Monday, April 7, 2008

Casio G-Shock AWG101-1A



Ive been interested in Automatics but a recent experience has soured me on them until I saw the AWG101-1A. This is a analog/digital, atomic and solar watch with lots of the usual G-Shock bells and whistles.

I couldn't find this watch on eBay for anything except from overseas dealers, so I decided to order it locally and eat the tax. Hopefully ordering locally wont be an issue, since this company has mixed reviews.

I plan using this watch on more formal occasions, wearing a PAG40 to a formal function doesn't cut it.


Features
  • Multi-Band Atomic Timekeeping (US, UK, Germany, Japan)
    Receives time calibration radio signals which keep the displayed time accurate
    Auto receive function (6 times per day)
    Manual receive function
    Signal: US WWVB, UK MSF, Germany DCF77, Japan JJY40/JJY60
    Frequency: US 60kHz, UK 60kHz, Germany 77.5kHz, Japan 40/60kHz
  • Tough Solar Power
  • Shock Resistant
  • 200M Water Resistant
  • LED Light with Afterglow
  • World Time
    29 times zones (48 cities), city code display, daylight saving on/off
  • Daily Alarm
  • Countdown Timer
    Measuring unit: 1 second
    Countdown range: 1 minute to 60 minutes
  • 1/100 second stopwatch
    Measuring capacity: 59'59.99"
    Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
  • Hourly Time Signal
  • Auto Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2099)
  • 12/24 Hour Formats
  • Accuracy: +/-15 seconds per month (with no signal calibration)
  • Storage Battery: CTL1616
  • Battery Power Indicator
  • Power Saving Function
    Approx. battery life: 7 months on full charge (without further exposure to light)
  • Module 4765
  • Size of case/total weight
    52.0 x 46.4 x 14.9mm / 54.3g

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Woot woot got my PAG40-3

Well my Pathfinder showed up Saturday and boy am I happy, I got it off ebay for $140 USD inc s&h.

The PAG40-3 was a bit bigger than I expected but thats cool because I had a thing for a Suunto Vector which is a big watch. I think the PAG40-3 is about the same size IIRC.

Below are some pics of the watch in action, the first pic is a size comparison between the PAG40-3 and the now retired DW-9000. I have one complaint about this Pathfinder, this watch has no countdown timer thats a bit of a bummer.

Overall Im extremly happy with this watch and would reccommend it to anyone that asked for a good all around watch with multiple personalities.













Sunday, March 23, 2008

Casio PAG40-3 Triple Sensor


Ive been wanting a new digital watch for quite a while new, Ive always been a big fan of Casio watches. Today I broke down and purchased a Casio PAG40-3 Triple Sensor watch. The PAG40-3 has whats been coined as ABC Altimeter, Berometer, Sensor. I havent got it since I just ordered it from ebay and should have it by next week. Above is a stock picture of what the watch looks like.


* Digital Compass
16 points of measurement
Measuring range: 0 to 359 degrees
Measuring unit: 1 degree
* Altimeter
Measuring range: -700 to 10,000m (-2,300 to 32,800ft)
Measuring unit: 5m (20ft)
Auto memory measurements
* Altimeter Memory
Memory capacity: 40 records
Measurement data: altitude, month, date, time
Reference altitude setting
* Altitude alarm
* Barometer
Display range: 260 to 1,100 hPa (7.65 to 32.45 inHg)
Display unit: 1 hPa (0.05 inHg)
Atmospheric pressure tendency graph
Atmospheric pressure differential grapic
* Thermometer
Display range: -10 to 60 C (14 to 140 F)
Display unit: 0.1 C (0.2 F)
* 100M Water Resistant
* Low Temperature Resistant (-10 C / 14 F)
* Auto EL Backlight with Afterglow
* Duplex LCD
* 5 Daily Alarms
* 1/100 second stopwatch
* Measuring capacity: 9:59'59.99"
Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
* Hourly Time Signal
* Auto Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2039)
* 12/24 Hour Formats
* Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month
* Battery SR927W x 4
* Approx. battery life: 18 months
* Module 2271
Size of case/total weight
PAG40 57.0 x 53.8 x 17.9mm / 74g

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Camelbak Transformer review

Ive been thinking about getting a new backpack for a while now and finally decided on the Transformer from Camelbak. Like most Camelback products they come with the Camelbak hydration system the Transformer is no different. I used to carry a North Face Hotshot pack, that pack had 1800 cubic inches of space. The Transformer has 950 cu in, which is a bit of a difference, however the Transformer is better organized in my opinion.

The Transformer is made up of three different sections/pouches first there's the smaller of the three pouches, this pouch is well suited for a medium sized FAK. This pouch also has a mini pocket separated by a mesh section accessible from the outside via a zipper.

On to the second pouch, it consists of 2 sections in one pouch, these sections can be used for electronics, packable clothing etc. You'll notice I said packable clothing, if rolled correctly you could get 2 pairs of shirts and pants in the larger of the two sections. This section is also expandable to a degree.

The smallest of the two sections is idea for pens, electronics, pocket notebooks etc. This is where I keep my PSP, games, spare batteries and related items.

Finally on to the third section, which is not really a storage section for gear but where the hydration reservoir goes. Since its spring I removed the bladder, this section would make a nice place to put a book or an ultra slim computer.

Threes a zipper located on both lower sides of the pack that let you access a compartment inside the bag, this is a nice place to put a long knife, collapsible baton, cuffs, ammo clips.

On the bottom of the Transformer you will find a zippered pocket which you find youre rain cover. However if you need more space just put the rain cover in a different section of the pack.

If you re so inclined you could use the on board MOLLE attachments to increase your storage capacity almost twofold.

Also included with the Transformer is a reversable heavy duty rain cover, one side is signal orange and the other side is Desert camo with the Camelbak logo. Recently during a medium rainstorm I didnt put the cover on the pack and none of the contents of the back were wet.

In conclusions although the Camelbak isn't my ultimate EDC bag its very close to it and comes highly recommended.


Back of Pack. Pack separated into 3 pouches.




Rain Cover (Signal Orange). Rain Cover (Desert).




Bladder Section. First Pouch.



Inside of first pouch (from inside) Inside of Second pouch




Inside of Second Pouch . Inside of third pouch.



Pocket for rain cover or whatever you like. Zipper to access another pocket.