SailTimer API™

SailTimer API™

by SailTimer Inc.

2 ratings
4 reviews

Archived App

This is an archived listing of the app previously available on the App Store.

Although the app is no longer distributed by Apple, you can still view its description, screenshots, version history, ratings, and metadata for reference.

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • August 10, 2015
  • January 18, 2021

Features

SailTimer API™ screenshot #1 for iPhone
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About

This app connects to a wireless wind instrument via Bluetooth to provide real-time wind data to other sailing applications. It reformats and converts wind direction, making it easy for chartplotters and racing apps to display. Advanced features include data smoothing and compass fine-tuning.

Bluetooth 4 LE connection
Background data streaming
Wind data reformatting
Magnetic to true north conversion
NMEA 0183 data output
Automatic reconnection
Compass quadrant fine-tuning
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What's New in SailTimer API™

1.3.7

January 18, 2021

Updated NOAA geomagnetic model for wind direction based on Magnetic North or True North.

User reviews

Still Flaky...

I purchased the SailTimer wind instrument and have so far been very disappointed. After a long wait, my wind sensor arrived heavily scratched and with a battery that will only reach half a charge. The SailTimer API app eventually connected to the device but drops off frequently. Tech support is only through email and my technical questions emails have gone unanswered. Return policy is essentially a joke. Lots of promise on the design side but the company appears to lack the organization to make all the parts and pieces actually work.

2020 Update. I tried using the SailTimer system for two sailing seasons in Maine. The app was generally pretty good, nothing cutting edge, but functional. The system hardware, the wireless wind sensor, was abysmal and customer service was even worse. The standard company response is to deny any fault and blame the customer for everything. If I had taken the time for more research I would have found my bad experiences were not unique. I would avoid this company like the plague.
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Response from developer

We stand behind our products, and have also had dialogue with you via your posts in other places. Contacting our developers and expert sailors at Technical Support is the best way to get help. (As later determined, your email form was never sent in, but we do provide prompt 24/7 support to sailors worldwide.) Although you did not update your original comment above, we trust that things are better now now, and appreciate this explanation you sent in on August 7 2019: “The wind instrument is atop my mast and being used.  Your software is good and when the instrument is connected the overall system is very useful.”

Unusable

Cannot login after registering on an iPad or iPhone 7 iOS 10.2. Is completely unusable without login.

Registration function broken

The registration function of the API app appears to be fatally flawed. After agreeing to the terms and conditions a pop up asks to "pick a color". There is no place to specify a color or select from a drop down list. You are just returned to the registration field entry page which puts the user in and endless loop. This renders the app useless. Using an iPhone 7 Plus and iOS 10.2
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Some issues using iOS 9

I've got an iPhone 5S iOS 9. The api screen for log-in doesn't quite fit. When logged in, and the WindInstrument found and identified, you can just barely see the top of the signal strength bars but the clickable area of the instrument button is hidden so you can't select it.

Works fine with my iPad Air 2.
Hope you will check this issue out.

Simeon
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Developer apps

FAQ

What is the SailTimer API™ used for?

The SailTimer API™ connects to the SailTimer Wind Instrument™ via Bluetooth 4 LE to receive and reformat wind data. This data is then handed off to other sailing, racing, or chartplotting applications for display.

Does the SailTimer API™ work with any wind instrument?

No, the SailTimer API™ is specifically designed to work with the SailTimer Wind Instrument™. It receives wireless wind data transmissions from this particular device.

Can I see wind data from other users with the SailTimer API™?

Yes, by logging in, you can access innovations like the Share button, which allows you to crowd-source your wind data and view real-time wind maps to plan your tacking routes.

How does the SailTimer API™ handle wind direction?

The API converts wind direction from magnetic north to true north. It also reformats the wind data into NMEA 0183 format, which is a standard sentence (MWD) used in marine electronics for wind direction and speed.

What are the advanced features in the SailTimer API™?

Under the 'i' menu, you can find a Smoothing button to average fluctuating wind direction readings. There is also an Advanced button for Compass Quadrant Fine-Tuning, allowing precise adjustments for North, East, South, and West based on the instrument's mounting on your boat.

How often is the SailTimer API™ updated?

The latest version is 1.3.7, which was last updated on January 18, 2021. Update frequency can vary, but this indicates it receives periodic maintenance.

What devices is the SailTimer API™ compatible with?

The SailTimer API™ is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It requires Bluetooth 4 LE for connection to the wind instrument.

What is the rating for the SailTimer API™?

The app has a rating of 3.0 stars based on 2 ratings. This suggests a mixed user reception, possibly due to specific use cases or connectivity issues.