fastkite

That's a good idea. I'll build a prototype and see how it works.

I have thought about making it rotate into the relative air flow, though I haven't figured out a clean way to do that. And yes, I do believe sporting one of these will make you popular with the ladies! LOL

I have been busy all winter developing a system of collecting data used to measure performance of aircraft and apply it to Wingsuiting and Canopy flight. I've recently assembled a couple prototypes upon which the technology is being proven out. So far the results are very encouraging for collecting and relaying information to a canopy pilot. The next goal is to translate this technology to the Wingsuit pilot. One of main problems with the FlightHUD is most of the information is GPS based with a low sample rate and resolution. The result is wind, and descent rate skew the speed information reported back to you making it difficult to fine tune your flight performance for optimal glide, minimum descent rate, maximum speed, or minimum speed for example. The goal is to create the same type of instrumentation a pilot uses to fly an airplane and make them available to a wingsuit pilot through the HUD. See the attached image of the current prototype. The first and most important step was made possibly by Recon Instruments by creating an affordable HUD which fits nicely inside a skydiving helmet (Cookie G3 helmet with an add-on). In the future perhaps the Google Glass will open this capabilities of this technology further. The second step was to create a small, light, battery operated air data probe which could collect data and delver it wirelessly to a mobile device. I created two versions, one flying version intended for canopy performance testing, one helmet mounted version intended for wingsuit and canopy flying. Although the first prototype was created in less than a week, it took 5 months before a functional prototype was test flown as part of a skydive. The forth step was to create a mobile platform upon which the data can be collected, and studied. So far I've created apps for iPhone and Android for this function. I tried chest mounting these with limited success due mainly to the reflections caused by the phone case I was using. It does however offer an alternative to using a HUD. The fifth step was to transfer this information to a HUD. Recon Instruments released the MOD Live which allows custom programming (unlike the MOD or FlightHUD). Unfortunately there is no FlightHUD software for the MOD Live so I started by re-writing portions of this software and making some improvements. I am looking forward to adding some features and hearing about features you may like to see. - Airspeed - Altitude - Descent Rate - Glide Angle - Distance to DZ - DZ Elevation settable & saveable instead of pressing the remote for 1m increments so you can turn off your flight HUD and turn it back on without having to reset the field elevation - DZ location settable - Relative Bearing to the DZ (graphical representation of where the DZ is including a backfly mode) - Warning if glide won't return you to the DZ with set safety altitude - Remove the 'max speed' pop-ups - Log your flight data for later review

I've managed to test the HUD in the G3 cookie under several sun conditions with results comparable to using the goggles. The HUD is even readable under canopy with the visor open at 50 mph (probably works even faster, I didn't try anything faster)

"I have not heard anyone have sun visibility issues yet" Typo.

I have heard anyone have sun visibility issues yet, but it is possible. The goggles block a lot of sun by way of tinyed gogles plus a lot of restriction to visibility. It wasn't very sunny here over the winter when I test jumped it but I did not have that problem. I also never jumped the goggles to compare. Jumping season in Cananda is starting to get going. I'll report back when the weather allows.

Thanks!

I created a video showing the installation of the Cookie G3 FlightHUD mount. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc7sQCkRoCg -Joe Please review the rules on advertising and selling items in the forums.

I like the idea of grippers. I'll add that shortly. Thanks for the review on iTunes.

Just released today is an RW Competition Skydiving game for the iPad. Work your way out of the wind-tunnel and into the air to turn as many points as possible. Don't forget to turn, track and pull before your Cypress fires! Available from iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sky-dive-north-america/id603211890?ls=1&mt=8

Attached is a photo of the finished Cookie G3 HUD Mount. I've made a couple of them, waiting on a supplier to get the raw materials to make more. It's adjustable in several ways the goggles are not. You can move the screen up and down in your vision depending how prevalent you want the HUD to be. The HUD battery fits nicely in the audible pocket by routing it around the visor hinge, or can be mounted at the back for those that use two audibles. No modifications to the G3 Cookie or HUD are required. An extra thin specialize yet stronger velcro strip is applied to the HUD body. This does not interfere with the goggle mount so you can return your HUD to it's original goggles at any time. The mounting band is attached to the G3 Cookie by mating to the existing velcro strips. You can easily access all the HUD controls (Power button, USB port, lens adjustment) while the HUD is mounted in your helmet with the visor open. -Joe

Well I got it pretty well figured out. I've managed to make it removable, adjustable and you can still put the HUD back in your goggles without any problems. I'll post some photos shortly.

Well you loose more depth perception with the FlightHUD goggles, so if it concerns you. I would suggest not wearing FlightHUD at all. The issue is the FlightHUD screen & electronics sits to the right of your eye blocking some of your vision. While the lens and mirror sit just below your eye blocking a little more. I don't think I would BASE jump with or without FlightHUD, but that's just me.

I'll post some photos soon. I'm in the process of creating a removable version which is soft enough that it won't scratch the visor over time. It was not all that difficult to locate the eye position. At least no more fussy then getting the goggles to work for your head. In some variations I was able to locate the eye piece closer to my face (touching) making the optical illusion of heads up even better. By installing this in your helmet you loose peripheral vision to the right as if you were wearing the goggles, but at least your left vision is still intact. Once I have the kinks worked out and flight test it. I may created a limited number of them for those who aren't interested in attaching it themselves.

I think it worked now, sorry