The latest version of the SOTAgoat app includes push notifications for spots - great. However, don’t forget to turn off the sound if you are in a meeting. A goat bleating in my pocket caused me to get some very strange looks from my colleagues today!
73 Richard G3CWI
In reply to G3CWI:
Ha! Yes, it’s equally difficult to explain to others the “why/what” of the goat bleep!
I’ve requested to Rockwell/WW1X a feature update of band filtering to minimize the number of bleeps in addition to the mode and time window filtering. Not that I don’t enjoy hearing the Rooster announcement, but getting bleeps for Eu spots on 40m (likewise, Eu getting 40m bleeps from the US) will reduce the number of announcements!
Guy/N7UN
aka nS0TA
In reply to G3CWI:
Looks like a good app but seems inappropriately priced. Most apps with unique functionality are in the 69p-99p range, and this just duplicates functionality of the website but the looks of it.
Does the money from the app partly go to SOTA or all to the developer?
In reply to G3CWI:
Imagine how small the market is for an app like this. Imagine how much time it probably takes to create and polish it. Now ask yourself if it really costs too much. It certainly isn’t a requirement to buy this app. I was happy to do it. Maybe someone else will do an even better job and offer an app for less, but I’ll bet that won’t happen.
In reply to AE5KA:
But that’s exactly my point, my background is software engineering which I have a degree in and the time and investment in the creation of the piece of software like this is based on function points. This app seems to just duplicate function of the website so therefore has a limited number of function points. I have numerous apps that serve a limited scope of people and I don’t see that as a excuse for the pricepoint.
I would still like to know if the profits are shared with the SOTA? Then I would be keen to support it.
Is this and iPhone or Android or some other App ?
Stewart G0LGS
In reply to M6USV:
But that’s exactly my point, my background is software engineering
which I have a degree in and the time and investment in the creation
of the piece of software like this is based on function points. This
app seems to just duplicate function of the website so therefore has a
limited number of function points. I have numerous apps that serve a
limited scope of people and I don’t see that as a excuse for the
pricepoint.
This is, without doubt, the best SOTA app there is available currently for mobile devices.
If you think for one moment that the the SOTAwatch web site on an iPhone can replicate all the app’s functionality, then go ahead and use the web site.
No one is forcing anyone to buy the app! If people think that a smidgen over £3 is too much to pay they ought to look at their fuel bill after a 150 mile trip to activate a 1 pointer!
The great thing about SOTA Goat is that it contains all the useful facilities in one place:
Offline database with full map data
Local summits (following your location)
Simple spotting and alert interface
Push notifications.
I’d pay twice as much for the push notifications alone…
So if you’re not happy don’t buy it, and as to why a software developer should make a donation to SOTA, well the mind boggles. How much does SOTA get from Angry Birds? All those summits they fly into and destroy.
Highly recommended cheap ios app. 5 Stars.
Just wish it was available for android.
YMMV (and likely to cost more than 5 bucks)
Pete
In reply to G4ISJ:
look at their fuel bill after a 150 mile trip to activate a 1 pointer
£21.07 and that’s with 250bhp under my right foot!
I spent over £210 to activate 4 1pt summits just before Easter. Worth every penny to be able to see both the East and West Scottish coasts at the same time.
There’s no such thing as a fair price, only what the market will support.
Andy
MM0FMF
In reply to G4ISJ:
I like it too - and are we not talking about a cost that is less than a pint of beer?
Great work Rockwell!
73
Richard G3CWI
In reply to G4ISJ:
Pete,
It is clear to me that I should investigate. However, omens are not good and iPhone seems to win on most of my attemps to upload, install or whatever.
Cost wise I have no problem with £3 or so; it costs me £1 every day I log on to SotaWatch when away from home. Still cheaper than a contract. The offline database will make it well worth trying out before we go and hide up a Scottish Glen with no phone signals.
I may be back here for advice later in the day 
73,
Rod
In reply to G3CWI:
Just downloaded it, excellent bit of kit!
73
Roger MW0IDX
In reply to M0JLA:
I think my phone is too old. I thought it was a 3GS but it tells me Version 4.2.1 (8c148) Model MB489B
That is the trouble with not keeping up with the Joneses 
73,
Rod
In reply to M6USV:
It does have some functions that do not duplicate the website. You can generate a spot by cloning from an existing spot or alert, saving on retyping the callsign and summit code. I use it on a 3GS running IOS 6.1.3.
It downloaded and installed completely normally. In bright sun it is easier to use than either the standard website or the spotlite app, especially when using the phone one handed. (microphone or logging implement in the other hand), and is dirt cheap. I pay more for a cup of coffee every day of the week. I only had to buy this once.
Thanks to the developer, you’ve done well. I will continue to use it until and unless something else comes along that suits my needs better.
Andrew VK1DA, also an IT graduate and professional
In reply to M0JLA:
However, thanks to a speedy on-line purchase I am now on OS 6. something and have SOTA goat bleating at me as the spots come in. Looks brilliant but think I might have to find the silent mode. Certainly looks well worth the sudden surge of effort needed to get it up and running.
Real life field testing on Thursday if WX OK and serious off-line testing on Saturday so it will be interesting to see what still works in the way of maps and lists.
I agree with Richard; Great work Rockwell!
73,
Rod