SUUNTO TRAVERSE ALPHA 2.

0
USER GUIDE

2019-07-10
Suunto Traverse Alpha

1. SAFETY............................................................................................................................................................ 4

2. Getting started.............................................................................................................................................. 5
2.1. Using buttons..................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2. Set up.................................................................................................................................................. 5
2.3. Adjusting settings.............................................................................................................................6

3. Features.......................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1. Activity monitoring............................................................................................................................ 8
3.2. Alti-Baro.............................................................................................................................................. 9
3.2.1. Getting correct readings....................................................................................................10
3.2.2. Matching profile to activity................................................................................................ 11
3.2.3. Using altimeter profile....................................................................................................... 12
3.2.4. Using barometer profile....................................................................................................12
3.2.5. Using automatic profile..................................................................................................... 13
3.3. Autopause.........................................................................................................................................13
3.4. Backlight............................................................................................................................................13
3.5. Button lock........................................................................................................................................14
3.6. Compass........................................................................................................................................... 14
3.6.1. Calibrating compass........................................................................................................... 15
3.6.2. Setting declination............................................................................................................. 15
3.6.3. Setting bearing lock...........................................................................................................16
3.7. Countdown timer............................................................................................................................. 17
3.8. Displays............................................................................................................................................. 17
3.8.1. Adjusting display contrast................................................................................................. 17
3.8.2. Inverting display color....................................................................................................... 18
3.9. FusedAlti........................................................................................................................................... 18
3.10. Find back......................................................................................................................................... 18
3.11. Hunting with shot recognition.....................................................................................................18
3.12. Icons................................................................................................................................................. 19
3.13. Logbook...........................................................................................................................................21
3.14. Memory left indicator.................................................................................................................. 22
3.15. Moon phases.................................................................................................................................22
3.16. Movescount................................................................................................................................... 23
3.17. Movescount mobile app..............................................................................................................23
3.17.1. Syncing with mobile app..................................................................................................24
3.18. Navigating with GPS.................................................................................................................... 24
3.18.1. Getting GPS signal............................................................................................................25
3.18.2. GPS grids and position formats....................................................................................25
3.18.3. GPS accuracy and power saving................................................................................. 26
3.18.4. GPS and GLONASS......................................................................................................... 26
3.19. Notifications................................................................................................................................... 27

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

3.20. Recording activities.....................................................................................................................27

3.21. Points of interest...........................................................................................................................28
3.21.1. Checking your location....................................................................................................29
3.21.2. Adding a POI..................................................................................................................... 29
3.21.3. Deleting a POI...................................................................................................................29
3.22. Routes............................................................................................................................................ 30
3.22.1. Navigating a route........................................................................................................... 30
3.22.2. During navigation.............................................................................................................31
3.23. Service menu................................................................................................................................32
3.24. Software updates........................................................................................................................ 33
3.25. Sport modes................................................................................................................................. 33
3.26. Stopwatch......................................................................................................................................33
3.27. Sunrise and sunset alerts...........................................................................................................34
3.28. Suunto Apps................................................................................................................................. 34
3.29. Time................................................................................................................................................ 35
3.29.1. Alarm clock........................................................................................................................ 35
3.29.2. Time syncing.................................................................................................................... 35
3.30. Tones and vibration.................................................................................................................... 36
3.31. Track back...................................................................................................................................... 36
3.32. Weather indicators...................................................................................................................... 37

4. Care and support....................................................................................................................................... 38

4.1. Handling guidelines....................................................................................................................... 38
4.2. Water resistance............................................................................................................................ 38
4.3. Charging the battery..................................................................................................................... 38
4.4. Getting support...............................................................................................................................39

5. Reference.....................................................................................................................................................40
5.1. Technical specifications................................................................................................................ 40
5.2. Compliance...................................................................................................................................... 41
5.2.1. CE............................................................................................................................................ 41
5.2.2. FCC compliance................................................................................................................. 41
5.2.3. IC............................................................................................................................................42
5.2.4. NOM-121-SCT1-2009.........................................................................................................42
5.3. Trademark........................................................................................................................................42
5.4. Patent notice................................................................................................................................... 42
5.5. International Limited Warranty................................................................................................... 42
5.6. Copyright......................................................................................................................................... 43

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

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: ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE BEGINNING AN EXERCISE

PROGRAM. OVEREXERTION MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY.

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

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.

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

2. Getting started
2.1. Using buttons
Suunto Traverse Alpha has five buttons which allow you to access all the features.

BACK LAP START

Tue 4.2.

19:36 NEXT
21:39

VIEW LIGHT

[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] :
• 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 Suunto Movescount account before starting up your
watch. Alternatively, you can visit movescount.com to create a user account.
To start using your watch:

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

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.

Language


English

3. Follow the startup wizard to complete initial settings. Set values with [START] or [LIGHT]
and press [NEXT] to accept and go to the next step.

Unit system


Metric

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

Tue 4.2.

19:36
21:39

NOTE: If a blinking battery symbol is displayed, Suunto Traverse 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 3.17. Movescount mobile app).
To change the settings in the watch:
1. Keep [NEXT] pressed to enter the options menu.

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

Enter
options ~2 sec

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] .

NAVIGATION
GENERAL
ALTI-BARO

CONNECTIV...

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

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

3. Features
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.

Tue 4.2.

19:36
1539 steps

Daily step count and calories burned are displayed under DISPLAYS » Steps. The values are
reset daily at midnight.

Steps

11899
915 kcal

NOTE: Activity monitoring is based on your movement as 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.

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

Tue 4.2. Barometer Steps

19:36 1018 hPa 1306

21:39 26 °C 950kcal

While in the steps

display, you can press [VIEW] to see your 7-day, 30-day and yearly trends.

Steps 7 days 30 days

1306 avg
2018 avg
2018
950kcal

Year

avg
2018

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

Altitude Altitude Altitude

1472 m 1472 m 1472 m

26 °C 21:39
ref
1018hPa

Altitude

1472m

You can change to different views by pressing [VIEW] .

In altimeter profile, you can see:
• altitude + temperature
• altitude + sunrise/sunset

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

• altitude + reference point

• 12h altitude graph + altitude

Altitude Altitude Altitude

1472 m 1472 m 1472 m

26 °C 21:39
ref
1018hPa

Altitude

1472m

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] .
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.

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

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 3.9.
FusedAlti.
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 ALTI-BARO with [LIGHT] and enter with [NEXT] .
3. Press [NEXT] to enter Reference. The following setting options are available:
4. FusedAlti: GPS is switched on and the watch starts calculating altitude based on FusedAlti.
5. Altitude: Set your altitude manually.
6. Sea level pressure: Set the sea level pressure reference value manually.
7. 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 profile for the activity using the automatic profile, or
choose a profile yourself.

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

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.

3.2.3. Using altimeter profile

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.

Altimeter

1472 m
26 °C

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.

Barometer

1018 hPa
26 °C

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

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.

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.
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.

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

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] .

3.5. Button lock

Keeping [BACK LAP] pressed locks and unlocks buttons.

2s 2s
Tue 4.2.

Lock
19:36 Unlock

21:39

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: Start and options menus are locked.
• All buttons: All buttons are locked. Backlight can be activated in Night 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 compass gives you accurate readings even if the
compass is not 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

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

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

273°
NW

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.

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 NAVIGATION with [START] and enter with [NEXT] .
3. Scroll to Settings with [LIGHT] and select with [NEXT] .
4. Scroll to Compass with [LIGHT] and select with [NEXT] .
5. Press [NEXT] to select 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 not at the same location, you must set the declination on your 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).

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

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 NAVIGATION with [START] and enter with [NEXT] .
3. Scroll to Settings with [LIGHT] and select with [NEXT] .
4. Scroll to Compass with [LIGHT] and select with [NEXT] .
5. Scroll to Declination with [LIGHT] and select with [NEXT] .
6. Turn the declination off by selecting --, or select W (west) or E (east). Set the declination
value with [START] or [LIGHT] .

Declination Declination Declination

-- 0.0° E 0.0° E 0.0°

7. Press [NEXT] to accept the setting.

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.
1. 2. 3.

273°
273° 273°
NW NW
NW

(3.) 4.

214° 273°
SW NW

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

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.

Countdown

0:05'00
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 3.6.
Compass) and stopwatch (see 3.26. Stopwatch). These are handled as displays that can be
viewed 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] . Keep [NEXT] pressed to exit the displays menu if needed.
Your sport modes (see 3.25. Sport modes) also have multiple displays that you can customize
to view different information while recording an activity.

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.

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

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] .

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.
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

The automatic shot detection feature was developed specifically for hunting. It works best
with hunting rifles and shotguns. It is not intended for handguns or other firearms.
Shot recognition is on by default when you record an activity using the hunting sport mode.
The shot detection algorithm uses a complex formula that takes into account motion patterns
from both wrist and gun recoil movement measured by the accelerometer in the watch.
The automatic shot detection works with the watch on either wrist. However, for some users,
the shot detection rate is more accurate when the watch is on the trigger hand.

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

We recommend that the watch strap is secured tightly on the wrist to eliminate disturbance
from other sources of movement.
Results may vary depending on many factors, including firearm type, grip type, and
accessories such as a support or suppressor. In some cases, a shot may be detected based
on movement that is similar to a recoil, even though no shot is actually fired.
Your total shot count is updated on the watch display during the recording, and each shot
location is stored. You can view your shot locations later in Suunto 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:

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

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

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

big game

bird

building/home

camp/camping

car/parking

cave

crossroad

emergency

end

20
Suunto Traverse Alpha

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 3.18.3. GPS accuracy and power saving), for 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 used an heart rate belt or GPS. By default, all logs
include at minimum the following information:
• sport mode name
• time
• date
• duration
• laps

21
Suunto Traverse Alpha

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 Suunto 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] .

3.14. Memory left indicator

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

Sync your
Moves
Memory used
75%

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 DISPLAYS » Moon phase. When
activated, you can view moon phases by pressing [NEXT] to scroll through the active displays.

Tue 4.2. Barometer Today

19:36 1018 hPa

19:45
21:39 26 °C 5:27

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

22
Suunto Traverse Alpha

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

Today Today 5.4.2016

4:07 4:07  6:04

6:44 6:44 6:32

Today

37%
Third quarter

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

TIP: Connect to Suunto Movescount to get software updates for your Suunto Traverse
Alpha.

You can transfer data from your watch to Suunto Movescount either with the USB cable and
computer, or with Bluetooth and the Suunto Movescount App (see 3.17. Movescount mobile
app).
If you have not done so already, register for a free account in Suunto Movescount.
To register to Suunto 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

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 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 Suunto Movescount, you can add pictures as well as
create a Suunto Movie using Suunto Movescount App.

23
Suunto Traverse Alpha

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 CONNECTIVITY with [LIGHT] and select with [NEXT] .
6. Press [NEXT] to enter the Pair menu and press [NEXT] again to select MobileApp.
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.

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.
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 Suunto Movescount account.
Activities that you record with the app are immediately viewable.
If your mobile device has an active data connection and your app is connected to your Suunto
Movescount account, settings and logs are synced with your account when automatic syncing
is on. If there is no data connection, syncing is delayed until a connection is available.

NOTE: Carrier data connection fees may apply when syncing between Suunto
Movescount App and Suunto Movescount.

This default setting can be changed from the options menu if you have paired your watch with
the mobile app.
To turn off automatic syncing:
1. Keep [NEXT] pressed to enter the options menu.
2. Scroll to CONNECTIVITY with [LIGHT] and select with [NEXT] .
3. Press [NEXT] again to enter the MobileApp sync setting.
4. Toggle off with [LIGHT] and keep [NEXT] pressed to exit.
When automatic syncing is off, you cannot get or view notifications on your watch.

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.

24
Suunto Traverse Alpha

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.

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 Suunto 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.
• 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:
• WGS84 Hd.d°
• WGS84 Hd°m.m'
• WGS84 Hd°m's.s
• UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) gives a two-dimensional horizontal position
presentation.

25
Suunto Traverse Alpha

• 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)
• 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 Suunto 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.
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] .

26
Suunto Traverse Alpha

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).

3.19. Notifications
If you have paired your Suunto Traverse Alpha with Suunto Movescount App (see 3.17.
Movescount mobile app), you can get call, message and push notifications on the watch.

+358504418… Peter
Incoming call Tomorrow,
skiing in Aspen?

To get notifications on your watch:

1. Keep [NEXT] pressed to enter the options menu.
2. Press [LIGHT] to scroll to CONNECTIVITY and press [NEXT] .
3. Press [LIGHT] to scroll to Notifications.
4. Toggle on/off with [LIGHT] .
5. Exit by keeping [NEXT] pressed.
With notifications on, your Suunto Traverse Alpha gives an alert (see 3.30. Tones and
vibration) and displays a notification icon in the 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 with [START] and press [NEXT] .
3. Scroll through the notifications with [START] or [LIGHT] .
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 3.25. Sport modes) to record activities and view 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.

27
Suunto Traverse Alpha

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).

To navigate to a POI:
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

Building 01 Building 01

3.2
DST ALTITUDE

dst km 3.2 km 2012 m

ETE ALT DIFF

Building 01
11:30' 410 m

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

dst 3.2 km dst 3.2 km

Building 01 Building 01

28
Suunto Traverse Alpha

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.
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 NAVIGATION with [START] and press [NEXT] .
3. Scroll to Location with [LIGHT] and press [NEXT] .
4. Select Current or select Define to manually change longitude 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.
You can create POIs in Suunto Movescount by selecting a location on a map or inserting the
coordinates. POIs in your Suunto Traverse Alpha and in Suunto Movescount are always
synchronized when you connect the watch to Suunto 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 Suunto Movescount. However, when
you delete a POI in Suunto Movescount and synchronize your Suunto Traverse Alpha, the POI
is deleted from the watch but only disabled in Suunto Movescount.
To delete a POI:

29
Suunto Traverse Alpha

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.

3.22. Routes
You can create a route with the route planner in Suunto Movescount or export the track of a
recorded activity to the planner.
To add a route:
1. Go to Suunto 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 Suunto Movescount using Suunto Movescount App
(see 3.17.1. Syncing with mobile app) or by using Moveslink and the supplied USB cable.
Routes are also deleted through Suunto 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 Suunto Movescount using Suunto Movescount App
(see 3.17.1. Syncing with mobile app) or by 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 3.22. Routes) or from a log in your logbook with GPS data. You get a
preview of the route based 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).

30
Suunto Traverse Alpha

Forwards

Direction

Backwards

7. Start navigating. The watch informs you when you are approaching the beginning of the
route.

Approaching
BEGIN

10 km 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
(1)

(2)

(3)

10 km
(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.

31
Suunto Traverse Alpha

• 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

1.
asc 844m
2.

dsc 40m

3.

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

Enter
service

The service menu includes the following items:

• Info:
• Air pressure: shows the current absolute air pressure and temperature.
• Version: shows the current software and hardware version.
• BLE: shows the current Bluetooth Smart version.
• Display:
• LCD test: allows you to test that the LCD works properly.
• ACTION:
• Power off: allows you to put the watch into deep sleep.
• 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.

32
Suunto Traverse Alpha

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 ACTION with [LIGHT] and enter with [NEXT] .
2. Press [LIGHT] to scroll to GPS reset and enter with [NEXT] .
3. Press [START] to confirm GPS reset, or press [LIGHT] to cancel.

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 Suunto 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 3.20. Recording activities).
A custom sport mode can contain up to four displays. You can 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] .

33
Suunto Traverse Alpha

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

lap0

00'00.0
00'00.0

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

To use the stopwatch:

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.

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.

34
Suunto Traverse Alpha

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
• 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.

Stop 24h

7:00
Snooze

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.

35
Suunto Traverse Alpha

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 – automatic DST adjustment based on GPS location
• Winter time – always winter time (no DST)
• Summer time – 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 GENERAL » Tones/display » Tones or
Vibration.
For each alert type, you can select from the following options:
• All on: all events trigger tones/vibration
• All off: no events trigger tones/vibration
• 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.

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

3.32. Weather indicators

In addition to the barometer graph (see3.2.4. Using barometer 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.

Tue 4.2. Tue 4.2.

19:36 19:36
21:39

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

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

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

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 non-original 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: Water resistance is not equivalent to functional operating depth. The water
resistance marking refers to static air/water tightness withstanding shower, bathing,
swimming, poolside diving and snorkeling.

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: In case of abnormal capacity decrease due to defective 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.

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

100%
76-100% <10%
20.9 30sec

16:30 51-75%
26-50%
Tuesday <2%
0-25%

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.
To get support from Suunto:
1. Register at www.suunto.com/register.
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 [email protected]. 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.

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

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 transceiver
• BluetoothⓇ Smart compatible
• Communication frequency: 2402-2480 MHz
• Maximum transmission power: <0 dBm (conducted)
• 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)
• 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)

40
Suunto Traverse Alpha

• Accuracy: +/- 5 degrees

GPS
• Technology: SiRF star V
• Resolution: 1 m/3 ft
• Frequency band: 1575.42 MHz

Manufacturer
Suunto Oy
Tammiston kauppatie 7 A
FI-01510 Vantaa
FINLAND

5.2. Compliance
5.2.1. CE
Hereby, Suunto Oy, declares that the radio equipment type OW151 is in compliance with
Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the
following internet address: www.suunto.com/EUconformity.

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 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.

41
Suunto Traverse Alpha

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
(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. International Limited 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 International Limited Warranty. This International Limited
Warranty is valid and enforceable regardless of the country of purchase. The International
Limited Warranty does not affect your legal rights, granted under mandatory national law
applicable to the sale of consumer goods.

Warranty Period
The International Limited Warranty Period starts at the date of original retail purchase.
The Warranty Period is two (2) years for Products and Dive wireless transmitters 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.
For all Suunto Spartan watches purchased in 2016 the Warranty Period has been extended to
three (3) years.
The Warranty Period is five (5) years for failures attributable to the depth measurement
(pressure) sensor on Suunto Dive Computers.

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

Exclusions and Limitations

This International 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.
This International 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. You must also register
your product online at www.suunto.com/register to receive international warranty services
globally. 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 International 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.

5.6. Copyright
© Suunto Oy 3/2016. 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

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

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.

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Suunto Traverse Alpha

Index
activities....................................................... 27 GPS time...................................................... 35
activity monitor............................................. 8 grids.............................................................. 25
adding.......................................................... 29 handling....................................................... 38
adding a route............................................ 30 icons.............................................................. 19
adjust settings.............................................. 6 invert display........................................ 17 , 18
alarm clock.................................................. 35 logbook......................................................... 21
Alti & Baro.............................................. 11 , 13 memory left indicator............................... 22
Alti-Baro............................................ 9 , 10, 12 mode.............................................................. 13
altimeter profile........................................... 12 Movescount........................................ 23 , 34
altitude reference value........................... 10 Moveslink.................................................... 23
Automatic profile........................................ 13 navigating..................................... 18 , 28, 30
autopause.................................................... 13 point of interest (POI)....................... 28 , 29
backlight....................................................... 13 position formats......................................... 25
barometer profile....................................... 12 profiles........................................................... 11
battery.......................................................... 38 reference value.................................... 10 , 11
bearing.......................................................... 16 route............................................................. 30
bearing lock................................................. 16 routes........................................................... 30
brightness.................................................... 13 sea level pressure value.......................... 10
button lock................................................... 14 service menu.............................................. 32
buttons........................................................... 5 settings........................................................... 6
calibrating..................................................... 15 show/hide displays.................................... 17
care............................................................... 38 snooze......................................................... 35
charging................................................. 5 , 38 software....................................................... 33
compass.......................................... 14 , 15, 16 sport modes........................................ 27 , 33
correct readings......................................... 10 startup wizard............................................... 5
countdown timer......................................... 17 steps................................................................ 8
current location.......................................... 29 stopwatch.................................................... 33
Daylight Saving Time............................... 35 storm alarm................................................. 37
declination................................................... 15 support......................................................... 39
deleting........................................................ 29 Suunto App................................................. 34
deleting a route......................................... 30 Suunto App Designer............................... 34
display.................................................... 17 , 18 Suunto App Zone...................................... 34
displays......................................................... 17 Suunto Movescount App................ 23 , 24
find back....................................................... 18 syncing......................................................... 24
flashlight....................................................... 13 time............................................................... 35
FusedAlti...................................................... 10 timers............................................................. 17
GLONASS.................................................... 26 tones............................................................. 36
GNSS............................................................ 26 vibration....................................................... 36
GPS................................................ 24 , 25, 26 waypoints.................................................... 30
GPS accuracy............................................. 26 weather........................................................ 37
GPS signal................................................... 25 weather trend............................................. 37

45
 SUUNTO CUSTOMER SUPPORT
1. www.suunto.com/support
www.suunto.com/register
2. AUSTRALIA (24/7) +61 1800 240 498
AUSTRIA +43 72 088 3104
BELGIUM +32(0)78 483 936
CANADA (24/7) +1 855 624 9080
中国 (CHINA) +86 400 8427507
中国香港 (CHINA - Hong Kong) +852 58060687
DENMARK (EN, SV) +45 89872945
FINLAND +358 94 245 0127
FRANCE +33 48 168 0926
GERMANY +49 893 803 8778
ITALY +39 029 475 1965
JAPAN +81 34 520 9417
NETHERLANDS +31 10 713 7269
NEW ZEALAND (24/7) +64 988 75 223
POLAND +48 1288 10196
PORTUGAL (EN, ES) +35 1308806903
RUSSIA +7 499 918 7148
SPAIN +34 911 143 175
SWEDEN +46 85 250 0730
SWITZERLAND +41 44 580 9988
UK (24/7) +44 20 3608 0534
USA (24/7) +1 855 258 0900

Manufacturer:
Suunto Oy
Tammiston kauppatie 7 A,
FI-01510 Vantaa FINLAND

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