Brunton ADC Pro Altimeter/Barometer 2010 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This model was released in 2003 and Amazon started giving it away for under $100 recently. For that price, it does everything you expect it to do. The menu system is simple but takes a bit getting used to. The contours are like a continuous mathematical function without surprises or sharp edges and the extra clip on lanyard is quite good too.

I use a Garmin 60CSx and compared its altimeter to Brunton ADC Pro's. My calibration was at a shipyard: set both devices to measure 1M above sea level, and stayed there to see how they report after some time.

The Garmin altimeter jumped as much at +/- 5 meters within 2 minutes while the ADC continued reporting 1M, and sometimes 2M for few seconds. Then I continued walking to a spot of different elevation, known to be 12M. The Garmin totally flipped out and the error difference increased to +8M, while ADC reported the altitude correctly (12-13M). The first unit I purchased was out of control when altitude was concerned, Amazon shipped a new one that seems very accurate.

(Update June 24, 2009). The second Brunton sent by Amazon was accurate but its Reset button died out when DST change occurred. After returning it again I finally got one that seems to work properly (nice people at Amazon). On the date/time issue there might be another minor bug undiscovered by me: the data logging seems to suggest that ADC is programmed with 2003's DST settings which might not be accurate anymore.

Brunton forgets to mention that its impeller is magnetic and one of its blades is painted red to identify magnetic north (for use as a compass). It seems that ADC measures wind speed by the current generated when the fan blades move i.e. their logic is: measure how fast the magnetic flux is changing and translate that into wind speed. The coil is most likely enclosed in the plastic tube that surrounds the impeller. I'm not sure if they're using rare earth magnets for this purpose, but upon losing their strength, the impeller can start reporting lower wind speeds.

Another gripe. If you happen to change the batteries or reset the ADC, you'll have to leave it in the same place for 12 hours so it can accurately understand our current altitude.

A small button (upper right corner of the controls) turns the backlight on: a timid green that disappears after 3 seconds.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Brunton ADC Pro Altimeter/Barometer 2010

Product Description:
When weather data matters most, the ADC Pro gathers and records all the key conditions. From the kayak to the racetrack, the ADC series is showing up everywhere. Whether you're honing your shooting accuracy in Athens, Greece, or reading the barometric pressure trends when the fish are rising, the ADC Pro lends necessary insight to your outdoor activity. Let your partners believe you're predicting the rain with some sort of mind-bending, supernatural powers and leave the science to Brunton. ADC technology is the perfect example of Brunton's commitment to changing the way we live in the outdoors. Features: Average Wind Speed Reading: Yes, Wind Speed Alarm: Yes, Wind Chill Reading: Yes (Degrees F and C), Wind Chill Alarm: Yes, 12/24 hour clock: Yes, Current Barometric Pressure Reading: Yes, Heat Index: Yes (Degrees F and C), Dew Point: Yes (Degrees F and C). Model Year: 2010, Product ID: 133129, Shipping Exclusion: This item is only available for shipment by UPS to the lower 48 United States. APO, FPO, PO BOX, Hawaii, and Alaska shipments may not be possible for this item. (Please call prior to purchase.), Special Order: This is a Special Order item, will be shipped from the manufacturer, and is not stocked in our warehouse. All Returns/Exchanges are subject to a 20% restocking fee. This item does not qualify for our Price Matching Policy. Order processing time may vary.

Get 62% OFF