^ Well put

I personally found it incredibly easy to set up my GT-31 but I have experience with GPS...

If you can operate a smart phone than setting up the GT-31 should be a breeze imho.

-Kevin

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KevinD002 said..

^ Well put

I personally found it incredibly easy to set up my GT-31 but I have experience with GPS...

If you can operate a smart phone than setting up the GT-31 should be a breeze imho.

-Kevin

How do you START recording and then STOP recording ( logging) ?

It starts recording after acquiring a signal :D If you want to shut off recording than go to the Memory Card option and set the logging to off (or On-Fix (records only when there is a signal) or On)

-Kevin

Normally I turn the GPS on a few minutes before sailing and its recording by the time I get on the water. Once I've finished sailing I hold the power button on till the GPS turns off.


Macro, once set up these Navis are quite simple to use.

Forgot to say turning it off basically ends the recording Pop the memory card out and plug in to the computer after that

Turn on, delete previous session data, go sailing, turn off, remove SD card, upload data to KA72. Done.

Macro turn on wait until it acquires signal and finds card, toggle forward to find trip meter or speed then reset to zero/delete previous then as above you just turn it off and when you get to your computer find the track on the card with the days date.
After a couple of times you will wonder what all the fuss was. I had a BGT 31 and it did exactly the same as my GT31 (until I flooded it) but it cost more for something (Bluetooth) I didn't use.

Select to expand quote

Macroscien said..

gregob said..

mathew said...
- 2GB memory $6 on Ebay
- have you ever used the internet before?
- did you turn it on?
- I guess technology isn't your strong point.
- neither is English

Are we in upside down land or something? A guy posts about his frustrations with technology, gets red thumbed multiple times and then trollers like Mathew chime in with insults and he gets green thumbs?!? What the?!!?

Surely struggling with an obviously "un-user friendly" piece of technology and posting a spelling mistake are not grounds for insults and red thumbs.

Thank you Gregob
Well you are right. This is my first encounter with GPS logger technology. Anybody could be next and have the same surprise I had.
Facts>
I managed to organize now RA and sending back unit to manufacturer at my own costs both ways plus charge for expertise .
Originals eBay seller ) and the only one on eBAy as I could see is not even interested to respond to my multiple letters.
So only thanks to SB community I have a chance to have device repaired just after two uses.

Next device GT31 I bought locally from windsurfing club ( Windwonderers) ( and I will pass to my son windsurfer when having my repaired back on day).

GT31 is possibly the best on the market but only because there is not real competition. I couldn't find any other GPS logger at similar price or functionality. GArmin may come one day with something reasonable like their watch size wrist GPS model looks promising but lacking so far same capacity in way points numbers.

I tested also my mobile phone as GPS logger. It works and record tracks, functionally is much easier to use that GT31 but not as accurate yet. You need software like " GPS LOGGER" to run your android phone to record sailing tracks.
Advent age is instant transmitting all records to desired email or GPS community server website.

Note to manufacturer. They should also think about real waterproofing their device or providing custom made perpex plastic hermetic box, minimal size.
I have been using paqua or casing for underwater camera but either is perfect size and quite uncomfortable to use.
Device should be mounted as wrist watch IMO,
Anyway, instead of red thumbing me we could post some concept to improve existing device and I am sure Locosys in watching and waiting for
end user feedback.
If we could provide evidence or ideas they could implement in future versions.
So far thank you all for support and helpful tips and links. Everybody next with new GT31 will have the same benefit.

How long ago did you buy it on eBay? There might still be a chance to open a dispute on eBay despite the seller no replying, you've usually got about 6 weeks from the date of sale to open a dispute here resolutioncentre.ebay.co.uk/ eBay will then contact the seller on your behalf and if he continues to ignore those attempts of contact, eBay will usually find in your favour and refund you money. You can also open a dispute via PayPal if this is how you paid. I can possibly help with and give you more advice if you send me a private message on here.

Unfortunately you get people like this on eBay that sell faulty products and think they can get away with it

Select to expand quote

IRL250 said..

Macroscien said..

gregob said..

mathew said...
- 2GB memory $6 on Ebay
- have you ever used the internet before?
- did you turn it on?
- I guess technology isn't your strong point.
- neither is English

Are we in upside down land or something? A guy posts about his frustrations with technology, gets red thumbed multiple times and then trollers like Mathew chime in with insults and he gets green thumbs?!? What the?!!?

Surely struggling with an obviously "un-user friendly" piece of technology and posting a spelling mistake are not grounds for insults and red thumbs.

Thank you Gregob
Well you are right. This is my first encounter with GPS logger technology. Anybody could be next and have the same surprise I had.
Facts>
I managed to organize now RA and sending back unit to manufacturer at my own costs both ways plus charge for expertise .
Originals eBay seller ) and the only one on eBAy as I could see is not even interested to respond to my multiple letters.
So only thanks to SB community I have a chance to have device repaired just after two uses.

Next device GT31 I bought locally from windsurfing club ( Windwonderers) ( and I will pass to my son windsurfer when having my repaired back on day).

GT31 is possibly the best on the market but only because there is not real competition. I couldn't find any other GPS logger at similar price or functionality. GArmin may come one day with something reasonable like their watch size wrist GPS model looks promising but lacking so far same capacity in way points numbers.

I tested also my mobile phone as GPS logger. It works and record tracks, functionally is much easier to use that GT31 but not as accurate yet. You need software like " GPS LOGGER" to run your android phone to record sailing tracks.
Advent age is instant transmitting all records to desired email or GPS community server website.

Note to manufacturer. They should also think about real waterproofing their device or providing custom made perpex plastic hermetic box, minimal size.
I have been using paqua or casing for underwater camera but either is perfect size and quite uncomfortable to use.
Device should be mounted as wrist watch IMO,
Anyway, instead of red thumbing me we could post some concept to improve existing device and I am sure Locosys in watching and waiting for
end user feedback.
If we could provide evidence or ideas they could implement in future versions.
So far thank you all for support and helpful tips and links. Everybody next with new GT31 will have the same benefit.

How long ago did you buy it on eBay? There might still be a chance to open a dispute on eBay despite the seller no replying, you've usually got about 6 weeks from the date of sale to open a dispute here resolutioncentre.ebay.co.uk/ eBay will then contact the seller on your behalf and if he continues to ignore those attempts of contact, eBay will usually find in your favour and refund you money. You can also open a dispute via PayPal if this is how you paid. I can possibly help with and give you more advice if you send me a private message on here.

Unfortunately you get people like this on eBay that sell faulty products and think they can get away with it

I bought exactly 8 Oct 2013







Looks like there on eBay is only this one seller, located in US.
Strange behavior as I could not imagine our Aussie seller ignoring customer completely

Update on repair.
There is big progress. Both manufacturer and eBay seller agreed to repair faulty equipment
Now I need only to decide which could be better option for me: Send to Taiwan to manufacturer or to US to the seller ?

Still thinking what could cause that failure. Maybe buzzer ? I setup buzzer to inform me when 30 km/h is reached ? Maybe buzzer caused device to overheat when in that waterproof enclosure ?
Or maybe button that accidentally is pressed all the time could cause device to fail ?

Anyway I bought locally follow your advice GT31 (without Bluetooth) and that will be enough for me. Replaced unit could be good gift for another windsurfer in family.

Although device was always kept in waterproof case and 100% dry all the time company accused me of flooding device. Device failed on second day after purchase. I sent to manufacturer ( but now I know I should to US shop instead) They didn't even bother to open it to check if lithium batter explosion of leakage wasn't the culprit for the malfunction. So don't you do mistake by sending directly to manufacturer your faulty device !
Send to your shop to claim customer rights to quality product free of manufacturer faults .
On top device cost I lost on shipping and now prospect of so called inspection.
SCAM. I hope that they - LOCOSYS will bankrupt soon and go out of the business. Time for another supplier of reliable devices for windsurfers. Copy of response


Dear *** , For S/N:133300181, we have evaluated the device, it was due to the water got inside, so make the PCB damp and damaged. Please refer to attachment of RMA picture. Unfortunately, it can't be fixed because it's damaged too seriously. Due to the malfunction is caused by the inappropriate usage, therefore we do not guarantee it. The inspection fee is USD 20, kindly advise if it needs to be sent back or not, then I can send you a invoice for total costs. However, if you consider to buy a new BGT-31 instead, please let me know and I will give you a special price for best. We can provide you the device only( not including USB cable, car charger, accessories etc... ) For the only device, I can offer you the special price "100 USD" The total price(including shipping fee/VAT/paypal process fee)-->135 USD. Kindly remind you, GT-31/BGT-31 is a waterproofing device, but if it is used in too high speed watersports or SD slot isn't closed closely, it might be caused the water got in. I'll start the following process after receiving your reply. Thanks! Best regards, Kate Yang LOCOSYS Technology Inc. Account Manager Tel??? +886-2-8698-3698 ext???108 Fax??? +886-2-8698-3699 @-mail???kate@locosystech.com =============

Macro,
If what you say is true, then the ebay seller sold you a damaged GPS not Locosys so I can't see how you can rubbish the manufacturer. Their offer for a replacement at around $140 AUD is pretty generous.

Select to expand quote

sausage said..

Macro,
If what you say is true, then the ebay seller sold you a damaged GPS not Locosys so I can't see how you can rubbish the manufacturer. Their offer for a replacement at around $140 AUD is pretty generous.

Agree. I have always found Kate very good and have not a problem with them.

Select to expand quote

Macroscien said..

Although device was always kept in waterproof case and 100% dry all the time company accused me of flooding device. Device failed on second day after purchase. I sent to manufacturer ( but now I know I should to US shop instead) They didn't even bother to open it to check if lithium batter explosion of leakage wasn't the culprit for the malfunction.

If they didn't open it up, how did they take the RMA photo, which I am assuming shows water damage on the PCB.

Select to expand quote

FormulaNova said..

Macroscien said..

Although device was always kept in waterproof case and 100% dry all the time company accused me of flooding device. Device failed on second day after purchase. I sent to manufacturer ( but now I know I should to US shop instead) They didn't even bother to open it to check if lithium batter explosion of leakage wasn't the culprit for the malfunction.

If they didn't open it up, how did they take the RMA photo, which I am assuming shows water damage on the PCB.

This is how they check / test faulty device


This is not a salt / sea water but electrolyte from leaking lithium battery. I am sure that for that $20 any chemical lab not only CSI could show the difference between chemical composition of sea water and battery electrolyte.
The same waterproof case I use now for second GT-31 , no problem at all and for $500 smart phone too.
Company may be very selective and do favor to you Kato and dismiss most of other request.

This is not how consumer rights are protected here and manufacturer approach could be the reason that LOCOSYS GPS like GT-31 is never sold by
retail chain but back door imports.
I could not imagine Disc Smith dismissing customers in such obvious case.

At least I have one GT-31 working but for sure I will not be buying anything more with LOCOSYS logo but I need for my son.

BTW how somebody could blame US seller GPSLOT the sold me faulty device if that is brand new item, sealed ?!

My initial diagnosis that Locosys GT-31 is complete crap is true and amount of failing devices around that world only confirm it.
To add to this company warranty policy is poor or non existent.
Our windsurfing community accepted to use this crap because so far there was not competition, not alternative device.
Performed test shown that device falsify results for alpha 500m by 0.7 ktn but that wasn't a problem since all have been using the same faulty devices.
Now with new generation GPS will be disadvantages because their correct date will be showing 0.7 ktn less then GT-31.

Select to expand quote

sausage said..

Macro,
If what you say is true, then the ebay seller sold you a damaged GPS not Locosys so I can't see how you can rubbish the manufacturer. Their offer for a replacement at around $140 AUD is pretty generous.

US eBAy seller GPSLOT sold me brand new and sealed device ( manufactured by LOCOSYS) .
Why should I buy next device that may not work at all brand new DOA ?
Next $140 wasted ?
What is even more important that buying overseas I have no consumer rights at all. Just lottery works or not.
They (LOCOSYS) my even take my money and send me nothing at all knowing that there are safe in Taiwan from any litigation.
I would rather spent $300 -400 on something that works.

BTW from above post one could conclude that failure rate is rather quite high, possibly just matter of time when my second GT-31 met the same destiny.

Select to expand quote

Macroscien said..

FormulaNova said..

Macroscien said..

Although device was always kept in waterproof case and 100% dry all the time company accused me of flooding device. Device failed on second day after purchase. I sent to manufacturer ( but now I know I should to US shop instead) They didn't even bother to open it to check if lithium batter explosion of leakage wasn't the culprit for the malfunction.

If they didn't open it up, how did they take the RMA photo, which I am assuming shows water damage on the PCB.

This is how they check / test faulty device

Macro, I agree with you. If you only used it a few times, and always in a waterproof pack, there is no way that is normal. The micro usb connector on mine have no corrosion at all, and I agree, that connector on yours has a fair bit of corrosion.

Maybe send them another email saying:

"
I only used it twice, and at all times it was in a waterproof aquapac.

I believe it to be a leaking battery. Can you please open the unit and show me that it is not a leaking battery?
"

For $20, I would expect them to open it up and not just show me a photo from the outside. For the sake of getting a replacement unit, I think it is worthwhile to ask them to do this. If they open it and find nothing else, you are no worse off.

If they do open it up, and find the battery is leaking, you are much better off.




Edit: The screws look corroded too, but in a different way to the one's in mine. Mine have a brown rust, not the green that suggests an electrolyte leak.

Select to expand quote

sausage said..

Macro,
If what you say is true, then the ebay seller sold you a damaged GPS not Locosys so I can't see how you can rubbish the manufacturer. Their offer for a replacement at around $140 AUD is pretty generous.

Well, from what Macro says, it sounds like it was in sealed packaging, so it must ultimately be a faulty unit. Unless the retailer has used it, got it wet, and then repackaged it, its not their fault.

Did somebody did try this GPS unit for our windsurfing ?

With price below $200 and 10Hz logging looks like good alternative to GT-31. Should fit easy to my waterproof case too.

Since manufacturer finally declined my warranty on almost brand new BGT-31, I will not be buying anymore anything Locosys, but something new and reliable.
www.qstarz.com/Products/GPS%20Products/BT-Q1000EX-10HZ-F.html

now from local AUS distributor I shouldn't have the same problem if warranty issue arise ( but I expect device to last in first place if kept absolutely dry)


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Qstarz-BT-Q1000eX-Racing-GPS-10Hz-Logger-Aus-Distributor-/271090349961?pt=AU_Electronics_GPS&hash=item3f1e3e7789&_uhb=1

There is an old saying: "For someone to see, first they need to open their eyes!"

As far as I can see you have been given all the facts and good advice which is available that you need to understand and make a good decision. If you fail to actually try to understand that advice and trust it, that is your decision. However, please don't go on and on bagging a device that has been developed by the generous, unpaid input of many members of the GPS windsurfing community, tailored to our needs and proven to work well. It is to Locosys credit that, despite a very small market, they were willing to develop this device to suit our needs when many other companies would not. Yes, it is not perfect (what is?) and everyone has a different idea of what they would like it to be, but it is still by far and away the best and only device available that meets the all the important needs of GPS windsurfers, GPS-SS, GPSTC and WGPSSRC.

Last big question: Did you take the advice above and ask Locosys to check if the corrosion of the USB port was caused by a leaking battery?

If you did and their answer was negative, I would take their word. They have earned my trust through many years of good dealings with them and hearing the stories of others who have had issues.

If you didn't ask, do it!


The device pictured above is not ideal for windsurfing, and indeed is not actually very suitable at all. I, and others, have tested very similar devices by the same manufacturer and found this out for ourselves:

1. It is no more waterproof than the GT-31
2. It does not log the raw satellite data for error detection and correction (no SDOP). It uses the MTK chipset which we have already rejected in other devices.
3. It may log the Doppler speed data in NMEA format but it's not clear if it can do this at 10hz. It may not log this data at full precision. Similar devices we have tested did not.
4. NMEA files are huge! They are really huge @ 10hz!!! This means very slow to upload and difficult to send files by email.
5. This device has no screen with speed readout or 'Genie' feedback! The only way you can get results is later through a computer.
6. It costs as much, or more than, the GT-31 and does much less.
7. You don't know if the same or other problems can arise with this device and you have already had with the GT-31 because probably no one in the GPS windsurfing community has much experience with it. They also can't help with advice on setting up and problem solving.
8. You need to use a software package in a computer to set it up to log at 10hz (read the specifications). This may be a real problem for you if you have difficulty updating GT-31 firmware or just setting up the GT-31.
9. If it can hold 42 hrs of 1hz logging in its memory, that is only 4.2hrs of logging at 10hz
10 it can be very difficult to use because it does not have a screen. Hard to know if it recording correctly or not. Don't know how much battery is left, etc.

On the other hand, if this device used the 10hz UBlox chipset (outputs raw data in a compact files) it could be great for record hunters and analyzing Alphas, but only as a pure recorder/ logger. One would still need to use a GT-31 to keep track of speeds and get feedback.

If you just want a logger, there is a Wintec G-rays that does use the 10hz UBlox chip, but it can only record to internal memory (or mini SD card) at 1hz. Wintec were not interested in modifying the firmware to allow it to log the RAW UBX files at 10hz. Apparently, there is not enough of a market for them to be bothered with it.

Locosys are currently designing a new device and they are very aware of our needs. They are doing their best to accommodate these needs in a market where other users needs are far more lucrative. I give them great credit for this. Lets wait and see what they can do.

There are other projects on the go to design devices to meet our needs as well. It is very unlikely that if any of them come to fruition, they will be anywhere near as affordable as the GT-31 has been.


Take up the very generous offer by Locosys. Grab a new GT-31 while you can and more on to have fun enjoying you sailing.

Teething problems with configuring and setup device were quite easy to overcome thanks to SB community advice and links.

I agree that as long as it works GT-31 ( one more that I have still working) is all this moment all we may need to GPS sailing.

Still unless company could make device complete waterproof, it could at least order custom made waterproof casing for it to avoid any possibility of accidental flooding and damage.
I am using plastic box of the underwater camera which is just slightly bigger then GT-31 ( so empty space is filled with sponge) but guarantee content to remain dry even when diving, exceed our requirements when windsurfing for sure.
Alternatively I use popular arm folded pack which I could use also for my expensive smartphone without worry.

Summarizing Locosys could at least order from another Chinese manufacturer $5 or $20 custom perspex box which could quarantine safety when windsurfing.

At this moment to have one GPS working I spent almost $500 .
Now we would like to propagate the idea of GPS windsurfing but nobody is willing to warn new arrivals about problems I had.
That device that cost almost two hundred dollars may work fine or not at all and then there is nothing they can do about that because Asian manufacturer is outside our jurisdiction.

As I did mention in parallel thread I suspect that product I bought as NEW could be also re manufactured , repaired or refurbished as thick layer of corrosion doesn't look as 2 days exposure to the water.

Next is the problem with identification. I bought and sent for repair Bluetooth version - BGT-31 but returned picture shown clearly PCB board of GT-31 version. (?)

I don't know if anybody having any choice at all will be still willing to deal with Locosys. If I had any option I would choose company I could trust. I have my Garmin Etrex still sitting in my drawer and alt ought more then 10 years old still works fine, just lack the futures and accuracy we may need.
I have been sailing with that one long ago without any need for additional waterproofing too.

I understand that some of you had sentiment to GT-31 and managed to create good relationship with manufacturer.
But there must be reason that our retail chain avoid touching this specifically product - none of electronic retailers carry Locosys GPS,
as according to our consumer law basics requirements regarding quality and warranty must be met.

I am sure if other users could be as open as me completely different picture could emerge, horror story etc

Don't you think even that for smart company it is even easier to accept customer suspicious claim instead of dragging it in such poor manner on public forum.
Lets do a deal. Locosys recognize my claim as valid - send me new unit even GT31 instead of mine more expensive version BGT-31 and I promise to send $200 to victims of real flood in Thailand now .
For me it is not just a matter of money but being right, just and honest.

Select to expand quote

Macroscien said..

Teething problems with configuring and setup device were quite easy to overcome thanks to SB community advice and links.

I agree that as long as it works GT-31 ( one more that I have still working) is all this moment all we may need to GPS sailing.

Still unless company could make device complete waterproof, it could at least order custom made waterproof casing for it to avoid any possibility of accidental flooding and damage.
I am using plastic box of the underwater camera which is just slightly bigger then GT-31 ( so empty space is filled with sponge) but guarantee content to remain dry even when diving, exceed our requirements when windsurfing for sure.
Alternatively I use popular arm folded pack which I could use also for my expensive smartphone without worry.

Summarizing Locosys could at least order from another Chinese manufacturer $5 or $20 custom perspex box which could quarantine safety when windsurfing.

At this moment to have one GPS working I spent almost $500 .
Now we would like to propagate the idea of GPS windsurfing but nobody is willing to warn new arrivals about problems I had.
That device that cost almost two hundred dollars may work fine or not at all and then there is nothing they can do about that because Asian manufacturer is outside our jurisdiction.

As I did mention in parallel thread I suspect that product I bought as NEW could be also re manufactured , repaired or refurbished as thick layer of corrosion doesn't look as 2 days exposure to the water.

Next is the problem with identification. I bought and sent for repair Bluetooth version - BGT-31 but returned picture shown clearly PCB board of GT-31 version. (?)

I don't know if anybody having any choice at all will be still willing to deal with Locosys. If I had any option I would choose company I could trust. I have my Garmin Etrex still sitting in my drawer and alt ought more then 10 years old still works fine, just lack the futures and accuracy we may need.
I have been sailing with that one long ago without any need for additional waterproofing too.

I understand that some of you had sentiment to GT-31 and managed to create good relationship with manufacturer.
But there must be reason that our retail chain avoid touching this specifically product - none of electronic retailers carry Locosys GPS,
as according to our consumer law basics requirements regarding quality and warranty must be met.

I am sure if other users could be as open as me completely different picture could emerge, horror story etc

Don't you think even that for smart company it is even easier to accept customer suspicious claim instead of dragging it in such poor manner on public forum.
Lets do a deal. Locosys recognize my claim as valid - send me new unit even GT31 instead of mine more expensive version BGT-31 and I promise to send $200 to victims of real flood in Thailand now .
For me it is not just a matter of money but being right, just and honest.

did you ever get bullied when you went to school?

Select to expand quote

choco said..

did you ever get bullied when you went to school?

As you know that really depend on that quality of the school you attend.

The bad one allow bully, so you need choose wise if you could and could afford sometimes.

The same you could say about social media - that just love bulling and SB is not exemption.

I provided as many evidence I could in the cold ,scientific manner. Pictures, description etc

Do you believe that somebody still could emerge with complaint that his warranty was also declined after all I come through ?

Select to expand quote

choco said..

did you ever get bullied when you went to school?

when you went to school?

I too find the lack of cold ,scientific manner of analysis of the evidence in this thread to be disturbing

Select to expand quote

sausage said..

Macro,
If what you say is true, then the ebay seller sold you a damaged GPS not Locosys so I can't see how you can rubbish the manufacturer. Their offer for a replacement at around $140 AUD is pretty generous.

Macro,
I just cannot understand how you have questioned the integrity of a reputable company and not even contemplated an "ebay seller" may have sold you a dud. When you say the GT-31 came sealed do you mean it came in a cardboard box? It's quite easy for me to grab my 3year old device and repackage it to make it look like it came straight from the factory. Hell I might even have the little plastic screen sticker to place back over the front. Now I foresee three scenarios as follows;
1. Locosys flooded your GPS in the factory and packaged it up. (I see that the corrosion is not due to a leaking battery contrary to your earlier assertions)
2. Someone bought the GPS, damaged it and then deceptively returned a damaged GPS back to the Retailer / Ebay Seller without their knowledge and inadvertently sold you it, or
3. the ebay seller knew it was defective and decided to repackage it and offload it for a special price to some sucker.

Now the level of probability for No.1 is next to zero and increases to 99% for either scenario 2 or 3 or both 2&3.

Case closed (bad pun)

Select to expand quote

sausage said..

Case closed (bad pun)

Agree , case closed and need to buy something very soon to replace it.
At least I feel a little bit better with your assurance that is not a common occurrence.
I may try the same GT-31 as so far I am happy with that one I have. I need to concentrate to improve my alpha not to worry about small things.