Alti 3 vs Neptune?

[Mike111 0]

Hey everyone,

I think this was the right place to post this.

in 2 weeks time, hopefully i will be able to finish AFF, but had previosely on other jumps been using the Altimaster 3 Galaxy altimeter. It was very good but slightly small to see. - still seeable but i had to look close, especially when going through cloud.

thus, would the Altimaster Neptune be a better alti once AFF is finished ( i think that is when you can buy your own equipment)? ive read the reviews and have read about the pro's and con's, such as battery problems and it being flimsy, but would the bigger readout help more, or should i stick to the altimaster 3?

Thanks in advance for any advice,

Mike

[katzurki 0]

The Galaxy reads small? It shouldn't. Altimaster 3 could seem like that, though.

On my Galaxy I have an older Alti-3 style face with the smaller figures, and it still is visible perfectly. If it really is a problem, you could opt for a custom faceplate with bigger figures (which you'd have to design yourself, or for a small fee by the Alti-2 folks).

Hmm, now that I think about it, I don't think I check the pointer against the figures; it's the position you check.

Neptune as a hand-mounted alti is also a good choice. Get the latest firmware (2.6.0 at the moment, OR stick with 2.4.0, but absolutely change it if it's 2.4.2), and there should be no issues with flimsiness and batteries.

Edit: if you do get a Neptune, don't use Alti-2's wrist-mount. I have reason to believe wrist-mounts are potentially unreliable (one documented instance of a person losing their Neptune due to the velcro on the wrist-mount working itself loose -- need video?). Use either a hand-mount with the O-ring, or get someone to make you a velcro wrist-mount that loops both over your palm and your wrist.

[nate_1979 9]

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Neptune as a hand-mounted alti is also a good choice. Get the latest firmware (2.6.0 at the moment, OR stick with 2.4.0, but absolutely change it if it's 2.4.2), and there should be no issues with flimsiness and batteries.

I'd say that they release updates for a reason. If you get one, take the time to upgrade it to the latest firmware version (2.6.0) ... It only takes a couple minutes.

FGF #???
I miss the sky...
There are 10 types of people in the world... those who understand binary and those who don't.

[MB38 0]

I've been told it's a good idea to stick with a mechanical altimeter before going to a digital altimeter which could potentially fail in freefall. The logic was that after enough jumps, you can tell your altitude by looking at the ground. If your digital altimeter fails on jump 10, you're either in for a 20 minute canopy ride or people angry at you for going low.

Then again, the newer version of the Neptune firmware has proven itself to be quite reliable. I'd think that keeping up on battery replacement would solve any potential crap-outs, but you never know.

I want a Neptune, but I'd rather pay $70 for a used mechanical alti at this point.

I really don't know what I'm talking about.

[Mike111 0]

Thanks,

How often would one have to replace the bateries?

Every couple of months?

[katzurki 0]

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Every couple of months?

Not unless you've got 2.4.2

More like half a year. Depends, really. Updates consume lots of battery power, so does driving around uphill/downhill. Mine went through about 5 updates and has been in use for about 3 months, and is still half full.

[Mike111 0]

Thanks.

just wish the Neptune was cheape!!

[MB38 0]

They dip around 200 in the classifieds every now and then. That's about it.

I really don't know what I'm talking about.

[pilotdave 0]

If you've got an alti-2 field service member nearby, they've got their own batteries to use for updates so it doesn't drain your own.

I love my neptune, but I'd still recommend a mechanical altimeter for the first one. A good one (like a galaxy) will last a lifetime. Later on it can be a backup if you get a neptune, or you might choose to use the neptune as an audible, which is what I did.

If ya don't like the face on the galaxy, design your own: http://www.alti-2.com/AnalogAltimeters/custom_dial_faces.htm.

Dave

[AggieDave 6]

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I love my neptune, but I'd still recommend a mechanical altimeter for the first one. A good one (like a galaxy) will last a lifetime.

Sort of. I have a Neptune and a Galaxy, the Galaxy is +- 300ft due to the internal bladder getting old. My Neptune hasn't been trouble free, but usually its been something on my end (needed new firmware or a battery) when something has been wrong.

Basically my point is, mechanical alti's can and will wear out over time and definately due to abuse, digital alti's will definately screw up when you don't take care of them and due to abuse. So whatever someone buys, maintain it and take care of it, they're not bullet proof (digital or analog).

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[katzurki 0]

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If you've got an alti-2 field service member nearby, they've got their own batteries to use for updates so it doesn't drain your own.

Well, that's true..there's always an Alti-2 field service member nearby. I usually see him every time I look in the mirror

Edit:

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If ya don't like the face on the galaxy, design your own: http://www.alti-2.com/...ustom_dial_faces.htm.

Sure, but there used to be a time when the only template available, was the jpg one with the small figures. Of course once I take advantage of it, Alti-2 goes ahead and posts up the nice layered psd templates with the large figures... oh well, it's time to send my Galaxy back to Lara anyway :)

[Mike111 0]

Very good advice, thanks.

The last thing one would need would be a alti fuck up in freefall!!!

[RkyMtnHigh 0]

Love my Neptune..very user friendly

_________________________________________

[kelpdiver 2]

Quote

thus, would the Altimaster Neptune be a better alti once AFF is finished ( i think that is when you can buy your own equipment)? ive read the reviews and have read about the pro's and con's, such as battery problems and it being flimsy, but would the bigger readout help more, or should i stick to the altimaster 3?

That depends on you. I demo'd a neptune for about a dozen jumps (lara can hook you up with a unit) and concluded that I prefer having an analog on the wrist over a digital display. I might eventually (or sooner) get one anyway to use an audible, but for visual I like having that Galaxy 3 dial.

[MB38 0]

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I demo'd a neptune for about a dozen jumps (lara can hook you up with a unit)

Do tell... I'd love to demo one before I buy one.

I really don't know what I'm talking about.

[MarkM 0]

Another option might be a FT-50. I believe they have a larger face than the altimasters.

http://www.paragear.com/templates/parachutes.asp?group=5&level=1

[leapdog 0]

the adavantages of an analog altimeter over a digital one regardless of what brand is this. no replaceing batteries.
I use a glow in the dark face saffire. I have always used it. Even in AFF. I use an alti 2 chest mount for CRW.
At the time when I bought it, I didn't know it would come in handy for night jumps. I don't do night jumps all the time, but I'm glad I had it instead of duck taping glow sticks to me fo things could get caught when I opened. there is also the chance of an unintentional night jump too. trust me it has happend.

back to pros and cons- in my opinion, I would want a mechanical for the simple reason that electronical devices fail more often. I'm an electronics tech, I would know. the neptune is good because you can use it as an audible and it will keep track of some info about your jumps. you just can't download it, I think.

Gunnery Sergeant of Marines
"I would like it if I were challenged mentally at my job and not feel like I'm mentally challenged." - Co-worker

[AggieDave 6]

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it will keep track of some info about your jumps. you just can't download it, I think.

You might want to do some reading on Alti-2's site then. Paralog has been able to download and log jumps on the computer since nearly the beginning.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[leapdog 0]

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it will keep track of some info about your jumps. you just can't download it, I think.

You might want to do some reading on Alti-2's site then. Paralog has been able to download and log jumps on the computer since nearly the beginning.

did you actually read or just skim over and quickly make a reply.
Read above again, I said I think, which means I'm not sure. Apparently I would have to go to Atli's website to know for sure. thanks for trying to give a heads up.

Gunnery Sergeant of Marines
"I would like it if I were challenged mentally at my job and not feel like I'm mentally challenged." - Co-worker

[AggieDave 6]

That's why I replied is that you said "I think" with incorrect information, so I was giving you the heads up. The interaction here is how people learn. More then a few times (or many times) I've learned by people correcting me with the correct information. That's what I love about DZ.com.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[leapdog 0]

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That's why I replied is that you said "I think" with incorrect information, so I was giving you the heads up. The interaction here is how people learn. More then a few times (or many times) I've learned by people correcting me with the correct information. That's what I love about DZ.com.

that's cool. Like I said thanks for trying to give me a heads up.

Seems to me that the ones reading in DZ.com need to go to the MFR's websites and get info and make decisions for themselves. I don't plan on getting a digital so I don't need to read it. (I also said I use machanical altimeters) if I change my mind then I will go read the MFR's websites.

I rarely post on DZ.com (don't know why I did this time) or read from here because lots of jumpers think they know everything about every part of jumping. Not saying that you are an uninformed know it all AggieDave.

Point being, there is lots and lots of bad advice and info on here. It will be just about impossible to police what is being said to make sure it is all correct.


Lesson learned for me, stay out of the forums to avoid this type of posting.

Gunnery Sergeant of Marines
"I would like it if I were challenged mentally at my job and not feel like I'm mentally challenged." - Co-worker

[dragon2 2]

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That's why I replied is that you said "I think" with incorrect information, so I was giving you the heads up. The interaction here is how people learn. More then a few times (or many times) I've learned by people correcting me with the correct information. That's what I love about DZ.com.

that's cool. Like I said thanks for trying to give me a heads up.

Seems to me that the ones reading in DZ.com need to go to the MFR's websites and get info and make decisions for themselves. I don't plan on getting a digital so I don't need to read it. (I also said I use machanical altimeters) if I change my mind then I will go read the MFR's websites.

I rarely post on DZ.com (don't know why I did this time) or read from here because lots of jumpers think they know everything about every part of jumping. Not saying that you are an uninformed know it all AggieDave.

Point being, there is lots and lots of bad advice and info on here. It will be just about impossible to police what is being said to make sure it is all correct.


Lesson learned for me, stay out of the forums to avoid this type of posting.

Relax dude, what's your problem?

LOL some people here are Alti-2's field rep's so they happen to know about what they talk about, most of the time

And bad advice here usually gets corrected, if it is bad as such and not just another way of doing things. All in all, even though it is always best to check with instructors/mfr's/etc the info on here is pretty good, I find. But you're not obligated to read it or follow it or reply to it. But if people give you well-meant advice regariding a post you made, that is also correct info to boot, a post like yours comes off as.... unmannered. IMO.

ciel bleu,
Saskia

[javip82 0]

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/gear/review.cgi?ID=425
take a look at the reviews

____________________________________
You know what's out there.
Take it, it's your's INMORTALITY!!!

[dragon2 2]

Why? I'm a field rep, have had neptunes for 2 years, and I'm aware of the problems it has had. Most of the problems with neptunes have been fixed. A lot more can be fixed by upgrading the software and using ok brands batteries and changing those batteries regurlarly. I know people who are not happy with theirs, but most people love theirs, esp swoopers and wingsuiters.

ciel bleu,
Saskia

[leapdog 0]

Relax dude, what's your problem?

LOL some people here are Alti-2's field rep's so they happen to know about what they talk about, most of the time

And bad advice here usually gets corrected, if it is bad as such and not just another way of doing things. All in all, even though it is always best to check with instructors/mfr's/etc the info on here is pretty good, I find. But you're not obligated to read it or follow it or reply to it. But if people give you well-meant advice regariding a post you made, that is also correct info to boot, a post like yours comes off as.... unmannered. IMO.