Troubleshooting the tactix 7 Series Altimeter and Barometer

Auto Calibration On

Setting auto calibration to On calibrates the sensor at the start of an activity. This will provide a consistent relative starting elevation if you do multiple activities at specific locations. When the timer is started the watch will try to determine the best elevation source to calibrate to, based on the following priority:

1. Manual calibration immediately prior to starting the activity.
2. Prior manual calibration point at the same location.
3. Recent manual calibration, if the quality of the calibration is determined to be good enough.
4. Recent automatic calibration via weather data.
5. Map data (DEM - Digital Elevation Map), if available.
6. Prior Connected DEM point at the same location:
   • Connected DEM refers to elevation data from the Garmin Connect™ app on a paired smartphone.
7. Connected DEM, if currently connected to a phone.
8. Prior GPS point at the same location.
   • Save Location immediately before starting the activity will also count toward calibration.
9. GPS, if a good fix has been acquired:
   • After acquiring a GPS fix the timer ring will turn yellow. At that point, it can take up to 30 seconds for the GPS elevation to settle. If vertical speed settles to less than .1 m/s the GPS elevation data will be considered good enough use for altimeter calibration.
   • When the timer ring goes green the altitude is now calibrated.

Before starting the timer, the elevation data field on the watch will preview the calibrated elevation.

Throughout the activity, the watch uses DEM mapping data, and GPS elevation to make adjustments to altitude for any altimeter drift due to pressure changes caused by a weather event during an activity.

When the device is not in an activity, weather data will automatically be requested in order to help calibrate the sensor as needed throughout the day.

Auto Calibration Nightly

The watch will calibrate the altimeter once every night during your sleep window set in Garmin Connect account. If paired, the Garmin Connect app uses location data from the phone and compares it to the DEM information of the watch. This allows the nightly calibration feature to work better but is not required.

• When starting an activity, the watch will show current calibration and give the options to accept, or recalibrate.
• Nightly calibration is also performed when auto calibration is set to On and weather calibration has not occurred in the last day.

Location data from the phone is required for nightly calibration and weather calibration. Location services need to be enabled on your phone, and the Garmin Connect Mobile app will need to be able to run in the background with a data connection. For instructions on how to enable this on your phone:

• Known Elevation (Enter Manually) - Use this option to calibrate if you know the current elevation. This option offers the most accurate calibration. 
• Use DEM - The watch will locate your position through GPS and use the DEM data to get an elevation reading from the map. 
• Use GPS - This mode will determine your elevation through GPS triangulation. The accuracy of the GPS mode is based on your satellite reception strength. It is recommended to be outside and away from any obstructions for the best results.

Calibrating the altimeter should always be done outside with a clear view of the sky. 

1. Hold UP to enter the Main Menu.
2. Scroll to Settings and select Sensors & Accessories.
3. Select Altimeter.
4. Select Calibrate.
5. Select an option and follow onscreen prompts.

NOTE: Allow the watch to air dry before calibrating the barometric altimeter after doing any water based activities.

IMPORTANT: Do not put any objects into the sensor port!

1. Run low pressure, warm water over the sensor port.
2. Gently remove any visible debris. 
3. Shake away excess water and allow to air dry.
4. Calibrate the altimeter.