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established 1997
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PRODUCT INFO. and TERMS
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PRODUCT LIST
ANALOG ALTIMETERS
DIGITAL ALTIMETERS
ALTIMETER WATCHES
ANEMOMETERS
and ATMOSPHERIC DATA CENTERS
BAROMETERS,
WEATHER STATIONS
and RAIN GAUGES
COMPASSES
PEDOMETERS
MARINE PRODUCTS
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Product Information and Return Policy
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Questions about our line of products? Here are some answers to
the more frequently asked ones:
If you have a specific question not covered here, E-mail us at
sales@altimeters.net.
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Q |
How does an altimeter work? |
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A |
Altimeters of the
type Red Oaks sells operate on the same principle as barometers, calibrated in feet
(or meters), and are designed to show elevation above sea level by
tracking changes in air pressure. They are fundamentally the
same type of device as many aircraft altimeters, (although the latter
are more complex and far more expensive).
Our multi-function digital altimeters (such as the
Hi-Gear Altitech 2 or the
Kestrel 4000, to name just
two) add increased
accuracy and additional features such as a digital compass or
anemometer, and a chronograph, and are definitely worth a look.
And we also carry analog altimeters such as the Swift
478, Sun and Sunbridge models.
Don't expect 100% accuracy with any altimeter - they are
all subject to air pressure changes, as well as changes in real
altitude, so it's very important to always set them to your
known altitude before using, as the unit may have drifted
quite a few feet from its previous setting if not used for a
few days. And if you take a long trip and arrive back at
your starting point, don't be surprised if the altimeter is
somewhat off. This is normal. It just means there's
been a change in barometric pressure. These instruments are
designed to show approximate altitude (say within 40' or so)
and they do a good job of that. They are not designed to
show accurate altitude down to the last foot. (Even the
expensive ones in airplanes don't do that - they have to be
adjusted regularly too, and they're also susceptible to
barometric changes.)
To improve accuracy, take readings as close together as
possible; do them (if practical) at a time when the barometric
pressure is fairly steady; and if your results are
important, take several samples between the same two points, and
use the most consistent readings.
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Q |
Who uses altimeters (other than pilots)? |
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A |
Altimeters are popular with hikers and
climbers, particularly in areas where the user expects to cover
an area with large differences in terrain elevation. (Note: If
you're looking for climbing and mountaineering supplies in
general, visit
www.worldclimb.com for a comprehensive database of suppliers
worldwide - it's well worth a visit). Altimeters are also
popular with motorists. An increasingly popular use
is by persons with respiratory
difficulties who are adversely affected by higher altitudes.
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Q |
Why would I want an altimeter in my automobile? After all, I'm
always the same distance above the ground! |
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A |
A common misconception is that an altimeter indicates height
above ground. This is incorrect - an air pressure altimeter
reacts to height above sea level. In a car, this can be
especially useful in winter driving in hilly terrain,
since freezing is more likely to occur at higher elevations.
At other times, having an altimeter is useful for knowing how
far you've climbed or descended while driving in hills or
mountainous areas. Ever drive in the mountains, perhaps in an
unfamiliar place, and wonder how high you've climbed? An
altimeter can tell you at every stage of your trip. |
Q |
How do altimeter watches compare with analog
altimeters? |
| A |
We gave our Highgear,
Lacrosse and other altimeter watches a thorough testing when they came out,
and they passed with flying colors.
We compared the altimeter function over rolling terrain with a
hand-held altimeter known to be reliable, and the readings generally stayed
within 3 to 5 feet of each other, most of the difference
probably resulting
from their slightly different update rates. We were
really surprised at this degree of accuracy in watches at these
price levels. We also compared the barometric pressure
readings with those announced locally, and they tracked very
closely, in many cases identically. They are also easy to set and recalibrate.
The compasses appear very accurate when used properly, and can be calibrated in a
few seconds. The main difference between the watches and
analog altimeters is, the watches (and other digital altimeters
such as the Altitech2) show minor changes in altitude, whereas
analog altimeters don't change visibly until you've climbed or
descended about 50 feet. On the other hand, analog
altimeters such as the Sun 203 and Swift 478 don't
require a battery.
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| Q |
What is an anemometer and how does it
work? |
| A |
An anemometer measures wind speed using a
small impeller device resembling a tiny propellor. A chip
in the body of the unit converts the impeller motion into
current wind speed whenever it is held facing the wind.
Models such as the JDC Xplorer series, the
Speedtech Windmate and Skymaster, and the LaCrosse EA3010,
and the Kestrel series, give readings in
MPH, Knots, Km/hr and M/sec, all at the touch of a button,
and most models include additional features.
The
Kestrel Series now consists
of 15 different models, priced according to their menu of
features, and described on the comparison chart.
The Kestrels are professional grade units, and are made in the
US. They carry a 5 year warranty, and each product page
has a link to the full factory specs.
We now also carry a line of non-directional (sometimes
called "omni directional") anemometers by JDC such as the
Eole and
Meteos which don't need to be
held facing the wind to produce an accurate reading.
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Q |
I'm always hesitant to furnish credit card information on line.
Do you have a secure shopping cart? |
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A |
All credit card information provided to Red
Oaks Trading is handled by one of the premier merchant services
on the Net. Any such information you are asked for during
checkout will be transmitted under secure conditions. (You will
note that, after entering your name and address, but prior to
entering your card information, you are taken to a page with an
"https" prefix, rather than "http".) If you
prefer, mail orders are also permitted. Send your check with a
description of the products you want to Red Oaks Trading, 11
Toomey Dr, Reno, NV 89509 and your goods will be
shipped as soon as the check clears. Add $6.95 shipping and
handling (US orders), ($18.95 for Canadian orders or $25.00
other international orders) to the total order cost, based on prices posted on the website.
US orders over $100.00 don't require you to add shipping.
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| Q |
What is your privacy policy? If I
buy from Red Oaks will I be inundated with annoying offers? |
| A |
Very simple answer here: NO!
We do not share your information with anyone for
promotional purposes, ever, and other than the credit
card processor (for the sole purpose of obtaining approval of an
order) we don't share it with anyone at all unless, in
corresponding with us, you specifically authorize us to do so.
We reserve the right to contact you to resolve bona-fide
problems such as clarifying an address or credit card expiration
date, and occasionally to announce new products or specials, but we promise not to hound you with
incessant offers and we will
not sell your information to anyone. Promise! |
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Return Policy, Warranties, Limitations, etc.: |
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Items with factory defects are returnable
within the warranty period outlined in the documentation
received with your purchase. Usually this is 1 year.
Kestrel products carry a 5 year warranty. Unless the product warranty specifies otherwise,
claimants should follow this procedure: 1. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions for warranty replacement or repair.
2. If this fails to produce satisfaction, notify us by E-Mail
of your problem; 3. Ship the defective product (properly
packaged and labeled) per the manufacturer's instruction or (if
applicable) to Red Oaks Trading, via your preferred means; 4. If
product is shipped to us, we will
replace the defective product with a similar unit in good order,
or if this is impossible, refund the purchase price at our option. Warranty exclusions include, but
are not necessarily limited to: Adhesive mounts, since we have
no control over whether the surface was compromised during
installation; minor cosmetic blemishes not interfering with
intended use; claims of inaccuracy which fail to take into
account stated or prevailing tolerances. Most or all products
carry a manufacturers limited warranty against specific defects,
good for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the item. Products are intended for general
recreational and informational use, and Red Oaks disclaims all
warranties of fitness for a particular purpose, and any and all
liability for injuries or damages resulting or said to result
from reliance on any product, in the furtherance of any activity
whatsoever. Red Oaks also disclaims responsibility for any
consequential damages claimed to result from any cause whatsoever.
These warranty terms give you certain legal rights, and you may
have additional rights under your state law.
Some of our manufacturers have additional resources such as a
toll-free help line. Often, when a product is thought to be
defective it turns out the user just needed some tips on proper
use - a lot of potential problems are resolved this way.
The literature or manual which accompanies your purchase will
generally detail the steps to take when you need help from the
manufacturer. If not, feel free to contact us.
Items (except sale items and closeouts) may be returned in good condition
in original packaging with all
components, when return is for other reasons (not as expected,
recipient didn't need, etc.) within 25 days of original
shipment (EXCEPTION - ON GOODS PURCHASED BETWEEN 12/1
AND 12/24, YOU HAVE UNTIL THE LATER OF 25 DAYS FROM
PURCHASE DATE OR THE FOLLOWING JAN 7, TO MAKE
RETURNS UNDER THESE CONDITIONS) .
Credit will be issued for price of goods less outgoing
shipping and packing, whether or not shipping/packing was
levied at time of sale. (Usually the deduction is around
$5.00-$15.00, but mode of original shipment can have some
effect). We reserve the right to levy restocking charges
and repacking charges (except on warranty replacements).
No returns of obviously used merchandise will be accepted
other than for bona-fide warranty issues.
Common Carriers: We cannot be held responsible for the
failure of a common carrier such as USPS or UPS to make
delivery in a timely fashion. If additional charges are
levied (as for overnight delivery) we pass to the customer
every benefit we receive from the carrier in terms of refunds,
etc., for failure to meet a deadline, but if the carrier
claims force majeure (such as weather delays) we
unfortunately cannot offer refunds we do not ourselves
receive.
We stand behind everything we sell, and your satisfaction
is very important to us.
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