Frequently asked questions about Uptimast®

An Uptimast® is essentially a machine, or a robot if you will, that fully automatically raises and lowers your flags using a calendar function or an app on your smartphone.

Just as you probably already enjoy either a robot lawn mower or a robot vacuum cleaner, an Uptimast now also automates the work of flag hoisting.

In everyday speech, an Uptimast® is most often referred to as a fully automatic flagpole.

It does, because that has been one of the core ideas behind an Uptimast®.

There are often a number of emotions and values associated with the use and appearance of a flagpole with Dannebrog flying beautifully from the top of the pole. Those values and emotions are something an Uptimast® should preserve and build upon.

The goal of an Uptimast is in fact that we, to an even greater extent, gain joy and value from flying flags.

That is why an Uptimast® is built to look like a completely ordinary flagpole.

Although an Uptimast at first glance looks like a completely ordinary flagpole, the two things are almost as far apart as they can be.

All components of an Uptimast are specially designed and developed specifically to be part of an approved machine.

The flag knob, flag line, motor, electronics, magazine, software, the tower that supports the flagpole – even the white fibreglass pole that resembles an ordinary flagpole – are all different from those on an ordinary flagpole.

The reason is that all the individual components of an Uptimast now form an integrated part of a machine that must comply with legislation and rules for machinery and machine safety.

An Uptimast® is operated day-to-day via an app on your mobile phone or computer.

You can both operate the flags "here and now", or you can use the calendar function.

The calendar function makes it possible to programme dates for anniversaries, flag days, birthdays and other occasions into the Uptimast in advance.

The Uptimast® unit will then, entirely on its own, raise the flag at sunrise and lower it again at sunset.

If you have two flags on your Uptimast®, you can of course choose which flag you raise and when.

Yes, an Uptimast can fly a flag at half-mast.

Uptimast naturally follows the guidelines for proper flag etiquette when flying at half-mast.

This means the flag is first raised to the top, after which it is lowered to half-mast.

In the same way, the flag that is at half-mast is first raised to the top before being lowered when it is to come down again.

Whether you raise the flag "here and now" or programme a flag day into the calendar, you can freely choose whether the flag should be at full or half-mast.

You can read more about proper flag etiquette in Dannebrogs-Samfundet's guidance.

Yes, we have carefully developed Uptimast with safety in mind.

The result is that your Uptimast is a CE-marked machine that is approved for use throughout the EU.

Yes, you can use your Uptimast under exactly the same weather conditions that an ordinary flagpole is approved for.

We have succeeded in producing Uptimast so that it is approved for flying flags in winds up to 24.8 m/s.

An Uptimast is built to automatically switch between two flags.

This means that you can, for example, have both a company flag and Dannebrog mounted at the same time, or a pennant (a type of streamer) for everyday use and Dannebrog for special occasions.

Via your mobile or PC you choose entirely yourself which of the two flags you want to fly and when.

The two flags are mounted on separate flag lines, so you do NOT need to tie the flags onto the flag line yourself – the switching happens completely automatically.

Yes, you can easily invest in an Uptimast with one flag line and one flag if you wish.

An Uptimast consists, in addition to the flagpole itself, of a technology box, which in most cases is buried in the ground so that only the lid is visible.

In this technology box, the flags are stored when they are not raised.

It is also in this technology box that all electronics, communication modules and the mechanical equipment such as motors and flag lines are located.

This technology box and its underground placement is one of the keys to an Uptimast looking like a traditional flagpole.

Yes. The modern polyester flags used on an Uptimast will, within a few seconds of being raised, straighten out and fly beautifully in the wind.

Uptimast and the flags used are designed to look and behave like completely ordinary flags.

This also means that the flag on an Uptimast unfurls beautifully when the wind catches it.

Should it be completely calm, the flag hangs completely naturally and quietly along the pole.

Again, everything is exactly as on an ordinary flagpole.

No, the patented Uptimast solution ensures that the flag does not touch the ground.

This is achieved by means of a uniquely designed and patented flag bracket placed a few metres up the flagpole, as well as the unique tower that both supports the flagpole and collects the flag.

No. The modern polyester flags do not get damaged from lying in the technology box.

As soon as the flags are back up in the wind, there will be no sign that the flag has been packed away in the technology box, rather than having lain on a shelf in the warehouse.

Exactly as with an ordinary flagpole, it is the weather conditions that determine how long a flag lasts.

The digital operation of an Uptimast makes it far easier to take good care of the flag in bad weather. You can, as mentioned, easily and simply lower the flag with just a tap on your mobile phone.

If you use that function, the flag on an Uptimast will last even longer than on an ordinary flagpole.

Flag manufacturers provide some information here about durability

Aalborg Flagfabrik

Langkilde og Søn

Uptimast is delivered as one complete system with everything from the technology box to the flagpole.

Installation is carried out by specially trained fitters.

When your new Uptimast is installed, the app is set up on your phone and PC, after which you are ready to control your flagpole.

An Uptimast is designed to be installed in the same location as an ordinary flagpole.

The technology box is buried in the ground so that only the lid at the top is visible, and the tower and flagpole are placed on top of it.

It is important that the soil conditions allow the technology box to be buried. This means it must be placed above the water table, the soil should be firm/stable and excavatable. There should be no fill material, roots or similar in the soil.

Burial as a starting point requires that it is possible to gain access with a mini excavator. Should this not be possible, special solutions can be made.

If the soil conditions do not permit burial, the Uptimast can be installed visibly above ground.

Yes. Like other technical installations, an Uptimast can be installed on a roof.

You should however be aware of whether your roof structure is dimensioned to bear the weight and the load imposed by the installation of an Uptimast.

A complete Uptimast unit weighs from around 250 – 350 kg, depending on height and specification level.

The technology box simply needs to be supplied with 230V.

Don't worry. If the power goes out, the flag will remain hanging exactly where it is.

The design of the software, electronics and motor ensures that your flag always remains in the position it is in if there is a brief power outage.

Should you in extreme cases be affected by a prolonged power outage, Uptimast is equipped with an emergency control that allows you to lower your flag manually.

To ensure stable and safe operation as well as a long service life, an Uptimast is built from quality products from top to bottom.

The technology box is constructed of hot-dip galvanised steel and stainless components have been used where appropriate.

All electronic components are industrial components designed and built to ensure stable operation under all weather conditions.

Knowledge and materials from the sailing world also help to ensure that operation is stable throughout the year.

To ensure an elegant and timeless design that fits into any environment, the designers have chosen to have the lids of the technology box made in Corten steel.

The focus on safety and stability has meant that the flagpole on an Uptimast is a specially reinforced fibreglass flagpole with a metal core at the attachment points.

The complete Uptimast therefore meets all requirements and is CE-marked and approved for sale throughout Europe.

Uptimast is designed with lids for the technology box made in Corten steel.

Corten steel (also known as weathering steel) is a type of steel designed to rust – but in a controlled way. It typically takes a few weeks after installation to achieve its final appearance.

The steel automatically forms a rust patina that protects the underlying steel from further deterioration.

The advantages are that it gives your Uptimast a long service life without the need for painting or other surface treatment.
At the same time, the steel gives your Uptimast unit an aesthetic and raw appearance that, with its reddish-brown colour, is often used in construction, art, landscape design and architecture – both outdoors and indoors.
The steel is environmentally friendly as it requires no ongoing maintenance.

An Uptimast takes care of itself, almost.

Exactly as with an ordinary flagpole, you simply need to regularly check that no external damage has occurred to the flagpole or flags/flag lines.

In addition, to ensure that the flagpole always looks neat and presentable, you can make sure that no algae or moss forms on the flagpole.

As your Uptimast is an approved machine, the only requirement is that one mandatory annual inspection is carried out. This mandatory inspection ensures that everything continues to be as it should be.

There is no legislation or fixed rule for how tall an Uptimast must be.

As with an ordinary flagpole, it is important that the height suits your building, the plot and the area around your Uptimast.

A general recommendation for a detached building is often that the flagpole is around 2 metres taller than the highest building.

Churches, commercial buildings, apartment blocks and similar cannot use this general recommendation – an individual assessment must be made in those cases.

There are really many good reasons to invest in an Uptimast.

Exactly as with other automation initiatives, financial savings, the environment, branding, employee welfare, working environment, comfort and convenience are just some of the good reasons to invest in an Uptimast.

Many businesses, churches, hotels, campsites, hospitals, administration buildings and other commercial organisations therefore benefit greatly from having a fully automatic solution like an Uptimast.

On the other hand, we do not think you should consider an Uptimast if you still have willing volunteers and the time to raise and lower the flag manually, every day of the week and in all kinds of weather.

In places where flag hoisting helps to create a special culture, such as at scout camps and similar, we would also ask you to consider whether an Uptimast is the right solution.

Yes. A number of our customers are private individuals who greatly appreciate being able to fly flags with a fully automatic flagpole.

Some of them want to mark the Danish flag days and the family's other occasions, but have realised that if it has to happen the old-fashioned way – where they have to go out and raise the flag in their dressing gown and remember to take the flag down again right in the middle of a nice dinner – then no flags will be flown.

With an Uptimast they can now plan the flag days in advance or use the app to fly flags here and now, so both they themselves, the family, neighbours and guests can enjoy seeing Dannebrog flying proudly in the sky.

Uptimast ApS is a 100% Danish-owned company.

The invention and patent are Danish and all Uptimast units are produced at a factory in Denmark.

To ensure stable supply and the best possible prices, a number of the unique Uptimast components are specially produced at factories within the EU.

The price of an Uptimast depends on several factors.

We would very much like to give you a price for your new Uptimast once we know your requirements a little better.

We therefore look forward to hearing from you, so that together we can find the right solution for you.