The smartOar Android App (SmartOar App User Guide Ver1_3) allows you to see real-time force curves on your cell phone or Android Tablet. You can set it up so that your rowers can see their force curves in real-time in the boat. The Android App works in conjunction with a device called a “Bluetooth Translator” that converts the Oar radio signals into Bluetooth signals that work with your cell phone. The Android App and Bluetooth translator cost substantially less than a Coaches Tablet and is far more flexible in its operation. Note: In fairness to a Coaches Tablet, that device contains a sunlight readable display, whereas the viewability of the App is a function of the Android device you use for display. We find that a decent cell phone with anti-glare add-on cover works in direct sunlight.
There are two version of the Bluetooth Translator (BTT). One is meant for in-boat use and contains a GPS and accelerometer so that you can see boat speed per stroke as well as how the boat behaves during the stroke. The second version is lower cost (no GPS or accelerometer) and meant to control the oars from the launch. It can also “Snoop” on boats that have their own in-boat BTT. BTT’s wirelessly charge using standard wireless chargers.
For more information and technical details see The Evolution of the Android App
The HugeRock X7 Android Tablet (available on Amazon) has a sunlight readable display favored by drone operators. It is well suited for displaying force curves. It’s waterproof and has a nice mount (also available on Amazon) for use in a Coaches launch.
The HugeRock X7
The HugeRock X7 Launch Mount
The HugeRock X7 “serving” real-time force curves to a cell phone which could be used by a rower who is working on an issue such a catch timing or curve shape. Individual curves can be turned on and off so a rower can isolate their curve with the stroke’s curve if catch timing is an issue or to any other rower if curve shape is an issue. In this example the X7 is in the boat due to Bluetooth range limitations. The Coach can use the other version of the BTT to “snoop” in on this and other boats. The coxswain can see boat speed and record snippets of the workouts for later review.
