dzierott 0 #1 July 8, 2008 I'm fairly new to the sport and want to learn freeflying. (A-license, 82 jumps) It was recommended that I get an audible altimeter. I'd like one that logs my jumps. Looks to me like the choice would be between a Protrack or an Optima. Anyone have any suggestions on which one might be better? thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beowulf 1 #2 July 8, 2008 The Optima does not log jumps. I recommend the Neptune. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SPAWNmaster 0 #3 July 8, 2008 I jump an optima and can speak for it's accuracy and reliability. It's loud enough, easy to use and fits most brackets. But you said you want one that logs jumps so... my 2cts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aardvarkeater 0 #4 July 8, 2008 I recommend the combination of Optima for the audible and AltiTrack for a wrist altimeter. The AltiTrack logs jumps.Muff Brother #4026 Loco Zapatos Rodriguez SCR #14793 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #5 July 8, 2008 Optima + Viso or Neptune. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
erdnarob 1 #6 July 8, 2008 Yes a safe approach is an ordinary audible altimeter like the Optima and a wrist altimeter (with computer if you can afford it) like the Altitrack. Personnally I have a Protrack (audible altimeter with computer) but its sound is not loud enough when I am busy turning points. That's why I have also a TIME OUT (not on the market anymore) which wakes me up plus my Altimaster 2 on the wrist.Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P-dro 0 #7 July 8, 2008 QuoteOptima + Viso or Neptune. Optima + Neptune, thant what I use since AFAIK Viso doesn't log jumps either... The interest of the Neptune is that it can be used either as an audible or an wrismount altimeter (it's bulkier than the Optima though, my helmet is a bit tight, i'm not sure I could fit a Neptune in, while the Optima is no problem) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhys 0 #8 July 8, 2008 Optima and altitrack. The optima has a variable sound pitch to allow you to adjust the sound to your preference, landing pattern alarms for accurate landings and it can have a LED attachment for later on when you might do camera jumps(of if you go deaf). The altirack logs jumps, is easy to read and you can use polarised sunglases when using them. I am not a fan of digital readout altis. The reason I don't like them is; to differentiate between 5900' and 5100' takes slightly longer than a quick glance at a needle. but that is just my opinion."When the power of love overcomes the love of power, then the world will see peace." - 'Jimi' Hendrix Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beatcreation 0 #9 July 8, 2008 QuoteOptima and altitrack. The optima has a variable sound pitch to allow you to adjust the sound to your preference, landing pattern alarms for accurate landings and it can have a LED attachment for later on when you might do camera jumps(of if you go deaf). The altirack logs jumps, is easy to read and you can use polarised sunglases when using them. I am not a fan of digital readout altis. The reason I don't like them is; to differentiate between 5900' and 5100' takes slightly longer than a quick glance at a needle. but that is just my opinion. I agree, I have the same configuration and the altirack is awesome and the optima works perfectly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
superwoman8433 0 #10 July 8, 2008 I use a protrack in my helmet and a neptune as my alti. they work great together and I can download everything to my computer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #11 July 8, 2008 QuoteOptima + Neptune, thant what I use since AFAIK Viso doesn't log jumps either... You don't even know so why do you state anything??? QuoteItem: Viso Manufacturer: Larsen & Brusgaard (630 Hits) Description: The VISO comprises three instruments: Digital Alti-Meter- Stores detailed altitude information about the last jump for later review Digital Speed-Meter- Stores detailed speed information about the last jump for later review Jump Counter- Electronic logbook, storing and displaying information about the last 200 jumps. - Can be used to keep track on the number of jumps on a rig. - Can be reset at any time, but time and date for the last reset remains stored and cannot be erased. VISO™ FEATURES: Digital Altimeter or Speed-Meter Electroluminescent backlight for night jumping. Can remain ON for several hours. Automatic calibration to local elevation LCD screen for easy and intuitive operation and information review Logbook with playback of altitude/speed profile for the last jump. Operational at sub-zero temperatures Always ON. No need to be powered OFF The fact that it does not have port for downloading does not imply that it would not log.... Optima + Viso would work better than Optima + Neptune, because they are sharing the hardware too. I usually have 10-30m meter difference indicated between my Neptune and Optima. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
virgin-burner 1 #12 July 8, 2008 i got an optima first, after i was sure freeflying was for me, i got a solo too. i plan on getting the N3 from altitrack when it comes out to use as a wrist altimeter..“Some may never live, but the crazy never die.” -Hunter S. Thompson "No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try." -Yoda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
erdnarob 1 #13 July 8, 2008 Hi Superwoman, did your altitrack agree with your Neptune about the data registered? I have seen differences between my Protrack and the Parasport Skytronics on the same jump.Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P-dro 0 #14 July 8, 2008 Quote You don't even know so why do you state anything??? Because the the Neptune/Optima combo works well too. No need to be aggressive... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #15 July 8, 2008 Quote Quote You don't even know so why do you state anything??? Because the the Neptune/Optima combo works well too. No need to be aggressive... Sure! It nice to do some swooping when your altimeters disagree.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P-dro 0 #16 July 9, 2008 I'm not sure the OP is really ready to swoop (and should not trust blindly your altimeter for swooping, it's only a tool to get the best setup before engaging your swopp) Futhermore, I've not seen any discrepancy between my Optima and my Neptune, either in freefall or under canopy. So it's not always the case... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #17 July 9, 2008 Quote I'm not sure the OP is really ready to swoop. I'd say not yet.... QuoteI've not seen any discrepancy between my Optima and my Neptune, either in freefall or under canopy. Check altitude indicated on Neptune when your Optima start beeping at 305m, check your altitude indicated on Neptune after landing. Do you see negative numbers? I'd rather know the limitations of your instruments. Id choose Optima + Viso if I don't need downloadable logs. Same hardware would work better in pair or at least sharing errors in measurement. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P-dro 0 #18 July 9, 2008 Negative altitude? I think it must have happened once or twice in 150 jumps, usually on hot days, but only with minor variation (like -1 m). Concerning canopy alerts, each time I checked, they spot on or very very close (maybe 2-3 meter max). But your argument on the hardware is good, even if I have a slight preference for the Neptune (more features, more user friendly but more expensive) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #19 July 9, 2008 Quoteusually on hot days, but only with minor variation (like -1 m). Its up to -40m in my case. QuoteConcerning canopy alerts, each time I checked, they spot on or very very close (maybe 2-3 meter max).Its usually 5-30m. I have Neptune hw revision D. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
malcom42 0 #20 July 9, 2008 QuoteOptima + Viso would work better than Optima + Neptune, because they are sharing the hardware too. That might be a reason for one not to use an audible and altimeter from the same manufacturer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #21 July 9, 2008 QuoteQuoteOptima + Viso would work better than Optima + Neptune, because they are sharing the hardware too. That might be a reason for one not to use an audible and altimeter from the same manufacturer Than which one do you trust if they don't agree? I don't really use any of them under 100-150m, I trust my eyes only. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
