SailTimer API - WMM™

The wireless, solar-powered SailTimer Wind Instrument RB™ transmits wind speed & direction from the masthead. This app is only for the WMM Edition.

An API is a digital toolkit; this one receives Bluetooth transmissions from the Wind Instrument, does some conversions, then sends the data to other apps for viewing. See the innovations and features of the Wind Instrument RB™ at SailTimerWind.com

The WMM Edition uses the sophisticated new NOAA-British Geological Survey geomagnetic model for compass declination, since magnetic north has been moving around faster than usual in recent years. No matter where or when you use your Wind Instrument, it will have the same high degree of accuracy that it did in the factory.

This API will give you fast, reliable connections to the Wind Instrument across Android devices. Plus many other features…

Simple interface with most information on one panel. Most controls have been automated.

Add your boat name to your Wind Instrument (only visible to you), to be clear that you are always connecting to your own device.

The API remembers your Wind Instrument and reconnects automatically next time you come back to the boat. If you lose the signal, the API will also reconnect automatically if it is open.

The circular Disconnect button on the top bar is handy when leaving the boat, or if you want to save power in your mobile device and Wind Instrument when not in use.

The API maintains the wireless connection to the Wind Instrument when in background, and even if tablet/phone screen is turned off to conserve power. When API is open, tablet/phone will not go to sleep by itself.

The Sharing button allows crowdsourcing of live wind maps, which can still update when the screen is turned off. Go to SailTimerMaps.com to check wind conditions on any Wind Instruments around you, and to view, share and replay your tacking routes and wind conditions.

Magnetic declination is calculated in the API based on your GPS location on Earth, to convert Magnetic North wind direction to True North reference. Compass fine-tuning: not needed in normal circumstances, but this advanced option could fine-tune precision in magnetic wind direction.

Use this API with the SailTimer Wind Gauge™ app, the SailTimer™ chartplotter app, or with other navigation, wind gauge or performance apps that support the SailTimer Wind Instrument™ (https://wi-rb.com/apps/).

The GPS in your device needs to identify satellites and detect some change in your location before data starts to be sent, which may take a minute or two. If you do not see the green text streaming immediately, just start the connection and get other stuff ready on the boat for a minute or two. Then it will be connected when you come back.

The API sends official NMEA 0183 sentences for wind direction (MWD) and wind angle (MWV) to other apps for viewing. Streaming data is shown in green text as the wireless data arrives from the Wind Instrument. Makes it easy to see if you have a Bluetooth connection, and to check the incoming data if needed.

There are two steps for the Bluetooth connection: the initial scan to find devices available, and then the Bluetooth connection to the Wind Instrument you select. The API remembers your Wind Instrument after the first time, and will then reconnect to it automatically without the scan. (If not connecting, reboot the tablet/phone and open the API and the connection should then be quick on most devices.)

Send wind data at 1, 3, 5, 10 or 20 Hz. Wind gauges move more smoothly with faster transmissions, but numerical displays may change too fast. You may want fast transmissions for an autopilot, or may prefer to conserve battery power in your Wind Instrument with fewer transmissions.

Privacy Policy and End-User Licensing Agreement: http://sailtimerapp.com/Privacy_Policy_EULA_API.htm

There are How-To-Use pages and FAQs at www.SailTimer.co. If you have a question or feedback please email info@SailTimerInc.com. We’re here to help.