SailTimer API™ 1.3.7

The SailTimer API™ facilitates a Bluetooth 4 LE connection to the SailTimer Wind Instrument™, providing a seamless wireless data transmission interface. It can operate in the background, transmitting wind data to compatible sailing, racing, or chartplotting applications, thereby integrating wind measurements into broader navigational systems.

Registering within the API or via www.SailTimerMaps.com grants access to emerging sailing innovations, such as the Share button, which enables crowdsourcing wind data and visualizing real-time wind maps. This feature can assist sailors in planning tacking routes more effectively. Once registered, users can log into the API with convenience, with persistent login credentials typically retained unless a new version is installed or the app is deleted and reinstalled.

The API functions as a toolkit that receives wireless wind data from the SailTimer Wind Instrument™ (www.SailTimerWind.com) and reformats it for use by other applications. It captures Bluetooth 4 (Low Energy) transmissions, simplifying integration for third-party apps by removing the need for them to decode wireless protocols internally. Additionally, the API converts wind direction from magnetic to true north and reformats data into NMEA 0183 standard sentences for compatibility with marine electronics systems.

While understanding NMEA 0183 data is not necessary, the stream of data appears as green text in the interface, indicating an active connection. The data includes the standard MWD sentence—a crucial format in marine instrumentation—that conveys true wind speed and direction, suitable for display on wind gauges, graphs, or tacking angle charts.

Users may personalize their Wind Instrument by adding an identifier—such as their boat name—via the “i” button on its listing. This feature is useful in marina environments with multiple Wind Instruments, helping to distinguish your unit from others. The connection process is private; only you see your identification, and once connected, other units are hidden from view. A Smoothing button is available on this panel to average out fluctuating wind directions for more stable readings.

The Advanced button under the “i” provides options for Compass Quadrant Fine-Tuning. While factory calibration ensures baseline accuracy, this feature allows precise adjustments of North, East, South, and West reference points based on your boat’s mounting orientation. This capability ensures optimal directional accuracy tailored to specific installation conditions.

The API is designed for resilience; it attempts automatic reconnection if Bluetooth signal loss occurs or upon subsequent use. For initial setup or manual re-connection, users can select “Scan for Devices,” then tap on the Wind Instrument’s listed entry once detected.

A Disconnect icon located in the upper right corner provides quick deactivation of Bluetooth and Location Services. This function is advantageous when leaving the boat or wanting to conserve device battery life—reducing power consumption of both the Wind Instrument and iOS device when wireless features are disabled. Notably, disconnecting Bluetooth decreases Wind Instrument power consumption by approximately 44%. Similarly, turning off GPS and Location Services minimizes battery drain, although continuous GPS background operation can significantly impact device endurance.

If you find this app and wireless technology beneficial, consider supporting fellow sailors through a brief rating of this version while you are here. Your feedback helps improve shared technological resources within the sailing community.