Packaging
The DeerHunter's Edge presents itself very well. It comes in a secure
and attractive packaging, with effective illustration of the unit's
features. The package includes:
· 2 Batteries [CR 2032]
· 1 Screwdriver (to access the battery well)
· 1 Soft carrying case
· 1 User's Manual
· 1 belt clip
High marks to those who thought to include the appropriate screwdriver
needed to open the battery well. Good thinking!
Ergonomics & Design
The overall ergonomics of the DeerHunter's Edge unit are excellent.
The design is modern, effective and pleasent, very appealing colors
and superior quality finishing. The unit has a simple yet rugged look
about it. The outer edge is buffered by a strip of softer rubber which
will absorb outdoor abuses. All controls and settings are accomplished
via 4 controls. One large function + and - control, one Set and Backlight
control, a Mode and a Time button. Your thumb finds the buttons easily
and in a short time anybody can master the controls.
Setup
Considering the amount of functions this unit delivers, the set up time
is very fast and simple. Every time you ask this much to an instrument
you must be willing to spend few minutes entering the correct settings.
The Owner's manual is very clearly written and setting up is truly a
simple operation as long as you follow the instructions. They provide
necessary information about all the setting and they go the extra mile,
by giving table of Time Zones, information on the source of LAT and
LONG. IN all an excellent support. If you loose patience during set
up, just give it to your kids, they know how to did it fast.
[metric or english scales can be chosen during the set up.]
Funcionalities & Features
The DeerHunter's Edge is truly packed with a lot of goodies. If you
where to buy some of these functionalities separately, you may easily
have to do it by purchasing 2, 3 or 4 different instruments. DeerHunter's
Edge packs it all in a 3.6 oz little magic box. The large display screen
- 1 5/8 x 1 ¾ is backlit for low light condition and the graphics
a re sharp and easy to read. These are the DeerHunter's Edge features:
· Digital Compass - this is very exciting.
While your GPS will never tell you where the north is, unless you
have one of these Digital Compasses built in, this unit does. Follow
the instruction in setting the Compass up and you will have a precise
instrument which will always give you the true north.
· Thermometer - you can choose F or C
· Altimeter - with a compass a map and an altimeter
your chances of getting lost are diminishing rapidly. However always
keep in mind that the altimeter calculates the elevation based on
the barometric pressure.
· Real-Time Clock
· Barometer - you must know your present barometric pressure
when you first set up the unit. If you don't have a barometer in the
house, use one of many weather website in your area.
· Severe Weather Warning - at one point the unit started
beeping. I was sure I turned it off. A big snowstorm was upon us and
I forgot that alarm will sound even if the unit if off unless you
disable the audio. It does work.
· Sunrise / Sunset Tables - no secret here, just it
is nice to know when the sun is coming up and setting. You water fowlers
… are you listening?
· Moon Phase and Position
· "Best Hunting Time" (deer and elk activity
prediction present and future) - this is a very unique feature of
the DeerHunter's Edge. Speedtech Instruments presents this unit this
way: "The environmental conditions affecting daily activity patterns
and behavior have been combined into a single algorithm used to determine
optimal activity times, which are considered the best times to hunt.
The factors used in the DeerHunter's EDGE were obtained through an
extensive study of scientific literature, biologists, & seasoned
hunters. The factors used to design the rules upon which in the DeerHunter's
EDGE were obtained through an extensive study of scientific literature,
biologists, & seasoned hunters."
[NDA - What is an ALGORITHM? An algorithm is a precise rule (or more
often a set of rules) specifying how to solve a particular problem.]
MEASURES: 4.5" x 2.5" x 7.5:
WEIGHS: 3.6 oz with batteries
How did it work for us?
I must say I was impressed. After a brief set up session I started carrying
the DeerHunter's Edge around. My skepticism on gadgets runs deep, but
this unit is packed with so many useful features that even if one particular
function does not satisfy you completely, you are still left with six
or seven additional goodies. I was particularly pleased with the ease
of operation and the clarity of the display. I love compasses, and the
electronic compass is a great-added bonus (note-that it point to the
true north and not to the magnetic north). A word of caution for the
compass. Although the compass is 'dampened' it still works best when
kept horizontally. Tipping up or down will distort the reading of several
degrees.
Manufacturer Information
Speedtech Instruments specializes in portable and wireless electronic
instruments. Many of their products are made exclusively for this company.
Others are marketed in accordance with exclusive distribution agreements.
In their line of products you will find hand-held wind meters, portable
depth sounders, knotmeters, weather stations, recording barometers,
compasses, NOAA weather radios, and fish and elk activity prediction
instruments.
FINAL COMMENT
I liked this gadget. A compass, clock, altimeter, barometer, sun and
moon tables, and a game activity prediction function. Did I forget some?
O yes, how about a thermometer (with a prediction of future temperature
too). And what about a bad weather warning. Aside for the "best
time to hunt" none of the other functions and features are unique.
True. However the uniqueness of the DeerHunter's Edge is the fact that
so many useful functions are packaged into a very small, very light
(3.6 oz) and very portable unit. Is it going to find the next buck for
you? No. Is it going to help you by putting lots of valuable information
in front of you? You bet! This is one, light gadget, which will make
a good addition to any bakpack. One extra feature that I would love
to see built in the next model is an alarm clock…. But wait ….
maybe it is built in and did not read the manual correctly - could it
be another surprise? Let me check ….
Have fun in the outdoors!
Maurice Valerio, President
Top Rated Adventures
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