casio pathfinder as a compass??

[rab1412000]

hi guys and dolls

im thinking of getting a casio pathfinder pag80

Amazon.com: Casio Men's Pathfinder Altimeter/Barometer/ Digital Compass Solar Digital Watch #PAG80-1V: Pathfinder: Watches

as a compass.
as far as i can tell its as accurate as those on the suunto dive computer wristotp watches, which really isnt as good as a real compass
the watch really looks good, has BAR (bearing altimieter temp) functions, and the price cant be beat
im basically an open water diver diving in the tropics who may go AOW sometime soon. i seldom go on dives that are not led by a DM
would it be a good thing to get this as a dive compass???

 

[GusSmed]

I have a similar Pathfinder. They aren't really dive watches; like many other water-resistant watches not intended for diving, you aren't supposed to use the buttons under water.

I've used my watch to get an idea of north while in a foreign city, but it tends to be uncertain as to where true north is, switching back and forth 10-15 degrees. Underwater navigation really requires more precision from a compass than that.

- Gus

 

[rab1412000]

I have a similar Pathfinder. They aren't really dive watches; like many other water-resistant watches not intended for diving, you aren't supposed to use the buttons under water.

I've used my watch to get an idea of north while in a foreign city, but it tends to be uncertain as to where true north is, switching back and forth 10-15 degrees. Underwater navigation really requires more precision from a compass than that.

- Gus

but if i just needed bearings instead of actual precise direction wouldnt it make a suitable dive compass?
i also saw in some post that in order to get a more accurate reading of the compass you have to calibrate it, instructions of which are not in the manual i think.
also u could switch the watch to compass mode before going underwater.

 

[D_B]

Given the conditions of your first post, and a need for a watch anyway, why not?

if/when you need a real compass, you can get one, and still keep the watch
(although, for that money, I got a JEEP citizen duplex knockoff that gives depth, temp, time of dive, and records 2 dives

 

[Cave Diver]

but if i just needed bearings instead of actual precise direction wouldnt it make a suitable dive compass?
i also saw in some post that in order to get a more accurate reading of the compass you have to calibrate it, instructions of which are not in the manual i think.
also u could switch the watch to compass mode before going underwater.

I've had a similar version of this watch several years ago. The accuracy of the compass was iffy at best above water, even after calibration. Unless there has been a significant improvement it's not something I'd recommend for underwater navigation.

As others have stated, the depth rating on this type of watch does not account for pushing buttons. If you mistakenly forget and push a button while diving, the possibility of flooding the watch exists. The WR 100 m rating is for a static environment and it is recommended that a watch have at least a WR 200 m rating if it is to be used for a dynamic activity like diving.

 

[scubadude79]

A dive watch is typically rated to a minimum of 200M water resistant. While 100M is still way outside of normal rec limits, it is all about the reliability and type of seal (screw off vs. pop off back) that makes the water resistance possible. I believe most if not all dive watches have a screw off back, but I may be wrong.