PerfectPass StarGazer Pro Series Upgrade Info

Skier to Skier is your upgrade headquarters for PerfectPass StarGazer.  As with past upgrades, Skier to Skier is committed to being the number one upgrade resource in the industry.  We have worked hard with PerfectPass to insure the various older boats getting a StarGazer upgrade will feel as close as possible to the new drive by wire boats.  Click on the picture above to see StarGazer on one of our tests boats -- 2002 MasterCraft 197. 

StarGazer works on all inboards including Drive by Wire, Carburetors, and Fuel Injection.  StarGazer will also install on most stern drive Inboard Outboard boats.

We have upgrades in stock.  You can order now using the order button above.  Upgrade costs are $409 including shipping which includes a new MasterControl and GPS unit.  We also offer package deals for folks needing a multiline display, DBW harnesses, etc.  Check out the various packages by clicking on the upgrade link. 

Skier to Skier's Take

We have been testing the StarGazer since the fall of 2007.  The time for GPS technology inclusion in speed control has come.  The technology is ready.  PerfectPass has come to the table with a product that does it better than anything we have seen.

The age old question has been: how to best integrate GPS into speed control.  Skier to Skier has been in the R&D of speed control from the very beginning starting back in 1995 so we understand the complexities.  The challenge of speed control is to utilize a source that is primary rather than secondary.  In other words, the perfect solution would be to have the ability to know in advance what the rider or skier is going to do and already make changes to the boat as the skier initiates the maneuver.  Anything else, is reactionary to the skier after the fact.  The more inputs you have, the better the speed control unit can put together some proactive logic.  And..... the more inputs you have the more complex the operation becomes.  There is a lot that has to happen between the time a skier or rider loads up the rope and the addition horse power gets to the prop shaft.  

The StarGazer has put together a lot of inputs with an amazingly simple user interface.  Reminds us a lot of Mac Computers.  The StarGazer uses GPS, RPM, Skier location in the course, and even a rope switch in jump.  You can read what PerfectPass says about it below.  What we found was the StarGazer was consistent and offered no surprises to skiers and riders.  Larger skiers should especially appreciate this.  Folks like the pull. The system is much simpler to use.  And.... because there is no input for the skier weight etc -- the system gives everyone the same pull without any human influence. 

We are often asked about the need for a magnet at the entrance gates for slalom.  Bottom line, GPS is good but its accuracy is measured in feet rather than inches.  The magnet at the gate ensures that every pass has an identical gate set up within one inch -- and every skier gets an identical gate.

What does it take to upgrade? Process is easy.  When you order the upgrade, you will receive a new MasterControl and GPS puck.  Put the GPS puck on your dash.  Tuck the wire behind your dash pod.  Plug in the MasterControl and go.  Calibration is incredibly easy for slalom and jump.  Trick and Wakeboard -- you are good to go out of the box.  Click here to go right to our upgrades starting at $409.

PerfectPass's Take

A. We knew from the outset that the Slalom Mode had to remain RPM Based simply because it is a smoother, more forgiving pull compared to a speed based process. The challenge was to make the existing PerfectPass Slalom Mode “smarter”. This was accomplished by integrating “speed overlay” using the paddle wheel signal calibrated for accuracy multiple times per second via a high speed GPS Receiver. This approach combined with developing sophisticated new software running on the Arm 7 Processor resulted in an enhanced pull and driving made incredibly simple.

A. Following an initial baseline set up, the driver simply selects the desired speed and is ready to go. There is no longer any need to enter Skier Weight, Kx, SSB, PX, Wind Adjust etc. The slalom switch is no longer required. In addition, the new screen layout is clean and less cluttered. If the boat is taken to another lake, there is no need to re-check baselines.

A. Virtually every skier who has had an opportunity to ski Star Gazer has commented that it just feels better than existing PerfectPass. “Smoother” and “softer” are common accolades. Unlike pure speed based systems, the engine remains calm throughout the pass. And if a skier struggles causing an unusually hard pull, Star Gazer will not overcompensate to the detriment of the skier.

A. Star Gazer provides two Timing options to choose from:

1. New Single Magnet Timing which requires just one Smart Timer Sensor and only one magnet at each end of the Slalom course. (Total of two magnets) The system requires one magnet at the entrance gate to activate the timing. Star Gazer software accurately provides full course and allbuoy times. In addition, the possibility of false triggering once the boat has entered the slalom course has been totally eliminated.The Single Magnet method will work properly on courses with one magnet as well as courses with 6 or 8 magnets. Note: PerfectPass will be applying for R Class Approval with USA Water Ski on this format

2. PerfectPass Classic Timing which uses traditional Smart Timer Sensors and six or eight magnets for R Class Tournaments. This version will be eliminated once the Single Magnet format is approved.

Q. Did PerfectPass consider virtual timing using GPS only in Star Gazer