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AirPod Becomes High-Tech Frisbee Tracker
23 Jul
Summary
- An AirPod is placed in a frisbee to record throw statistics.
- The device measures speed, spin, and airborne time during throws.
- Data can be exported to Strava, appealing to disc golf enthusiasts.
A unique innovation has emerged from the world of disc sports, where a Reddit user has successfully integrated an Apple AirPod into a frisbee to track throwing performance. This custom device streams motion data to a smartphone, analyzing throws in real time and offering optional voice feedback.
The embedded AirPod meticulously records various metrics, including speed, revolutions, airborne time, and throw count. It can even incorporate heart rate data, either through the latest AirPods or external sensors. The innovative setup involves simply creating a hole in the center of the frisbee to securely house the AirPod, which remains surprisingly stable due to its non-cylindrical stem.
This novel invention has garnered attention from both hobbyists and professionals, with a company specializing in disc golf launch monitors acknowledging its ingenuity. While the creator emphasizes it as a fun project rather than a commercial product, the AirPods have so far proven resilient, even when subjected to throws exceeding 45mph. Discussions are ongoing about more affordable data-tracking alternatives.
Comparisons have been drawn to expensive commercial launch monitors, highlighting the surprising effectiveness of this low-cost, high-tech solution. The project exemplifies unconventional problem-solving, turning a common consumer electronic into a specialized sports analytics tool, much to the amusement and admiration of online communities.