Altimeter problem?

[ScottyE 0]

Yesterday I was doing my 25th jump (got my A stamp )
I asked my instructor and he said I did the right thing.

After I opened up I checked it and it was steady about 2500 ft I've never noticed it doing this before has anyone here ever had this happen ?

Just for info its a Robnik Sapphire

[NovaTTT 2]

Congratulations on getting your A. You definately did the right thing. You'll get better at judging altitude visually with experience and becoming familiar with the view compared to your (working) altimeter reading.

Now that you're licensed it's time to get epuipment. You can start with an Alti-2 Galaxy (nee Altimaster III). No more worries.

"Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

[ScottyE 0]

Thanks Nova I got just about all my equipment Its my altimeter. I will be buying a reserve next to put in my container then I plan on demoing a lot of mains

[jurgencamps 0]

Quote

Yesterday I was doing my 25th jump (got my A stamp )
I asked my instructor and he said I did the right thing.

After I opened up I checked it and it was steady about 2500 ft I've never noticed it doing this before has anyone here ever had this happen ?

Just for info its a Robnik Sapphire

Or it is broken or it just measured the burble of something (because you kept your other arm under it, you were on your back trying to backfly, ...)

Jurgen

[ScottyE 0]

Or it is broken or it just measured the burble of something (because you kept your other arm under it, you were on your back trying to backfly, ...)
***

No Jurge I was stable belly down free fall position just watching the gound come up and checking altimeter mounted on left hand it looked like it was fluctuating about 500 feet on each side of 3000 2500 to 3500

[erdnarob 1]

First of all, remember that your altimeter if of analog type measures the pressure directly with an aneroid chamber or pressure chamber transfering its change of volume into a needle motion on the dial. Therefore, if your altimeter is placed at a location where there is high alternating pressure fluctuation due to the air jam or partial vacuum no wonder the needle becomes crazy. The needle could even stop descending for few seconds when in freefall which means your altimeter is in a partial vacuum. Try to put your analog altimeter at another location. Digital altimeters are using the same principle (pressure chamber) but are taking a lot of samples (measurements) per second and give you the average result.
What you did is super since when in doubt, you pull.
But you don't have to put away the idea that your altimeter has a problem. If it the case have it tested where you bought it.
You can have an idea if it works by putting it in the partially inflated transparent plastic. Put your altimeter in and close the bag and very gently press on the bag. That simulates you decending since you increase the pressure and the needle should move down indicating a lower altitude.

Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all.

[ScottyE 0]

Thanks for the advice Andre I will definitly check it out . looks like it might be a good idea to get me an audible to back up my analog

I think i'm still gonna make a habit of eyeballing the ground every so often if I can.

[NovaTTT 2]

Hi, Scotty.

OK - it's your personal gear. Consider having it checked. You might find somebody locally with a barometric testing unit. If it's bad, and new, you should send it back and (a) get it exchanged for an Alti III, or, (b) get a new one.

I don't work for Alti-2 and I have no outside interest in them, but I've used their altimeters exclusively for 24 years and have never had a moment of trouble with one.

If it's not wonky, then you should wear it elsewhere. On the chest, mudflap, wrist - somewhere different but visible. But if your altimeter can't be trusted, get another!

Good luck!

"Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

[ScottyE 0]

Thanks Nova and thanks to everyone that replied I might just borrow another one for the next few jumps and get this one checked out if its cost effective its only got about ten jumps on it.