The Casio Computer Company (Casio) Pathfinder collection of watches offer a number of features that could prove useful to mariners of all stripes. Casio America Inc. loaned one of their second generation Pathfinder watches, a PAW2000-1 model, to facilitate this review.
Features of the watch that would immediately be noticed by a boater are sunrise/sunset data, digital compass, altimeter, barometer and thermometer. The Pathfinder watch is solar powered and came out of the box with sufficient charge for initial use.
It become immediately apparent that using the watch effectively requires the user to do a little homework. Casio provides a compact user’s guide for the watch and there is a downloadable version of the guide that proved easier for the reviewer to read. The Operations Guide 3172 printed out on letter sized paper is twelve pages long.
Casio Touts its Solar Powered Technology and Recycled Packaging
Casio is marketing their newest additions to the Pathfinder watch collection as being environmentally friendly. This is in part based on the solar self-charging capability of the products, along with a focus on use of recycled packaging.
In a press release, Casio Vice-President Shigenori Itoh said, “We’re very excited to welcome this new eco-friendly timepiece to the Pathfinder line. Casio is a company dedicated to supporting eco-friendly initiatives and we are very proud to introduce this solar-powered watch in conjunction with the celebration of Earth Day.”
Initial Setup of the Casio Pathfinder PAW2000-1
Since this watch uses solar power to recharge its battery, it is necessary to check the battery power level before delving further into exploring features found with the device. Once it is determined that there is a sufficient charge available, the watch needs to be setup initially to reflect local conditions. Configuration of the watch’s home city settings insure that correct time zone is selected and if daylight savings time is in use. It is important to become comfortable with selecting the modes available in the PAW2000-1. There are eleven settings available with this watch and once the key sequence conventions are learned, it is easy to move between its many features.
Selected Pathfinder PAW2000-1 Features
- Sunrise and Sunset Data – Boaters often need to know what time the sun rises and sets. There are some regulations in place, for instance, that require use of navigation lights after sunset. The watch displays sunrise and sunset data once the user inputs their position information using latitude and longitude values. The Pathfinder can display values for the current day and allow information to be displayed for a particular date entered by the user.
- Digital Compass – In its compass mode, the PAW2000-1 watch can provide a wealth of information to a user. The watch displays the user’s cardinal direction and bearing in degrees. The device can be corrected for magnetic declination and northerly errors. Boaters can utilize the watch to find the bearing from their position to an object, a skill often necessary in coastal navigation. The watch can keep a record of the previous bearing measurement taken by the user.
- Barometer/Thermometer – Monitoring weather information is important for boaters. The Pathfinder watch has a barometer/thermometer mode that provides barometric pressure and temperature information. Temperature and pressure readings can be displayed in Fahrenheit (°F)/Celsius (°C) and inches of mercury (inHg)/hectopascals (hPa) respectively. The watch provides a visual representation of pressure trends.
- Altimeter – This device provides a number of altitude readings and related graphics for the user. The range of this altimeter goes from -700 to 10,000 meters (-2,300 to 32,800 feet) and displays the data in 5 meter (20 foot) increments. The watch measures altitude through use of its barometric pressure data, so providing an initial reference altitude will translate later into more accurate measurements. Memory provisions are included to record manual measurements taken, high and low altitudes, altitude tendencies, and altitude differentials.
Additional Notes About the Pathfinder PAW2000-1 Watch
Casio’s watch is feature rich and reading the user’s guide thoroughly will enhance a person’s experience with the product. The watch utilizes radio controlled timekeeping from atomic clock transmitters. In regions like Alaska, this feature’s utility will be limited. The Pathfinder provides a number of separate alarm functions, is water resistant to 100 meters (328 feet), displays multiple time zones, and has a calendar and timer.
The Casio PAW2000-1 should be representative of the company’s Pathfinder line of watches. It would make an excellent and functional gift for the mariner in the family. Manufacturers suggested retail price for this product is $380.
Alan Sorum - Alan Sorum is the Maritime Operations Project Manager for the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC). Alan is ...
