MB38 0 #1 August 4, 2005 I only have a few jumps in the bag, but I'm trying to do a little altimeter research nonetheless. I bumped into this shot of a digital altimeter in a video I was watching... anybody know what it is?I really don't know what I'm talking about. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot1 0 #2 August 4, 2005 Suunto Be safe. Edwww.WestCoastWingsuits.com www.PrecisionSkydiving.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MB38 0 #3 August 4, 2005 Groovy, thanks! I really don't know what I'm talking about. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot1 0 #4 August 4, 2005 QuoteGroovy, thanks! No worries. But it's NOT a good atimeter for a student, as its not fast enough nor accurate enough during your student training. Please do not use one until you have GREAT altitude awaerness. Be safe. Edwww.WestCoastWingsuits.com www.PrecisionSkydiving.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MB38 0 #5 August 4, 2005 Exactly the advice I like to hear. I'm one of those people who likes to research the hell out of everything. I won't turn this into a "which altimeter is best" thread, because I know there isn't one.I really don't know what I'm talking about. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Travman 6 #6 August 4, 2005 What are your thoughts on a neptune? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stumpy 284 #7 August 4, 2005 Bear in mind that when the batteries run out on the neptune it doesn't necessarily give you any warning. I use mine as an audible - think i would always rather have an analogue one as a primary .(especially as i'm still new and the mk1 eyeball isn't that well calibrated yet....)Never try to eat more than you can lift Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonto 1 #8 August 4, 2005 Quoteit doesn't necessarily give you any warning. No warning at all apart from the battery voltage down to 100th of a volt. Should you choose not to replace the battery - who's fault would that be? If you're that worried - you shouldn't rely on your analog alti either. If anything, you should rely on the large planet shaped object aproaching you when you're in freefall. It remains the AUTHORITY on altitude. tIt's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stumpy 284 #9 August 4, 2005 QuoteNo warning at all apart from the battery voltage down to 100th of a volt. Where is that? I have recently had a software upgrade so it might be something i haven't found yet - but i have just had a brand new battery as well and the audible battery level indicator is playing up already. My rep reckons there is a glitch in the software as well to do with this. its fine in that it is working fine on jumps, but if there are little glitches and so on then for me its not quite as reliable as an analogue QuoteIt remains the AUTHORITY on altitude. Nah - I wonder if it will be friendly? (Pop quiz - name the book)Never try to eat more than you can lift Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonto 1 #10 August 4, 2005 QuoteQuoteNo warning at all apart from the battery voltage down to 100th of a volt. Where is that? Status. I never meant this to be a digital/analog battle. Truth is - stuff breaks, and when it does, the trick is not to be screwed. Hitch hikers guide, by the way.. tIt's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #11 August 4, 2005 There is a "glitch" in the battery indicator of the latest software version. New software is in beta test right now which should fix the problem and add some features, as well as correct a whole bunch of other minor issues. Dunno when it'll be released... usually doesn't take too long. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stumpy 284 #12 August 4, 2005 Thanks dave!!Never try to eat more than you can lift Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MB38 0 #13 August 4, 2005 I continue to be attracted to the Neptune. The reviews in the gear section are pretty dismal, but all I ever hear on the forums are its praises. I guess i'll find out quickly, I gotta get an altimeter soon.I really don't know what I'm talking about. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pendragon 1 #14 August 4, 2005 The problem with the Neptune is that it's digital, which means you actually have to read the display. Analogue displays are much easier - quick glance and you can see the needle's position. I'd get an Altimaster III galaxy. Mine seems to be accurate to 17,000ft AMSL, and I've never had a problem with it. You're still inexperienced; make your life simple. You'll have enough things to be worring about in freefall as it is for the moment. The advantage of a Neptune is that you can use it to help set up a swoop landing as it is very accurate. However, that's something you shouldn't be doing for some time yet. Besides, there are better audiables out there than a Neptune (for which the real value comes from mounting it on your wrist anyway) As for the Suunto, like the Casio, the manufacturers state that they are unsuitable for freefall. These things are designed for climbers and mountaineers (I have one, but I don't skydive with it). I'm always of the opinion that those who wear them frequently never look at them during freefall, and are reliant solely on their audiables. Since you're starting out, try not to acquire bad habits. -- BASE #1182 Muff #3573 PFI #52; UK WSI #13 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nate_1979 9 #15 August 4, 2005 I dunno, it's just as easy for me to read the digital as it is the analog... infact, now it's easier for me to read digital since that's what I'm used to.. I never had to think when I switched to the neptune. But, that's just me I guess.. edited to add: another thing I noticed about digital is that they tend to be accurate with eachother.. I see analog alti's displaying all kinds of crap on the ride up, the digitals all say the same thing... Helps when in a group and people start trying to break off 500ft earlier than the next guy cuz they have different readings... IMO. edited again to add: not that that's such a big deal FGF #??? I miss the sky... There are 10 types of people in the world... those who understand binary and those who don't. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #16 August 4, 2005 QuoteBesides, there are better audiables out there than a Neptune Such as? I use my neptune as an audible. There's nothing wrong with the protrack, but I think the neptune is better. They both beep when you need em to, they both have data loggers, but the neptune is far more user friendly, has cheaper batteries (I pay $1.83 each, and it only uses 1), has swoop mode, and will have more and more features added in the future. Also no freefall time limit, no minimum freefall time to log the jump, etc. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nate_1979 9 #17 August 4, 2005 Where you buying your batteries? I just got 4 of them for almost $4 each... I've had a hard time finding the batteries that are recommended by Alti-2. FGF #??? I miss the sky... There are 10 types of people in the world... those who understand binary and those who don't. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #18 August 4, 2005 http://www.batteriesandbutter.com They're a bit shady... they don't tell you the final price until AFTER shipping. Gotta buy at least 10 to get that low a price. Shipping turned out reasonable though, and the batteries seem fine. I've been selling them at cost or giving them away at my DZ. If you've got a few neptune owners, I'm sure you can easily order enough to get the bulk price. Even better price if you wanna buy 100. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pendragon 1 #19 August 4, 2005 QuoteQuoteBesides, there are better audiables out there than a Neptune Such as? I use my neptune as an audible. There's nothing wrong with the protrack, but I think the neptune is better. During a 3 week stay in Eloy last December, my Neptune crashed on me no less than 9 times. 4 of these were in 1 day. Majority of the times it crashed were during freefall. Good job I had my trusty analogue with me It was still fairly new, so batteries weren't an issue. Besides, I tried replacing them with new ones, to little effect. Protrack/Pro-dytter, on the other hand, I've never had nor heard of anyone having a problem with them. As for analogue altis being inaccurate, there is some rubbish out there. However, who cares if it's a little out at 12,000 ft? My Neptune? Now it's decided to behave itself, not having crashed for the last 8 months and >200 jumps... [touching wood]-- BASE #1182 Muff #3573 PFI #52; UK WSI #13 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MB38 0 #20 August 4, 2005 I'm going to borrow a few different altimeters before I make my final decision. I'm finding it "tricky" to instantly discern altitude from a needle right now, but that's just because I've only had to do it about 40 times... ever. Better to try a few than to be out $250 on an altimeter that doesn't love me.I really don't know what I'm talking about. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hackb431 0 #21 August 4, 2005 I don't have nearly enough jumps but my two cents anyways. I just bought a Dytter for my audible and a Neptune for my wrist mount. I only have 2 jumps on the combo but I find it easier for "me" to read the Neptune's display vs. the analog. But things break or fail to function properly so it is what ever works for you and is the easiest for you. But when it's all said and done when the big green ball gets to big for comfort PULL!HackB A.K.A. "Puppy" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nate_1979 9 #22 August 4, 2005 nice, good site, thanks :) Working w/ Lara to become one of the Alti-2 field support people for my DZ ... Since new batteries and updates go well together, .... Those batteries are much cheaper than what I just got.. FGF #??? I miss the sky... There are 10 types of people in the world... those who understand binary and those who don't. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivingdutch 0 #23 August 10, 2005 Quote[touching wood] Eeewwww... http://dropman.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grue 1 #24 August 10, 2005 Quote Nah - I wonder if it will be friendly? (Pop quiz - name the book) Hitchhiker's Guide, of course.cavete terrae. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MB38 0 #25 August 10, 2005 42saywhat?I really don't know what I'm talking about. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
