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Veetr

User setup guide

Step-by-step instructions for sailors to get their Veetr sailing dashboard up and running.

Looking for the Android or iPhone app? See Get the mobile app for beta access and installation. The instructions below cover the browser dashboard.

Looking for regatta help? Start with the Race management guide and choose your role.

What You Need 🛒

Required Hardware:

See the Hardware Guide for detailed specifications and purchase links.

Supported Devices:

  • iPhone/iPad: Must use Bluefy - Web BLE Browser (Safari doesn’t support Bluetooth)
  • Android: Any device with Chrome, Edge, or Opera browser
  • Computer: Windows, Mac, or Linux with Chrome, Edge, or Opera

Setup Steps 🔧

1. Get Veetr Dashboard App

Visit the web app: https://app.veetr.org

Install as a real app (recommended):

📱 iPhone/iPad (iOS):

📱 Android Phone/Tablet:

  • Open: Chrome browser (pre-installed)
  • Visit: https://app.veetr.org
  • Install: Tap menu (⋮) → “Add to Home screen” → “Add”
  • Alternative: Look for “Install app” banner at bottom of screen

💻 Windows Computer:

  • Open: Chrome or Edge browser
  • Visit: https://app.veetr.org
  • Install: Click install icon (⊞) in address bar → “Install”
  • Alternative: Click menu (⋮) → “Install Veetr…”

💻 Mac Computer:

  • Open: Chrome, Edge, or Safari browser
  • Visit: https://app.veetr.org
  • Chrome/Edge: Click install icon (⊞) in address bar → “Install”
  • Safari: Click Share → “Add to Dock”

💻 Linux Computer:

  • Open: Chrome, Chromium, or Firefox browser
  • Visit: https://app.veetr.org
  • Chrome/Chromium: Click install icon (⊞) in address bar → “Install”
  • Firefox: Click menu → “Install this site as an app”

2. Prepare the Veetr Vane

  1. Position the GPS module (has built-in antenna, external antenna optional for better reception)
  2. Connect the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) antenna
  3. Connect the wind sensor via the RJ45 connector

3. Connect to Your Boat 🔗

First Time Setup:

  1. Power on the Veetr Vane (connect to a powerbank via USB C)
  2. Activate Discovery Mode: The device is in the discovery mode 5 minutes after start
  3. Check Status: The built-in blue LED turn on when the discovery mode active. It turns off after 5 minutes for security.
  4. Open Dashboard: Launch the Veetr app on your device
  5. Connect: Tap “Connect” button
  6. Select Device: Choose “Veetr” from the Bluetooth list
  7. Start Sailing: Watch your real-time sailing data! ⛵

Daily Use:

  • Discovery mode turns off automatically after 5 minutes for security
  • Press BOOT button again anytime to reconnect
  • You have to connect the device in the app again.

Calibration

Once your Veetr is connected and showing data, you’ll want to calibrate it for accurate readings.

Sensor Orientation 📐

Important: The Veetr Vane can be mounted in ANY orientation - horizontal, vertical, upside down, or at any angle! The calibration process learns your sensor’s orientation automatically.

Mounting tips:

  • Mount firmly so it doesn’t move (calibration depends on consistent positioning)
  • Avoid extreme vibration areas

Level Calibration ⚖️

When to calibrate: When your boat is completely level (flat water, no heel)

  1. Level your boat: Find calm water or secure the boat level at dock/mooring
  2. Open Settings: In the Veetr dashboard, go to Settings tab
  3. Calibrate: Click the “Reset Level” button
  4. Done: The device now knows what “level” means for your mounting orientation

What this does: Stores the sensor’s 3D orientation when level, so heel and pitch readings are accurate regardless of how you mounted the sensor.

Note: You can recalibrate level anytime without affecting compass calibration.

Compass North Calibration 🧭

When to calibrate: After level calibration, or when north reference needs updating

  1. Point to North: Turn your boat so the bow (front) points toward magnetic north
    • Can use boat’s compass, phone compass, or known landmarks
    • Boat can be heeled - doesn’t need to be level
  2. Open Settings: In the Veetr dashboard, go to Settings tab
  3. Calibrate: Click “Set Compass North” button
  4. Done: The device now knows your boat’s longitudinal axis and magnetic north

What this does: Stores the sensor’s 3D orientation when bow points north, so heading readings are accurate regardless of sensor mounting.

Note: You can recalibrate north anytime without affecting level calibration.

Wind Direction Calibration 💨

When to calibrate: After mounting the wind sensor

  1. Mount correctly: Install wind sensor with arrow pointing toward bow (front) of boat

Why important: Ensures wind direction readings are relative to your boat’s heading.

GPS Calibration 🛰️

Automatic: GPS requires no calibration

  • Built-in antenna: The GPS module has a built-in ceramic patch antenna and can work without external antenna
  • External antenna (optional): For improved reception in challenging conditions, an external active antenna can be connected via U.FL connector
  • Module positioning: Mount GPS module with antenna side facing upward with clear view of sky
  • Avoid obstructions: Keep away from metal surfaces, masts, and cabin tops that block satellite signals
  • Satellite acquisition: Allow 1-2 minutes for initial GPS lock after positioning
  • No manual steps: GPS automatically provides accurate position and speed data

Understanding GPS Readings in the App:

  • SAT: Number of satellites currently connected (4+ needed for good position fix)
  • HDOP: Horizontal Dilution of Precision - GPS accuracy indicator
    • 1.0-2.0: Excellent accuracy (±1-3 meters)
    • 2.0-5.0: Good accuracy (±3-7 meters)
    • 5.0+: Poor accuracy (±10+ meters) - reposition GPS module or use external antenna for better sky view
  • LAT/LON: Your current position coordinates

Troubleshooting 🔧

Dashboard Won’t Connect:

  • ✅ iPhone/iPad: Must use Bluefy browser, not Safari
  • ✅ Android/Computer: Use Chrome, Edge, or Opera (not Safari/Firefox)
  • ✅ Press BOOT button on ESP32 to activate discovery mode
  • ✅ Check that ESP32 LED is on (discovery mode active)
  • ✅ Try refreshing the dashboard page

No Sensor Data:

  • ✅ Check all sensor wiring connections
  • ✅ Verify 5V power supply is connected to wind sensor. The red LED is on when the device is powered up
  • ✅ Make sure sensors are properly mounted (wind sensor needs clear 360° view)

Wind direction is wrong

  • ✅ Make sure the wind sensor is mounted by the arrow pointing to the bow of the boat.

GPS Not Working:

  • ✅ GPS is optional and may not be connected yet
  • ✅ Check for clear sky view (GPS needs satellite signals)
  • ✅ Wait 1-2 minutes for GPS to acquire satellites
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