AirTurn PED (and alternatives)

[JHD512]

Anyone using the AirTurn PED bluetooth page turner? I'm considering one, but also looking at PageFlip Cicada & Firefly. Any experience and recommendations? I plan to use it with Mobilesheets on my 10" LG tablet.

Joe

Update - I made a decision and purchased a PageFlip Firefly. I'm really impressed with this unit. It is sturdy, and was very easy to set up and pair with my tablet.

The Mobilesheets app I purchased was also easy to get started with. I downloaded some PDF chord charts and created a setlist, loaded the setlist and I was ready to go.

I purchased an iKlip Xpand universal mic stand support to hold my 10" LG tablet. Very happy with it so far.

Joe

[Kip Carter]

We are going to buy a few for the Church here shortly the new one that are going for 70 dollars each... bout the best price point out there that I have seen, but really these are the most over priced accessory going in my mind, but at the same time well worth it.

[GmanJeff]

I use the Airturn with the OnSong app. Works well, just a bit fiddly to turn off. It really improves the utility of any app which supports it.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by JHD512

Anyone using the AirTurn PED bluetooth page turner? I'm considering one, but also looking at PageFlip Cicada & Firefly. Any experience and recommendations? I plan to use it with Mobilesheets on my 10" LG tablet.

Joe

Hi Joe…
I use a two pedal Air-Turn bluetooth pedal, and I have actually had hands-on with a 4 pedal model. It's pretty huge and really designed for more complex use than my needs.

The big issue with the inexpensive ones is durability.

One is going to press those pedals a lot of times if you use it regularly. Our Worship Team does at least 5 songs a service and mine is set in ½ page advance mode, so in the course of a rehearsal I'll press it 40-50 times, and on Sunday morning another 20-25 times. If I play 25 times in a year that's nearly 1900 presses.

You have to remember to charge them up (most are USB). I really wish they offered a traditional battery powered model.

Another thing people don't realize is it's up to the app one is using as to whether a pedal works, and what functions it will then provoke. You initially have to pair it, and then go into the app and set functions. Once set, they tend to reconnect automatically, and the things you told it to do stick.

You should try it out ahead of time on stage. You need to know it has not paired with someone else's tablet who is using a pedal at the same time, (or chaos reigns!) Or maybe you do want to sync it…I have a friend who plays in a Worship Band where their worship leader's pedal is set so when the leader pushes his pedal, everybody's tablet switches. One pedal for the entire band.

While I like mine, and hook it up for worship team Sundays, I always have the music memorized and sometimes half way through a morning I'll look down and notice I haven't even touched the pedal, and my music is still sitting on page 1. For me it's a more useful rehearsal tool than performance.

[martingitdave]

The new one is an improvement. I am going to replace my cicada with one.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[JHD512]

Originally Posted by ljguitar

The big issue with the inexpensive ones is durability.

Hi Larry,

Thanks for your feedback. I was wondering about the durability. I've seen some YouTube videos where people are using the AirTurn BT105 with Boss FS-5U pedals. Looks like a good solution, but as would be expected, a more expensive one.

I play on a worship team, and we typically do 4 songs in each of 2 services. Add to that the rehearsals, and that is a good bit of use.

Joe

[ac]

The new Firefly improves on the Cicada. It is better built, far more solid and silent with features not found on the AirTurn. Size and weight comparable.

A recent review of the newest version of the AirTurn was dissapointed in the pedals. They are completely different, boxy, more difficult to use. He recommended for those that want the AirTurn to try to get hold of the older pedals for sure if they can be found. He compared the Firefly and the latest AirTurn and concluded he would now continue on with the Firefly instead of the AirTurn because of the many improvements made since the original Cicada.

Found it:
http://performingarts.uncg.edu/patec...eflip-firefly/

[Oracle]

I have one of the Ped's and a BT105.
Both are quality pieces, and are built to last.
Get the PED. Runs on a std cr2032 battery. On and off sequences are easier to work, and the PED is smaller, with no exterior wiring to worry about.
You won't be disappointed !!

Mike

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by JHD512

Hi Larry,

Thanks for your feedback. I was wondering about the durability. I've seen some YouTube videos where people are using the AirTurn BT105 with Boss FS-5U pedals. Looks like a good solution, but as would be expected, a more expensive one.

I play on a worship team, and we typically do 4 songs in each of 2 services. Add to that the rehearsals, and that is a good bit of use.

Joe

HI Joe…
I use a first generation Air-Turn 105 and it's fine, and durable. And the battery lasts for weeks. I charge it regularly, but it's never had an issue.

It's some of the other cheap pedals I've seen up close which feel flimsy. Wish I could tell you then brands.

They belonged to people who only wanted to spend $20-30.

[JHD512]

Originally Posted by ac

The new Firefly improves on the Cicada. It is better built, far more solid and silent with features not found on the AirTurn. Size and weight comparable.

A recent review of the newest version of the AirTurn was dissapointed in the pedals. They are completely different, boxy, more difficult to use. He recommended for those that want the AirTurn to try to get hold of the older pedals for sure if they can be found. He compared the Firefly and the latest AirTurn and concluded he would now continue on with the Firefly instead of the AirTurn because of the many improvements made since the original Cicada.

Found it:
http://performingarts.uncg.edu/patec...eflip-firefly/

Thanks ac. That review was very informative.

Joe

[ljguitar]

Hi Joe…

One additional thought - My Air Turn fits in either my Strat or Tele case in the slots provided to carry straps etc. (not the pick drawer though it would fit there too). I unplug the wires and it slides right in without being too tight.

This is a major factor for me since I don't like to carry a lot of fragile gear traveling in outboard bags with other gear.

I've never had a jumping Air-Turn pedal issue, but then I step on pedals with the entire ball of my foot, not the tip of my toe/shoe/sandal. And my unit is the original design.

And to comment on your post to me, the outboard pedals would work just fine, but I have had no incentive to use mine (I own FS single and double pedals).

[DavidE]

Originally Posted by JHD512

Anyone using the AirTurn PED bluetooth page turner? I'm considering one, but also looking at PageFlip Cicada & Firefly. Any experience and recommendations? I plan to use it with Mobilesheets on my 10" LG tablet.

Joe

Make sure your tablet is compatible as the PED only works with newer bluetooth devices. It won't work with the iPad 2 I use for gigs.

[difalkner]

I preordered the AirTurn Ped and have been very pleased with it. I use OnSong for our Praise Team and have a 22" monitor with a physical connection for our Worship Leader and connect via Wi-Fi to an iPad for our bass player.

We have our songs in PDF with markings and notations and do our best to keep the songs to one page but if it is longer then one press on the Ped goes a full page down (portrait mode). Otherwise it advances to the right to the next song. I also have the Ped set so that a second press, if less than 1 second, won't have any effect. Figured that out the hard way after accidentally double tapping the pedal and skipping a song one Sunday morning.

I've forgotten how long the little battery is suppose to last but it's a long time, and it comes with a spare. It only took a few times to learn how to turn the Ped on/off and get it right the first time.

I like it because of the price, no wires or anything sticking out, silent, very easy to use and setup, and it fits in the string/pick pocket in my case.

[Stringmaster]

Bumping an old thread--shopping for a Bluetooth pedal to use with OnSong on my iPad. I'd like the pedal to scroll on a page (programmable speed), turn pages, and easily access other songs. Recommendations? I assume there are new options since this thread started.
Thx

[murmur70]

I use the iRig Blueturn. It is about the cheapest option. It is no frills but does the job.