Frequently Asked Questions

Please read our FAQs before sending us a message.

We use Australia Post for all deliveries. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your order weight, dimensions, and delivery address. We ship throughout Australia and New Zealand. For delivery to other regions, please contact us directly and we can arrange a custom shipping option.

We use the secure Stripe payment gateway, which supports a wide range of payment methods, including:

  • Credit & Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and eftpos

  • Digital Wallets: Apple Pay and Google Pay

  • Local Payment Methods: BECS Direct Debit and Zip (Buy Now, Pay Later)

All payments must be made in Australian Dollars (AUD).

Delivery times vary depending on your location. Standard delivery times within Australia are usually 2–7 business days. For New Zealand, allow 7–14 business days. International orders may take longer, depending on customs and carrier availability. You will receive a tracking number by email once your order has been dispatched.

Yes. All payments are processed securely through Stripe, and your personal information is handled in line with our Privacy Policy. We use industry-standard measures to protect your data and never sell or disclose your personal information to third parties except as required by law or to provide services (e.g., shipping).

Once you place your order, you’ll receive a confirmation email. When your items are shipped, you’ll receive another email with your invoice and tracking details so you can follow your delivery.

Yes. A digital invoice is automatically emailed to you after purchase, along with your order confirmation and shipping updates.

All Calypso Instruments AU products are backed by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty coverage varies by product – please refer to the documentation included with your purchase, or contact us for details.

Compatibility with the free Anemotracker App:

The Ultrasonic Portable Mini and Ultrasonic Portable Solar devices can connect via Bluetooth 5.1 to our Free Anemotracker App.

The Anemotracker app has 4 different modes – Marine, Golf, Meteo, and Ballistics – and is available for iOS and Android.

Compatibility with Garmin Watches:

The Ultrasonic Portable Mini and Ultrasonic Portable Solar devices can also connect via Bluetooth 5.1 to your Garmin watch.

Please note, there are 56 different Garmin models compatible with the Calypso Instruments app – once you download the app you can check all the compatible models.

Compatibility with other Marine, Meteo, and Ballistics Apps:

The Ultrasonic Portable Mini and Ultrasonic Portable Solar devices can also connect via Bluetooth 5.1 to the following:

Marine Apps:

  • Weather 4D
  • Sentinel Marine Solutions
  • iRegatta
  • eStela
  • Sail Racer
  • EDO Sailing Instruments
  • Sailgrib
  • qtVLm Navigation and Routing
  • Tactiqs

Meteorological Apps:

  • Weather File

Ballistics Apps

  • Strelok Pro

Click here to find out more.

How many devices can be linked to the same Ultrasonic?

Each Ultrasonic can only be connected to one device at a time. To use a different device, simply disconnect the first and connect the new one. The process is quick and usually takes less than a minute.

How can I identify my Ultrasonic Portable among several units?

Each Ultrasonic Portable has a unique ID that appears when paired with your mobile device. Within the app, you can also rename your unit to make it easier to recognise.

The ID is printed on the box and/or on the device sticker. You may also want to note it down when you first connect, as it never changes. This ID will always appear in the app when scanning for devices, helping you quickly identify your unit.

Is the Ultrasonic compatible with NMEA?

Compatibility depends on your NMEA Connect Plus model. The Ultrasonic Portable Solar can send data via Bluetooth to the NMEA Connect box, which then transmits the signal through Bluetooth, NMEA, or Wi-Fi.

Is the Ultrasonic firmware upgradable?

Yes! Firmware updates are available to add new features and improvements. For Ultrasonic models with Bluetooth (Ultrasonic Portable Solar and Ultrasonic Portable Mini), updates can be installed wirelessly via Bluetooth. The Wired Standard model can be upgraded using a cable.

Will the Ultrasonic work on a rotating mast?

No, the unit does not compensate for mast rotation. Some catamaran sailors mount the unit between the hull instead. Please contact us for more details and guidance.

What is the distance range of my Ultrasonic Portable?

The integrated BLE radio chip has a nominal range of 50m.
In our in-house tests, we achieved up to 80m in open space with the Ultrasonic and a Nexus 5 kept at the same level and position.
Actual range depends on line of sight, antenna performance, and the electromagnetic environment.

What happens if my unit gets blocked?

The Ultrasonic Portable restarts automatically after 10 minutes thanks to its “watchdog” system. You just need to reset the app, and it will function correctly again.

Ultrasonic Portable is IPX8 – what does this mean?

The Ultrasonic Portable is certified IPX8 by an independent laboratory. It passed a 30-minute immersion test at 10m (1 bar) with no water ingress.
We have also performed more extreme in-house tests with successful results, although these are not certified.

Please note: IPX8 certification at 10 m does not guarantee waterproof performance at that depth.

As with swimming watches, devices must be tested at much deeper levels to ensure reliable performance under water. Factors such as seal wear, impacts, temperature changes, water density, and immersion speed can all affect waterproofness.

Is it wise to go mobile on board?

Yes, the Ultrasonic Portable is a great device to take on board.

I touched the metal circles and my device does not work correctly. What should I do?

As stated in the user manual, “Do not attempt to access the transducer area (metal circles) with your fingers.” Please contact us for assistance with repair.

Should my Ultrasonic be mounted flat?

A slight deviation from flat will not affect readings, but for best results and to avoid turbulence, mount the Ultrasonic Portable as flat as possible.

Can I transmit data directly to a server?

Yes. You can develop your own app using our open protocol. See an example here: GitHub – signalk-calypso-ultrasonic.

Can I modify the communication rate?

Yes. You can currently select 1 Hz, 4 Hz, or 8 Hz in the Anemotracker App. In the next firmware update (via Bluetooth), additional options will be available.

How can I change the baud rate of my Ultrasonic Wired + BLE?

Baud rate changes are not done in the app. Use NRF Connect or another BLE utility. It is a one-time modification saved to flash memory. Contact us if you need the NRF Connect tool.

What maximum string length should I expect?

Less than 40 characters.

Should I expect a special termination character?

Yes, termination is required.

Configuration wires to GND and 3V not working. Why?

The Ultrasonic requires a power source between 5V and 24V. Operation outside this range cannot be guaranteed.

Solar is not charging because of dirt.

Any dirt on the solar cell may reduce charging. However, in practice, dirt is usually washed away before it can affect performance.

Is 5V supply really enough for the Ultrasonic Wired Standard?

Yes, 5V is sufficient for the Ultrasonic Wired Standard.

What maintenance should be done after sailing season?

Make sure the device is completely dry and the solar cell is clean. Wipe it with a damp cloth if necessary.

What should I do when the sailing season starts?

If your device has a solar cell, clean it first with a damp cloth. If the battery is fully discharged, place it under a strong LED lamp (close range) for a couple of days to recharge.

How should I read the wind direction?

Wind direction is given as an unsigned integer from 0º to 360º. The bow reference is the north mark on the device. See the manual if you need help locating it.

Do you use the gyrosensor to filter the wind output?

No, the gyrosensor is not used to filter wind output. However, the gyrosensor signal is sent continuously and may be used by third-party apps.

Which apps are compatible with my device?

If you have a Bluetooth unit, the Anemotracker App is compatible. Other apps we know of include SailRacer, Weather4D, iEstela, and Sentinel Marine Solutions.

 

When I try to connect, more than one device appears. What should I do?

Place your Ultrasonic unit very close to your smartphone. The closest device will show the strongest signal (e.g., –20 dB is closer than –40 dB).
Once you connect the first time, you can name your unit in the Anemotracker App to easily recognize it later.

Where can I find the serial number?

The serial number is printed on the box and on a label on the product. It also appears in the connection menu at the top of the settings panel in the app.

How can I download tracking data?

Tap “Export XLS2” or “Export KML” to download your data.

Can I change the values shown in the display boxes?

Yes. Long press on a value box to open a menu where you can select variables and units.

I can’t find my device when the app starts. What should I do?

Restart the app and try again. Sometimes the app does not immediately detect all nearby devices.

I only see a white screen when opening the app.

Restart the app and check that your smartphone is compatible (see Hardware and Software Compatibility below). If the issue persists, contact us at info@calypsoinstruments.com.au.

Compass calibration isn’t counting turns correctly.

If the app does not register the first turn, try a second turn. If the issue continues, cancel the calibration and restart the process. If a turn is not recorded, you can manually add it as explained in section 3.4 of the manual.

What do the abbreviations on the main screen mean?

  • TWA – True Wind Angle

  • AWA – Apparent Wind Angle

  • TWM – True Wind Module / True Wind Speed

  • Roll – Heel Angle

  • Pitch – Tilt Angle

What do the “V” and “T” on the compass mean?

The “V” is actually an upside-down “A” and means Apparent. The “T” means True.

How can I change the variables and units shown on the display?

Long press any of the four display squares on the main screen, then select your preferred variable and unit.

Why do roll and pitch show –90º when the anemometer is tilted?

The gyroscope sensor is off by default to save energy. Go to the menu and enable the “Enable Gyro” function.

Hardware and software compatibility

The Sailing Anemotracker App runs on iOS and Android devices.
The Ultrasonic Portable connects only to smartphones and tablets with a BLE chipset running:

  • Android 4.3, 4.4, or later

  • iOS (iPhone 4s, iPad 3rd generation, or later)

Make sure your device has a compatible OS version.

How do I check my Android or iOS version?

  • Android: Go to Settings > About Phone (or System > About Phone). Look for Android version.

  • iOS: Go to Settings > General > About. Look for Version.

How do I start using the Anemotracker App?

Follow the Anemotracker App instructions provided here.

Does the app work offline?

Yes. The Ultrasonic connects and works with the Anemotracker App without internet access.

However, Google Maps windows require an internet connection.

Will the app pick up data from another boat nearby?

No. Like any Bluetooth device, the connection is protected.

  • Once your smartphone is paired with your Ultrasonic Portable, no other phone can connect.

  • A Bluetooth connection only supports one device at a time.

I can’t connect my device with the Anemotracker App.

First, uninstall and reinstall the app. If the issue persists, make sure your unit has the latest firmware (see the Firmware section for instructions).

What accessories can I use to install my Ultrasonic Bluetooth on a mast top?

The device uses an M16x2 thread (16 mm length).

We recommend using either our mast mount or one of our poles (aluminum or carbon fiber). You can also design and make your own mount – the unit is designed to be easily mounted with widely available parts.

What are the mounting thread specifications for the Wired Range?

  • Carbon fiber and aluminum poles: M16x1.5

  • Mast Mount Bracket and Ultrasonic Wired: M16x2.0 (16 mm length)

  • Screws are included with the Ultrasonic for attaching to poles.

  • An adapter allows you to use carbon/aluminum poles with the Wired Range.

  • Another adapter allows you to mount the Wired Range on a 39 mm pole.

  • A USB Converter Cable is available to connect your NMEA Connect Plus and the ULP Ultrasonic or Davis-compatible wind sensor to a USB port.

What mounting accessories are available for the Portable Range?

  • Tripod Adapter – Mounts the Ultrasonic Portable Solar wind sensor on a tripod.

  • Phone Mount – Connects the Ultrasonic Portable Mini wind sensor to your smartphone (compatible with iOS and Android).

  • GoPro Screw – Allows the Ultrasonic Portable Solar wind sensor to attach to any GoPro accessory.

  • Mast Mount – Mounts the Ultrasonic Portable Solar and Ultrasonic Portable Mini wind sensors on a mast, adjustable in two different positions.

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