Personal waterproof gps/radios needed for long do

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kitesurfodysseys1
kitesurfodysseys1
WA
31 posts
WA, 31 posts
30 Aug 2006 7:55am
Just wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts on the best there are. I'm familiar with Garmin's Rino units, which have 5 mile range and a GPS screen which tracks other nearby units. As we'll be doing some long, long, long downwinders on our expedition around the world The BEST Odyssey (http://www.offshoreodysseys.com ), we're going to need some bombproof radios to keep track of riders from the main yacht.

Anyone have any ideas? Much appreciated!
Saffer
Saffer
VIC
4501 posts
VIC, 4501 posts
30 Aug 2006 10:10am
The Aquapak cases are surprising durable and can be used with anything. The nice thing is it allows you to use convention GPS's and simply insert them inside the case, or use a 2 way radio as well (if the case is large enough) or instead. Its worth checking out as an alternative. I've always carried an aquapak with me when I go kiting with my mobile phone and money inside as a precaution.

The alternative on a gps level is something like this as a waterproof GPS

silviu
silviu
VIC
663 posts
VIC, 663 posts
30 Aug 2006 10:18am
Hi there,

The chepest and most effective solution will be at:
aquapac.net/

It works!

Good luck
qfmike737
qfmike737
QLD
398 posts
QLD, 398 posts
30 Aug 2006 10:52am
Hi there I have actually done some research on something like this and found the Garmin Rino. I have actually bought a pair of the Garmin Rino 130 units from oversease because Garmin do not sell them in Australia. Apparently there is a bit of conflict with the frequencies used and the local authorities. The unit seemed like pretty good value for the price. It’s light and compact with no flimsy antennas; it beams location information to other units and best of all its waterproof.

Anyways...I've been talking to a hydrophone mob that are interested in developing a completely handsfree waterproof unit just for exact conditions you want. I’ve been wanting to go practice for an event like this offshore and wanted a unit like the Rino to share with windsurfer/boaties for when I kite alone.

I've suggested a push to talk function rather then a VOX voice activated system because I’ve found that when you use VOX it transmits unnecessary ambient sounds.

We haven't decided yet what would be the best way to rig this waterproof unit?

1) Would you prefer a helmet(similar to the Headzones) with built in mic and speakers? Or

2) A waterproof handsfree mic with the speaker transmision coming out of a handheld unit strapped to the shoulder or

3) Fully integrated handsfree unit worn over the head - I think this unit can be annoying if it covers the ears because you will not be able to hear ambient noises from the environment around you – so I suggested a vibration speaker that can be worn over the melon rather then blocking your ears.

send any ideas or suggestions

[email protected]
and [email protected]
silviu
silviu
VIC
663 posts
VIC, 663 posts
30 Aug 2006 6:01pm
I have another idea:
No VOX, is useless, no ear pieces no nothing like that. A small, waterproof two way, with a powerful, loud speaker, clipped safely to the control bar, easy to reach the TX button.
I have my GPS attached to the control bar, it's easy to read and push buttons are at my thumb reach.
In a long down winder, I wouldn’t go without a safety leash, so the bar can be retrieved easily, if you have to ditch the kite.
I find this solution the best, as the bar is always close to the face, easy to look at.
GreenPat
GreenPat
QLD
4114 posts
QLD, 4114 posts
30 Aug 2006 7:18pm
quote:
Originally posted by Saffer

I've always carried an aquapak with me when I go kiting with my mobile phone and money inside as a precaution.



You can take the saffer out of South Africa...

Seriously though, probably a good idea, especially some spots in WA.
qfmike737
qfmike737
QLD
398 posts
QLD, 398 posts
30 Aug 2006 8:24pm
Silviu do you find that sticking something on the bar is of any inconvenience? Is it easy to transmit to a 2 way stuck there or do you have to yell?

I thought that a 2 way/Garmin Rino strapped to your lower shoulder facing toward you / or strapped to your wetsuit chest - a more practical location?
Saffer
Saffer
VIC
4501 posts
VIC, 4501 posts
30 Aug 2006 8:42pm
quote:
Originally posted by GreenPat



You can take the saffer out of South Africa...

Seriously though, probably a good idea, especially some spots in WA.



I normally carry the cash in case I need to organise a lift back to my car if I have been washed badly down wind or something like that. Just remember to close it, I didn't close mine once and I am now minus one cellphone. thank god for insurance.
silviu
silviu
VIC
663 posts
VIC, 663 posts
30 Aug 2006 10:08pm
quote:
Originally posted by qfmike737

Silviu do you find that sticking something on the bar is of any inconvenience? Is it easy to transmit to a 2 way stuck there or do you have to yell?

I thought that a 2 way/Garmin Rino strapped to your lower shoulder facing toward you / or strapped to your wetsuit chest - a more practical location?



In any circumstances, you will have to talk a little bit louder (don't fotget the wind and the waves), but definitelly not "yelling" unless you are in 30 plus knots when any way you will have to yell.
The advantage of having the two way on the bar, is like the cotrols on the bicycle or moprorcycle, you don't have to take your hand off the bar, and that's an advantage.
On the other hand the bar in normal cruising is not far away from the face (in most common setup) so this is another advantage.
My litle Grmin Foreruner GPS seats perfectly on the conrol bar and I find it very confortable to see the speed, time and other information, to reset laps or else.
Cheers
Saffer
Saffer
VIC
4501 posts
VIC, 4501 posts
30 Aug 2006 10:28pm
only problem i see with the bar is if you get in serious trouble and have to release the kite, there goes all your sos stuff too.
silviu
silviu
VIC
663 posts
VIC, 663 posts
30 Aug 2006 10:34pm
quote:
Originally posted by Saffer

only problem i see with the bar is if you get in serious trouble and have to release the kite, there goes all your sos stuff too.



In a downwinder I would excpect to have a safety leash. So I don't see any problem.
qfmike737
qfmike737
QLD
398 posts
QLD, 398 posts
30 Aug 2006 11:04pm
so silviu what 2 way radio unit are u using? and are u just putting the unit in an aqua pac?
silviu
silviu
VIC
663 posts
VIC, 663 posts
31 Aug 2006 8:25am
quote:
Originally posted by qfmike737

so silviu what 2 way radio unit are u using? and are u just putting the unit in an aqua pac?



I use a Uniden, small unit, 7 km line of sight range, in an aquapac, strapped to my bar, or, on the bay, I just have my mobile phone in an aquapac, attached to the bar.
I find anything strapped to body or limbs, limits the movements and it is difficult to reach as it moves in time.
When I went to swimm with the dolphins, I had my camera strapped to my chest, "to have it handy". During the swim, the camera was all the time on my back, I could not reach, so I could not take any still shots.

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