Can GC ever interfere with Altitude?

Had my Fenix 5 Sapphire replaced 3 months ago with the new and improved version as had a lot of issues with Altimeter. It's been so much better since. That said, the last 12 hours it's been going a bit crazy, between -500 and +1000 ft. I have tried calibrating manually and using GPS twice but it keeps moving away from that number quickly. I set it to 20ft 2 mins ago and it's already at -300ft since then.

Before I contact Garmin about this - is there anything that might cause a brief issue like this? (Hoping it is brief anyway). Wondering it Garmin connect or backend issues could be causing this?

Thanks,

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

Weather? I had drops from sea level to -80 metres during a summer storm on the Med. Once the storm had passed and atmospheric pressure calmed down the altimeter went back to sea level.

0 chatlow over 6 years ago

Lovely sunny blue skies today so not that :-( currently at 700ft in my garden when it should be ~25!

also tried submerging the watch in water and cleaning the altimeter slot with an old toothbrush.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

Even though it’s been nice and sunny. Have you been wearing anything like a long sleeved fleece or jumper due to the lower temperatures. I find the Altimeter is pretty useless during the winter whilst wearing long sleeved tops that cause static around the watch and send it loopy.

0 chatlow over 6 years ago

I thought it might be that but last couple hours I've been wearing a tshirt and it's climbed to 3000ft. Contacted Garmin as this unit was meant to have the altimeter fixed. Ant+ and BT are fine, so I'm gutted as things were looking great.

0 chatlow over 6 years ago

Ah, so I should have read Garmin's recommended way to fix this. Looks like the sensor was dirty. Soaked the watch in warm soapy water for ten mins last night and it's working well again. +-10 feet between floors in my house so can't complain at all. Sorry to waste people's time, but appreciate the feedback none the less.

Case closed!

0 chatlow over 6 years ago

ok so I have pinpointed this down to wearing clothes that contain static. It only ever happens now if i wear a jumper and lasts until I soak it in warm water for 10 mins and it's then fine after a calibration again.

is this something that got fixed in the newer fenix 5 models (not plus)?

Thanks,