Kapten PLUS In Australia

Frequently asked questions

Question:

What size is the Kapten PLUS and how much does it weigh?

Answer:

It is small in size due to its ability to largely operate on voice commands and instructions such as you saying the state name, city, street etc.

The size is such that it fits into your palm measuring 75 millimeters by 45 millimeters by 15 millimeters. It weighs a mere 65 grams. All these measurements and weights exclude the speaker and the ear buds which are externally connected to the Kapten PLUS. These measurements are inclusive of the silicone cover that has raised tactile buttons.

Question:

What does the Kapten PLUS look like?

Answer:

It is small and looks like a MP3 player because it is one as well as a GPS, audio book reader, FM radio and voice recorder! It has a protective silicone cover.

The front of the Kapten PLUS has a circle of buttons  which are: left and right toggle keys, central enter button or K Tag, play / pause and stop button. Below are three additional buttons from left is the MP3, then the GPS and on the right is the FM radio. Under this you have a further key known as free navigation button to enable you to get information describing where you are and what's around.

Question:

What public transport information does the Kapten PLUS contain?

Answer:   

Public transport maps are for trams and trains in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth at this stage.

Question:

How does the Kapten PLUS public transport integration work?

Answer:   

Public transport integration means that a route is split into three trips. The first gets you to your point of public transport, the second is an itinerary only of the public transport route. This is not GPS controlled due to many railway networks around the world being underground and not having GPS reception. The third component of the route is the walk to the final destination. This public transport option is available when navigating to an address in pedestrian mode in a city where the information is available.

Question:

How can I get to see a Kapten PLUS and have a demonstration?

Answer:

Demonstration units are located at blindness agencies around Australia. They have had the units since the beginning of August 2011 and are also in the learning phase, so please be patient.

Question:

Can I meet and discuss the Kapten PLUS with a member of the Lions Visual Independence Foundation in person?

Answer:

Lions Visual Independence Foundation will be at the blindness shows in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney during August and September. The Kapten PLUS will be on display.

You can email and if demand is suffice, an outdoor demo will be scheduled at times during the shows. If interested, please email info@visualindependence.org.au and state whether you like to have a am or pm presentation outdoors subject to weather.

Question:

Can I add the maps of other countries onto my Kapten PLUS?   

Answer:

The current Kapten PLUS does not allow for maps of another country to be added as the device has been tailored to the specific country.

Question:   

How long does the battery last before it needs to be recharged?

Answer:

Battery life is estimated at 4 hours. The battery has a 780 M ah capacity. The ancillary battery offered as an opening special, limited number available, has the capacity of 2800 M ah. The ancillary battery is connected via USB cable to mini USB on the Kapten Plus. We will look at stocking these on a more permanent basis if this is what the community desires.

Question:   

Where else does the Kapten PLUS operate?

Answer:

The Kapten PLUS has been adopted by Leader Dogs in the USA, the biggest guide dog agency, also a Lions initiative, on 23 May 2011 as their GPS of choice. It has been available in the UK and Europe for a longer time, the length of which I am not entirely sure. the Kapten PLUS is the second generation of the Kapten. There are English, French, Spanish, German and Italian versions operating throughout the world. For more information visit www.kapsys.com

Question:   

Are there any ongoing costs to operate the Kapten PLUS such as phone downloads?

Answer:

Maps have been sponsored by Navteq for the community. We thank Navteq for this generous contribution and ongoing update support at no cost to users. So, no ongoing costs including connectivity to phones . Update are done by connecting your Kapten PLUS to the Kapmanager located on your computer connected to the Internet.

Updates are done by linking the device into your computer. Files are updated and GPS pick up improves the more often you do this as satellites orbit around the earth changing locations

Question:

Are detailed instructions available?

Answer:

The Kapten PLUS has a self help MP3 audio contained within the device. There is also an extended detailed audio CD with instructions which can also be can be downloaded in rich text

format by download by clicking here  

Question:

Is the Kapten PLUS more accurate than other GPS devices around?

Answer:   

GPS accuracy is not a really related to the device you are using. It is determined by the satellite GPS system. Some countries have better accuracy than others depending on the systems employed. GPS accuracy should be similar all around Australia. Reception can be adversely affected in big cities with tall buildings and associated interference.Other factors such as weather can also influence GPS accuracy. You can learn more by listening to the instructions available for download.

By connecting the Kapten PLUS to your computer and updating the satellite positions, Kapsys, the manufacturer states that this provides "a faster time to first reception and enhanced accuracy".

Our testing confirms the quick GPS reception after you update via the computer link. Lions Visual Independence cannot not comment on comparable other devices for accuracy as we are not testing against other products which are also great devices that we value as important to the VIP community.