VibroGuide User Manual
Contains explanations of components, care and tips on getting started.
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FAQ:
How can I demo VibroGuide?
In person or on-site demo’s are preferred but we are also planning to ship VibroGuide sets for a limited demo period to approved individuals or institutions. An agreement would be made to assure that the set is returned intact within two weeks and that the borrower pays for the return shipping. The set would include a mesh sports vest, beacon, spare batteries and a user manual. This is an example of our first prototype set:
What is VibroGuide range?
The maximum effective range between beacon and vest is about 20 meters. This is measured outdoors with an unobstructed signal path. It is important to note that a guide should remain within a comfortable hearing and speaking range to the blind athlete in order to verbally communicate hazards or route change. This is typically three to eight meters, depending on the sport and the athletes hearing ability. Guides still need to guide!
What is the recommended VibroGuide team size?
Three. A leading guide carries a beacon, the blind athlete wears the vest and a wing-guide who travels near the blind athlete. The wing-guide is a backup to the lead guide as well as a companion who can describe the environment.
How long do batteries last?
The vest battery is rechargeable and with Squawk (announcement) ON, the expected battery life is about eight hours. The beacon uses two AA batteries and can run continuously for about 20 hours. The Guide Assist (now with Beacon included) can operate about five hours because it contains more processing electronics than just the beacon to illuminate LED’s and a digital OLED display.
Does VibroGuide work indoors?
Not really. A Bluetooth signal is prone to reflection off furniture and walls as well as cancelation by other building Bluetooth and WIFI signals. These factors collide to lower the signal strength or cause multipath (reflected) errors. This can cause directional errors sensed by the VibroGuide antenna. An open outdoor setting is where VibroGuide excels.
Why is GPS not used with VibroGuide?
Standard GPS/GNSS has almost unlimited range but terrain, tree canopy and weather in remote areas can effect the number of satellites received and thus the resolution needed to track a person within a radius of three to ten meters. GPS works well for ships, automobiles and aircraft when several meters does not matter but is not sufficient for close, active sports guidance.
Can I mute the announcement voice or turn down the vibration power?
Yes! A single Mode button on the vest control unit allows turning on or off the voice as well as turning back the vibrate power to 50%.
Can I use VibroGuide for kayaking or canoeing?
Yes! VibroGuide was originally designed for water sports. It’s important to note that the guide beacon should not be placed at water-level. Attaching the beacon at shoulder level on a kayak guides life jacket has worked well for our testing. A side-entry life vest (PFD) is modified to have a hook-and-loop pad glued on the front center for mounting the electronics. On the front inside of the vest, hook-and-loop strips are glued to mount the vibration motors and enclose wiring. These are permanent alterations made to the life vest that have little effect on buoyancy. We may offer retrofits as a service or as a DIY kit. IMPORTANT: Be aware that any modification to a life jacket can cancel the UL/USCG safety certification.
Can VibroGuide be used for skiing or winter sports?
Yes! The sports vest can be worn under a parka or jacket and still receive the guide beacon signal. It is advisable to keep metal objects like zippers or phones away from the electronic control unit to prevent absorption or reflection of the signal.
How much does the mesh sports vest weigh?
With battery installed on the mesh sports vest, it comes in at 2.5 pounds. The vest alone is about 1 pound and the control unit with battery, five vibration motors, cable/wiring and hook-and-loop pads adds about 1.5 pounds.
How much does VibroGuide cost?
Good question! At this time, we have only produced prototype units which are expensive to build because parts purchases are singular and labor is intensive without a scaled production process. And… there really are no similar competing products being sold as a reference. Stay tuned!
Questions or Comments? Please see the Contact page.