Vakaros

[cbulger]

Since my prior post - i have gotten several long email responses from Atlas - descriptions of their efforts, several reminders that they don't have capital so presumably this the customers are funding, no specifics on how many have been delivered, hope that I will have a unit by spring - trying to read between the lines I go the impression that the sins here are ones of in experience and entitlement (hey we didnt raise capital so its not our fault..) and not just a scam.  But the proof will be in the delivery.

Would be great to hear from customers who have actually received a unit.

 

[TBone]

"Your unit is in the production batch being completed this week. You should see a shipping confirmation with a tracking number from us on Friday."  (4/5)

Hope this happens...

So, Clock, any shipping confirmation?

Unit received?

 

[Moonduster]

trying to read between the lines I go the impression that the sins here are ones of in experience and entitlement (hey we didnt raise capital so its not our fault..) and not just a scam

Exactly what's the difference and why should a paying customer really care?

 

[SA Lurker]

Just so, Moonduster

Think "buyers" are aware that what they were purchasing was product development?

Anxiousness about product release may become the least of their concerns.

What will happen when the unimagined issues become apparent?

Who will fund that?

May make an attractive paperweight?

 

[Moceang4100]

Anyone receive there Atlas yet?

 

[Clockwork]

It's on its way.

 

[NYBOZO1]

Clockwork,  

Do you have a tracking number?  Or simply a promise?

Please let us know when it actually arrives.

Thanks much!

 

[Clockwork]

After many promises and delays I now have a tracking number that shows it's on its way due here on Friday.

 

[GLAZE]

After many promises and delays I now have a tracking number that shows it's on its way due here on Friday.

What was your order #?

 

[Clockwork]

Order #150.

 

[flyingdog]

Half way there for me...

 

[woodpecker]

After many promises and delays I now have a tracking number that shows it's on its way due here on Friday.

Well..?

 

[Clockwork]

It’s here. I’ll send pics later. 

 

[GLAZE]

It’s here. I’ll send pics later. 

What's the verdict?

 

[Clockwork]

Initially I was surprised at how physically small it is.  Once I turned it on I was blown away at how readable it is.  Way easier to read than the prostart.  It's so clear and there's so much contrast that the numbers jump out at you.  No issues with polarized sunglasses.  The software is limited at this point.  Seems to still be beta version. They say the iPhone app to control, configure and add features is 'coming soon'.  I hope that doesn't mean six+ months.   The current set up is intuitive and easy to figure out.  HDG, DTL, SOG, Timer, Heel and Trim are up and working.  I installed the instrument over the weekend and I'll run it through a race on Wednesday evening.

 

[GLAZE]

It’s here. I’ll send pics later. 

how did work?

 

[Clockwork]

Tried it out on a Wednesday night beer can race.  It was easy to set the line.  Not giving perpendicular compass heading or line headings yet.  I'm sure this is because you can't set a gps compass variation to magnetic so the info would be useless until that can be set.  No bow offset either.  Easy and intuitive to set and sync the timer.  The compass is a bit sensitive and no way to dampen.  Same with the speed.  Really not much you can do or customize.  The display is wonderful.  Very easy to see and love the contrasting display backgrounds.  Looking forward to being able to fiddle with the settings and data pages.  Hoping a software update will bring new features like wind direction capture and/or computation, line bias, shift tracking, VMG...  I think it would be cool to have a flashing background on the timer in the last 10 seconds.  We'll see what they come up with.  I see some FB posts about a phone app to do some of this and possibly control the device.  Hopefully not 6 month vaporware.  Our season is getting underway and my ProStart officially gave it up just when the Vakaros arrived...Perfect timing.  Regatta next weekend.

 

[Varan]

It would be nice if they opened up their API and let us common folks develop apps for their HW.

 

[Wombat672]

Tried it out on a Wednesday night beer can race.  It was easy to set the line.  Not giving perpendicular compass heading or line headings yet.  I'm sure this is because you can't set a gps compass variation to magnetic so the info would be useless until that can be set.  No bow offset either.  Easy and intuitive to set and sync the timer.  The compass is a bit sensitive and no way to dampen.  Same with the speed.  Really not much you can do or customize.  The display is wonderful.  Very easy to see and love the contrasting display backgrounds.  Looking forward to being able to fiddle with the settings and data pages.  Hoping a software update will bring new features like wind direction capture and/or computation, line bias, shift tracking, VMG...  I think it would be cool to have a flashing background on the timer in the last 10 seconds.  We'll see what they come up with.  I see some FB posts about a phone app to do some of this and possibly control the device.  Hopefully not 6 month vaporware.  Our season is getting underway and my ProStart officially gave it up just when the Vakaros arrived...Perfect timing.  Regatta next weekend.

Expensive Device if none of the functions work 

 

[GLAZE]

Got mine!!

Got a text from Todd (Thursday) that they were finishing up my Vakaros and would ship out the next day.  It was on my doorstep Tuesday.  When I opened the shipping box and saw what was inside, I reflected back to my first IPhone I ever got.  The Vakaros was not shoved in a box and shipped out.  The carrying case for the Vakaros is nice and compact, holding the unit, charging cord, mast bracket, and mast track attachment.  When you pick up the unit, you can tell it is well built and solid.  I spend some time that evening getting acquainted to features.  The next day, I slap the Vakaros on the dash of my truck and head to work.  Top speed of 78 heading in that morning.  After work I head to Yacht Club to show it off.  Lots of oohhs and ahhs.  Saturday rolls around and we have a quick race around our lake and crawfish boil that afternoon.  We mount it under our existing race master and it has nice tight look on the mast.  We have been racing the Melges 24 for 10 years and have only ever had a compass and timer.  

• Visually - Clear and crisp.  
  
• Compass - Fast refresh rate compared to the TackTic Racemaster.  The Vakaros would change 2* and racemaster wouldn't move.  
  
• Speed - Seemed to be pretty accurate, but nothing to compare it with.  We did win the race.  So we were fast.
  
• Heel and Pitch Angle - I really like this feature.  I have always sailed the Melges 24 watching our heal angle and now I can actually see a number.  I think the pitch will come in handy downwind.  
  
• Start Ping - Worked really well and easy to use. Our start was a pursuit start so we tested it a few times and appeared to be accurate.  Its something we haven't used on this boat so will have to get used to using it.
  
• Timer - It's a timer, it worked.
  

Full blown test will be in a week and half at the Melges 24 Nationals.

Overall I love the feel of the unit.  It's solid and doesn't feel cheap.  Definitely made well and should last a long time.  I am not an tech geek, so the current functions meet the need we have for the Melges 24.  I would like the ability to have some post race analytics or tracking.  I will be interested to see what the app will be able to do.  I am pulling for these guys.  Taking a risk like this is not easy mentally and physically on anyone.