Suunto
Encyclopedia
Suunto Oy, based in Finland
, is a company that produces and markets sports precision instruments for Diving, Training and Outdoor sports. Headquartered in Vantaa, Suunto employs more than 500 people worldwide, and its products are sold in over 100 countries. Suunto is a subsidiary of Amer Sports Corporation with sister brands Wilson, Atomic, Salomon, Precor, Arc’teryx and Mavic.
, a surveyor by profession, applied for a patent for a unique method of filling and sealing a lightweight compass housing made entirely of celluloid with liquid to dampen the needle and protect it from shock and wear due to excessive motion. In 1935, Volhonen was granted a patent on his design, which went into mass production a year later as the wrist-mount M-311. Suunto introduced a compact liquid sighting compass, the m/40, during World War II for artillery officers and other users needing a precision instrument for measuring an azimuth.
The company grew rapidly after World War II
, supplying compasses and other navigational instruments to both civilian and military markets.
In 1996, Suunto Oy acquired Recta AG, a Swiss
compass manufacturer. Suunto Oy was in turn acquired by Amer Sports
Group in 1999, which now owns Recta AG.
and adventure racing
competition, and the KB and MC line for those requiring a professional-quality hand bearing compass
.
Suunto also sells original Suunto designs, such as the M-3 Leader, in a slightly modified form under the Recta label. The company continues to refine its line of sport compasses with features such as improved luminosity, adjustable declination, and fast-settling needle designs. The company is well known for its new generation of 'Global' compasses fitted with special needles that can operate in all world magnetic zones.
Since 1967, Suunto has offered its KB line of high-quality hand-bearing surveying compass
es and inclinometer
s that are accurate to fractions of a degree
. These compasses are popular among cave explorers
, forester
s, geologist
s, archaeologists, land surveyors
, and mariners
. Traditionally made of a solid block of machined aluminum
(some newer versions are in high-impact plastic housings), each KB compass contains a magnetized dial with calibration
markings printed along its outer edge. A magnifying lens
(KB-14) or prismatic sight (KB-77) is mounted at one end of the instrument with a crosshair providing a view of the disc, containing both forward and reciprocal bearings. In operation, the user divides his or her field of vision
with the instrument, using the device's lens or prism to precisely measure the bearing of the object in view.
such as the Suunto Vector, X-Lander, and X10, which can provide a variety of functions including compass bearings, acceleration
, altitude
, training effect
and even GPS
location, depending on the model. These multi-function electronic wristops are made for different sports like sailing
, golf
ing, hiking
, mountaineering
, alpine skiing
, training and diving
.
forces, including Canadian Land Forces
and some U.S. Special Forces units (the 'T' in the model designation indicates the compass has been fitted with tritium
self-illumination).
In addition to its own line of magnetic compasses and other measuring instrument
s, Suunto continues to market the Recta AG line, including the original Recta DP 'matchbox' compass for the Swiss Armed Forces
and the general market.
s, where Suunto is the market leader.
Suunto provides high-end training technology to help athletes quantify their training. For cycling
, running
and heart rate
(HRM
), Suunto uses the Suunto ANT (based on the ANT network standard
) to wirelessly transmit data directly to a PC
in real time. Suunto also provides software to interpret those results.
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
, is a company that produces and markets sports precision instruments for Diving, Training and Outdoor sports. Headquartered in Vantaa, Suunto employs more than 500 people worldwide, and its products are sold in over 100 countries. Suunto is a subsidiary of Amer Sports Corporation with sister brands Wilson, Atomic, Salomon, Precor, Arc’teryx and Mavic.
History
Suunto is best known for its dive computers, heart rate monitors, Outdoor watches and traditional magnetic compasses. In 1933 the company's founder, Tuomas VohlonenTuomas Vohlonen
Tuomas Vohlonen was a famous Finnish inventor. A surveyor by trade, his patents cover a wide area of devices and activities including compasses, skis, surveying, engines and farming...
, a surveyor by profession, applied for a patent for a unique method of filling and sealing a lightweight compass housing made entirely of celluloid with liquid to dampen the needle and protect it from shock and wear due to excessive motion. In 1935, Volhonen was granted a patent on his design, which went into mass production a year later as the wrist-mount M-311. Suunto introduced a compact liquid sighting compass, the m/40, during World War II for artillery officers and other users needing a precision instrument for measuring an azimuth.
The company grew rapidly after World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, supplying compasses and other navigational instruments to both civilian and military markets.
In 1996, Suunto Oy acquired Recta AG, a Swiss
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
compass manufacturer. Suunto Oy was in turn acquired by Amer Sports
Amer Sports
Amer Sports Oyj is the largest manufacturer of sporting equipment in the world. Established in 1950, the company is based in Helsinki, Finland...
Group in 1999, which now owns Recta AG.
Compass products
Suunto makes a wide variety of magnetic compasses, including the A and M series for general navigation, the Arrow series of compasses for orienteeringOrienteering
Orienteering is a family of sports that requires navigational skills using a map and compass to navigate from point to point in diverse and usually unfamiliar terrain, and normally moving at speed. Participants are given a topographical map, usually a specially prepared orienteering map, which they...
and adventure racing
Adventure racing
Adventure racing is a combination of two or more endurance disciplines, including orienteering and/or navigation , cross-country running, mountain biking, paddling and climbing and related rope skills...
competition, and the KB and MC line for those requiring a professional-quality hand bearing compass
Hand compass
A hand compass is a term for any compact magnetic compass capable of one-hand use and fitted with a sighting device to record a precise bearing or azimuth to a given target or to determine a location...
.
Suunto also sells original Suunto designs, such as the M-3 Leader, in a slightly modified form under the Recta label. The company continues to refine its line of sport compasses with features such as improved luminosity, adjustable declination, and fast-settling needle designs. The company is well known for its new generation of 'Global' compasses fitted with special needles that can operate in all world magnetic zones.
Since 1967, Suunto has offered its KB line of high-quality hand-bearing surveying compass
Compass
A compass is a navigational instrument that shows directions in a frame of reference that is stationary relative to the surface of the earth. The frame of reference defines the four cardinal directions – north, south, east, and west. Intermediate directions are also defined...
es and inclinometer
Inclinometer
An inclinometer or clinometer is an instrument for measuring angles of slope , elevation or depression of an object with respect to gravity...
s that are accurate to fractions of a degree
Degree (angle)
A degree , usually denoted by ° , is a measurement of plane angle, representing 1⁄360 of a full rotation; one degree is equivalent to π/180 radians...
. These compasses are popular among cave explorers
Caving
Caving—also occasionally known as spelunking in the United States and potholing in the United Kingdom—is the recreational pastime of exploring wild cave systems...
, forester
Forester
250px|thumb|right|Foresters of [[Southern University of Chile|UACh]] in the [[Valdivian forest]]s of San Pablo de Tregua, ChileA forester is a person who practices forestry, the science, art, and profession of managing forests. Foresters engage in a broad range of activities including timber...
s, geologist
Geologist
A geologist is a scientist who studies the solid and liquid matter that constitutes the Earth as well as the processes and history that has shaped it. Geologists usually engage in studying geology. Geologists, studying more of an applied science than a theoretical one, must approach Geology using...
s, archaeologists, land surveyors
Surveying
See Also: Public Land Survey SystemSurveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them...
, and mariners
Sailor
A sailor, mariner, or seaman is a person who navigates water-borne vessels or assists in their operation, maintenance, or service. The term can apply to professional mariners, military personnel, and recreational sailors as well as a plethora of other uses...
. Traditionally made of a solid block of machined aluminum
Aluminium
Aluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
(some newer versions are in high-impact plastic housings), each KB compass contains a magnetized dial with calibration
Calibration
Calibration is a comparison between measurements – one of known magnitude or correctness made or set with one device and another measurement made in as similar a way as possible with a second device....
markings printed along its outer edge. A magnifying lens
Magnifying glass
A magnifying glass is a convex lens that is used to produce a magnified image of an object. The lens is usually mounted in a frame with a handle ....
(KB-14) or prismatic sight (KB-77) is mounted at one end of the instrument with a crosshair providing a view of the disc, containing both forward and reciprocal bearings. In operation, the user divides his or her field of vision
Field of view
The field of view is the extent of the observable world that is seen at any given moment....
with the instrument, using the device's lens or prism to precisely measure the bearing of the object in view.
Electronic navigation
Suunto is also famed for its multi-function electronic wristwatchesWatch
A watch is a small timepiece, typically worn either on the wrist or attached on a chain and carried in a pocket, with wristwatches being the most common type of watch used today. They evolved in the 17th century from spring powered clocks, which appeared in the 15th century. The first watches were...
such as the Suunto Vector, X-Lander, and X10, which can provide a variety of functions including compass bearings, acceleration
Acceleration
In physics, acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with time. In one dimension, acceleration is the rate at which something speeds up or slows down. However, since velocity is a vector, acceleration describes the rate of change of both the magnitude and the direction of velocity. ...
, altitude
Altitude
Altitude or height is defined based on the context in which it is used . As a general definition, altitude is a distance measurement, usually in the vertical or "up" direction, between a reference datum and a point or object. The reference datum also often varies according to the context...
, training effect
Training effect
Training effect refers to specific changes in muscular, cardiovascular, and neurohumoral systems that lead to improvement in functional capacity and strength due to regular endurance or resistance training. It has also been defined as "an elevation of metabolism produced by exercise".Kenneth H...
and even GPS
Global Positioning System
The Global Positioning System is a space-based global navigation satellite system that provides location and time information in all weather, anywhere on or near the Earth, where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites...
location, depending on the model. These multi-function electronic wristops are made for different sports like sailing
Sailing
Sailing is the propulsion of a vehicle and the control of its movement with large foils called sails. By changing the rigging, rudder, and sometimes the keel or centre board, a sailor manages the force of the wind on the sails in order to move the boat relative to its surrounding medium and...
, golf
Golf
Golf is a precision club and ball sport, in which competing players use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes....
ing, hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
, mountaineering
Mountaineering
Mountaineering or mountain climbing is the sport, hobby or profession of hiking, skiing, and climbing mountains. While mountaineering began as attempts to reach the highest point of unclimbed mountains it has branched into specialisations that address different aspects of the mountain and consists...
, alpine skiing
Alpine skiing
Alpine skiing is the sport of sliding down snow-covered hills on skis with fixed-heel bindings. Alpine skiing can be contrasted with skiing using free-heel bindings: Ski mountaineering and nordic skiing – such as cross-country; ski jumping; and Telemark. In competitive alpine skiing races four...
, training and diving
Underwater diving
Underwater diving is the practice of going underwater, either with breathing apparatus or by breath-holding .Recreational diving is a popular activity...
.
Military models
The Suunto M-5N protractor compass is current issue to Finnish Defence Forces (M-5NT) and British Land Forces (RA-69NT), while the MC-2 optical-sight (mirror) compass has been approved for issue to various NATO militaryMilitary
A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
forces, including Canadian Land Forces
Canadian Forces Land Force Command
The Canadian Army , previously called Land Force Command, is responsible for army operations within the Canadian Forces. The current size of the Army is 19,500 regular soldiers and 16,000 reserve soldiers, for a total of around 35,500 soldiers...
and some U.S. Special Forces units (the 'T' in the model designation indicates the compass has been fitted with tritium
Tritium
Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. The nucleus of tritium contains one proton and two neutrons, whereas the nucleus of protium contains one proton and no neutrons...
self-illumination).
Measuring instrument
In the physical sciences, quality assurance, and engineering, measurement is the activity of obtaining and comparing physical quantities of real-world objects and events. Established standard objects and events are used as units, and the process of measurement gives a number relating the item...
s, Suunto continues to market the Recta AG line, including the original Recta DP 'matchbox' compass for the Swiss Armed Forces
Military of Switzerland
The Swiss Armed Forces perform the roles of Switzerland's militia and regular army. Under the country's militia system, professional soldiers constitute about 5 percent of military personnel; the rest are male citizen conscripts 19 to 34 years old...
and the general market.
Other products
Suunto also produces diving equipment and instruments such as dive computerDive computer
A dive computer or decompression meter is a device used by a scuba diver to measure the time and depth of a dive so that a safe ascent profile can be calculated and displayed so that the diver can avoid decompression sickness.- Purpose :...
s, where Suunto is the market leader.
Suunto provides high-end training technology to help athletes quantify their training. For cycling
Cycling
Cycling, also called bicycling or biking, is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, or for sport. Persons engaged in cycling are cyclists or bicyclists...
, running
Running
Running is a means of terrestrial locomotion allowing humans and other animals to move rapidly on foot. It is simply defined in athletics terms as a gait in which at regular points during the running cycle both feet are off the ground...
and heart rate
Heart rate
Heart rate is the number of heartbeats per unit of time, typically expressed as beats per minute . Heart rate can vary as the body's need to absorb oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide changes, such as during exercise or sleep....
(HRM
Heart rate monitor
A heart rate monitor is a personal monitoring device which allows a subject to measure his or her heart rate in real time or record his or her heart rate for later study...
), Suunto uses the Suunto ANT (based on the ANT network standard
ANT (network)
ANT is a proprietary wireless sensor network technology featuring a wireless communications protocol stack that enables semiconductor radios operating in the 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical allocation of the RF spectrum to communicate by establishing standard rules for co-existence,...
) to wirelessly transmit data directly to a PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
in real time. Suunto also provides software to interpret those results.
Suunto in the media
- Using Suunto Vector altimeter/compasses and GarminGarminGarmin Ltd. , incorporated in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is the parent company of a group of companies founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min Kao , that develops consumer, aviation, and marine technologies for the Global Positioning System...
60CSx GPS mapping receivers, Australians Nathan Welch and Mark Kalch became the fourth team in history to successfully navigate the entirety of the Amazon RiverAmazon RiverThe Amazon of South America is the second longest river in the world and by far the largest by waterflow with an average discharge greater than the next seven largest rivers combined...
.
- The Suunto X10, a wristop GPS receiver, was awarded Best Adventure Gear of 2009 by National Geographic Adventure magazine.
- On April 4, 2008, Swiss climbers Ueli Steck and Simon Anthamatten made the first ascent of Mt. Tengkampoche's North Face in Nepal using Suunto Core wrist altimeters.
Suunto in movies
- The movie Clockstoppers (2002)ClockstoppersClockstoppers is a 2002 science fiction film released by Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies. It was directed by Jonathan Frakes, produced by Gale Anne Hurd and Julia Pistor and written by Rob Hedden, Andy Hedden, J. David Stem and David N...
featured a yellow Vector as the main prop. - In the movie 127 Hours (2010)127 Hours127 Hours is a 2010 biographical adventure drama film co-written, produced and directed by Danny Boyle. The film stars James Franco as mountain climber Aron Ralston, who became trapped by a boulder in Robbers Roost, Utah in April 2003....
, Aron RalstonAron RalstonAron Lee Ralston is an American mountain climber and inspirational public speaker. He is widely known for having survived a 2003 canyoneering accident in Utah in which he was forced to amputate his own right arm with a dull pocketknife in order to free himself from a dislodged boulder.The incident...
(played by James FrancoJames FrancoJames Edward Franco is an American actor, film director, producer, screenwriter, author, painter, performance artist and instructor at New York University. He left college in order to pursue acting and started off his career by making guest appearances on television series in the 1990s...
) wears a yellow 'Vector'. - In the movie Shooter (film), Mark WahlbergMark WahlbergMark Robert Michael Wahlberg is an American actor, film and television producer, and former rapper. He was known as Marky Mark in his earlier years, and became famous for his 1991 debut as a musician with the band Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. He was named No. 1 on VH1's 40 Hottest Hotties of...
wears a Vector.
See also
- Brunton, Inc.Brunton, Inc.Brunton, Inc. is a manufacturer of technical gear for outdoor activity located in Riverton, Wyoming. Brunton is well known for innovation in the categories of recreational compasses and navigation gear, binoculars, backpacking equipment, family camping, GPS, headlamps, solar panels for portable...
- Silva of SwedenSilva compassSilva compass, or Silva of Sweden, aka Silva Sweden AB is an outdoors products company, most known for their high-grade compasses and other navigational equipment including GPS tools, mapping software, and altimeters for aircraft. They also offer a marine range...
- Johnson Outdoors, Inc./Silva USAJohnson OutdoorsJohnson Outdoors Inc. produces outdoor recreational products such as watercraft, diving equipment, compasses and navigational products, and outdoor clothing.-Company history:...
External links
- Suunto – Official site