Altimeters on a cellphone? watch?

Homeslice · 01-07-2009, 01:28 AM

Anyone know about altimeters? What is the most accurate way to calculate it ---- using GPS, or by measuring the atmospheric pressure?

And I know lots of watches have an altimeter, and of course GPS devices can do it, but are there any cellphones that have it?

Dave · 01-07-2009, 03:49 AM

probably gps or find a survey point. the barometric pressure can work but you need to know the density altitude. if you are near a small airport the local FBO could help you out

bmblebee · 01-07-2009, 08:40 AM

most altimeters are barometers that measure atmospheric pressure...and changes in weather can make you think you are higher/lower than you really are.

Take a look at this watch...

Casio (PAG50-1V) Pathfinder Triple Sensor Tough Solar Watch

iPhone 3G has GPS hardware built in, so it will support altimeter applications...like this one...

www.apptism.com/apps/altimeter

Rider · 01-07-2009, 08:44 AM

You need to receive 4 satellite to get altitude. GPS is the only accurate way. Barometric pressure varies by the air temperature. It will get you close, but not as close as GPS. I don't know of any phones that give you altitude, but if that's what you want, get a cheap handheld GPS for under a $100.

Particle Man · 01-07-2009, 08:53 AM

I think I read somewhere that there's an app being developed for the iPhone... not sure how accurate it would be

Rider · 01-07-2009, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Particle Man

I think I read somewhere that there's an app being developed for the iPhone... not sure how accurate it would be

You cant just have an app. You need the correct hardware built into the IPone to receive the data.. ie GPS receiver.

Trip · 01-07-2009, 02:26 PM

The blackberry storm will report elevation in an app called Blackstar. Apparently there is a bug that inverses the number, but it is still giving you an accrurate number, just with a - sign on the front.

Particle Man · 01-07-2009, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trip

The blackberry storm will report elevation in an app called Blackstar. Apparently there is a bug that inverses the number, but it is still giving you an accrurate number, just with a - sign on the front.

so before I board a plane again I'll make sure to ask the pilot if he/she is aware of that

Homeslice · 01-07-2009, 02:46 PM

Hmm, this looks cool....

Particle Man · 01-07-2009, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homeslice

Hmm, this looks cool....

sure, until the guy is paste at the bottom.

All that will be left is a mangled frame and a watch.

01-07-2009, 01:28 AM	#1
Homeslice Elitist Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Moto: Gix 750 Posts: 11,351	Altimeters on a cellphone? watch? Anyone know about altimeters? What is the most accurate way to calculate it ---- using GPS, or by measuring the atmospheric pressure? And I know lots of watches have an altimeter, and of course GPS devices can do it, but are there any cellphones that have it?

01-07-2009, 03:49 AM	#2
Dave Chaotic Neutral Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cherry Hill NJ Moto: GV1200 Madura, Hawk gt Posts: 13,992	probably gps or find a survey point. the barometric pressure can work but you need to know the density altitude. if you are near a small airport the local FBO could help you out __________________ TWF Post whore #6

01-07-2009, 08:40 AM	#3
bmblebee Community Curmudgeon Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tallahassee Moto: '04 F4i Posts: 373	most altimeters are barometers that measure atmospheric pressure...and changes in weather can make you think you are higher/lower than you really are. Take a look at this watch... Casio (PAG50-1V) Pathfinder Triple Sensor Tough Solar Watch iPhone 3G has GPS hardware built in, so it will support altimeter applications...like this one... www.apptism.com/apps/altimeter __________________ Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store and not a government agency If You Don't Know What Your Rights are...You Won't Have Any Last edited by bmblebee; 01-07-2009 at 08:45 AM..

01-07-2009, 08:53 AM	#5
Particle Man Custom User Title Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central NY Moto: 2003 SV650S Posts: 14,959	I think I read somewhere that there's an app being developed for the iPhone... not sure how accurate it would be __________________ I'm not "fat." I'm "Enlarged to show texture." Handle every stressful situation like a DOG: If you can't eat it or hump it, pi$$ on it & walk away.

01-07-2009, 08:44 AM	#4
Rider Moto GP Star Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 12,156	You need to receive 4 satellite to get altitude. GPS is the only accurate way. Barometric pressure varies by the air temperature. It will get you close, but not as close as GPS. I don't know of any phones that give you altitude, but if that's what you want, get a cheap handheld GPS for under a $100.