Suunto t1 User's Guide
Congratulations on choosing Suunto t1 as your training companion. The Suunto t1 is a high-precision heart rate monitor designed to make your training as beneficial and enjoyable as possible.
Suunto t1 makes heart rate zone training more illustrative than ever before, accurately measures the calories you burn during the workout, and keeps track of your training history. It also includes a number of advanced training functions that enable the product to grow with your increasing demands.
The Suunto t1 has a coded transmission that prevents wrong readings caused by other heart rate monitors or sources of interference.
This User's Guide is here to help you get the most out of your training with Suunto t1. Please read through it to make using your new Suunto t1 even more fun and interesting.
1. Suunto t1 at a Glance
The Suunto t1 offers different modes for managing your training and time.
Time Mode
In Time mode, you can view the current time, access training totals, and go to settings.
Training Mode
In Training mode, you can use the stopwatch, view your heart rate, go to summary, and access settings.
Settings Menu
In the Settings menu, you can change values for heart rate limits, heart rate zones, time/date, general settings, and personal settings.
The Suunto wristop computer displays the 'HR' icon for Training mode. In Time mode, you will see the current time.
1.1. Navigating in the Modes and Menus
In Time and Training modes, a long press of the MODE button takes you to Settings. In Time mode, a short press of the + button takes you to Totals, whereas in Training mode, a short press of the + button accesses Summary. The following describes the functionality of these submodes.
Summary (from Training Mode)
In Summary, you can view your last session's:
- Duration
- Calorie consumption (energy)
- Average heart rate
- Peak heart rate
- Time spent in and out of zones and limits
Totals (from Time Mode)
In Totals, you can view the total values of your sessions for:
- This week
- Last week
- This month
- Last month
You can quick exit Totals, Summary, and Settings by pressing the START button.
1.2. Button Symbols and Functions
| Button Names on Device | Name in User's Guide |
|---|---|
| + / Lap | + |
| Mode | MODE |
| - / Light | - |
| Alt / Back | BACK |
| Start / Stop | START |
In Totals and Summary, small arrows on the screen indicate the buttons you can navigate with. The buttons' functions depend on the length of the press: a short press is less than 1 second, and a long press is more than 2 seconds. The following symbols are used to indicate short and long presses:
- Short press: ➡️
- Long press: ⏱️ 2 sec
1.3. Button Lock
You can lock and unlock the buttons in both Time and Training mode by long pressing the - button. When the buttons are locked, you still have access to shortcuts and backlight.
2. Getting Started
Before you can make the most of your Suunto t1, it's worth taking time to personalize it to suit your individual needs. If you have already defined the settings, you can skip to Section 3.
This section shows how to enter the Settings menu and its different items.
Entering Settings
Long press the MODE button in Time or Training mode to enter the Settings menu (⏱️ 2 sec).
Navigating in Settings
Use the + and – buttons to toggle between the following setting submenus: heart rate limits, heart rate zones, time/date, general, and personal. Exit the Settings menu by long pressing the MODE button or by pressing the START button (⏱️ 2 sec).
NOTE: Remember that you can see where you are within the Settings menu by following the flashing bar in the navigational aid.
2.1. Setting Up Suunto t1
When you press a button on your new Suunto t1 for the first time, you will be asked to define some basic settings. Use the + and - buttons to change the values, and accept and move to the next item by pressing the MODE button.
The following illustrates the setup process:
- Adjust values with the + and – buttons.
- Accept settings with the MODE button.
Carry on setting up the time, date, units, and your personal settings. After this, Suunto t1 will go into Time mode and be ready for operation.
NOTE: Your maximum heart rate is determined using the formula 210 minus 0.65 times your age, which is automatically calculated from the date of birth you enter. If you know your real maximum heart rate, use that value instead of the calculated one.
Navigating in the Settings menus is straightforward. Follow the position of the blinking empty box to know your current location. You can quick exit the Settings menu and return to Time mode by pressing the START button.
2.2. Activity Class (Act Class)
Your activity class is a measure of your current activity level and is important for accurate calorie consumption information. By entering your current activity class (1-10) into your Suunto t1, the device can provide more precise calorie data. As your physical activity increases in amount or intensity, the device will automatically increase your activity class based on recorded heart rate information. Your activity class will also decrease if you engage in recreational sports.
See the following table for information on determining your activity class:
| Activity Description | Activity Class |
|---|---|
| No regular participation in recreational sports or heavy physical activity. | 0 (Always avoid exertion, whenever possible.) |
| 1 (Walk for pleasure, routinely use stairs, occasionally exercise sufficiently to cause heavy breathing or perspiration.) | |
| Regular participation in recreational sports or work requiring modest physical activity, such as yard work, nordic walking or moderate-intensity cycling. | 2 (10 - 60 minutes per week) |
| 3 (Over 1 hour per week) | |
| Regular participation in heavy physical exercise, such as running, aerobic classes or high-intensity cycling. | 4 (Less than 30 minutes per week) |
| 5 (30 - 60 minutes per week) | |
| 6 (1 - 3 hours per week) | |
| 7 (Over 3 hours per week) | |
| Training daily | 7.5 (5 - 7 hours per week) |
| 8 (7 - 9 hours per week) | |
| 8.5 (9 - 11 hours per week) | |
| 9 (11 - 13 hours per week) | |
| 9.5 (13 - 15 hours per week) | |
| 10 (More than 15 hours per week) |
2.3. Time Mode
In Time mode, you can utilize basic functions and set shortcuts. The shortcut is displayed on the bottom line of the screen.
Time Mode Shortcuts:
- DAY
- DATE
- SECONDS
- DUAL TIME
- EMPTY
Button functions in Time mode:
- GO TO TOTALS: Short press of the + button.
- GO TO SETTINGS: ⏱️ 2 sec press of the MODE button.
- LIGHT: Short press of the Light button.
- BUTTON LOCK: ⏱️ 2 sec press of the - button.
The following illustrates how to enter the Time mode Settings menu and its items. You can quick exit the Settings menu by pressing the START button.
Entering Settings
Long press the MODE button in Time or Training mode to enter the Settings menu (⏱️ 2 sec).
Navigating in Settings
Use the + and – buttons to toggle between setting submenus: heart rate limits, heart rate zones, time/date, general, and personal. Exit the Settings menu by long pressing the MODE button or by pressing the START button (⏱️ 2 sec).
2.3.1. Time/Date Settings
In the Time/date menu, you can set the alarm, time, dual time, and date. Accept settings with a short press of the MODE button, which moves you to the next item.
Setup example: Adjust the alarm on/off setting with + and – buttons. Accept with MODE button. Continue setting the alarm, time, dual time, and date.
2.3.2. Personal Settings
In the Personal menu, you can enter personal information such as your weight, height, activity class, maximum heart rate, gender, and date of birth. Accept settings with a short press of the MODE button, which moves you to the next item.
Setup example: Adjust the weight setting with + and – buttons. Accept with MODE button. Continue setting your height, activity class, maximum heart rate, sex, and birth date.
NOTE: See Section 2.2 for information on activity class descriptions.
2.3.3. General Settings
In the General menu, you can set button tones on or off and choose units and display formats. Accept settings with a short press of the MODE button, which moves you to the next item.
Light
The light can be activated in both Time and Training mode by short pressing the Light button. In Settings, Summary, or Totals, the light must be activated before entering those menus.
Alarm Snooze
Only the BACK button deactivates the alarm. Pressing any other button activates the snooze function, which lasts for 5 minutes. The snooze function can be activated 12 times, after which the alarm will be deactivated until the set time the following day.
Pressing the BACK button switches off the alarm.
2.4. Training Mode
To switch to Training mode, short press the MODE button. This mode allows you to use the stopwatch, view your heart rate, and access training summaries.
The display shows shortcuts on the bottom line.
Training Mode Shortcuts:
- CALORIE CONSUMPTION
- AVERAGE HEART RATE
- LAP TIME
- TIME
- ZONE (WHEN SET TO ON)
Button functions in Training mode:
- START/STOP: Starts and stops the stopwatch.
- LAP/RESET: Long press to reset the stopwatch.
- MODE/SCROLL SUMMARY: Scrolls through summary information.
- GO TO SETTINGS: ⏱️ 2 sec press of the MODE button.
- LIGHT: Activates the backlight.
- BUTTON LOCK: ⏱️ 2 sec press of the - button.
The stopwatch is accessed by pressing the START button in Training mode. Information from training, such as heart rate and calorie consumption, is stored and can be viewed later in Totals and Summary. Therefore, activate the stopwatch and ensure you have a heart rate reading whenever you start a training session.
Pressing the START button starts the stopwatch and calculation of calories consumed.
Pressing the START button again stops the stopwatch.
While the stopwatch is running, you can record up to 99 lap times by short pressing the + button. The first 30 laps are stored in memory.
NOTE: It is not possible to reset the stopwatch while it is running. You must stop it before resetting.
If the stopwatch is running and you switch back to Time mode, the stopwatch will be displayed on the top of the screen. To stop the stopwatch, return to Training mode.
2.4.1. Training Mode Settings
The following illustrates how to enter the Training mode Settings menu and its items.
Long press the MODE button in Training mode to enter the Training settings menu (⏱️ 2 sec).
Use the + and – buttons to toggle between the following Training setting submenus: heart rate zones, heart rate limits, time and date, general, and personal.
2.4.2. Heart Rate Zone Settings
In the Heart Rate Zone menu, you can define 3 heart rate zones and set tones on or off. These zones help track training intensity, warm-ups, or fat-burning levels.
After training, you can see how much time was spent in each zone. Each zone is a range of heart rates expressed as a percentage of your maximum heart rate. Accept settings with a short press of the MODE button.
| Heart Rate Zone | Default Setting | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 (Fitness Zone) | 60 - 70% of maximum heart rate | Improves basic endurance, aerobic fitness, and aids weight control (fat burning zone). |
| Zone 2 (Aerobic Zone) | 70 - 80% of maximum heart rate | Improves aerobic fitness; preferred for endurance events. |
| Zone 3 (Threshold Zone) | 80 - 90% of maximum heart rate | Improves maximum aerobic capacity and lactate tolerance, enhancing endurance and ability to fight fatigue. |
NOTE: The heart rate zone defaults follow the guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine.
The device alerts you with a beep when you move between zones, allowing you to adjust training accordingly. Average heart rate is also a useful measure, especially in variable terrain like hilly biking.
3. Before Training
3.1. Putting on the Heart Rate Transmitter Belt
The heart rate transmitter belt is integral to the Suunto t1's functionality. Wear the transmitter against bare skin for optimal operation.
- The electrodes must be wet during exercise. Moisten the electrode area that contacts your skin.
- Ensure the wet electrode areas are firmly against your skin with the logo in a central, upright position.
- Enter Training mode. Your heart rate will not be visible until then.
Whenever you enter Training mode or start the stopwatch, your Suunto t1 automatically searches for signals from a heart rate belt. Once found, your heart rate displays in the center of the screen.
3.2. Heart Rate Signal Troubleshooting
Using the belt near power lines or magnetic/electronic devices may cause interference. If someone nearby has the same belt code, it can also cause interference. To check belt codes, long press the BACK button in Training mode; the code appears for a few seconds. If codes match, move further away from your training partner. If interference persists, remove and reinstall the battery from one belt to search for a new code (1-29).
If you lose the signal:
- Exit and re-enter Training mode.
- Ensure the heart rate transmitter belt is worn correctly (See Section 3.1).
- Ensure the electrode area on the back of the belt is slightly wet.
- Move away from potential sources of interference.
- If the problem persists, the battery may need changing. See Section 7.3.2 for instructions.
3.3. Heart Rate Limit Settings
In the Heart Rate Limit menu, you can set limits on/off, define upper/lower limits, and set the heart rate alarm on/off. These limits help you stay within a target range for your training goals. Heart rate limits are displayed as dots on the left outer rim of the display.
While training, your real-time heart rate is displayed in the center and on the left outer rim. If the average heart rate shortcut is selected, your real-time average heart rate is shown in the bottom row (beats per minute or percentage of maximum). In the Settings menu, you can set alarms for exceeding upper or falling below lower heart rate limits.
Checking your average heart rate helps adjust training intensity for maximum effectiveness.
4. Training
Once your Suunto t1 is set up, it's time to train. For detailed information and tips on maximizing effectiveness, download the Suunto Training Guidebook from www.suunto.com/training.
4.1. Connecting Your Suunto t1 to the Heart Rate Transmitter Belt
Whenever you enter Training mode, your Suunto t1 automatically searches for signals from a heart rate belt. Once found, your heart rate will be displayed in the center of the screen.
After switching to Training mode, Suunto t1 displays 'HR' while seeking the HR belt signal. If no belt is found, 'HR' is shown in the center of the display instead of your heart rate.
4.2. Stopwatch
The stopwatch is activated by short pressing the START button in Training mode and is visible in the top row. Training data, including heart rate and calorie consumption, is stored and can be viewed in Totals and Summary. Ensure you activate the stopwatch and have a heart rate reading when starting a training session.
Pressing the START button begins the stopwatch and calorie calculation.
Pressing the START button again stops the stopwatch.
While the stopwatch is running, you can record up to 99 lap times by short pressing the + button. The first 30 laps are stored in memory.
When the stopwatch is stopped, you can view the Summary of the most recent session or reset the stopwatch. Resetting the stopwatch does not reset the Summary.
- Pressing the + button when the stopwatch is stopped takes you to the Summary display.
- Long pressing the + button when the stopwatch is stopped resets the stopwatch.
If your heart rate in the most recent session exceeded the maximum heart rate defined in Personal settings, Suunto t1 will ask if you want to update your maximum heart rate value after resetting the stopwatch.
- To update your maximum heart rate, press the – button.
- Pressing the BACK button returns you to Training mode without updating your maximum heart rate.
5. After Training
After finishing your training, your Suunto t1 provides detailed performance information. This section covers the Summary and Totals functions, as well as Suunto's online training community.
5.1. Training Summary
Immediately after training, review session data including peak heart rate, average heart rate, calories burned, time spent in each zone, and more. The training Summary is accessed by short pressing the + button in Training mode. Use the - and + buttons to navigate.
Press the + button (when stopwatch is not running) to view the summary of your training: duration, calories, average and peak heart rate, time spent in and out of limits and zones, and summary of each stored lap. Move back in summary using the – button. Press the BACK button to exit.
5.2. Training Totals
In addition to the last session, Suunto t1 stores data for this week, last week, this month, and last month. This information is in the Totals submode, accessed by short pressing the + button in Time mode. The word 'Counts' appears at the top of the display in Totals submode.
Press the + button in Time mode to view your training totals.
Pressing the MODE button cycles through training totals for the week: calories consumed, training time, and time spent within and outside of each zone. Use the + and – buttons to change the view between this week, last week, this month, and last month.
Press the BACK button to move back to the previous display.
NOTE: Totals contains information about heart rate zones from sessions where zones were set on and a heart rate belt signal was received.
You can exit Totals by long pressing the MODE or BACK button, or by short pressing the START button (quick exit).
5.3. Suunto Training World
Suunto Training World is Suunto's training-specific website, dedicated to helping athletes and fitness enthusiasts achieve their goals. It's a valuable resource for running, cycling, aerobics, spinning, walking, and endurance sports. Find tips, news, and inspiration for marathon training, weight loss, and heart health.
Visit www.suunto.com/training to learn about new products, gather training tips, participate in discussions, and read stories from Suunto Ambassadors.
5.4. Sleep Mode
You can switch your Suunto t1 into sleep mode to save battery and erase information in the Logbook and Totals. Personal values are saved. To enter sleep mode, long press START, BACK, +, and - buttons simultaneously. To reactivate, press any button.
6. Warranty
For warranty information and additional care and maintenance instructions, refer to the separate "Warranty, Care and Maintenance - Wristop Computers" leaflet.
7. Care and Maintenance
Your Suunto t1 is a precision instrument. Following common sense points maximizes its lifespan. For servicing, contact your nearest Suunto representative. This section also covers battery replacement for both the Suunto t1 and the transmitter belt.
7.1. General Instructions
- Only perform procedures described in this user's guide.
- Never attempt to disassemble or service your Suunto t1.
- Always protect your Suunto t1 from shocks, hard/sharp objects, extreme heat, and prolonged direct sunlight exposure.
- If not in use, store your Suunto t1 in a clean, dry environment at room temperature.
- To prevent scratches, do not store the device in the bottom of a bag or where it could contact hard objects.
- NOTE: In case of scratches, Polywatch cream can help eliminate most of them. It is available from authorized Suunto dealers, watch stores, and the Suunto web-shop (www.suunto.com/shop).
- Wipe your Suunto t1 clean with a cloth lightly moistened with warm water. Mild soap can be used for stubborn stains.
- Do not expose your Suunto t1 to strong chemicals (gasoline, solvents, acetone, alcohol, insect repellents, adhesives, paint) as they can damage seals, case, and finish.
7.2. Water Resistance
Your Suunto t1 is water resistant up to 30 m/100 ft, and the transmitter belt to 20m/66ft (ISO 2281). This allows use for swimming and water sports, but not for scuba diving or freediving.
To maintain water resistance and warranty validity, all service (except battery changes) should be performed by authorized Suunto service personnel.
NOTE: Never push buttons while swimming or in contact with water, as this may cause malfunction.
7.3. Replacing the Battery
The Suunto t1 uses a 3-Volt lithium cell (CR 2032). Battery life is approximately 12 months with 4 hours of training per week. Heavy training reduces battery life. A low battery is indicated by a symbol.
NOTE: To reduce fire/burn risks, do not crush, puncture, or dispose of batteries in fire or water. Use only manufacturer-specified batteries. Recycle or dispose of used batteries properly.
7.3.1. Replacing the Battery of the Suunto t1
- Use a coin to open the battery compartment on the back. Ensure the O-ring and surfaces are clean and dry.
- Remove the old battery.
- Place the new battery in the compartment with the positive side facing up.
- Gently slide the battery against the contact plate, ensuring it doesn't bend or break.
- When replacing the cover, rotate it counter-clockwise with your thumb to align threads. It should rotate easily. If force is needed, threads may be misaligned.
- Tighten with a suitably sized coin.
NOTE: Cover markings may be unaligned after tightening. If the old cover is undamaged, it doesn't need replacement.
NOTE: If battery compartment cover threads are damaged, send the device to an authorized Suunto representative.
NOTE: Replace the battery with extreme care to maintain water resistance. Careless replacement may void the warranty.
NOTE: Heavy use of the backlight significantly reduces battery life.
7.3.2. Replacing the Battery of the Heart Rate Belt
The transmitter belt's battery life is approximately 300 hours in ideal conditions. If the Suunto t1 doesn't receive a signal, the belt battery may need replacing.
- Use a coin to open the battery compartment cover on the back of the transmitter belt. Ensure the O-ring and surfaces are clean and dry. Do not stretch the O-ring.
- Remove the old battery.
- Place the new battery in the compartment with the positive side facing up.
- With the O-ring correctly positioned, replace the battery compartment cover.
NOTE: We recommend replacing the battery cover and O-ring simultaneously with the battery to ensure the transmitter remains clean and water-resistant. Replacement covers are available with batteries.
NOTE: Battery covers for the transmitter belt and Suunto t1 are not interchangeable.
8. Technical Specifications
General
- Operating temperature: -20°C to +60°C (-5°F to +140°F)
- Storage temperature: -30°C to +60°C (-22°F to +140°F)
- Weight: 45 g/50 g/65 g (depending on strap)
- Water-resistance: 30 m/100 ft (ISO 2281)
- User replaceable battery: CR2032
Calendar Clock
- Resolution: 1 s. Programmed until 2050.
Stopwatch
- Stopwatch range: 99 hours.
- Lap time range: 99 hours.
- Lap/split times: 30/log.
- Resolution: 0.1 s.
Heart Rate Data
- Display range: 30 - 240 bpm.
- Heart rate limits: 30 - 230 bpm.
- Maximum heart rate for percentage display: 240 bpm.
Coding
- 29 codes.
Transmitter Belt
- Water-resistance: 20 m/66 ft (ISO 2281).
- Weight: 61 g.
- User-replaceable battery: CR2032.
9. Intellectual Property
9.1. Trademark
Suunto, Suunto t1, Replacing Luck, their logos, and other Suunto brand trademarks are registered or unregistered trademarks of Suunto Oy. All rights reserved. Firstbeat & Analyzed by Firstbeat are registered or unregistered trademarks of Firstbeat Technologies Ltd. All rights reserved.
9.2. Patent Notice
This product is protected by the following patents and patent applications: US 11/432,380, US 11/181,836, and EU Design 000528005-0001/000528005-0010.
10. Disclaimers
10.1. User's Responsibility
This instrument is intended for recreational use only. Suunto t1 must not be used as a substitute for obtaining measurements requiring professional or laboratory-quality precision.
10.2. Warnings
If you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, or other implanted electronic device, use the transmitter belt at your own risk. An exercise test under a doctor's supervision is recommended before using the transmitter belt simultaneously with such devices to ensure safety and reliability.
Exercise may involve risks, especially for sedentary individuals. Consult your doctor before beginning a regular exercise program.
11. Disposal of the Device
Please dispose of the device appropriately as electronic waste. Do not discard it in regular garbage. You may return the device to your nearest Suunto representative.
Customer Service Contacts
- Global Help Desk: +358 2 284 11 60
- Suunto USA Phone: +1 (800) 543-9124
- Canada Phone: +1 (800) 776-7770
- Suunto website: www.suunto.com
Copyright
This publication and its contents are proprietary to Suunto Oy. Suunto, Wristop Computer, Suunto t1, and their logos are registered or unregistered trademarks of Suunto Oy. All rights reserved.
While great care has been taken to ensure accuracy and completeness, no warranty is expressed or implied. Content is subject to change at any time without notice.
