I had been thinking about what the perfect design would be and wondered if the gps recording should be separated from the controller / display.

Make the recorder with just one button for off/on and "connect", use a bluetooth or NFC connection to any android / ios device that does all the display and control functions in an app. That way the satellite receiver could be in a helmet mount or arm/ shoulder and the display/control would be on your wrist or arm or in the car where its safe (possibly on the mast where you could see it if you wanted that sort of function).

You can get a cheap android phone that would still have a much larger display than the GT31, it could then be used by us vision challenged sailors

I can only read the big numbers on the GT31 by holding it in the sun at the right angle and squinting a lot and still struggle to see the difference between some numbers. the little ones are just a blur, I could get some glasses to wear while sailing, and might one day but if i went for long distance ones so I could find my way back to the launch spot then reading close up is still tricky.

The "recorder" would just need some storage so it could be used without any controller, and then connected when back on the beach. Im sure that would make the waterproofing simpler as there wouldnt need to be a card slot. if they could do contactless charging like some things do now you wouldnt need any plugs or openings in the case at all.

Just my 2c worth after reading some of the other comments (particularly Sailquik's comments on accuracy and the fact that even arm/shoulder mounting is not very good for accuracy).

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Gps/Accuracy-of-GPS-devices-Wear-them-on-your-head/

One of the guys from GPS-SS has been looking into that and sent me some of the data from a watch. Unfortunately, it does not meet out needs at all, the main issue being that the position data is only saved every 5 or 10 seconds from memory. Error data is not saved either. He is having further talks with them to se what can be done but as I understand it the main issue is data recording capacity, but I wouldn't hold your breath.

It will be at least a few months before we see the first of either on sale I think.

Software for the Thingsee is being written now by the GPS-SS team but they had a few issues with the hardware specs that Thingsee had to adjust which delayed them a bit. They say the quality of the hardware is top notch though and the Thingsee team are very helpful and responsive.

The Locosys is being improved after feedback from the community. I gather this is mainly upgrading to IPx7 water resistance, but I am hopeful there may be other improvements to memory and battery life as well.

That looks very nice, even I can work out what it all means.

sailquik said..
Many have talked about it, but now someone is doing it!

Manfred Fuchs, (GPS-Results) has written an App for Android Smartphones for GPS Windsurfing/Kitesurfing/Icesailing etc.

Cool app. Interesting to see that new phones have Doppler and decent accuracy, although Roo has said that a few years back already.

It would be great if the app also had an option to announce speeds like the SpeedTalker app. Pretty useful to see (or rather, hear) the effect of trim changes, angles, etc. right away.

Wow!!!!! Finally a screen size I can read^^^^^

elmo said..
Wow!!!!! Finally a screen size I can read^^^^^

That's cos you got up early for a change

sailquik said..

It is in the testing stage at the moment but is apparently working quite well (I have not tested it yet as we have a house full of iPhones , but I am trying to find a modestly priced Android to buy and try).

I know this is not the classifieds - but I have a brand new Asus Zenphone 5 ($200 value) sitting on my desk that you could have for say a $150 suitable fin (Tuttle). Don't know how to waterproof the phone though.

Either way, looking forward to more development of this app. Nice !

seanhogan said..
so which is phone is considered worthy enough to use ?

I was wondering whether my HTC One XL v4.2.2 is suitable too. looks like a great app.

Update:

GPS Logit V1.1 Trial is now available for download on Manfred's Website: gps-speed.com/download_e.html

If you try it, please share you experience and comments.

EDIT: I found I could not edit the post above, so here is the updated info:

The App needs Android 4.2.2 to work correctly according to Manfred's website.

anthony perkins said...
Just tried to download, went to website clicked on (GPSLogltV1.1trial.apk) it down loaded but when I tried to open down load, it reads 'this archive is corrupted' The phone is a, HTC ONE M8, android version 4.4.4. Is the latest version the Problem?

Anthony,
Had to go into security settings and turn off safety setting for restriction to unknown app site. Installed fine once I did this. Don't forget to turn it back on too.

Just did a small test run in the driveway. Appears very responsive to changes in walking pace to running and track appeared incredibly accurate for the very small area covered. Now to find myself a very reliable waterproofing system for the phone.

sausage said..
Now to find myself a very reliable waterproofing system for the phone.

Every waterproof bag system I have ever used has become leaky sooner or later. That includes at least 5 different brands with different design principles, as well as an OtterBox. The only difference is how long it takes to start leaking, and where the water comes in. Double-bagging in a ziplock sandwich bag has kept phones and non-waterproof GPS units dry, though.

decrepit said..
Just did exactly the same, but mine came up with a "once only" option to install from an unauthorised site.
I plan to give it a try tomorrow, and compare results with GT31.

Be interested in what you find with this? Keep info coming if you can.
Off water, still from that last sail down there, if no improvement soon, then its MIR scan

Did a little test on the school run this afternoon but damned if I can find the recorded file in my phone. Does anyone know where I can locate it or doesn't this trial version save the files after turning app off?

elmo said...
Good water proof/resistant phone covers

www.lifeproof.com/

These are very good. I use these and a custom made case for my phone and external battery. Works very well so far with a external ear phone jack as well.Can take calls while windsurfing. Not that I'd want to