SonoAlti G2
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes SonoAlti G2 different from other altimeters?
A: SonoAlti G2 logs a practically unlimited number of of jumps and is far more durable than other audibles on the market. It allows you to set up to five presets with unlimited alarms for ascent, freefall, and canopy and these presets are then selectable on the device itself.
A: SonoAlti G2 logs a practically unlimited number of of jumps and is far more durable than other audibles on the market. It allows you to set up to five presets with unlimited alarms for ascent, freefall, and canopy and these presets are then selectable on the device itself.
Q: I'm a wingsuiter. What are your recommendations for setting SonoAlti G2?
A: FDS recommends lowering the freefall threshold under "Main" settings from 80 mph to something like 30 mph, depending on the size of one's suit and weight. It can also be a good idea to "Disable Freefall Alerts Below" something like 2000 feet, so that no freefall alerts and alarms are triggered below this; this ensures that one only sees canopy alerts and alarms below this altitude. This will also give one a more accurate assessment of freefall time in one's logbook.
A: FDS recommends lowering the freefall threshold under "Main" settings from 80 mph to something like 30 mph, depending on the size of one's suit and weight. It can also be a good idea to "Disable Freefall Alerts Below" something like 2000 feet, so that no freefall alerts and alarms are triggered below this; this ensures that one only sees canopy alerts and alarms below this altitude. This will also give one a more accurate assessment of freefall time in one's logbook.
Q: I'm a swooper. What are your recommendations for setting SonoAlti G2?
A: FDS recommends raising the freefall threshold under "Main" settings from 80 mph to something like 100 mph, depending on the size of one's canopy and wing loading. As for wingsuiting, it can be a good idea to "Disable Freefall Alerts Below" something like 2000 feet, so that no freefall alerts and alarms are triggered below this; this ensures that one only sees canopy alerts and alarms below this altitude. This will also give one a more accurate assessment of freefall time in one's logbook.
A: FDS recommends raising the freefall threshold under "Main" settings from 80 mph to something like 100 mph, depending on the size of one's canopy and wing loading. As for wingsuiting, it can be a good idea to "Disable Freefall Alerts Below" something like 2000 feet, so that no freefall alerts and alarms are triggered below this; this ensures that one only sees canopy alerts and alarms below this altitude. This will also give one a more accurate assessment of freefall time in one's logbook.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: This will depend on how often the altimeter is used as well as where it is stored. If the altimeter is often in a moving car in hilly territory, the battery will drain a bit more quickly. Generally speaking, the user should be able to get approximately 250 jumps on the unit before it needs to be recharged. When stored charged, the battery can last as long as two months. The units should be able to get approximately 300-400 charge cycles without significantly affecting battery life.
A: This will depend on how often the altimeter is used as well as where it is stored. If the altimeter is often in a moving car in hilly territory, the battery will drain a bit more quickly. Generally speaking, the user should be able to get approximately 250 jumps on the unit before it needs to be recharged. When stored charged, the battery can last as long as two months. The units should be able to get approximately 300-400 charge cycles without significantly affecting battery life.
Q: Can I set the altimeter on the way to altitude?
A: Yes, one can select presets by holding the top button. One can also use the FDS Altis app in the aircraft (not recommended) as long as Bluetooth mode is off before exiting the aircraft.
A: Yes, one can select presets by holding the top button. One can also use the FDS Altis app in the aircraft (not recommended) as long as Bluetooth mode is off before exiting the aircraft.
Q: How many jumps does it log?
A: SonoAlti G2 can log hundreds of jumps before needing to sync to the cloud, but it is recommended to sync often to avoid logging errors.
A: SonoAlti G2 can log hundreds of jumps before needing to sync to the cloud, but it is recommended to sync often to avoid logging errors.
Q: Does SonoAlti G2 have GPS?
A: SonoAlti G2 does not have GPS as that would reduce the battery life greatly.
A: SonoAlti G2 does not have GPS as that would reduce the battery life greatly.
Q: What helmets does it fit?
A: SonoAlti G2 fits almost any skydiving helmet that has an audible port. The Kiss helmet requires an adapter that can be purchased.
A: SonoAlti G2 fits almost any skydiving helmet that has an audible port. The Kiss helmet requires an adapter that can be purchased.
Q: Does my mobile device need to be connected to the altimeter for it to work?
A: No, in fact, Bluetooth mode must be off for the altimeter to work.
A: No, in fact, Bluetooth mode must be off for the altimeter to work.
Q: Do I need Wi-Fi (or an Internet connection) to connect to the altimeter?
A: No, but a Wi-Fi signal is necessary to log in to FDS Logbook and sync to the cloud.
A: No, but a Wi-Fi signal is necessary to log in to FDS Logbook and sync to the cloud.
Q: Why do my freefall speed graphs look so spiky?
A: SonoAlti G2 (and all barometric altimeters) read altitude based on air pressure. This means that if you change body positions, or are flying in someone's burble, there will be some inconsistencies in altitude readings. These inconsistencies cause the spikiness in the vertical speed graphs. Even the most advanced barometric altimeter in the world would be susceptible to this issue. If you are using the device purely for data tracking, the cleanest data is usually obtained with the altimeter located on one's ankle.
A: SonoAlti G2 (and all barometric altimeters) read altitude based on air pressure. This means that if you change body positions, or are flying in someone's burble, there will be some inconsistencies in altitude readings. These inconsistencies cause the spikiness in the vertical speed graphs. Even the most advanced barometric altimeter in the world would be susceptible to this issue. If you are using the device purely for data tracking, the cleanest data is usually obtained with the altimeter located on one's ankle.
Q: Is SonoAlti G2 water resistent?
A: SonoAlti G2 is highly water resistant, but not waterproof.
A: SonoAlti G2 is highly water resistant, but not waterproof.
Q: Is there a differentiation between canopy and freefall alarms?
A: Yes. SonoAlti G2 differentiates between the three types of alarms: ascent, freefall, and canopy.
A: Yes. SonoAlti G2 differentiates between the three types of alarms: ascent, freefall, and canopy.
Q: I notice some deviation between my wrist-mounted altimeter and my SonoAlti G2. Is this normal? Which is correct?
A: Yes. Because barometric altimeters are subject to wakes and burbles, their placement can affect their readings. Which is closer in accuracy will depend on the type of jump you are doing and how you have the altimeters mounted. In most cases, the deviation is not larger than a couple hundred feet at the very most. If the deviation is more, see whether the altimeters are at least synchronized during ascent in the plane and go from there. If they are synchronized in the plane or under canopy but not in freefall, then the placement of the altimeters is certainly affecting their synchronization in freefall. Altimeters placed in a wake will read higher than those in clean air. So if you are, for example, sit-flying or doing a tandem, it isn't an unlikely possibility that your altimeter is being subjected to a significant burble.
A: Yes. Because barometric altimeters are subject to wakes and burbles, their placement can affect their readings. Which is closer in accuracy will depend on the type of jump you are doing and how you have the altimeters mounted. In most cases, the deviation is not larger than a couple hundred feet at the very most. If the deviation is more, see whether the altimeters are at least synchronized during ascent in the plane and go from there. If they are synchronized in the plane or under canopy but not in freefall, then the placement of the altimeters is certainly affecting their synchronization in freefall. Altimeters placed in a wake will read higher than those in clean air. So if you are, for example, sit-flying or doing a tandem, it isn't an unlikely possibility that your altimeter is being subjected to a significant burble.
Q: Does Freefall Data Systems LLC collect data from its customers?
A: Nothing other than the information required to ship and provide a warranty to our customers. We respect our customer's privacy: Freefall Data Systems LLC's philosophy is that if a customer bought our product, then the data gathered with it should belong to them.
A: Nothing other than the information required to ship and provide a warranty to our customers. We respect our customer's privacy: Freefall Data Systems LLC's philosophy is that if a customer bought our product, then the data gathered with it should belong to them.