunset alerts

In addition to the sunrise and sunset times you can view in different
displays in Traverse Alpha, you can set specific sunrise and sunset
alerts to help time your activities on your expeditions. You can set
an alarm for the sunrise and sunset alerts separately in the options
menu under General » Alerts. Turn each alarm on/off and set how
many minutes before the event that the alarm should sound.

65

3.28 Suunto Apps

Suunto Apps allow you to further customize your Suunto Traverse
Alpha. Visit Suunto App Zone in Movescount to find Apps, such as
various timers and counters, available for your use. If you cannot
find what you need, create your own App with Suunto App
Designer. You can create Apps, for example, for calculating the
slope grade of your skiing route.

To add Suunto Apps to your Suunto Traverse Alpha:

1.

Go to the PLAN & CREATE section in Movescount community and
select App Zone to browse existing Suunto Apps. To create your
own App, go to the PLAN & CREATE section of your profile and
select App Designer.

2. Add Suunto App to a sport mode. Connect your Suunto Traverse

Alpha to your Movescount account to synchronize Suunto App
to the watch. The added Suunto App will show the result of its
calculation during your activity.

NOTE: You can add up to four Suunto Apps to each sport mode.

3.29 Time

The time display on your Suunto Traverse Alpha shows the
following information:

•

top row: date

•

middle row: time

66

•

bottom row: change with [VIEW] to show additional information
such as sunrise/sunset, altitude and battery level.

In the options menu under GENERAL » Time/date, you can set the
following:

•

Dual time

•

Alarm

•

Time and date

3.29.1 Alarm clock

You can use your Suunto Traverse Alpha as an alarm clock. Turn the
alarm on/off and set the alarm time in the options menu under
GENERAL » Time/date » Alarm.

When the alarm is switched on, the alarm symbol is shown on most
of the displays.

When the alarm sounds, you can:

•

Snooze by pressing [LIGHT]. The alarm stops and restarts every
five minutes until you stop it. You can snooze up to 12 times for
a total of one hour.

•

Stop by pressing [START]. The alarm stops and restarts the same
time the following day, unless you switch the alarm off in the
options menu.

67

7:00

Snooze

Stop

24h

5min

NOTE: When snoozing, the alarm icon blinks in the time display.

3.29.2 Time syncing

Your Suunto Traverse Alpha time can be updated through your
mobile phone, computer (Moveslink) or GPS time. If you have
paired your watch with the Suunto Movescount App, time and time
zone are automatically synced with your mobile phone.

When you connect your watch to the computer with the USB cable,
Moveslink by default updates your watch time and date according
to the computer clock. This feature can be turned off in the
Moveslink settings.

68

GPS time

GPS time corrects the offset between your Suunto Traverse Alpha
and the GPS time. GPS time checks and corrects the time whenever
a GPS fix is found (for example when recording an activity, or saving
a POI).

GPS time is on by default. You can turn it off in the options menu
under GENERAL » Time/date »Time & date.

Daylight Saving Time

Suunto Traverse Alpha supports Daylight Saving Time (DST) time
adjustments if GPS time is on

You can adjust the Daylight Saving Time setting in the options
menu under GENERAL » Time/date »Time & date.

There are three settings available:

•

Automatic

•

Winter time

•

Summer time

– automatic DST adjustment based on GPS location

– always winter time (no DST)

– always summer time

3.30 Tones and vibration

Tones and vibration alerts are used for notifications, alarms and
other key events. Both can be adjusted separately in the options
menu under

For each alert type, you can select from the following options:

•

All on

•

All off

GENERAL

: all events trigger tones/vibration

: no events trigger tones/vibration

Tones/display

»

»

Tones

Vibration

or

.

69

•

21:39

19:36

Tue 4.2.

19:36

Tue 4.2.

Buttons off: all events other than pushing buttons trigger tones/
vibration

3.31 Track back

With Suunto Traverse Alpha you can retrace your route any time
during a recording with the help of the breadcrumb display.

You can also navigate a track from the logbook with recorded
activities that include GPS data. Follow the same procedure as in

3.22.1 Navigating a route

. Scroll to Logbook instead of Routes, and

select a log to start navigating.

3.32 Weather indicators

In addition to the barometer graph (see

profile

), Suunto Traverse Alpha has two weather indicators:

weather trend and storm alarm.
The weather trend indicator is displayed as a view in the time

display, providing you a quick way to check weather changes.

The weather trend indicator is comprised of two lines forming an
arrow. Each line represents a 3-hour period. A change in barometric

70

3.2.4 Using barometer

pressure greater than 2 hPa (0.59 inHg) over three hours triggers a
change the direction of the arrow. For example:

pressure dropping heavily over the last six hours
pressure was steady, but rising heavily over the last

three hours
pressure was rising heavily, but dropping heavily

over the last three hours

Storm alarm

A significant drop in barometric pressure typically means a storm is
coming and you should take cover. When the storm alarm is active,
Suunto Traverse Alpha sounds an alarm and flashes a storm symbol
when the pressure drops 4 hPa (0.12 inHg) or more during a 3-hour
period.

The storm alarm is off by default. You can turn it on in the options
menu under

NOTE: The storm alarm does not work if you have altimeter

profile activated.

When a storm alarm sounds, pressing any button ends the alarm. If
no button is pressed, the alarm repeats once after five minutes. The
storm symbol remains on the display until the weather conditions
stabilize (pressure drop slows down).

GENERAL

»

Alerts

Storm alarm

»

.

71

A special lap (called 'storm alarm') is generated when a storm alarm
occurs while recording an activity.

72

4 CARE AND SUPPORT

4.1 Handling guidelines

Handle the unit with care – do not knock or drop it.
Under normal circumstances the watch does not require servicing.

After use, rinse it with fresh water, mild soap, and carefully clean
the housing with a moist soft cloth or chamois.

Use only original Suunto accessories - damage caused by non­original accessories is not covered by warranty.

TIP: Remember to register your Suunto Traverse Alpha at

www.suunto.com/support to get personalized support.

4.2 Water resistance

Suunto Traverse Alpha is water resistant to 100 meters (330 feet),
which is equivalent to 10 bars. The meter value relates to an actual
diving depth and is tested in the water pressure used in the course
of the Suunto water resistance test. This means you can use the
watch for swimming and snorkeling, but it should not be used for
any form of diving.

NOTE:

operating depth. The water resistance marking refers to static air/
water tightness withstanding shower, bathing, swimming, poolside
diving and snorkeling.

Water resistance is not equivalent to functional

73

To maintain water resistance, it is recommended to:

•

never use the device for other than intended use.

•

contact an authorized Suunto service, distributor or retailer for
any repairs.

•

keep the device clean from dirt and sand.

•

never attempt to open the case yourself.

•

avoid subjecting the device to rapid air and water temperature
changes.

•

always clean your device with fresh water if subjected to salt
water.

•

never knock or drop the device.

4.3 Charging the battery

The duration on a single charge depends on how Suunto Traverse
Alpha is used and in what conditions. Low temperatures, for
example, reduce the duration of a single charge. In general, the
capacity of rechargeable batteries decreases over time.

NOTE:

battery, Suunto warranty covers the battery replacement for one
year or for at maximum 300 charging times, whichever comes first.

The battery icon indicates the charge level of the battery. When the
battery charge level is less than 10%, the battery icon blinks for 30
seconds. When the battery charge level is less than 2%, the battery
icon blinks continuously.

74

In case of abnormal capacity decrease due to defective

Tuesday

20.9

16:30

100%
76-100%
51-75%
26-50%
0-25%

<

10%

<

2%

30sec

When battery level drops very low during a recording, the watch
stops and saves the recording. The watch can still show time, but
buttons are deactivated.

Charge the battery by attaching it to your computer with the
supplied USB cable, or charge with a USB-compatible wall charger.
It takes approximately 2-3 hours to fully charge an empty battery.

TIP: You can change the GPS fix interval during a recording to

save battery life. See 3.18.3 GPS accuracy and power saving.

4.4 Getting support

To get additional support, visit www.suunto.com/support. There
you will find a comprehensive range of support materials, including
Questions and Answers and instruction videos. You can also post
questions directly to Suunto or email/call Suunto support
professionals.

There are also many how-to videos on the Suunto YouTube channel
at www.youtube.com/user/MovesCountbySuunto.

75

We recommend registering your product to get the best
personalized support from Suunto.

To get support from Suunto:

1. Register at www.suunto.com/support/MySuunto, or if you have

already, login and add Suunto Traverse Alpha to My Products.

2. Visit Suunto.com (www.suunto.com/support) to see if you

question has been asked/answered already.

3.

Go to CONTACT SUUNTO to submit a question or call us at any
of the listed support numbers.

Alternatively, send us an email to [e-mail]. Please
include the product name, serial number and a detailed
description of the issue.

Suunto’s qualified customer support staff will help you and, if
needed, troubleshoot your product during the call.

76

5 REFERENCE

5.1 Technical specifications

General

•

operating temperature: -20° C to +60° C (-5° F to +140° F)

•

battery charging temperature: 0° C to +35° C (+32° F to +95° F)

•

storage temperature: -30° C to +60° C (-22° F to +140° F)

•

weight: ~70g (2.8 oz)

•

water resistance: 100 m (300 ft)

•

glass: sapphire lens

•

power: rechargeable lithium-ion battery

•

Battery life: ~10 - 100 hours depending on selected GPS accuracy;
~14 days with GPS off

Memory

•

Points of Interest (POIs): max. 250

Radio receiver

•

Bluetooth® Smart compatible

•

communication frequency: 2.4 GHz

•

range: ~3 m (9.8 ft)

Barometer

•

display range: 950 to 1060 hPa (28.05 to 31.30 inHg)

•

resolution: 1 hPa (0.03 inHg)

Altimeter

•

display range: -500 m to 9999 m (-1640 ft to 32805 ft)

77

•

resolution: 1 m (3 ft)

Thermometer

•

display range: -20° C to +60° C (-4° F to +140° F)

•

resolution: 1°

Chronograph

•

resolution: 1 s until 9:59'59, after that 1 min

Compass

•

resolution: 1 degree (18 mils)

•

accuracy: +/- 5 degrees

GPS

•

technology: SiRF star V

•

resolution: 1 m (3 ft)

5.2 Compliance

5.2.1 CE

Suunto Oy hereby declares that this product is in compliance with
the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of
Directive 1999/5/EC.

5.2.2 FCC compliance

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:

(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including

interference that may cause undesired operation. This product has

78

been tested to comply with FCC standards and is intended for home
or office use.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Suunto could
void your authority to operate this device under FCC regulations.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.

•

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.

5.2.3 IC

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS
standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1) this device may not cause interference, and

79

(2) this device must accept any interference, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of the device.

5.2.4 NOM-121-SCT1-2009

The operation of this equipment is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) it is possible that this equipment or device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this equipment or device must
accept any interference, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the equipment or device.

5.3 Trademark

Suunto Traverse Alpha, its logos, and other Suunto brand
trademarks and made names are registered or unregistered
trademarks of Suunto Oy. All rights are reserved.

5.4 Patent notice

This product is protected by pending patent applications and their
corresponding national rights: US 7,271,774 , US 7,324,002, US
13/794,468, US 14/195,670, US7489241. Additional patent
applications have been filed.

5.5 Warranty

Suunto warrants that during the Warranty Period Suunto or a
Suunto Authorized Service Center (hereinafter Service Center) will,
at its sole discretion, remedy defects in materials or workmanship
free of charge either by a) repairing, or b) replacing, or c)
refunding, subject to the terms and conditions of this Limited

80

Warranty. This Limited Warranty is only valid and enforceable in the
country of purchase, unless local law stipulates otherwise.

Warranty Period

The Limited Warranty Period starts at the date of original retail
purchase. The Warranty Period is two (2) years for Products unless
otherwise specified.

The Warranty Period is one (1) year for accessories including but not
limited to wireless sensors and transmitters, chargers, cables,
rechargeable batteries, straps, bracelets and hoses.

Exclusions and Limitations

This Limited Warranty does not cover:

1. a) normal wear and tear such as scratches, abrasions, or

alteration of the color and/or material of non-metallic straps, b)
defects caused by rough handling, or c) defects or damage
resulting from use contrary to intended or recommended use,
improper care, negligence, and accidents such as dropping or
crushing;

2. printed materials and packaging;

3. defects or alleged defects caused by use with any product,

accessory, software and/or service not manufactured or supplied
by Suunto;

4. non-rechargeable batteries.
Suunto does not warrant that the operation of the Product or

accessory will be uninterrupted or error free, or that the Product or
accessory will work with any hardware or software provided by a
third party.

81

This Limited Warranty is not enforceable if the Product or accessory:

1. has been opened beyond intended use;

2. has been repaired using unauthorized spare parts; modified or

repaired by unauthorized Service Center;

3. serial number has been removed, altered or made illegible in

any way, as determined at the sole discretion of Suunto; or

4. has been exposed to chemicals including but not limited to

sunscreen and mosquito repellents.

Access to Suunto warranty service

You must provide proof of purchase to access Suunto warranty
service. For instructions how to obtain warranty service, visit
www.suunto.com/warranty, contact your local authorized Suunto
retailer, or call Suunto Contact Center.

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable mandatory laws,
this Limited Warranty is your sole and exclusive remedy and is in
lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. Suunto shall not
be liable for special, incidental, punitive or consequential damages,
including but not limited to loss of anticipated benefits, loss of
data, loss of use, cost of capital, cost of any substitute equipment or
facilities, claims of third parties, damage to property resulting from
the purchase or use of the item or arising from breach of the
warranty, breach of contract, negligence, strict tort, or any legal or
equitable theory, even if Suunto knew of the likelihood of such
damages. Suunto shall not be liable for delay in rendering warranty
service.

82

5.6 Copyright

Copyright © Suunto Oy. All rights reserved. Suunto, Suunto product
names, their logos and other Suunto brand trademarks and names
are registered or unregistered trademarks of Suunto Oy. This
document and its contents are proprietary to Suunto Oy and are
intended solely for the use of clients to obtain knowledge and
information regarding the operation of Suunto 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. 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. This document content is subject to change at
any time without notice. The latest version of this documentation
can be downloaded at www.suunto.com.

83

84

INDEX

A

activities

sport modes, 52

activity monitor

steps, 13

alarm clock, 67

snooze, 67

Alti & Baro

Automatic profile, 23
profiles, 20
reference value, 20

Alti-baro, 15

altimeter profile, 22
barometer profile, 22

Alti-Baro

correct readings, 18

reference value, 18
altitude reference value, 18
autopause, 24

B

backlight, 24

brightness, 24

mode, 24
battery

charging, 74

bearing

bearing lock, 30
button lock, 26
buttons, 8

C

calibrating

compass, 27
care, 73
charging, 9
compass, 26

bearing lock, 30

calibrating, 27

declination, 28
countdown timer, 31
current location, 54

D

display

invert display, 33

invert display, 33
displays, 32

show/hide displays, 32

F

85

find back, 34
flashlight, 24
FusedAlti, 18, 34

G

GNSS

GLONASS, 50
GPS, 50

GPS, 46

GPS signal, 46
GPS accuracy, 49
grids, 48

H

handling, 73

I

icons, 35

L

logbook, 39

M

memory left indicator, 41
Movescount, 42, 43

Suunto App, 66

Suunto App Designer, 66

Suunto App Zone, 66
Moveslink, 42

N

86

navigating

find back, 34
point of interest (POI), 52
route, 57

P

point of interest (POI)

adding, 55
deleting, 56
navigating, 52

position formats, 48

R

route

navigating, 57

routes

adding a route, 57
deleting a route, 57

S

sea level pressure value, 18
service menu, 61
settings, 11

adjust settings, 11
software, 63
sport modes, 63
startup wizard, 9
stopwatch, 64
support, 75
Suunto App, 66

Suunto App Designer, 66
Suunto App Zone, 66
Suunto Movescount App, 43

syncing, 45

T

time, 66

alarm clock, 67
Daylight Saving Time, 68
GPS time, 68

timers

countdown timer, 31
tones, 69
Track back, 70

V

vibration, 69

W

waypoints, 57
weather

storm alarm, 70

weather trend, 70

87

SUUNTO CUSTOMER SUPPORT

1. www.suunto.com/support

www.suunto.com/mysuunto

2. AUSTRALIA [phone]

AUSTRIA [phone]
CANADA [phone]
CHINA [phone]
FINLAND [phone]
FRANCE [phone]
GERMANY [phone]
ITALY [phone]
JAPAN [phone]
NETHERLANDS [phone]
NEW ZEALAND [phone]
RUSSIA [phone]
SPAIN [phone]
SWEDEN [phone]
SWITZERLAND [phone]
UK [phone]
USA [phone]

© Suunto Oy 3/2016
Suunto is a registered trademark of Suunto Oy. All Rights reserved.