kelel01 1 #1 September 29, 2003 I have a question-- if I buy a Pro-track, do I need to buy a special helmet? Can I mount a Pro-Track onto any old helmet? If not, would it make more sense for me to buy an Altimaster until I can buy my own helmet? Any thoughts? I'm really new at this. Sorry! Kelly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #2 September 29, 2003 Yikes! Besides learning to estimate altitude visually, your 1st altitude measurement device should be a visual, ie, a good old altimeter. Audibles are good devices, but in most situations (and especially when starting) it should only be a backup to your visual altimeter (and your eyeballs as I said above). So yes, buy an Altimeter 1st (whatever brand you prefer, they are all comparable), and then worry about an audible.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pablito 0 #3 September 29, 2003 Buy a neptune man, they are great, I have a Neptune, a Protrack, a Pro Dyter and a FT-50, El neptune suplanto a mi Ft-50, and the Pro-Track and Pro-Dyter are in my helmets as auditables and I love that. THe cool thing with the neptune you can have a jump log on it and is easier to log them afterwards. Those are my 2 cent's I back Remster up on the visual first. the visual pictures are really important. "If you don't overcome your fears they will overcome you first" Shady Monkey/6Segundos Rodriguez/AKA Pablito Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelel01 1 #4 September 29, 2003 Duly noted. Thanks! I really like the Altimasters at the DZ, so I think I'll get one of those. I was just hoping I could get something to calculate my fall rate. Do you know of any brands that are wrist mounted (visual), but calculate fall rate? Kelly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #5 September 29, 2003 QuoteDo you know of any brands that are wrist mounted (visual), but calculate fall rate? The Neptune is not only an audible and freefall computer (i.e. will record fall rate), it can also be used as a digital visual altimeter (worn on wrist). A digital altimeter is a bit different to use than what you're used to. Some people love 'em, others hate 'em. Best if you can borrow/demo one before buying to see if you're one of the former - after you're off student status (until then you're better off using what the dz has). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #6 September 29, 2003 Are all the firmware sagas with the Neptune over with? I wouldnt recommend a new piece of technology as a primary altimeter to a new jumper until all the wrinkles were ironed out....Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andy2 0 #7 September 29, 2003 agreed, wait until all that beta software gets slapped around on the experienced jumpers first. (my main reason for not buying a neptune now, well that and $). --------------------------------------------- let my inspiration flow, in token rhyme suggesting rhythm... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ber 0 #8 September 29, 2003 Neptuno... i got a question, it keep logging jump data after deploy? ive a protrack and one thing i dont like about it, is stop logging after deploy, i like something to record the jump till ground. Any other jump computer do this?Ber --------------------------------- "Who Needs Oxygen Anyway?" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #9 September 29, 2003 The software is stable now IMO. Has been since version 1.16, at least, I believe. Of course Alti-2 are always working on new settings and improvements which will result in future software releases, but that doesn't mean that prior versions of the software don't work, just may not have every bell and whistle that'd be available with the new release. Give it a try if you get a chance. I think you'll like it a lot Blue skies IanPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #10 September 29, 2003 No it does not continue logging data after deployment (at least not any we can access). It switches to canopy mode for the rest of the flight. Blue skies IanPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pablito 0 #11 September 29, 2003 My version is 1.17 that's what it came with. you need to get the newst version:) "If you don't overcome your fears they will overcome you first" Shady Monkey/6Segundos Rodriguez/AKA Pablito Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #12 September 29, 2003 I was saying that I haven't experienced any issues SINCE 1.16 Blue skiesPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pablito 0 #13 September 29, 2003 cool, but I was letting poeple know that there is a newer version upthere. sorry for my wording Have a good day man!! "If you don't overcome your fears they will overcome you first" Shady Monkey/6Segundos Rodriguez/AKA Pablito Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #14 September 29, 2003 Quoteyou need to get the newst version:) I rest my case Seriously, I'm sure I'd like the gizmo, but really, for a new jumper, I'd say pass for a few more months.... maybe a year.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,146 #15 September 29, 2003 "Never buy version 1.x of anything" - Kallend's Law.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sdctlc 0 #16 September 29, 2003 I would suggest that you jump a altimeter for the visual and use the audible as a secondary form of altitude awarness. Most audibles can be attached to helmets in some way and most "newer" helmets have pockets in them for the audibles. Frap hats mostly seem to have had them for years but a basic helmet like a Protec can usually take one with a little but of thought no problem.... Scott C."He who Hesitates Shall Inherit the Earth!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pablito 0 #17 September 29, 2003 funny one!!! "If you don't overcome your fears they will overcome you first" Shady Monkey/6Segundos Rodriguez/AKA Pablito Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #18 September 29, 2003 There's no case on Pablo's statement. Yes there is a new version, but I have been using the older one with no issues. My point is that there will always be a "new" version around the corner on any software product. It's a response to customer feedback. For instance, if they release a new version that allows a user to adjust target altitude, does that make the old one not functional? Answer: No. Not saying you should rush out and by one, just saying I think you've not got all the information correct at this point. Blue skies IanPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris 0 #19 September 30, 2003 QuoteThere's no case on Pablo's statement. Yes there is a new version, but I have been using the older one with no issues. My point is that there will always be a "new" version around the corner on any software product. It's a response to customer feedback. For instance, if they release a new version that allows a user to adjust target altitude, does that make the old one not functional? Answer: No. Not saying you should rush out and by one, just saying I think you've not got all the information correct at this point. I agree with you 100%. Since I've been running the 1.17 code my Neptune is always within a couple of seconds of my ProTrack, the setup is easy, and the display is very easy for me to read in FF. Also, whether the Neptune bashers care to admit it or not, Alti-2 has been nothing but outstanding in the customer service dept. As soon as a serious gripe came in from the field they re-created it and released new code. You can test a device over and over, 100 ways from Sunday, you think you've got the bugs worked out, but.... once that product gets into the field users will do things that you've never dreamed of and will make you stay up at night with the cold sweats. How you handle it is what's important and I think Alti-2 did an impeccable job. Besides, the ProTrack can't hang with the Neptune when it comes to BirdMan. That's the reason I got my Neptune, to overcome the 119 second limit on the ProTrack since I will have my BirdMan GTi next month. My ProTrack will always have a place in my helmet, but my Neptune stays on my wrist. Oh, and Pablo, change your colors, you can't have the same color Neptune as me.Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #20 October 1, 2003 QuoteAlso, whether the Neptune bashers care to admit it or not, WTF?????? I havent seen anyone (me included) bash the neptune. I am warry about a very new jumper buying a product that is so new. I Wouldt recommend they buy a Vigil, or a (I'd say Katana, but its not aimed at a new jumper).... I hope you get my drift....Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ernokaikkonen 0 #21 October 1, 2003 QuoteBesides, the ProTrack can't hang with the Neptune when it comes to BirdMan. That's the reason I got my Neptune, to overcome the 119 second limit on the ProTrack since I will have my BirdMan GTi next month. Speaking of software updates: Does anyone know if this(max 119 sec) is a hardware restriction on the ProTrack(not enough memory or something), or if it's going to be changed in a future version of the ProTrack software? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris 0 #22 October 1, 2003 QuoteWTF?????? I havent seen anyone (me included) bash the neptune. I am warry about a very new jumper buying a product that is so new. I Wouldt recommend they buy a Vigil, or a (I'd say Katana, but its not aimed at a new jumper).... I hope you get my drift.... Sorry, Remi. That wasn't directed at you. That was directed to a couple of people I know personally that ranted up one side and down the other about it. They also read DZ.com so I had to throw that in. I do agree with your point on newer jumpers though. When I had my initial problems with the first release versions of the Neptune SW it wasn't a biggie since I know what the ground looks like at pull altitude. But for a new jumper it's a different story.Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
