Android Start Line Apps Anyone?

I was wondering if anyone has used any of the Android Apps for their dinghy starts.  I have an old android phone that broke its aerial so it is no use as an actual phone but is still perfectly usable as a mobile computer  device...  Just needs a waterproof case which I can get for <£20

I'm on my third sailing watch and am frankly unimpressed by any of them!

I like the Novasail that often advertises on the left.  Looks like a suped up Tactic Compass in terms of functionality.

So several questions:

1. If a class doesn't exclude them are electronic aids like this race legal or do they need included in class rules specifically? (Using GPS, clock and compass basically. Not using the phone signal I know the rules on mobiles). My class rules don't even mention a compass.
2. Anyone got thoughts on the best apps?
 - I've found Sailing Tactitian Free (looks OK, shame it only lets you have 3 bouys).  Start timer, start line using GPS, next mark, and tacking compass. Colour coded background.
- SailRacer.net.  Start time, start line, lots of marks (good for club round the cans). No tacking compass.
- The final count down - think the clock is too small
- Yacht - Nice big screen.  Colour coded background. Start line. Speaks time instead of bleep (doubt i'd hear the words clearly on boat?) Doesn't remember default count down (my club uses 4mins not 4 mins)

3. If no use as a race tool, any use for training to learn where I go wrong?

4. What about battery drains?  Will I get a full day sailing on a phone charge, bearing in mind I'll need to disable screen lock etc as the waterproof case will block access to power button!

5. Where best to mount it?  Mast? Bouyancy Aid, Centreboard case, etc?

My observations of why I don't like the three race watches I've tried:

Optimum Time OS 1 series:
Not bad - this one still works I think!  Issue is the sync feature is hard to press as its a side button.

Optimum Time OS 2 series:
Sync button on top.  Actually was OK.  But leaked.

Optimum Time OS 5 series:
This had SO much potential to be great.  But is abysmal.  Its died - new battery brings it to life for a day or 2 at most.
If you go into race timer mode and are waiting for the warning signal if you wait more than about a minute it goes back to normal clock.  Gun goes, you press start and it doesn't start.
Comes with a clip to attach to boat.  Broke off on 3rd tack in first race.  Watch is waterproof and does float!

One of the OS1 and OS2 has very sticky buttons.

I used to have a big yellow optimum watch. But the puck fell out. Was otherwise an excellent timepiece. I then tried several of the smaller optumum watches which are not cheap. They either broke or I had battery issues. I was not the only one in my club to have theses issues. Some have sent them back. I have gone back to the tried and tested Casio route. With the tac tic when sailing in open water. The only issue with the Casio is getting the strap over winter gear.

Casio one has fully functional sailing timer. Just doesn't have the synch button.

Originally posted by andymck Casio one has fully functional sailing timer. Just doesn't have the synch button.

Originally posted by RS400atC I'm not great at starts, but watches are not my problem.

Me neither and I suspect 6 times out of 10 its nothing to do with the watch.  But 4 times out of 10 we simply end up having to judge the start from other boats because we've forgotten the watch(!!), it doesn't start/stops out of the blue etc.

Having the wife/crew to read it for you is good too!

we usually gount 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, and either its obvious we are a mile out and counting not necessary or we are deseperately trying to hit the breaks and we may then count every second towards the end in that hop we aren't over.  I guess one of the advantages of the GPS knowing the startline will be we might at least know if we are OCS as I suspect we get over cautious and go back, esepcially for club house starts where you just get booted rather than tooted!

The tactick will of course do the 5-4-1-go thing for you.

Think my tight scottish ness is really trying to create a tactic from my old broken phone!