Multiple-memory stopwatches

Robert H. McNaught (RMN@AAOCBN1.AAO.GOV.AU)
Tue, 14 Jan 1997 14:19:14 +1100 (EST)

Many months ago, there was discussion on SeeSat-L about multiple-memory
stopwatches.  I tried to obtain one in 1996 Oct when in the UK and
Malaysia, but I clearly went to the wrong shops.  Nobody had ever heard
of one.  Rather than clutter up SeeSat-L with the same messages again,
I would appreciate hearing directly from those with experience of
such stopwatches and I can summarise these for SeeSat-L.  What I wish to
know are

a) the brand and model of the stopwatch
b) price and availability
c) number of memories
d) size of stopwatch and buttons
e) audible click or beep on depressing button
f) different sound for different function?
g) general ease of use
h) personal assessment of potential problems of use in the dark
i) drift in sec/day and ease of calibration

Much of this information was contained in the earlier messages.

With a multiple-memory stopwatch, my observing would be greatly streamlined,
and some of the more stupid errors overcome.  Of course there is greater
potential to stuff the whole thing up.  We shall see!

Finally, I'd be interested to hear of peoples experiences in calibrating
their watches/stopwatches to zero-drift.  Although timings are no more
accurate than having accurate knowledge of the drift rate, I always have
always wanted the ideal of a drift rate of zero.  Last week, I started to
tweak the screw on the inside of two stopwatches to reduce the drift from the
order of 0.4 sec/day.  Both watches are now down to a drift of <0.05 sec/day.
I'm reluctant to try to improve on this.  Does anyone have experience of what
sort of temperature related drifts I might expect from summer to winter
(drop from 20C to 5C).  Guess I can always put a watch in the fridge to
find out!

I shall be in Sydney (and out of contact) for two weeks but will check
Australian prices out.  Tony Beresford tells be they are not competative
with overseas prices.

Cheers, Rob McNaught