Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


  • What types of phones and devices will Tally work with?
Tally currently works with Android devices. But iOS devices (like iPhones and iPads) are soon to come. 
To receive updates join the list at the Tally Pre-launch page.


  • When will Tally be available? When can I buy it?
We've been working hard on Tally. We are just emerging from "stealth mode". We hope to have it in the hands of consumers very soon. To receive updates join the list at the Tally Pre-launch page.


  • Does Tally use WiFi to communicate?
No. Tally uses it's own internal radio transceivers and its own RF protocol to communicate. 


  • Why doesn't Tally use WiFi?
Tally is meant to be highly portable. You can take Tally Counters and Markers anywhere. If Tally required "fixed infrastructure" like a WiFi access point, that would limit its portability to wherever there was a familiar WiFI Access Point.


  • What kind of encryption do Tally Markers and Counters use?
Tally uses AES-128 for wireless messages. It also uses encryption to store data internally to the Micro-SD card. The encryption keys for this are all set by the user via the mobile application.

  • What range do you get between Tally Marker and Tally Counters?
RF range is entirely a function of environment, but our Tally Markers and Counters have communicated point-to-point bi-directionally from up to 75 yards. Tally Markers also form a "Mesh Network". In this way, each Marker can relay messages on behalf of other Markers, effectively extending the range necessary between Markers and Counters. When a Marker is unable to speak to a Counter (directly or via the Mesh Network) it caches all event data locally until it can restore communication.


  • How much power do Tally Markers and Tally Counters consume?
While developing Tally, our design motto has been (aside from KISS) "Low Power, Low Cost, High Efficiency". To that end, the Tally Firmware is designed to be extremely efficient. Both Tally Counters and Markers currently use consumer-grade AAA batteries. In low-power modes the Tally Counters and Markers consume as much power as a digital watch, running for weeks or months on a single battery.


  • Is Tally made from other hobbyist consumer electronics?
No. No BeagleBones. No Arduinos. All from scratch. We hold the patent for our design and implementation. It is intended to be a simple-to-use consumer device.


  • Why are Tally Counters and Markers photographed naked (without cases)?
We are proud of Tally. No shame ;-) We are also in early stages and currently experimenting with a number of different enclosures for the consumer market.
To receive updates join the list at the Tally Pre-launch page.


  • How do Tally Markers and Counters Update?
Through the smartphone app! The Tally app downloads firmware updates for both Markers and Counters. The Tally App can then directly update the Counter or push firmware updates to Tally Markers wirelessly. 

Join the Tally Pre-Launch list to be the first to learn more!