Deep and Steep GPS enabled altimeters record GPS tracks for use with a variety of apps and programs.
Recording Modes #
To change the GPS track recording mode, first switch to the GPS screen. Press the center button to open the menu, then navigate to the “Rec: “ option. Press the center button to switch between the various modes.
Auto
The auto GPS recording mode handles all of the GPS track recording during a skydive. The GPS is in a low power mode while on the ground to save battery. When the altimeter detects ascent in the aircraft, Auto mode powers on the GPS. The GPS will record data to a track file:
- Every 30 seconds during the plane ride
- 3 to 4 times per second during freefall and canopy descent
Upon landing, Auto mode puts the GPS into low power mode again to save battery until the next airplane ride is detected.
Manual (Low)
Manual mode enables the GPS immediately and begins to record even while on the ground. Manual (Low) mode will record data to a track file:
- Every 30 seconds on the ground and during the plane ride
- 3 to 4 times per second during freefall and canopy descent
Upon landing, the GPS recording mode switches back to Auto.
Manual (High)
Manual mode enables the GPS immediately. Manual (High) records data to the track file 3 to 4 times per second the entire time. This mode is useful when using your altimeter off the DZ for other activities such as BASE, speed flying, and paragliding.
This mode will continue to record until switched back to Auto unless a skydive is performed, in which case the altimeter will switch back to Auto upon landing.
Disabled
This mode will disable the GPS recording features of the altimeter. The GPS module will still function to provide GPS data for navigation and information, however no track file will be created to record the skydive. The GPS will automatically turn on when ascent in the airplane is detected, and will switch back to low power mode upon landing.
GPS Track Files #
The GPS track files are stored using the onboard memory of the altimeter. To access the files, use the Deep and Steep phone app (see the app section for instructions), or connect the altimeter to a computer using USB Connect mode.
Track files for a skydive are named “gps_XXXXX.csv”, where XXXXX is replaced by the jump number. For example jump 123 will have a track file named “gps_00123.csv”. These skydive tracks are found in the “skydive_tracks” folder.
Track files that were created with manual recording modes and did not take place on a skydive are stored in the “other_tracks” folder. These track files will have a random number assigned to them. The easiest way to find a particular manual recording is to sort the files by created date.
For more information regarding GPS tracks and how to interpret the GPS data, see the Learning Center section for “Understanding GPS Track Data“.
