Has anyone used these? Recommendations?
Yes I have the pixem. If I had any complaint it’s that paper instructions do not come with it. You have to go on their website and sift through everything to find it. Which when you’re using your phone to record is a pain to do. A lot of trial and error. Sometimes it won’t track correctly, but if there is any error it is user error. I accidentally left it outside and it got rained on, it still works!
I’ve been pretty happy with my Pixem. I never had any of the issues others seem to have with it. That said, I have it in the “to sell” pile because mostly I never set it up outside and therefore it’s just sitting.
I wrongly assumed that because I had a fairly new phone it would work, but it did not. So make sure you check their list of compatible phones first! I returned it for a full refund.
We just got a Pixem and are generally happy with it. It tracks well, and zooms as far as the phone allows. If you set it to zoom too much, the video quality degrades as it does on the phone. Overall though, video quality seems to improve a bit when it’s attached. We had a few stops and starts in set-up, but eventually got it right. Bluetooth connection to the Ceecoach took two adapters and a few tries. Ultimately, the limiting factor for us in terms of remote lessons is sufficient cell reception.
I’ve had a Pixio since 2016 and have really liked it. My biggest issue is that the batteries in the beacons are long since shot, so they have to be plugged in the whole ride. No big deal, we just plug them into little cell phone battery banks, or outlets where possible. We’ve had very few issues with it that weren’t user error, and that’s using it primary in a metal indoor arena.
Finally love mine. Lots of trial and error, but so much better than trailering to lessons. I found that genuine Ceecoach earpiece, cables, made it work well after lots of failures with generic. Sound, zoom and clarity make it feel like my trainer is ringside. It has paid for itself in fuel, time and wear and tear had I trailed to my trainer 2 hours away. And in the COVID times we are experiencing, allows for everyone’s security.
I wrote a short article about the various auto-follow cameras currently on the market and focused heavily on the PIXEM/PIXIO. https://horsesport.com/magazine/training/virtual-coaching-the-socially-distanced-lesson-solution
I also did a live teaching session on how to use auto-follow cameras and included lots of tips and tricks to help ensure they are set up and being used properly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4fxPb8h_VU
Has anyone had any experience using a wireless hotspot to stream lessons using the Pixem? With our set up I’m thinking it will be easier and faster to just pay for a hot spot (not from my phone) than the screw around with trying to get a booster to make it to our indoor ring.
