Hellis 0 #1 January 18, 2016 I remember a year ago or longer there was a discussion about Iota as a tracker for your main. I also remember some (one or more) saying they backed the project. Anyone got their? Is it worth it? Does it work in skydiving? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hackish 8 #2 January 18, 2016 I'm not sure about Iota specifically but I kickstarted a high power bluetooth tracker called stonetether but got screwed. It's continual promises but no products. Instead I just got a tile and have been testing out the range. I think it's a viable solution. Next step will be to design a long range antenna and see what sort of range I can get. -Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hellis 0 #3 January 19, 2016 Ouch! Not Stonetether? I was very close on backing that project. I'm happy I didn't. Since I'm not a backer I can't see everything on the kickstarter page, but yesterday when I was there it almost looked close to be released? It was a working device on a video. Didn't look like a prototype. But maybe it needs bugtesting first, and that can take a long time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougH 270 #4 January 21, 2016 I am a backer. Still no device. They were overly optimistic about the completion date, but the company took the time to work out issues, and beta test with SanFran backers first. I'm expecting my device at the end of the month hopefully."The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hellis 0 #5 January 21, 2016 DougH I am a backer. Still no device. They were overly optimistic about the completion date, but the company took the time to work out issues, and beta test with SanFran backers first. I'm expecting my device at the end of the month hopefully. Optimistic delivery dates is a part of all kickstarter projects. Thanks for the update! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
psw097 0 #6 January 25, 2016 I received my Iota base station and 3 tags the start of January. The dogs have them on their collars now, its winter so hard to test much. I have not been able to test range. The battery life if good so far unless i use geofencing, 15% down in 3 weeks, but geofencing drained one of the batteries in a week. The app could use some work but is functional. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hellis 0 #7 January 27, 2016 Thanks! Sounds as it has a good battery life. Is it easy to switch off? The stuff I have used so far (GPS units) have been too easy to turn off. And that makes them pretty crappy for finding your gear. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
psw097 0 #8 January 27, 2016 Yes, battery is good so far - the 2 tags that I have not tried geofencing on are at 83% and 84% after 3 weeks. So far, no inadvertent power-off and the puppy is pretty tough on gear, especially stuff hanging from the older dog's collar. To turn off you need to hold down the button for several seconds, it blinks when powered up for easy ID. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hellis 0 #9 January 27, 2016 That does not sound good enough for skydiving use. When you close the container you push everywhere on the rig. The GPSes I have tried has been push and hold or push and push again to switch off. And it's actually hard not to switch them off. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
psw097 0 #10 January 27, 2016 I think it will be fine but won't know for sure until the glacier recedes this spring. I was initially planning on putting it in a FF style flat BOC handle instead of in a Dbag pocket so the container concern isn't a problem. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hellis 0 #11 January 27, 2016 Give me some of that glacier. Over here it's just above freezing and gray skies all the time. Sounds as a good plan with the BOC handle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougH 270 #12 February 2, 2016 I just received mine yesterday. No input yet other than my initial impression from opening the box and checking out the tags. The trackers are much smaller than I expected, and light, which is great. I initially was brainstorming a velcro pouch for the deployment bag, but given the size I think a PC handle, or a spandex pouch on the risers. So that raises a question, what is the location that sees the lowest g's and force through deployment, is it the risers, dbag, or the handle on top of the pilot chute? My guess is the dbag sees a lot of g's being subjected to snatch force, but not sure about the other two."The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougH 270 #13 February 2, 2016 The next ideas to kick around involve the base... How can the base be setup to be mounted outdoors? I am guessing that being mounted in a weather proof enclosure at height could only help the range. Also how can the base be used in a mobile format to search for canopies/tags that end up outside of the range."The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
psw097 0 #14 February 2, 2016 I had not put any thought into mounting the base station outdoors (dry bag maybe) but for the mobile base station I think using a phone as a mobile hotspot and rigging up a 12V car adapter is all that would be needed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites