Ron 10 #1 August 23, 2004 Some info....Been jumping 11 years 3,330+ jumps. I have owned an OLD dytter (The ones that just had one warrning and you rotated the dial to set it), a Timeout, a PRO Ditter, and now a Neptune. Also it should be noted that I didn't pay for the Neptune it was a sponsorship, and that I both know and like Roger and Cathy personally. For those that know me know that I don't accept sponsorship from companies I don't trust, and I will not take a sponsored piece of equipment if I would not buy it. It's one reason I PAY for Performance Designs products rather than get other free canopies. Now that the disclamer is done: I was not a big fan of the Neptune when it came out. It had several bugs, and many revisions in the first week. I am skeptical of ANY new toy in skydiving. I prefer to wait a year or two and let any hidden problems show up and get fixed before I become a "test dummy". This way of thinking may not make me cool, but I think it makes me safer having known and trusted equipment. Well, my 4way team was sponsored by Neptune. They handed me a Neptune and asked me to jump it. The rest of the team was very happy with the device, so I put it into my helmet to use as an audible. I told them that if I didn't like the product I was not going to jump it. It is VERY easy to use. I did not get a manual with the Neptune and I have managed to do eveything with it except change the temp from C to F, and use the night light. Both nothing that I care about. It was so easy to use that I self taught myself it on a 20 min call. And I still can't fiqure out how to work my Pro-Dytter to this day. It is that easy to use. I like the ability to set different altitudes not only for the 3 warnings, but also the ability to set pre-programed dive profiles. It was easy to set up the profiles, and I already have three set: Tandem, 4way, and RW. On the Tandem mode my first warning is at 6 grand, the second at 5, and the last at 2.5. The RW mode is set for regular RW dives. I have the first warning set at 4 grand, second at 2.5, and the third at 1.5. The 4way modes only difference is that I have the first alarm set at 3.5. All of these can be changed in a matter of seconds, and the bouns is that it records the TYPE of dive with it. So after a busy weekend I can look back and find out how many Tandems I did. Did I mention how easy this is to use? I know I am harping on it, but I am REALLY impressed with the user interface. The speeds at different altitudes is a great feature. I was showing my tandem passengers how fast we were going on my Neptune as I signed their logbooks...They really liked that info instead of just being told 120 MPH. The time and date stamp on the logs is really nice. And I have found myself looking at the thing as a watch while in the plane and on the DZ. All in all I am changing my position on the Neptune. I don't think there is anything wrong with the Pro-Track (Other than the user interface). But I am so impressed with the Neptune, and I feel that most of the bugs are now worked out that I will recomend them from now on. Both companies have good products, both companies have great customer service. I just think the Neptune is a better product for the following reasons: 1. EASY to use. 2. Dive Profiles that are easy to switch. 3. Logbook that records what profile you used with a time/date stamp. 4. Water proof for that occasional stupid human swoop trick. 5. Can be used as a visual or audible. I will admit that I don't have much time with a Pro-Track, but I do have about as much time with it as my new Neptune. Again just my opinion....But I like it."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KolinskyDC 0 #2 August 23, 2004 Thanks for the info. I plan on ordering an audible sometime this week, you just made my decision a lot easier for me. I did ask two guys at my DZ which to buy, and they both said to buy the Neptune. When I asked why, they said because it can be used as a digital altimeter as well as an audible, but you went into a lot more detail. It also does not hurt that costs a little less than the other. My question is this, should I be concerned about the failure of this or any other audible? Are there reports out there on audible failure rates? I have not looked for threads on it yet, but I was wondering if you knew of any other place to look for this kind of information. Melissa "May the best of your past be the worst of your future" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #3 August 23, 2004 Will a failure happen to your audible? Maybe, who knows. Should it really matter? Nope, you should have a visual altimeter and your eyes to judge altitude. I had a Neptune LCD crack on me, so it can happen, but Pro-Tracks have done that in the past as well.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KolinskyDC 0 #4 August 23, 2004 QuoteQuoteWill a failure happen to your audible? Maybe, who knows. Should it really matter? Nope, you should have a visual altimeter and your eyes to judge altitude. Knew that was coming! Melissa "May the best of your past be the worst of your future" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Ron 10 #5 August 23, 2004 QuoteThanks for the info. Your welcome. Quote plan on ordering an audible sometime this week, you just made my decision a lot easier for me. Again its just my opinion...In fact I was not planning on writting anything about it...But it was so easy to use that I felt I needed to. Also I was not a fan of them at first...they had problems, and I think they were released to soon. Those problems have been fixed, and now I think they are as reliable as anything else, and easier to use with some better features. QuoteMy question is this, should I be concerned about the failure of this or any other audible? Yes, any device can fail. And the problem with some of these devices is that you will not know they failed till after you needed it. For example are you sure your CYPRES will work? How are you sure, just because it turned on? With Audibles and AAD's you don't know they failed until AFTER they should have worked....Not such a good thing. ALWAYS expect a device to fail. Have more than one way to tell altitude. Train yourself to know what your pull altitude looks like. The lack of information on the Neptune was the very reason I could not recomend it. However, I have changed my mind based on the fact that it has been around for some time now and there have been few problems recently. AggieDave had a problem with the LCD cracking....I have heard of this before. It seems that it is not as tough as an analog...And for that reason I will use it only as an audible. QuoteAre there reports out there on audible failure rates? Not that I know of, but places like this are a good reference...Another is your local DZ folk. I tend to trust people on my DZ that are in the "know". Riggers, instructors and trusted sales people over people on the internet, or sponsored people. Understand that some people will push what they are given, or what they will make money off of. Thats why I mentioned being sponsored...My views are not tainted, but you should be aware they could be. As it is I would recomend the Neptune as an Audible...But they don't seem as strong as I think they should be to be a visual yet. I am sure that will be fixed soon. Hope this helps."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites pilotdave 0 #6 August 23, 2004 I have really learned to expect my audible to fail on every jump. That's cause it fails on almost every jump. But it's probably taught me a good lesson! I love my neptune, but the pull alarm almost never works anymore. Was fine at first, but yesterday I think it worked on maybe 1 or 2 of 7 jumps. Breakoff works fine, and I've heard the flatline right after opening a few times. But for whatever reason, the pull alarm usually fails. But I'm 100% sure that I'm more altitude aware because I expect the failure. It's very hard to truly expect it to fail when you are pretty damn sure it's going to work. Some people set their alarms 500 feet low to train themselves. If you hear the breakoff alarm and you aren't already tracking, you screwed up. Probably a good idea. I'll email alti-2 (unless they write to me before I write to them, which has happened before) and see what they think. I don't have the latest software on mine, so that might be a good place to start. EDIT: Already got an email from Lara to help solve my problem! I've heard good things about L&Bs service, but I bet you need to write to them to be taken care of, not the other way around! Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites John4455 0 #7 August 23, 2004 I have never been one to buy "gadgets" as I call them, but getting a wingsuit and wanting to know freefall times, I bought a neptune. I really like my Neptune. After using it, I am impressed. It solved serveral things for me. Freefall times and speeds, a lighted altimeter for night jumps, and time ( I never wear a watch) It has lots of other functions also that I don't use. I don't wear it on tandem jumps for fear that I might damage the display. How do ya like it Johnny? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites headoverheels 333 #8 August 23, 2004 My only significant complaint with my Neptune is battery life. I replaced the battery in June, have made maybe 60 jumps since then, and the battery is already low enough that I can't view the logged jumps. They definitely need to provide a way to turn the device off, then wake it up with a button push. As now, it shouldn't go totally off by itself, just into a low power mode. I think the problem comes in when I go home. The last thing I do us drive uphill 2 miles to my house, with a 700 foot elevation gain. The Neptune doubtlessly thinks that I just took off in an airplane. When I first got it, I pushed a button to "play" with it a day after I got it home, and it gave me the "very slow climb" message. i.e., it had been on for more than 24 hours. I've had software updates since then, so maybe that's been improved a bit, but the battery life in my case has been poor. I also get an "extra" skydive logged each way to the DZ, as I usually fly to get there. Roger says to remove the battery when travelling by airliner, in order to avoid draining the battery, but this is too inconvenient -- it should be fixed, not worked around. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites diablopilot 2 #9 August 23, 2004 QuoteAnd I still can't fiqure out how to work my Pro-Dytter to this day. You wear a Pro-Tec around the house don't you?---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Ron 10 #10 August 23, 2004 QuoteMy only significant complaint with my Neptune is battery life. I replaced the battery in June, have made maybe 60 jumps since then, and the battery is already low enough that I can't view the logged jumps. They definitely need to provide a way to turn the device off, then wake it up with a button push. As now, it shouldn't go totally off by itself, just into a low power mode. I think the problem comes in when I go home. The last thing I do us drive uphill 2 miles to my house, with a 700 foot elevation gain. The Neptune doubtlessly thinks that I just took off in an airplane. When I first got it, I pushed a button to "play" with it a day after I got it home, and it gave me the "very slow climb" message. i.e., it had been on for more than 24 hours. I've had software updates since then, so maybe that's been improved a bit, but the battery life in my case has been poor. I also get an "extra" skydive logged each way to the DZ, as I usually fly to get there. Roger says to remove the battery when travelling by airliner, in order to avoid draining the battery, but this is too inconvenient -- it should be fixed, not worked around. Damn good points...One of the reasons I tend to not buy new toys right away. Good points."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Ron 10 #11 August 23, 2004 QuoteYou wear a Pro-Tec around the house don't you? Damit the judge said you had to stay away"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites okalb 104 #12 August 23, 2004 The only thing I want to add is the following. L&B which makes the pro-track has without a doubt the best customer service of any company I have ever dealt with in or out of skydiving. Many people here will tell you the same thing. My experience with Alti-2 (the company that makes the neptune) was quite the opposite. Just my 2 cents... -OKTime flies like an arrow....fruit flies like a banana Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites headoverheels 333 #13 August 23, 2004 QuoteThe only thing I want to add is the following. L&B which makes the pro-track has without a doubt the best customer service of any company I have ever dealt with in or out of skydiving. Many people here will tell you the same thing. My experience with Alti-2 (the company that makes the neptune) was quite the opposite. Just my 2 cents... -OK Wow, it's not unusual for some customers to be less happy than others, or not supported as well, but I've been consistently impressed with the folks at Alti-2. They regularly show up at events with free altimeter checkups, free lenses for Altimasters, did on-the-spot software updates for my Neptune, free battery if you wanted one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ianmdrennan 2 #14 August 23, 2004 QuoteMany people here will tell you the same thing. My experience with Alti-2 (the company that makes the neptune) was quite the opposite. Well, lets hear what your experience was with them then. I'd definately like to hear what happened. Blues, IanPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites SkymonkeyONE 4 #15 August 23, 2004 Me too. I want to hear your bad story. I, on the other hand, have had absolutely first-rate customer service from Roger and Cathy at Alti-2. I can't imagine ever jumping anything other than a Neptune as an alti anymore. Incredibly light, multi-function, waterproof. I also own a very-old altmaster II that they have serviced for me repeatedly for free, and an altimaster 3 which they fixed for me for free. Nice people. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites okalb 104 #16 August 23, 2004 OK, I really didn't want to do this, but since I brought it up I guess I have to. My experience with them has nothing to do with a neptune, but with an alti-3 altimeter. Someone brought up the fact that they do altimeter repairs and checks at boogies for free and that is great. My first complaint came from the fact that when you send them an altimeter they charge $50 to do the same repair that they do for free at a boogie. So my altimeter was no longer reading the correct altitude (probably due to me dropping it one too many times) I send it to them to be cleaned and calibrated...blah blah blah. When I first emailed them they told me it would take 6 weeks to get it back which I thought was odd since they do it on the spot at boogies. I asked if I could get a loaner from them while I waited the 6 weeks. They did not respond to my email at all the first time and the second time I was given a very rude absolutely not response. Ok, nothing I can do but send it to them, so I did. I waited about the 6 weeks to get it back and payed the $50. When I got it back, I did a jump on it and it was still reading wrong. I spoke to them and was told that they checked it and it was fine. I did another jump with 2 altimeters to compare and it was wrong. They said to send it back. I sent it back and they told me that it would be $50 for the cleaning and calibration. When I reminded them that they just did it and it still didn't work, they said that it was working when they send it to me and it would be $50 to fix it again. I fought and made a big enough deal that they finally did it without charging me the $50 the second time, but I was still without my altimeter for over 2 months and was extremely unhappy with the way I was treated. I will never buy another product from them again. I have since stopped using my alti-3 as it needs to be calibrated again and I refuse to give them another $50 of my money. That is my story. -OKTime flies like an arrow....fruit flies like a banana Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ianmdrennan 2 #17 August 23, 2004 Thanks for passing that info along. I can't really relate as I've always had great service from them, but I'm sorry to hear your experience wasn't what you expected. Blues, IanPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Ron 10 #18 August 23, 2004 QuoteThanks for passing that info along. I can't really relate as I've always had great service from them, but I'm sorry to hear your experience wasn't what you expected. Well I know Oren and thats what happend... It was strange to me also since I had almost the same thing happen. I sent an old one that I had had for 6 years (Before they owned the company) in for repair. They fixed it free, but it still did not work correctly. I called them up to tell them, and they just sent me a new Alti III. It was that act that made me like the company."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ianmdrennan 2 #19 August 23, 2004 QuoteWell I know Oren and thats what happend... I didn't imply that it didn't happen. I was just thanking him for passing along his story but saying that I had, personally, not experienced anything like that. Nothing more, nothing less. Blues, IanPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Ron 10 #20 August 23, 2004 QuoteI didn't imply that it didn't happen. I was just thanking him for passing along his story but saying that I had, personally, not experienced anything like that. Nothing more, nothing less. Oh, I know you didn't mean anything. I was just telling you that I know him, and he had a bad experience with them. I also have had nothing but good experiences with Alti 2."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites MarkM 0 #21 August 23, 2004 Quote ALWAYS expect a device to fail. Have more than one way to tell altitude. Train yourself to know what your pull altitude looks like. The lack of information on the Neptune was the very reason I could not recomend it. However, I have changed my mind based on the fact that it has been around for some time now and there have been few problems recently. AggieDave had a problem with the LCD cracking....I have heard of this before. It seems that it is not as tough as an analog...And for that reason I will use it only as an audible. Yeah, they're definately not as tough as an analog. I had my neptune fail on me on the way to altitude yesterday. It's going to be hard to go back to my old analog though until it gets fixed. Neptunes really spoil you, they do practically everything. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites LouDiamond 1 #22 August 24, 2004 I have been completely happy with my Alti and my Neptune. Roger,Cathy and Lara are always friendly and willing to help people out with their altimeters. I think they do a fantastic job. My Neptune has not given me any issues and I have found that it has grown on me with it's many uses. I like that it can be updated easily and that the Paralog software interfaces with it. The fact that they continue to improve it and have even gone so far as to have field reps at even the smallest DZ shows that they do stand behind their product. Overall, Alti makes great products and continues to research ways to make even better products for skydivers."It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required" Some people dream about flying, I live my dream SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Push 0 #23 August 24, 2004 That's very strange. I've had a great experience with them. My altimaster 3 had its lens fall out. I'm really attached to that altimeter, I've had it since student status, so I wanted to fix it. The alti is not a galaxy, it's one of the original alti3's, so I figured the lens is not replacable. I did not have a warranty since I didn't send in the card, and I lost the receipt. So, I email them on Friday about the cost, and I include the serial number in the email. Come back on Monday from the usual weekend skydiving, and there's an email from them. They checked the serial number and the casing was made with lens treads in it, so I should be able to put in a new lens. Then, to top it all off, their dealer at our DZ just gave me a lens for free. With no charge, in less than a week, I had my alti working again, and it's working to this day. Sorry to hear your experience didn't go so well. -- Toggle Whippin' Yahoo Skydiving is easy. All you have to do is relax while plummetting at 120 mph from 10,000' with nothing but some nylon and webbing to save you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites linny 1 #24 August 26, 2004 Quote I love my neptune, but the pull alarm almost never works anymore. sorry for the bump guys, but this really hit home!!! Sometimes I don't hear the break off alarm of my brand new neptune either. it's a little scary. Lately I've contemplated putting it on my wrist and just getting a Dytter for my helmet..... Another thing about my Neptune....... the speeds are almost always off. Actually I should phrase it like this: when compared to other neptunes on the same dive there is always a Huge difference in speeds. I'm just complaining here, and no I haven't contacted the company... just thought I'd share my experience.... Thanks for all yours!! oh yeah,,,,,,,, any suggestions? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites koz2000 1 #25 August 26, 2004 It is off with a neptune in the same location (as an audible) or with someone who wears it as a wrist/ harness mount? In my experience, there will be a big difference between the locations, even with the protrack. Also make sure that you've got the latest updates v2.1.5 D .______________________________________________ - Does this small canopy make my balls look big? - J. Hayes - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. 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Ron 10 #5 August 23, 2004 QuoteThanks for the info. Your welcome. Quote plan on ordering an audible sometime this week, you just made my decision a lot easier for me. Again its just my opinion...In fact I was not planning on writting anything about it...But it was so easy to use that I felt I needed to. Also I was not a fan of them at first...they had problems, and I think they were released to soon. Those problems have been fixed, and now I think they are as reliable as anything else, and easier to use with some better features. QuoteMy question is this, should I be concerned about the failure of this or any other audible? Yes, any device can fail. And the problem with some of these devices is that you will not know they failed till after you needed it. For example are you sure your CYPRES will work? How are you sure, just because it turned on? With Audibles and AAD's you don't know they failed until AFTER they should have worked....Not such a good thing. ALWAYS expect a device to fail. Have more than one way to tell altitude. Train yourself to know what your pull altitude looks like. The lack of information on the Neptune was the very reason I could not recomend it. However, I have changed my mind based on the fact that it has been around for some time now and there have been few problems recently. AggieDave had a problem with the LCD cracking....I have heard of this before. It seems that it is not as tough as an analog...And for that reason I will use it only as an audible. QuoteAre there reports out there on audible failure rates? Not that I know of, but places like this are a good reference...Another is your local DZ folk. I tend to trust people on my DZ that are in the "know". Riggers, instructors and trusted sales people over people on the internet, or sponsored people. Understand that some people will push what they are given, or what they will make money off of. Thats why I mentioned being sponsored...My views are not tainted, but you should be aware they could be. As it is I would recomend the Neptune as an Audible...But they don't seem as strong as I think they should be to be a visual yet. I am sure that will be fixed soon. Hope this helps."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #6 August 23, 2004 I have really learned to expect my audible to fail on every jump. That's cause it fails on almost every jump. But it's probably taught me a good lesson! I love my neptune, but the pull alarm almost never works anymore. Was fine at first, but yesterday I think it worked on maybe 1 or 2 of 7 jumps. Breakoff works fine, and I've heard the flatline right after opening a few times. But for whatever reason, the pull alarm usually fails. But I'm 100% sure that I'm more altitude aware because I expect the failure. It's very hard to truly expect it to fail when you are pretty damn sure it's going to work. Some people set their alarms 500 feet low to train themselves. If you hear the breakoff alarm and you aren't already tracking, you screwed up. Probably a good idea. I'll email alti-2 (unless they write to me before I write to them, which has happened before) and see what they think. I don't have the latest software on mine, so that might be a good place to start. EDIT: Already got an email from Lara to help solve my problem! I've heard good things about L&Bs service, but I bet you need to write to them to be taken care of, not the other way around! Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John4455 0 #7 August 23, 2004 I have never been one to buy "gadgets" as I call them, but getting a wingsuit and wanting to know freefall times, I bought a neptune. I really like my Neptune. After using it, I am impressed. It solved serveral things for me. Freefall times and speeds, a lighted altimeter for night jumps, and time ( I never wear a watch) It has lots of other functions also that I don't use. I don't wear it on tandem jumps for fear that I might damage the display. How do ya like it Johnny? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
headoverheels 333 #8 August 23, 2004 My only significant complaint with my Neptune is battery life. I replaced the battery in June, have made maybe 60 jumps since then, and the battery is already low enough that I can't view the logged jumps. They definitely need to provide a way to turn the device off, then wake it up with a button push. As now, it shouldn't go totally off by itself, just into a low power mode. I think the problem comes in when I go home. The last thing I do us drive uphill 2 miles to my house, with a 700 foot elevation gain. The Neptune doubtlessly thinks that I just took off in an airplane. When I first got it, I pushed a button to "play" with it a day after I got it home, and it gave me the "very slow climb" message. i.e., it had been on for more than 24 hours. I've had software updates since then, so maybe that's been improved a bit, but the battery life in my case has been poor. I also get an "extra" skydive logged each way to the DZ, as I usually fly to get there. Roger says to remove the battery when travelling by airliner, in order to avoid draining the battery, but this is too inconvenient -- it should be fixed, not worked around. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #9 August 23, 2004 QuoteAnd I still can't fiqure out how to work my Pro-Dytter to this day. You wear a Pro-Tec around the house don't you?---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #10 August 23, 2004 QuoteMy only significant complaint with my Neptune is battery life. I replaced the battery in June, have made maybe 60 jumps since then, and the battery is already low enough that I can't view the logged jumps. They definitely need to provide a way to turn the device off, then wake it up with a button push. As now, it shouldn't go totally off by itself, just into a low power mode. I think the problem comes in when I go home. The last thing I do us drive uphill 2 miles to my house, with a 700 foot elevation gain. The Neptune doubtlessly thinks that I just took off in an airplane. When I first got it, I pushed a button to "play" with it a day after I got it home, and it gave me the "very slow climb" message. i.e., it had been on for more than 24 hours. I've had software updates since then, so maybe that's been improved a bit, but the battery life in my case has been poor. I also get an "extra" skydive logged each way to the DZ, as I usually fly to get there. Roger says to remove the battery when travelling by airliner, in order to avoid draining the battery, but this is too inconvenient -- it should be fixed, not worked around. Damn good points...One of the reasons I tend to not buy new toys right away. Good points."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #11 August 23, 2004 QuoteYou wear a Pro-Tec around the house don't you? Damit the judge said you had to stay away"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
okalb 104 #12 August 23, 2004 The only thing I want to add is the following. L&B which makes the pro-track has without a doubt the best customer service of any company I have ever dealt with in or out of skydiving. Many people here will tell you the same thing. My experience with Alti-2 (the company that makes the neptune) was quite the opposite. Just my 2 cents... -OKTime flies like an arrow....fruit flies like a banana Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
headoverheels 333 #13 August 23, 2004 QuoteThe only thing I want to add is the following. L&B which makes the pro-track has without a doubt the best customer service of any company I have ever dealt with in or out of skydiving. Many people here will tell you the same thing. My experience with Alti-2 (the company that makes the neptune) was quite the opposite. Just my 2 cents... -OK Wow, it's not unusual for some customers to be less happy than others, or not supported as well, but I've been consistently impressed with the folks at Alti-2. They regularly show up at events with free altimeter checkups, free lenses for Altimasters, did on-the-spot software updates for my Neptune, free battery if you wanted one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #14 August 23, 2004 QuoteMany people here will tell you the same thing. My experience with Alti-2 (the company that makes the neptune) was quite the opposite. Well, lets hear what your experience was with them then. I'd definately like to hear what happened. Blues, IanPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #15 August 23, 2004 Me too. I want to hear your bad story. I, on the other hand, have had absolutely first-rate customer service from Roger and Cathy at Alti-2. I can't imagine ever jumping anything other than a Neptune as an alti anymore. Incredibly light, multi-function, waterproof. I also own a very-old altmaster II that they have serviced for me repeatedly for free, and an altimaster 3 which they fixed for me for free. Nice people. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
okalb 104 #16 August 23, 2004 OK, I really didn't want to do this, but since I brought it up I guess I have to. My experience with them has nothing to do with a neptune, but with an alti-3 altimeter. Someone brought up the fact that they do altimeter repairs and checks at boogies for free and that is great. My first complaint came from the fact that when you send them an altimeter they charge $50 to do the same repair that they do for free at a boogie. So my altimeter was no longer reading the correct altitude (probably due to me dropping it one too many times) I send it to them to be cleaned and calibrated...blah blah blah. When I first emailed them they told me it would take 6 weeks to get it back which I thought was odd since they do it on the spot at boogies. I asked if I could get a loaner from them while I waited the 6 weeks. They did not respond to my email at all the first time and the second time I was given a very rude absolutely not response. Ok, nothing I can do but send it to them, so I did. I waited about the 6 weeks to get it back and payed the $50. When I got it back, I did a jump on it and it was still reading wrong. I spoke to them and was told that they checked it and it was fine. I did another jump with 2 altimeters to compare and it was wrong. They said to send it back. I sent it back and they told me that it would be $50 for the cleaning and calibration. When I reminded them that they just did it and it still didn't work, they said that it was working when they send it to me and it would be $50 to fix it again. I fought and made a big enough deal that they finally did it without charging me the $50 the second time, but I was still without my altimeter for over 2 months and was extremely unhappy with the way I was treated. I will never buy another product from them again. I have since stopped using my alti-3 as it needs to be calibrated again and I refuse to give them another $50 of my money. That is my story. -OKTime flies like an arrow....fruit flies like a banana Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #17 August 23, 2004 Thanks for passing that info along. I can't really relate as I've always had great service from them, but I'm sorry to hear your experience wasn't what you expected. Blues, IanPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #18 August 23, 2004 QuoteThanks for passing that info along. I can't really relate as I've always had great service from them, but I'm sorry to hear your experience wasn't what you expected. Well I know Oren and thats what happend... It was strange to me also since I had almost the same thing happen. I sent an old one that I had had for 6 years (Before they owned the company) in for repair. They fixed it free, but it still did not work correctly. I called them up to tell them, and they just sent me a new Alti III. It was that act that made me like the company."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #19 August 23, 2004 QuoteWell I know Oren and thats what happend... I didn't imply that it didn't happen. I was just thanking him for passing along his story but saying that I had, personally, not experienced anything like that. Nothing more, nothing less. Blues, IanPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #20 August 23, 2004 QuoteI didn't imply that it didn't happen. I was just thanking him for passing along his story but saying that I had, personally, not experienced anything like that. Nothing more, nothing less. Oh, I know you didn't mean anything. I was just telling you that I know him, and he had a bad experience with them. I also have had nothing but good experiences with Alti 2."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarkM 0 #21 August 23, 2004 Quote ALWAYS expect a device to fail. Have more than one way to tell altitude. Train yourself to know what your pull altitude looks like. The lack of information on the Neptune was the very reason I could not recomend it. However, I have changed my mind based on the fact that it has been around for some time now and there have been few problems recently. AggieDave had a problem with the LCD cracking....I have heard of this before. It seems that it is not as tough as an analog...And for that reason I will use it only as an audible. Yeah, they're definately not as tough as an analog. I had my neptune fail on me on the way to altitude yesterday. It's going to be hard to go back to my old analog though until it gets fixed. Neptunes really spoil you, they do practically everything. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LouDiamond 1 #22 August 24, 2004 I have been completely happy with my Alti and my Neptune. Roger,Cathy and Lara are always friendly and willing to help people out with their altimeters. I think they do a fantastic job. My Neptune has not given me any issues and I have found that it has grown on me with it's many uses. I like that it can be updated easily and that the Paralog software interfaces with it. The fact that they continue to improve it and have even gone so far as to have field reps at even the smallest DZ shows that they do stand behind their product. Overall, Alti makes great products and continues to research ways to make even better products for skydivers."It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required" Some people dream about flying, I live my dream SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Push 0 #23 August 24, 2004 That's very strange. I've had a great experience with them. My altimaster 3 had its lens fall out. I'm really attached to that altimeter, I've had it since student status, so I wanted to fix it. The alti is not a galaxy, it's one of the original alti3's, so I figured the lens is not replacable. I did not have a warranty since I didn't send in the card, and I lost the receipt. So, I email them on Friday about the cost, and I include the serial number in the email. Come back on Monday from the usual weekend skydiving, and there's an email from them. They checked the serial number and the casing was made with lens treads in it, so I should be able to put in a new lens. Then, to top it all off, their dealer at our DZ just gave me a lens for free. With no charge, in less than a week, I had my alti working again, and it's working to this day. Sorry to hear your experience didn't go so well. -- Toggle Whippin' Yahoo Skydiving is easy. All you have to do is relax while plummetting at 120 mph from 10,000' with nothing but some nylon and webbing to save you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
linny 1 #24 August 26, 2004 Quote I love my neptune, but the pull alarm almost never works anymore. sorry for the bump guys, but this really hit home!!! Sometimes I don't hear the break off alarm of my brand new neptune either. it's a little scary. Lately I've contemplated putting it on my wrist and just getting a Dytter for my helmet..... Another thing about my Neptune....... the speeds are almost always off. Actually I should phrase it like this: when compared to other neptunes on the same dive there is always a Huge difference in speeds. I'm just complaining here, and no I haven't contacted the company... just thought I'd share my experience.... Thanks for all yours!! oh yeah,,,,,,,, any suggestions? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
koz2000 1 #25 August 26, 2004 It is off with a neptune in the same location (as an audible) or with someone who wears it as a wrist/ harness mount? In my experience, there will be a big difference between the locations, even with the protrack. Also make sure that you've got the latest updates v2.1.5 D .______________________________________________ - Does this small canopy make my balls look big? - J. Hayes - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
