Hello all. We've heard rumours that the GT31 is on it's way out (more than that, we've spoken to the manufacturer). The GT31 has served us well but the chipset used in it is being phased out :-(

I believe locosys will produce a replacement - (NOT called the GT32 by the way) - when they have decided on a new chipset... but that's all I know.

I am not too sure on stock levels of GT31 (I am awaiting a reply on that matter)  - but at www.bhipltd.co.uk (gps-speed.co.uk) we are trying to make sure we have stock of the GT31 until such time that stock runs out.

Does anybody on the forum have anymore information on this issue?

There are many other good GPS products available like the Suunto Ambit2 and Garmin Forerunner 910XT, I have used them all, BUT none of them have doppler level accuracy.

Cheers, and feedback welcome

Tris

GPS-SPEED.co.uk

Hi Tris,

GPSSS and WGPSSRC are actively working on this issue and seeking more information from Locosys and other manufacturers.

The only alternative GPS chipset we know of so far besides the Sirf3 that produces the data we need (doppler speed accuracy) is the UBlox Antaris (4, 5 and 6).  Some Wintec GPS devices use these chipsets but in standard form, none output the data we need.

Andrew Daff

WGPSSRC

I just tested the FlySight GPS that uses the u-blox 6 chip. It can output data in .ubx format with custom firmware. The firmware is open source, so modifications are easy.

I was initially looking into GT-31 alternatives because I wanted more accurate jibe analyses (which requires a a higher data rae than 1 Hz). My test show that the FlySight is more accurate than the GT-31. Full report (with a link to data file download near the bottom) at http://boardsurfr.blogspot.com/2013/09/flysight-better-gps.html

Andrew, can you give more details on what exactly the shortcomings of the Wintec devices are? 

Thanks,

Peter

Good article! 

Wish it had a screen though so I could get something similar to Speed Genie on it.

-Kevin

Good article! 

Wish it had a screen though so I could get something similar to Speed Genie on it.

-Kevin

Might sound like a daft question, but is it wise to buy a second spare unit?

Peter! 

Nice article, indeed! One solution to the display problem is to use the Flysight in tandem with the GT31. Since the display values is aproximates already, you can use that display as a guide, and then use the flysight data when you get home and analyze it in the GPS programs. 

At least until a unit comes out that has both the accuracy and the display... :)

And if the Flysight gets ok from the GP3S crew of course!

/Jesper

The developer of FlySight has seen an interest in developing a unit for speedsailing.  He has registered on SeaBreeze andhas been asking the folks over there what they would like in a unit.  The future is looking good!

Hi, I came across this device which is still in development. It looks promissing but  it hasn't got a screen to look at your results. But, I guess they could just make a small device to do just that. Otherwise you need to carry your iphone with you whilst surfing. Of course taking your expensive iphone on the water isn't the best option. So, at the moment it isn't suitable yet...

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/activereplay/trace-the-most-advanced-activity-monitor-for-actio

In addition: the FlySight doesn't have a screen either!

The Trace device is waterproof and shockproof, works with GPS and Bluetooth... Since the people from Trace are still develloping for extreme sports, maybe that they are willing to look into our sport and devellope a small bluetooth linked screen?....

Kevin:

Sounds good, indeed!

Better battery time is high on the wishlist on the Flysight, though...

found this link on the web

http://www.gpsbusinessnews.com/Bryton-Uses-u-blox-GPS-Chipset-in-Latest-Devices_a4078.html

apparently the devices from Bryton are making use of the Ublox 6 chipset. There is also a watch-tpye of device for Triathletes available (asume this should be wateproof)

http://corp.brytonsport.com/products/index/Multisport?lang=eng

Does anybody know these devices? In principle the used chipset should be providing doppler speed error calcuation and by this being suitable for our application.

Hello everyone,

The problem arise from the decision of Locosys to discontinue the production of GT-31 is, that there are people that want to buy a GPS device to get into speedsailing and some others that they want to replace theirs due to failure, but they don't want to spend money for 2 devices (a GT-31 and one other)...

So, untill such a device is out in the market, what would be your advice?

I think they should be fine getting a GT-31 as it will probably be awhile before the FlySight windsurf version goes from blue prints to actual working unit.  That plus getting it approved by GP3S could take some time!

-Kevin