First Strike Meters Model FS1 Comparison Chart

After 3 years of stunning success the First Strike FS1 meters are being copied. Don't worry, it's to be expected. Any product as successful as the FS1 is bound to be copied by the vultures and wannabes that make their living TRYING to copy the people who actually develop products. The good news (or bad news if you own a copy) is that the copiers seldom know what they are doing and in the case of the FS1 they actually copied our oldest design and oldest software that has been abandoned long ago because of improvements in both the hardware and the software. Here you will see some of differences so you will be better equipped to decide which meter you really want.

IF YOUR METER DOES NOT HAVE FIRST STRIKE METERS PRINTED ON IT,
IT IS NOT A FIRST STRIKE METER.
We can not support clone meters or provide any of our free services.
PLEASE MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION!

Recently we heard a story about what the clone sellers are saying about our meters.

Deception #1: First Strike meters and clone meters are made in the same factory.

This is not true. The factories are not related in any way. We have recently made some progress toward shutting down the clone factory.

Do you really want to buy from a factory that may be shut down at any time?

Deception #2: The owner of First Strikes factory and the owner of the clone factory are brothers.

Again, this is not true. It is just another fabrication of the clone sellers hoping to sell more clone meters.

The clone sellers have stooped so low as to claim they are selling the original meter. Most of you have been around this business long enough to know who introduced this meter (and several others) to the market.

The clone meters are cheaper for a reason, they are not made the same as the First Strike meters.

I'm sure the list of deceptions goes on and on. Know your products so you can make an informed buying decision.

Thank you to the dealers who brought this to my attention. I appreciate your loyalty to our products.

Meter Comparison - First Strike FS1 vs the 'copy' meter	FS1	Copy
3 Digit Azimuth During the 2008 development a design mistake was made that allowed only 2 digits in the (A) Azimuth box. This mistake doesn't allow for azimuth readings and you will see it disabled for this very reason on the 'copy' meters. 'L' Series FS1 introduced in 2010 corrected this problem.
Bullet Proof Software with "Restore" button In 2008 the first PC software "MeterTool" had a variety of bugs and problems. One of which could damage the meter beyond repair if it was loaded incorrectly. This old software used a Microsoft Excel file making Microsoft Excel a requirement. 'L' Series FS1 introduced in 2010 corrected this problem. Microsoft Excel is no longer required and the new software is 'Bullet Proof'. If you have a problem loading your software or if you make a mistake while loading the software simply click the 'Restore' button and the meter will be restored to good working condition.
22KHz switch can be saved and can be preprogrammed by PC One MAJOR PROBLEM with the 2008 software was it's inability to save the 22KHz switch settings. You can imagine how frustrating this would be. Each time you used the meter you would need to reset the 22KHz switch setting because the meter would not save the 22KHz switch settings. 'L' Series FS1 introduced in 2010 corrected this problem. Now the meter will save the setting AND you can set it in the satellite/transponder list and load the list to the meter.
'L' Series software 'L' Series is the latest FS1 meter. The most advanced FS1 that you can buy. No one else has it because we developed it. FS1 'L' Series brought many improvements. The most noticeable to the user is the A. azimuth is now working and uses three digits so it can calculate the azimuth anywhere in the world. Other improvements include: improved software, you will notice we have different loaders for the 'L' series. (DO NOT use on older series) 'L' series software now has a 22KHz column and it now can save the 22KHz setting. a better screen that illuminates clearer and sharper. The new screen is also more shock resistant. a new keypad that has a longer life and improved sensitivity. a new speaker that is better quality and has better audio improved battery for longer life RoHS certification
Older meters can be upgraded to 'L' series software The older meters like 'K' series can be upgraded to the newer 'L' series so you can enjoy all the benefits of the latest improvements. Contact us for details.
Latest 'Fast Sweep Technology' Several improvements has made our 'Fast Sweep Technology' the best and the fastest.
Upgraded Key pad with better contacts and better adhesive Early keypads had a higher than normal failure rate due to poor contacts and poor construction. This has long since been corrected by using a component manufacture with a much higher quality keypad.
Upgraded Screen has better visibility and is much sturdier The 2008 screen (besides having only 2 digits for azimuth) lacked durability and was a little harder to read in direct sunlight. These problems have been addressed and overcome with a newer higher quality and more durable screen. The new screen comes with the 3 digits required for azimuth calculations. If you meter does not have three digits for azimuth, you have the old screen OR a copy meter that did not come from First Strike Meters.

You might ask, 'Why do companies copy others products?'

It's a shortcut for them to make money. They don't have any development costs to recover and they use the lowest cost materials and components to increase their profits. They have very little marketing expense because they are riding on the reputation of a well established product. They have little or no support because we have already defined all the support issues and have posted them to our public website as a service to people who purchase our products.