Velocitek Prostart User manual

Firmware Version v1.6
Revision Date March 23, 2016

Contents
INTRODUCTION 3
FEATURES 4
INSTALLATION 5
BATTERIES 6
USE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES 6
KNOW WHEN TO RECHARGE OR REPLACE YOUR BATTERIES 6
BUTTONS 7
MODES 8
START MODE 9
TIMER 9
DISTANCE-TO-LINE 9
DISTANCE-TO-LINE BAR GRAPH 9
RACE MODE 10
SPEED 10
HEADING 10
LIFT/HEADER BAR GRAPH 11
CONFIGURATION 12
COMPASS DECLINATION 12
GPS DATA STORAGE 12

UNDERSTANDING DISTANCE TO START LINE 13
SETTING ENDS 13
ANIMATED DEMONSTRATION 13
OPERATION 14
ACQUIRE A GPS SIGNAL 14
SHOW OFF YOUR MAXIMUM SPEEDS 15
KEEP YOUR HAND ON THE TILLER 15
SET THE START LINE 16
USE THE TIMER 17
HOW TO SET COMPASS DECLINATION AND BOW OFFSET 18
FIRMWARE UPDATE 19
SOFTWARE 19
VELOCITEK CONTROL CENTER 19
VELOCITOOL 19
MAINTENANCE 20
CONTACT 21
COMPLIANCE 22
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT 22
CANADIAN COMPLIANCE STATEMENT 22
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY COMPLIANCE STATEMENT 22
INDEX 23

Introduction 3
Introduction
When we started brainstorming about the ProStart, we asked sailors which functions they actually use
on the SC1, the predecessor to the ProStart. What was surprising to us was that no one used VMG
function and everybody used the distance-to-line function.
A light bulb went off in our heads and we decided to design the ProStart around the distance-to-line
function. Every bit of our effort was focused on making the distance-to-line feature easy to use,
effective and communicate clearly.
The result is the best distance-to-line tool ever.

Introduction 4
Features
Only essential features actually used by professional sailors are included in the product.
Speed, compass, and distance to line updated twice a second
Count down start timer
Header/Lift indicator updated twice a second
Maximum and best 10 second average speed recall
Over 30 hours of GPS data storage at a record rate of every 2 seconds
Over 15 hours of battery life
Data download through USB link
User configurable magnetic declination
Internet updatable firmware allows you to benefit from ongoing product improvements and
feature additions
Waterproof (IPX8) to 3m

Installation 5
Installation
The ProStart can be installed anywhere on the boat with a view of the sky.
The ProStart comes with a cradle that interlocks with it. Install the cradle permanently on your boat.
Press the tab on the cradle to unlock the ProStart from it.
Several mounting options are available. For details, go to
http://www.velocitek.com/products/mounting-hardware.

Batteries 6
Batteries
The ProStart requires 3 AA batteries to operate. The battery compartment can be reached by opening
the back of the case. The batteries are not included with the ProStart.
Use Rechargeable Batteries
We recommend using rechargeable NiMH AA batteries over standard alkaline disposable AA batteries.
Both disposable and rechargeable batteries will provide approximately 15 hours of life. Be
environmentally responsible by using rechargeable batteries instead of disposable batteries.
Know When to Recharge or Replace Your Batteries
The battery indicator is located on the bottom of the LCD screen. With disposable batteries, there will
be a tendency for the life indicator to remain full for most of the battery life and only drop down to the
lower levels when the batteries are nearly exhausted.

Buttons 7
Buttons
There are a total of 8 buttons on the ProStart as illustrated above. The buttons will be referred to in
capitalized blue text throughout this document as follows, PWR,MODE,MAX,RESET,+1,PIN,RC and
GUN.
Pin
Sets current
location as
pin end of
start line
Mode
Max Speed
On/Off
Timer Reset
Timer +1
Gun
Timer Start/Sync
Race Committee
Sets current
location as
boat end of
start line

Modes 8
Modes
The ProStart function is separated into two modes each providing you with the essential information at
different stages of the race, before and after the gun.
The mode indicator can be found at the upper left hand corner of the LCD screen.
Start Mode: timer & distance
Race Mode: speed & heading

Modes 9
Start Mode
The start mode combines a timer and distance to line display to provide the information necessary for a
perfect start at the gun.
The semi-circles next to the PIN and RC buttons indicate if the respective ends are set. When both ends
are set a line appears between them to illustrate that the line is set.
Timer
The count-down timer displayed as mm:ss. The time can be set from 1:00 to 15:00.
Distance-to-line
Distance-to-line is the perpendicular distance to the user defined line. Refer to Set the Start Line on
how to set the start line. Distance-to-line is displayed in meters. A negative distance-to-line means
that the boat is over the line. Three hyphens ‘---’ are displayed when the line is not defined and a GPS
signal is available. When the distance-to-line is larger than 100 meters ‘>99’ is displayed.
Distance-to-line Bar Graph
The distance-to-line bar graph provides a graphical representation for distance-to-line so you know
where you are relative to the line at a glance. The bar graph extends above and below the illustrated
line with each bar segment representing 10 meters.
Timer
Distance
Start Mode
Indicator
Distance-
to-line
Display
Indicator
Timer
Display
Indicator
Distance-to
-line Bar
Graph