New — firmware 5.x: from firmware version 5.x onwards, GliderKeeper communication is multi-protocol Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. The unit also connects over Bluetooth to the Desktop App and to the Android and iPhone (iOS) apps.
World's first altimeter with a flight duration option
Besides a latest-technology barometer capsule, the GliderKeeper features an accelerometer. Flight time is started upon throttle movement during launch — the same event used for motor timing in the F5J or F5L rules. Landing is captured by measuring the fuselage vibration on the model's touchdown. All of it with a convenient built-in OLED display.
FAI approved firmware for F5J
GliderKeeper can be used as any other FAI approved altimeter, but it brings a lot more features.
Check your flight results on the display or on your mobile
The GliderKeeper microcontroller features multi-protocol Wi-Fi/Bluetooth wireless communication. After landing you can choose to fly another F5J flight or enter communication mode — over Wi-Fi or over Bluetooth — to see your flight results, both the F5J start height and the duration of the flight, on your phone.
See your flight's plot right after landing
When entering communication mode, whether over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, you will first see your last flight data. From there you can review that flight's plot, pick any stored flight to plot, or export your data for later review, as well as reach every configuration and interface feature.
Change your device configuration at the field, with no removals
In communication mode, over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, you can access the configuration that the loaded firmware allows, perform any housekeeping in the unit and eventually update the firmware or the user interface pages. No need to remove anything from the airplane — no more wear on the JR connectors that have been giving us problems in the past.
No more papers, fewer people involved in a competition
A totally paperless contest can be handled with GliderKeeper and GliderTimer. GliderKeeper leaves an imprint with its serial number and the exact date and time of the flight to maintain data integrity. No need for exchanging papers, pencils or chronometers.
What's new in v2
The v2 inherits the best of the original GliderKeeper and of its brother, the Pico:
- Half a gram lighter and 2 mm shorter than the original.
- Switching power supply that accepts up to 17 volts.
- Large expansion port, which lets you configure it over a USB cable with a Pico Programmer and opens the door to telemetry output and future enhancements.
- Small expansion port to connect GKSync or a spare display.
USB-cable programming requires GliderKeeper Desktop v3.30.3 or higher on Windows.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 51 x 24.5 x 5.8 mm
- Weight (including cable): 12.3 g
- Cable length: 200 mm
- Power supply: 4.8 V (min.) / 17 V (max.), switching supply
- Current consumption: flight mode < 20 mA / Wi-Fi STA 60 mA / Wi-Fi AP 200 mA
- Barometric pressure sensor: 300–1250 hPa, 8 Pa relative accuracy (0.6 m)
- Accelerometer: 12 bit, ±8 g range
- Memory storage: 148 flights or 5 flight hours
- Wireless communication: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n WPA/2 and Bluetooth (firmware 5.x or higher)