Barometer (Altimeter) measures adventurous

DAVID EMANUEL over 4 years ago

Hello together,

my Garmin Instinct measures pretty adventurous altitude changes while running.

Heard that it might be an issue with the barometer sensor.

Who else has this issue and how would you approach it to fix it?

Thanks in advance!
David

0 trux over 4 years ago

DAVID EMANUEL said:
Heard that it might be an issue with the barometer sensor.

The sensor is probably ok. More likely, the sensor port (hole) is plugged with dirt or sweat, or the pressure changed due to a strong wind gust acting on the sensor, or you wear the watch too close to the hand, and press against the port when bending the wrist. There are countless threads here on the Instinct forum, discussing it, so just browse the forum, and look them up - there are quite a few creative solutions, there.

0 Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to trux

trux said:
More likely, the sensor port (hole) is plugged with dirt or sweat,

I don't doubt people are having issues when they say they're having abnormal spikes with elevation, but based on personal experience, I don't believe perspiration is the culprit. I live in the Pacific Northwest. What does that mean? Rain, rain and more rain. I run, cycle, hike, walk, kayak, etc. with my watch exposed in this environment. I can ensure everyone my barometer port is exposed to more water than the most profuse perspiration anyone can endure and I don't suffer from the abnormal spikes. I think there's more to it than sweat. Dirt or mineral build up in the port from prior water or sweat seems more likely. Gently swirling the watch around in a bowl of luke warm water with a drop of dish soap once a week will keep the port clean.