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Veetr

User setup guide

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

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):

  • Important: iOS Safari doesn’t support Web Bluetooth
  • Download: Bluefy - Web BLE Browser from App Store
  • Open: https://app.veetr.org in Bluefy
  • Sadly, iOS users will get the worst experience due to the OS limitations. We should fix that with a custom app in the future.

📱 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 device

  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 device (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 device 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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