From: davidc@moebius.uucp (David T. Carter)
Subject: Info about AIS digital altimeter
Organization: AmeriCom Corporation
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 1993 06:32:31 GMT

Several weeks back, I posted a request for details about the Altitude
Information System (AIS) digital altimeter that was advertised in the
September 1992 issue of Parachutist (page 12).
 
Recently, I called ParaGear to ask them if they carried it, and got the
following information from Paul Thompson (who apparently works there when he's
not busy participating in 200-ways =)...
 
First, THE LIST PRICE IS (US)$475!!!  (Ouch!)
 
The AIS is a combination Dytter and data recorder.  Although it does have a
display, it is not intended to be used as a wrist or chest-mount altimeter. 
Paul indicated that it does not constantly display the altitude while in
freefall.  Instead, it is intended to be mounted on your hat or helmet (so you
can hear the audible warnings).
 
It has several audio warnings, similar to a Dytter, but with more options. 
The audio warnings are simple beeps, all at a single frequency.  The durations
may be different for each different type of warning beep (I don't know for
sure).  It can be programmed to beep in any combination of the following
cases:
 
    a) When it reaches each of three user-settable altitudes.
    b) A hard (constant) altitude setting of 1500 ft AGL.
    c) A single beep after a certain amount of time, between the range of 10 to
          179 seconds, from the start of descent (example: 45 seconds after the
          start of freefall).
    d) Periodically, e.g. every 1000 ft AGL (the step size may be settable,
          e.g. beep every 2000 ft instead; I'm not sure).
 
The data recorder functions are:
 
    Exit altitude
    Opening altitude
    Max freefall speed
    Average freefall speed
    Freefall time
 
This data is stored from each of the latest five jumps, and each jump may be
called up on the display.  Additionally, the unit stores the total freefall
time and total number of jumps.  The user may initialize these last two values
(e.g. if you already have 250 jumps when you start using the AIS, you can tell
it to begin counting at jump number 251).
 
The unit is powered by a coin-shaped lithium battery that can be replaced by
the user (I don't know what type exactly).  The manufacturer says that the
battery should last one year with average use.
 
The unit weighs about twice as much as a Dytter.  The size is 2.56" x 1.97" x
0.83".
 
It has three buttons, labeled "down" "up" and "mode".  The picture in the ad
shows "11849 ft" on the LCD (which is 1 line by 8 characters, each composed
of 5x7 dots). 
 
ParaGear had only the one demo unit that Hitech Design sent them.  According to
Paul, ParaGear does not plan to stock these.  He offered to sell me the demo
unit.  After they sell that one, I guess when somebody calls and wants to order
one, ParaGear will then order one from Germany.
 
The ad gives a number for Hitech Design (in Germany): (07171) 65043 and another
number for "Marketing"- Harry's Rigging Shop, also in Germany: (0711) 370816.

 
That's all I know about this product.  Please don't ask me for any additional
information.


David Carter
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