Real time, no. It just gives you range & bearing and points you in the right direction. The data is stored on your phone. You have to share the data via email and then convert the .CSV file using this link and it will convert to .KML file.does featherweight display on a map?
Ditto. I'm all over it when they release an Android version. Hope they're reading this.sure wish I didn't have to buy an apple phone to use it
Well, I feel the same way about nearly every competitive product that has an ‘unholy’ dedication to Android. I’ve used the Featherweight trackers since they were introduced with 100% success. Many in my club have since converted to them as well based on their experience with other products. The lack of on screen map is a minor inconvenience requiring that I enter the coordinates into the mapping program of my choice, but the on-screen guide is excellent. I probably dislike AndroidGoogle as much as some folks do iOS/Apple but I still have an Android tablet because it works with an app that doesn’t run on iOS. I’m not above putting aside my feelings if a product is superior enough to warrant it.The ongoing software issues, and the unholy dedication to the Apple platform are 100% the reason that I made a different retail choice for a tracker.
Well, I feel the same way about nearly every competitive product that has an ‘unholy’ dedication to Android. I’ve used the Featherweight trackers since they were introduced with 100% success. Many in my club have since converted to them as well based on their experience with other products. The lack of on screen map is a minor inconvenience requiring that I enter the coordinates into the mapping program of my choice, but the on-screen guide is excellent. I probably dislike AndroidGoogle as much as some folks do iOS/Apple but I still have an Android tablet because it works with an app that doesn’t run on iOS. I’m not above putting aside my feelings if a product is superior enough to warrant it.
And I’d like to know what ongoing software issues you are talking about? Once every three months you need to update the iOS software, but that’s not an issue, unless you are a poor planner. Same with firmware updates. I suppose if you’re the type of flyer who doesn’t check their electronics until you are out at the field then maybe it’s not a good fit, especially if you don’t fly often.
At BALLS this year I would have to say the Featherweight system was the most popular used, at least based on the launch announcements. The fact that so many high performance flyers use the system is telling.
I don’t understand how a person can complain about the hassle of using a product when they don’t actually use one. I have been for many years and it seems a lot less hassle than the competing systems other fliers use.
The parable of the fox and grapes comes to mind.
Tony
So then your comment about being dedicated to iOS really could have read ‘dedicated to a cell phone’, if you wanted a system that did not require any kind of phone to use.Wrong. Used one for a year. Sold it for a different system that has Z.E.R.O. dependence on anything related to a cell phone!
The only time voice mode has not worked for me was when I had my phone on mute, or the volume turned all the way down. I also turn set my display auto-lock to never.The iPhone app tracks fine for my rockets. I have a 54mm nosecone payload bay design and a Featherweight payload is like a 54mm motor that can be quickly swapped into any of my three rockets.
My only complaint about the app is that the voice mode doesn’t work reliably.
Does anyone have an way of converting the downloaded GPS data stream into voice for coordinating with launch video the way many people do for Multitronix Kate?
If support for Featherweight doesn’t improve a great opportunity for a great product will be lost and people will have to buy Multitronix Kate even though its much more costly.
Yeah! Get mad at them cell phones!!Wrong. Used one for a year. Sold it for a different system that has Z.E.R.O. dependence on anything related to a cell phone!
In the app under “my devices”, select one of the trackers in the list and you can rename them.I can't find a way to personalize each tracker, such as Tom1, or Bob 2
we currently have 4 in the club and just ordered more
I wish I had not purchased the product, regardless of how well it might work. There are other products that work equally as well.The ongoing software issues, and the unholy dedication to the Apple platform are 100% the reason that I made a different retail choice for a tracker.
You should not have to update a product software every three months to keep it working. I plan ahead and update as necessary but there are too many variable out of my control and in the hands of others (Apple, Featherweight) that concern me.And I’d like to know what ongoing software issues you are talking about? Once every three months you need to update the iOS software, but that’s not an issue, unless you are a poor planner. Same with firmware updates. I suppose if you’re the type of flyer who doesn’t check their electronics until you are out at the field then maybe it’s not a good fit, especially if you don’t fly often.
Why not just sell it and be done with it? Rocketry electronics sell pretty fast no matter where you’re located?I wish I had not purchased the product, regardless of how well it might work. There are other products that work equally as well.
I have been considering doing just that.Why not just sell it and be done with it?
You say that like it is not a good thing.And don’t forget it was years before Altus Metrum came out with an app for the iPhone.
And I’d like to know what ongoing software issues you are talking about? Once every three months you need to update the iOS software, but that’s not an issue, unless you are a poor planner.
Well, I feel the same way about nearly every competitive product that has an ‘unholy’ dedication to Android. I’ve used the Featherweight trackers since they were introduced with 100% success. Many in my club have since converted to them as well based on their experience with other products. The lack of on screen map is a minor inconvenience requiring that I enter the coordinates into the mapping program of my choice, but the on-screen guide is excellent. I probably dislike AndroidGoogle as much as some folks do iOS/Apple but I still have an Android tablet because it works with an app that doesn’t run on iOS. I’m not above putting aside my feelings if a product is superior enough to warrant it.
And I’d like to know what ongoing software issues you are talking about? Once every three months you need to update the iOS software, but that’s not an issue, unless you are a poor planner. Same with firmware updates. I suppose if you’re the type of flyer who doesn’t check their electronics until you are out at the field then maybe it’s not a good fit, especially if you don’t fly often.
At BALLS this year I would have to say the Featherweight system was the most popular used, at least based on the launch announcements. The fact that so many high performance flyers use the system is telling.
I don’t understand how a person can complain about the hassle of using a product when they don’t actually use one. I have been for many years and it seems a lot less hassle than the competing systems other fliers use.
The parable of the fox and grapes comes to mind.
Tony
Thanks Tony. I only get a chance at a need for the tracker 1-2 time a year. So I have to refamiliarize myself with it each time. That’s my main problem.
When Do I get it ready? Midwest Power is just under 4 weeks away. That is why I am doing it. now. That is not something I want to put off till the 29th. I made the mistake of doing that already.
I like the audio GPS reports because I don’t have to take my eyes off of trying to track the rocket. And it would be nicer still if the audio from the app would work all of the time instead of going away when the app’s page isn’t being displayed.Most of us are doing just fine without our tracker talking to us, at much less hassle than FW and much less cost than Kate.
I like the audio GPS reports because I don’t have to take my eyes off of trying to track the rocket. And it would be nicer still if the audio from the app would work all of the time instead of going away when the app’s page isn’t being displayed.
Besides, audio GPS reports were one of the advertised features of the Featherweight and one of the reasons why I, and presumably others purchased it.
After seeing Kate several times, the Featherweight sounded like it had all of the essentials of Kate, and possibly a better GPS and transmitter but all for less than $600. So saying that its okay that its not working as advertised is a poor excuse when the product you buy simply doesn’t fully deliver.
But I do sympathize with the cost of a highly technical development for a very small niche market and having to have a real job and career. I’ve been there.
Not all products have the same market potential and funding source, and same size of development team as an iPhone. But customers still expect comparable performance and customer service.
Never forgot. Phones are just more convenient and I used to carry both kinds.Don't forget that the Altus Metrum products work with a PC, and don't require the involvement of either species of phone.
I never used the hardware mute button when using my Featherweight.The only time voice mode has not worked for me was when I had my phone on mute, or the volume turned all the way down. I also turn set my display auto-lock to never.
Here’s a simple checklist I use:
* hardware mute button off
* play a song and adjust volume accordingly
* settings> display and brightness > auto lock > never
Using that I’ve never not had audio from the software during a launch. I also have the screen recording button enabled in control center so I can easily record the screen.
Tony
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