The Soundlink gives audible feedback during a skydive in two ways: alarms, which are tone patterns played at altitudes you choose, and announcements, which speak information such as altitude or groundspeed. Both are set from a connected Insight, Stratos or the Deep and Steep app; volume and pitch are in Soundlink Settings, and Wireless Connect (Bluetooth) explains how to connect.
Altitude Alarms #
Alarms are distinct tone patterns played at the altitudes you choose, with separate sets for freefall and canopy flight. Each set of alarm altitudes is saved as a preset, and the Soundlink stores up to 4 presets.
Freefall alarms: Choose up to 4 alarm altitudes for freefall.
Canopy alarms: Choose up to 4 alarm altitudes for canopy flight. After the “final” canopy alarm plays, all alarms and announcements are switched off so you can concentrate on landing your parachute.
Presets: Alarm altitudes are saved in presets numbered 1 to 4, so you can switch quickly between your most common jump profiles. Change the preset from the Soundlink’s 1-button menu or from a connected device.
Caution
Freefall alarms must be at least 980 feet (300 meters) apart, and canopy alarms at least 160 feet (50 meters) apart. The Soundlink, the Insight and the app automatically move alarms that are set closer together out to this minimum spacing.
Note
Alarms take priority over voice announcements. An alarm at the same altitude as an announcement overrides it, and no announcement plays within 2 seconds of an alarm.
Announcements #
The Soundlink can give voice feedback, called an announcement, during freefall, canopy flight or both. Altitude and vertical speed announcements work on the Soundlink by itself. The other announcement types use GPS data from a connected Insight or Stratos.
Only one announcement type can be active at a time. If you want altitude information as well as another announcement, set alarms for your key altitudes and choose the other information as the announcement type.
Standalone announcements #
Available on the Soundlink alone, using its internal pressure sensor:
- Altitude
- Vertical speed
Connected announcements #
These use GPS data, so they play only while the Soundlink has an active connection to an Insight or Stratos. The units are the same as the settings on the connected altimeter.
- Groundspeed
- Ground track
- LZ distance
- LZ glide
- Current glide
- Direction to LZ
Note
When a connected announcement type is selected, the Soundlink turns on Wireless Connect by itself during the aircraft ascent. It says “Ready to Connect” and waits for an Insight or Stratos to connect.
Announce mode and frequency #
Announce Mode: Choose freefall and canopy announcements, freefall only, or canopy only.
Announce Frequency: Every announcement type except altitude can be set to one of 5 rates, from slow to fast. The rates differ between freefall and canopy.
With altitude selected as the announcement type, the Soundlink speaks the altitude every 1,000 feet (or 500 meters) in freefall. Under canopy, from 1,500 feet down, it speaks the altitude every 100 feet.
When a canopy alarm is configured as “Final”, the Soundlink stops speaking any other information after that alarm plays. This is designed to reduce distraction while landing.
CP Open Info #
With CP Open Info turned on, the Soundlink announces the glide ratio you need to reach the LZ. The announcement plays once, after canopy opening is detected. It uses GPS data, so it needs an active connection to an Insight or Stratos during the skydive.
Note
CP Open Info makes the Soundlink turn on Wireless Connect by itself during the aircraft ascent. It says “Ready to Connect” and waits for an Insight or Stratos to connect.
