A very small percentage of people may experience a seizure when exposed to the flashing lights and patterns that are produced by LED String Alti. This includes persons with no history of seizures or epilepsy who may have an undiagnosed condition that can cause photosensitive epileptic seizures. Children and teenagers have a higher likelihood than adults of experiencing such seizures. If you or anyone involved in the use of this device has a history of epileptic seizures, consult a doctor before using it. Immediately discontinue use if you experience any symptoms and see a doctor. Some of the small parts or batteries included with this device could potentially pose a choking or other health hazard to children. Adult supervision is recommended for children using this product who are younger than 10 years of age. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with local, state, and federal aviation laws in the area you are operating in before using this product. See, for example, the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 14, Chapter I, Subchapter F, Part 101. Care should always be taken whenever dealing with anything that flies—particularly something with a payload that could fall and potentially injure people or damage property below. Use this product at your own risk.
By using this product, you accept full responsibility for its use and agree that Eronotix LLC will not be held legally responsible for any injury or damage incurred due to the use of this product or any malfunction whatsoever that this product may have, whether good or defective.
LED String Alti is an LED altimeter and data logging device designed to be integrated into kites or other flying objects in order to more easily ascertain the altitude at which they are flying and learn more about their flight characteristics. It consists of a AAA battery pack, a control unit, and an LED string. There are currently five lengths of LED strings available: 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 LEDs (1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, and 5.1 meters long respectively). Eronotix's Delta Altimeter Kite integrates the 40-LED version of LED String Alti into its design. The LED string can, according to how it is set, change color and emit different light patterns according to the altimeter's altitude. For the purposes of LED visibility and aesthetic effect, the altimeter is primarily intended for use in low-light conditions from sunset to sunrise, although it can be used any time of day as a logging device that can record up to 256 flights of up to 85 minutes 20 seconds in length at altitudes ranging from 0 to 30,000 AGL. The data gathered with LED String Alti can be downloaded and viewed using Eronotix Logbook. LED String Alti's standard firmware has 11 different modes described in detail on a dedicated page; these modes, selectable by a button on the device, are designed for flying at different altitudes with an assortment of different LED displays described in more detail below. LED String Alti is not waterproof and is not designed to be used in nor exposed to rain or significant moisture.
We leave the design choices regarding the integration of LED String Alti up to the creativity of our customers, and we are always delighted to see what you come up with. The first choices are perhaps what type of kite (or flying object) you would like to integrate it into and what length LED string you would like to use. Delta Altimeter Kite can certainly be used as a reference design. It uses white fabric in order to maximize reflectivity and ensure neutral color projection of the LEDs. It uses thick ripstop loops around the perimeter of the kite to secure the LED string in place (of which it uses the 40-LED version, 4.1 meters in length). It houses the altimeter in a velcro pouch on the bridle, but it certainly possible to house it in other locations as well.
LED String Alti requires 4 AAA batteries. They can be rechargeable, but the LEDs will be slightly dimmer due to the lower voltage as a result. The on-off switch is located on the battery pack, which needs to be plugged into the jack on the control unit. For full accuracy, always switch on the altimeter at ground level. When you turn the altimeter on, you will see the firmware number indicated by a series of short blue flashes (one flash indicates Firmware Version 1, two flashes Firmware Version 2, etc.). After this, you will see one red LED indicating Mode 1. Use the button on the device to select the desired mode. A full description of the modes is available on a dedicated page. The video below sums up the various modes available on LED String Alti.
LED String Alti logs up to 256 flights of up to 85 minutes and 20 seconds. All modes automatically log data. Mode 11 (with no lights) can be used if the only goal is data logging. LED String Alti will only log flights 25 feet or higher in altitude. When finished with a flight, turn off the altimeter to terminate logging. To log another flight, simply turn the altimeter back on.
You must first set up an account with Eronotix Logbook before uploading data. Follow the steps in the instructional video to download data from your altimeter to Eronotix Logbook: 1) switch the device off; 2) open Chrome or Edge browser (do not enter an address); 3) plug the altimeter into the computer with a data cable (must be a data cable, many cables are charging-only); 4) click on the link that pops up; 5) go the Upload section and press the Download from Device button and wait several seconds (press again if it did not work, and it may be necessary to first press the connect button); 6) after the list appears, delete any flights you do not want entered into the log; 7) press the Upload to Database button.
Eronotix Logbook is a sophisticated logging solution with many features. For this reason, a separate manual has been created for Eronotix Logbook. The video below outlines its features.
When the flash memory of the device is full, it will continue to function as an altimeter but will cease logging data. To erase the memory, hold down the button on the altimeter while switching the altimeter on, and continue holding the button until you see the altimeter flash all yellow, then green LEDs.
There are many fun competitive games that can be played when using more than one LED String Alti. Although you can surely come up with your own, we have put together a page dedicated to games for Eronotix kite altimeters, which can be found here.
Visit the Eronotix Store to purchase additional LED strings or other original replacement parts for your LED String Alti.
There is a firmware file for each length of LED string as well as for each version—be sure to download the firmware file that corresponds to the length of LED string you are using. The procedure for updating firmware, similar to uploading a file onto a USB drive, is shown in the video below. Go to the firmware page to download the latest firmware. Be sure you are using a data USB cable, such as the cable that came with the altimeter, in order to update the firmware.
If your LED String Alti fails to function, try replacing the batteries. A single white LED that does not go off indicates a failed pressure sensor in the altimeter. If you are unable to get your computer to connect to the computer, try a different cable; some cables are for charging only. Also make sure you are using the Chrome or Edge browser and that the altimeter is switched off when plugging it in. Contact Eronotix at support@eronotix.com for additional support.