A buzzing in the ears. . ..

[DYEVOUT 0]

Hi Folks

I've been reading all the threads concerning audibles, and, as a rookie - I've been considering one for the extra margin of safety it would provide. Everyone seems so thrilled with the Pro-Track, and the quality and customer service.

For now, I would probably not use all the bells and whistles, just the altimeter feature - but I'm sure I'd use the other cool stuff once I'm licensed. My question concerns the peripherals one needs to get everything out of a Pro-Track.

They start out $100.00+ more expensive than other units. I figure you must also buy software, and cabling to link the little guy to your PC. What is the total investment required to fully utilize this system?

Also - Do You have to buy an expensive helmet to install one of these guys? I'm looking at the Pro-Tec helmets, and their ad doesn't mention the capability of adding an audible.

Thanks in advance for any help you may provide.

----------------=8^)----------------------
"I think that was the wrong tennis court."

[Sonic 0]

You don't need the software for it, you can view everything you need on the screen (unless you want all the graphs etc). I've jumped my pro-track in a pro-tec several times and never had any problems with it.

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It's like something out of that twilighty show about that zone

[Satan666 0]

If you are just going to be using the Audible facilities rather buy the Pro-Dytter it is a cheaper option. The software for the Pro track is roughly half the cost of the Pro track so you will be looking in the region of $350 -$400 if not not more.
For the Pro-tec most people cable tie it inside the ear hole part of the helmet.

[quade 4]

You can deal with the audibles in stages depending on the level of need you have for information.

If all you want are some beeps (clearly the primary function) then the ProDytter is a good choice. The ProDytter can be set for three different altitude warnings, but has no logging funtions at all. It's very simple to use and I use one as my primary audible.

The next step up is the ProTrack, which also can be set for three different warning altitudes, but also has a nifty logging feature and records freefall speeds. You don't need -anything- beyond the device itself in order to access the logbook and basic speed information. I have one of these that I carry in my jumpsuit pocket to log jumps for me. I also have this around in case my primary fails or if I want to do some other kind of jumping and not wear the camera helmet I have my primary in.

Beyond the simple information you can access on the front panel of the ProTrack, if you hook a computer up to it and have the appropriate software, you can download detailed information about the skydives. (Note: Windows only) If I was really into doing BirdMan jumps, I'd definately be doing this, but in my normal day-to-day jumping, I personally see no burning need for this level of detail.

As for mounting in a ProTec -- get yourself a baby sock and tie wrap it to the inside of the ProTec in one of the ear holes. Works great, protects the unit from scratches and you can easily remove the unit at a moments notice.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[TALONSKY 0]

The Pro-Track or Pro-dytter can be installed in almost any helmet. I have seen several in Protec helmets.
I would strongly encourage you not to use an audible altimeter for a long time. Audibles are great and almost a necessity in freeflying but as a student you need to build a good internal clock for altitude awareness. Having an audible early in your skydiving life you may not build that internal clock for altitude since the audible will let you know the important altitudes.
Blue Skies
Kirk

[quade 4]

On the other hand, I -would- suggest getting an audible as soon as you can afford it, but set it so that it goes off -below- the altitudes that you would normally want to break off at. The audible should be a reminder that you screwed up.

For instance, let's say you're a newbie doing 4-way . . . planned breakoff might be 4,500, so set the audible for 4,000. If you haven't broken off by the time you hear the audible, you've f'ed up and need to be reminded of it.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[TALONSKY 0]

Good point Quade
Kirk

[BadDog 0]

The list price of the software and computer interface is $99. I know a guy who uses a rubberband to fasten his ProTrack to the strap on his goggles when he jumps without a helmet (which maybe he has done too many times?). I sometimes put mine in my pocket when I jump, which is what I recommend if you (for some reason) don't want an audible (that way you don't have to manually enter the jump or have your ProTrack out of sync with your paper logbook).