View Full Version : Neptune 2
TheMannequin
Feb 4, 07, 03:59
The page for Neptune 2 says:
"First of all - no need to panic, recent production Neptune units can be upgraded to Neptune 2 using the normal upgrade methods."
Recent meaning? I would LOVE to have some (almost all) the features the Neptune 2 will have, but mine is almost a year and half old....
From what age/serial numbers will it be able to upgrade?
and...will there possibly be a way to get the new one via a trade in program or something similar?
kabatronix
Feb 6, 07, 02:59
hi supermodel :)
Neptune 2 = V3.0 firmware running on Rev 7 hardware. (Version numbers shows as x.x.x D)
V3.0 firmware running on Rev 4, 4a, 5 & 6 (a, A, B, & C) hardware will provide the same features as Neptune 2, except for the number of jumps that are logged. Those hardware revisions have less memory.
to check your version press menu->system->modes->demo press middle key twice to read firmware release number.
for example: mine shows Rel. 2.6.2 B
so "B" means hardware revision 5 -> my neptune will run upcoming firmware 3 including all features except detailed logging of more than 10 jumps.
so will probably yours, cause mine is much older ;)
cu
kaba
Tim Henderson
Feb 7, 07, 09:39
for example: mine shows Rel. 2.6.2 B
so "B" means hardware revision 5
Right.
A - Rev 4 and 4a hardware, the oldest. Very few of you have these
B - Rev 5 hardware, lots of these are out there
C - Rev 6 hardware, has more memory than 5
D - Rev 7 hardware, has more memory than 6
More memory means more jumps logged, and more detailed jumps.
Rev 6 has about half the memory of Rev 7.
IanHarrop
Feb 7, 07, 13:38
A - Rev 4 and 4a hardware, the oldest. Very few of you have these
B - Rev 5 hardware, lots of these are out there
C - Rev 6 hardware, has more memory than 5
D - Rev 7 hardware, has more memory than 6
I know one person with the version "a".... me
Tim Henderson
Feb 9, 07, 07:39
wow! When did you get yours?
I wonder who has the oldest unit out there?
IanHarrop
Feb 9, 07, 10:48
Very early in 2004. My rigger/dealer handed be both a Neptune and "the other guys product" and said play, but he gave me no manuals. The Neptune was easy to figure out, but not "the other guys product".
With Alti-2's reputation, a Neptune was a very easy purchase decision.
I have an "a" also... guess that's what we get for jumping on the new stuff. I bought mine the first day they were released (i was the one who recommended to alti-2 to put what was changed in the revisions. Next day they had a page up with what each firmware revision changed). :)
Maybe they will offer an upgrade of some sort for those of use who supported them from the beginning :) (wishful hoping).
Roger Allen
Mar 29, 07, 09:25
I have an "a" also... guess that's what we get for jumping on the new stuff. I bought mine the first day they were released (i was the one who recommended to alti-2 to put what was changed in the revisions. Next day they had a page up with what each firmware revision changed). :)
Maybe they will offer an upgrade of some sort for those of use who supported them from the beginning :) (wishful hoping).
Yes we will be offering an upgrade program:) , it be availble later in the year (September)
Tim Henderson
Apr 9, 07, 08:32
I've 2.4.2 a :(
sergi there should not be a reason to frown - you can update to 2.6.2 no matter what hardware version you have.
Until you update, the Control Panel features won't work, because your version speaks an old dialect of the language we use to communicate between the PC and the Neptune.
Hi Tim,
Kabatronix mentioned that Vx.x.xB would do all functions Of Neptune2except detail logging of more then 10 jumps.
What are the Limitations of A and C with regards to V3.0? Only Memory, thus the amount of detailed logs? or are there other limitations as well?
Fast blue Skies
TC
Hi Tim,
Kabatronix mentioned that Vx.x.xB would do all functions Of Neptune2except detail logging of more then 10 jumps.
What are the Limitations of A and C with regards to V3.0? Only Memory, thus the amount of detailed logs? or are there other limitations as well?
Fast blue Skies
TC
To help eliminate confusion, I'll quote a different part of the post. :D
hi supermodel :)
Neptune 2 = V3.0 firmware running on Rev 7 hardware. (Version numbers shows as x.x.x D)
V3.0 firmware running on Rev 4, 4a, 5 & 6 (a, A, B, & C) hardware will provide the same features as Neptune 2, except for the number of jumps that are logged. Those hardware revisions have less memory.
So simply put, all versions of hardware will be different only in the number of jumps they record.
Any update? It's been 2 weeks. Just wondering how things are going :)
So my current F/W reads as 2.6.1 D, meaning that I will be able to get all of the features including 200 full jump profiles?
Just curious as to what all this memory was being used for with the current firmware, why was there a limit of only 10 full profiles if the memory was there?
Have you guys fixed the wacky freefall average speed calculation problem yet? (i.e. 120mph at 9k, 185mph at 6k, 107mph at 3k).
Tim Henderson
May 24, 07, 08:49
Any update? It's been 2 weeks. Just wondering how things are going :)
Beta 2.9.08 is out, carrying fixes for known bugs, and with an NMU that supports almost all the new features.
So my current F/W reads as 2.6.1 D, meaning that I will be able to get all of the features including 200 full jump profiles?
All features are available, regardless of which hardware version you have. You will get 200 detailed jump profiles. See http://www.alti-2.com/sport/neptune/Neptune2.htm
Just curious as to what all this memory was being used for with the current firmware, why was there a limit of only 10 full profiles if the memory was there?
;) We reserved it for Tetris but realized all to late we did not have enough buttons to allow play. Also Tetris used up the battery too fast. :D
A more serious answer? Data is stored very, very differently in the new version.
Have you guys fixed the wacky freefall average speed calculation problem yet? (i.e. 120mph at 9k, 185mph at 6k, 107mph at 3k).
We have the problem in view. We got some good data on it from Beta testers, and that has really helped.
;) We reserved it for Tetris but realized all to late we did not have enough buttons to allow play. Also Tetris used up the battery too fast. :D
There is enough; left-right movement, and the middle button to rotate/drop (hold it for a second to drop). We've implemented hidden Tetris on some military probe device, and those guys loved it :)
A more serious answer? Data is stored very, very differently in the new version.
How is it stored now?
2 bytes - jump number; stored as offset from "jump base" value, which covers up to 131,070 jumps.
2 bytes to store aircraft information (5 bits - up to 32), dropzone information (5 bits - up to 32); there are 6 bits to store something else I forgot about.
4 bytes to store the jump date and time as number of seconds since 12AM Jan 1st 2005. Have enough room for the next 135 years, so probably a few bits could be used for something else as well.
4*1 byte - freefall time difference between 12,9,6,and 3K altitudes from 0 to 255. Used to calculate the freefall speed on altitude without storing it, and the values are meaningful for both mph and km/h.
2 bytes to store freefall time from exit altitude to 12K, and from 3k to deployment. Used to calculate the freefall speed on 12K, and total freefall time.
1 byte to store exit altitude in feet divided by 128. This gives us support for altitudes up to 32640ft, and provides exit altitude in +/-64 feet range.
1 byte to store opening altitude in feet divided by 64. This gives us support in opening altitudes up to 16K feet, and provides opening altitude in +/- 32 feet range.
2 bytes for canopy ride length divided by 4. Could store up to 35 minutes of canopy ride time with +/- 2 seconds.
So it is 18 bytes per jump. If you have 1K of memory, it could store 56 jumps. Why only 10? :)
JeremyDG
May 30, 07, 08:06
Tsk, tsk, tsk, trade secret, trade secret. The kind guarded by big burly men with black suits and sunglasses. :cool:
There is enough; left-right movement, and the middle button to rotate/drop (hold it for a second to drop). We've implemented hidden Tetris on some military probe device, and those guys loved it :)
How is it stored now?
2 bytes - jump number; stored as offset from "jump base" value, which covers up to 131,070 jumps.
2 bytes to store aircraft information (5 bits - up to 32), dropzone information (5 bits - up to 32); there are 6 bits to store something else I forgot about.
4 bytes to store the jump date and time as number of seconds since 12AM Jan 1st 2005. Have enough room for the next 135 years, so probably a few bits could be used for something else as well.
4*1 byte - freefall time difference between 12,9,6,and 3K altitudes from 0 to 255. Used to calculate the freefall speed on altitude without storing it, and the values are meaningful for both mph and km/h.
2 bytes to store freefall time from exit altitude to 12K, and from 3k to deployment. Used to calculate the freefall speed on 12K, and total freefall time.
1 byte to store exit altitude in feet divided by 128. This gives us support for altitudes up to 32640ft, and provides exit altitude in +/-64 feet range.
1 byte to store opening altitude in feet divided by 64. This gives us support in opening altitudes up to 16K feet, and provides opening altitude in +/- 32 feet range.
2 bytes for canopy ride length divided by 4. Could store up to 35 minutes of canopy ride time with +/- 2 seconds.
So it is 18 bytes per jump. If you have 1K of memory, it could store 56 jumps. Why only 10? :)
Georger:
Although I love your efficiency oriented approach keep in mind that what they're referring to is "full jump profiles" for the past 10 (and now 200) jumps, meaning that you can download it to your computer and see a graph of altitude and speed vs time. That amount of information (samples stored every second) takes a lot of space. I suspect that someone took a look at it and did something similar to what you have outlined, that is to say figured out that you could change readings to differentials instead of absolute, and otherwise figured out how to cut down on the storage space.
Trade secrets? What nonsense! Storage format for jump data hardly qualifies as trade secret :)
Is the upgrade of an ''a'' version still on for september ???:D
Or do I have to buy another one....:eek:
WnsPuma
Yes, we're still on track for Altimaster Field Support members with the older units to receive an upgrade at reduced cost. We have yet to finalize how we're going to handle the upgrade. We'll have the specifics as we get closer.
Peter
Yeah!!!:D
I'll be around to look for the opportunity to upgrade my OOOOOld Neptune..
THX Peter
Soon it will be september... lol...
My Neptune is working bad... sometime it's telling me the battery is empty:eek:, 2 sec after it's full ^s???? I cant wait to change the old one for a new one...:D
What happen if I forget my neptune for a jump, and I'm editing Paralog and add that jump manualy... what is appening betwen Neptune and Paralog, is the number of jump not the same anymore ? the jump number of my Paralog and Neptune doens't coordinate anymore? Do I have to manualy change data on my Neptune when this appens ?
I'm asking you and I'll ask Klaus too...
Thx
:)
Pierre,
sse the Paralog forum.
Klaus
ok, this might be a stupid question, but i have updated to ver 2.6.2 D and everything stays the same, so my question is this, am i doing something wrong or the cool features of neptune 2 wont come with ver 2.6.2 D but with later betas or with ver 3?
thanks.
slotperfect
Sep 3, 07, 07:03
Neptune 2 features are only available vis beta downloads, which are normally only tested by AFS members. v3.0 should be released VERY soon!
Ok, today is september 12 and i was all happy because today was suppose to be the release day of neptune 2, but nothing happened. Guess we'll just have to keep waiting(hope not too much longer:D)
Roger Allen
Sep 12, 07, 17:50
Ok, today is september 12 and i was all happy because today was suppose to be the release day of neptune 2, but nothing happened. Guess we'll just have to keep waiting(hope not too much longer:D)
It was released to AFS today, we need to get the documentation on our website consistent and we will then put a public link. It will be available before the weekend.
Roger
Wow, that's great news. i'm planning to jump this weekend, so if everything goes well i'll have a brand new Neptune 2 :D
Thanks guys for all your hard work.
wow! When did you get yours?
I wonder who has the oldest unit out there?
:eek:
I have 2, and just checked for the heck of it, as I was also an "early adopter."
My "new" one is a "B"
My old one is an "a" though I coulda swore it was an "A"
My old one has the "corner cracking" problem inherent in the first runs, which is why I assumed it was an "A." I was going to send it in an have the case changed to my custom color combination. As Lara once put it "the unstealable Neptune." Well, it's starting to malfunction now too. Sometimes the display just shuts off, and if I put pressure on the case in certain places, it comes back. As soon as I let go, it goes blank again. Well, that needs fixing, but if I can upgrade, maybe I'll just do that. I do actually kinda want a third one though. :cool: One as an audible, one on my wrist, and one on my leg (Can you tell Wingsuit is my preferred method of flight?)
I too have an "a" version that I would like to upgrade to a newer model that can hold more than 10 detailed jumps. What do I need to do? Also, can you transfer the jump information from my old one to a new one?
It's mid September, and still no news about the upgrade of our old Neptune :bump: for a new one:cool:, I guess I'll have to wait a little more:shake:
The Traveller
Sep 17, 07, 20:42
I've 2.4.2 a :(
You should update to 3.0. You will have all the features except the number of logs will be reduced as compared to later version of the hardware. The logging was designed so that on a weekend jump, you will still have all the detailed profiles as needed.
WnsPuma
Yes, we're still on track for Altimaster Field Support members with the older units to receive an upgrade at reduced cost. We have yet to finalize how we're going to handle the upgrade. We'll have the specifics as we get closer.
Peter
Hi Peter, any news about the upgrade of older units? I had problems with my unit this summer... I was wondering if you will upgrade units, or should I got with another kind of unit !! :(
thx
WnsPuma,
All of AFS is part of the Pro Purchase Program, our discount program for competitors, instructors, AFS members, riggers etc. AFS members' discount is set at 50%. Send me an email or give me a call to get your order underway.
Peter
What about non AFS members.. i had orginally asked when neptune 2 for first introduced and was told those of us with "a" models or older models would be able to trade in or upgrade at reduced cost. Is that still in the works? I am waiting to know before i progress further since Paralog now charges your to upgrade you neptune. you have to pay a full license to upgrade it even though you've already paid once to have it work with paralog. I wouldn't mind paying if we are upgrading our units to a newer unit, but seems a bit overboard just for an updated firmware. Thanks
What about non AFS members.. i had orginally asked when neptune 2 for first introduced and was told those of us with "a" models or older models would be able to trade in or upgrade at reduced cost. Is that still in the works? I am waiting to know before i progress further since Paralog now charges your to upgrade you neptune. you have to pay a full license to upgrade it even though you've already paid once to have it work with paralog. I wouldn't mind paying if we are upgrading our units to a newer unit, but seems a bit overboard just for an updated firmware. Thanks
First, you are able to download and use the latest firmware with your existing Neptune at no cost. DOWNLOAD (http://www.alti-2.com/neptune%20owners/neptune_updater.htm)
Second, yes, we do have an upgrade program in place for any sport Altimaster product. Send us your Neptune and we'll send you a new Neptune 2 for $190 plus shipping. Let us know what color you want.
Third, Alti-2 does not make money from Paralog sales and has no control over Paralog pricing and policies.
Thank you,
Peter
Sorry if it came across wrong. I wasn't ranting at alti.... i was kinda just venting.... i know alti makes no money off of paralog. I was just searching ans searching for this upgrade policy that i was told about and couldn't find it. but now i know. Thank you!
you have to pay a full license to upgrade it
That's not true. See the update policy here (http://www.paralog.net/index.php?update.htm) and the pricing here (http://www.paralog.net/register.htm).
Klaus
Klaus,
Sorry to make it sound like that. I did not mean buy the program all over again... I meant you have to pay for a Logger Interface License which is how much it costs if you were to add a neptune, neptune II, or any other one. for instance, you pay to add a neptune... it is 9,95... you update it to the firmware to neptune II. If you are outside of the 90 period, you will then have to pay 9,95 to use the say same logger that you already paid to use over 90 days before. so you are essentially paying twice for the same logger. Please do not get me wrong as i stated earlier i'd expect to pay for an upgraded program as it's time and money. I just find it Odd that all of the customers that aren't in the 90 day window would have to pay to keep using the same logger. I personally don't care because I will upgrading to 4.x shortly and (if i read correctly) that includes turning my neptune license to a neptune II license.
Cheers
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