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Speed Puck

Posted By: Strategery

Speed Puck - 12/15/08 07:44 PM

Just got the puck with a spin pole mount for the cat. Wow.

I've owned Tackticks (Racemaster and the entire wireless suite on my 28R), earlier Velociteks and every handheld GPS you can think of (yup...even the forerunner).

This is a winner. Gets extra nice when you marry it to the software that auto downloads the race and Google Earth map (extra $50 bucks...cheap).

Light, big enough to read, no corners to catch line...

These are going to sell like hotcakes.

C.
Posted By: lesburn1

Re: Speed Puck - 12/15/08 11:20 PM

duplicate post!
oops my bad, that was Sailing Anarchy. grin
Posted By: Bob_Curry

Re: Speed Puck - 12/15/08 11:20 PM

Hey...
When you get a chance how about taking a few picks of the spin pole bracket! grin

Bob wink
Posted By: Strategery

Re: Speed Puck - 12/16/08 02:37 AM

http://store.velocitek.com/Spinnaker-Pole-Mounting-Bracket?sc=7&category=183
Posted By: Strategery

Re: Speed Puck - 12/16/08 02:39 AM

Originally Posted by lesburn1
duplicate post!
oops my bad, that was Sailing Anarchy. grin


Just efficient. If I could get everyone to go to the same site, I'd only post once!

Otherwise, cut/paste.
Posted By: TEH

Re: Speed Puck - 02/14/09 03:54 AM

If someone can tell me how to post a picture, I have a couple shots of the unit mounted on the spin pole bracket.

It has this industrial grade velcro that sticks to the mount and mates with the same velcro on the back of the puck.

The bracket can be duct taped to the spin pole. I sail single handed without jib so placement is not an issue.

It also comes with a lanyard that I think I will somehow use to tie it to the spin pole. While the velcro is really good, I think a sharp impact to the side of the unit could dislodge it.

Easy to use unit and software is pretty cool - even the free download version. See the demo video here Speedplay demo
Posted By: TEH

Re: Speed Puck - 02/18/09 05:59 PM

Here are some photos of the spin pole mount on my blog:

Midwest Beach Catamaran Sailing

I'll post a review once I test the unit out on the water.
Posted By: Darryn

Re: Speed Puck - 02/18/09 10:23 PM

I have used mine on the water, 15 races so far, its a good unit.
After removing the foam that dislodges the batteries when the back is screwed on tight ( as per instructions on the velocitek website ) the batteries now bounce out of place on waves and the unit resets, its a bit annoying. Tried diferent foam thicknesses to hold batteries but have found taping the batteries in place is the best way. A bit dodgy for an expensive gps. Velocitek dont respond to emails so debugging these units is up to the purchaser.

Darryn
Posted By: Strategery

Re: Speed Puck - 02/19/09 01:55 PM

Hmm...I've been using mine for the past month and have had no issues. I didn't take any foam out of mine though...

The unit is great - has good visibility when on the tramp or the trap with speed and header/footer data. Very intuitive, and though I mostly use it after the sailing to see angles/speed.

I remain high in my opinion of the product.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Speed Puck - 02/19/09 07:32 PM

Hi Darryn,

I'm sorry you had trouble getting in touch with us. Your post surprised me because we pride ourselves on responding to all customer emails and phone calls within 24hrs.

I just searched all our email records for "Darryn" and it looks like your messages did not get through to us. If you would like to try again, here is my personal email address: alec@velocitek.com. I would also be happy to speak with you on the phone. I can be reached at +1-650-362-0499 ex. 1 from 5 AM to 2PM Adelaide time. Outside of those hours my personal mobile number is +1-650-353-0262.

I'm not sure, but I suspect the problem you're having with the batteries may be the result of differences in the diameter of different brands of AA cells. Most disposable AA cells have a significantly smaller diameter than the Energizer NiMH rechargeable AA cells the SpeedPuck was designed around.

Regards,

Alec Stewart
President

Velocitek - Performance Training Tools
Web: Velocitek.com
Toll free USA & Canada: 1-800-693-1610
International: +1-(650)-362-0499 ex. 1
Fax: +1-(650)-618-2679
Skype: alec_stewart
271B Kahiko Street, Paia, HI, 96779, USA
Posted By: Darryn

Re: Speed Puck - 02/19/09 09:02 PM

Hi Alec, I was surprised I couldn't contact velocitek also, suspected my email where getting caught in a spam filter.

I am using the exact rechargeable batteries you mentioned. Without the foam to support the batteries they can dislodge easily. It is simple to replicate the fault by shaking the unit. The batteries can also be heard rattling round in the case so it is fairly obvious the brief loss of power when a battery dislodges is caused by them not being secured. The foam originally fitted was a good idea but it gripped the batteries and the final twist on tightening opened the battery contact. I used foam with a slippery coating and have almost eliminated the fault to one or two resets per race but the batteries last so long I decided it was easier to tape them in.

After some closer inspection I've decided the springs which make the contacts to the battery dont have enough tension, I have compared them to other devices designed for a rough environment and the tension would be in the region of 50% or less. Probably you were limited in your choices by what would stand up to a marine environment so I can understand how this can happen in the first few units that are sold ( I have number 68 ).

Apart from the minor problems ( with the speedpuck ) that my unit has it is a very useful gps, thoroughly waterproof, easy to use and the tie on mounting plate with velcro is a great way for me use it on all the boats I sail.

Darryn
Mosquito
1782
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