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Red Oaks!
Red Oaks Trading, Ltd.   

ORDER ONLINE ANYTIME, OR TOLL FREE AT 866-489-0841

established 1997
 

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PRODUCT LIST

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
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.
 
Q How does an Altimeter work?
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 observations are important, take several samples between the same two points, and use the most consistent results.
 
Q Why would I want an altimeter in my automobile? After all, I'm always the same distance above the ground!
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 Nike 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.
 
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 Skymate 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 7 different models, priced according to their menu of features as shown on the comparison chart. 

 


Q I'm always hesitant to furnish credit card information on line. Do you have a secure shopping cart?
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, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 and your goods will be shipped as soon as the check clears. Add $5.95 shipping and handling (US orders) or $12.00 (non-US orders) to the total order cost, based on prices posted on the website. 
 
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, but we promise not to hound you with offers and we will not sell your information to anyonePromise!

 

  Return Policy:
  Items with factory defects are returnable within the warranty period outlined in the documentation received with your purchase. Usually this is 1 year.  Unless the product warranty specifies otherwise, claimants should follow this procedure: 1. Notify us by E-Mail of your intention to return a product; 2. Ship it (properly packaged and labeled) to Red Oaks Trading, via USPS Priority Mail; 3. We will replace the defective product with a similar unit in good order, or if this is impossible, refund the purchase price at our sole 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. Products are intended for general recreational and informative 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 resulting 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.

 


 

 


NO SHIPPING or HANDLING CHARGES ON ORDERS OVER $100.00.