WinPilot-compatible GPS devices

[Ted Wagner]

Can anyone familiar with the WinPilot product tell me whether my DeLorme
Earthmate GPS Receiver (with DB-15 serial interface) will work with it?

If not, what advice would you offer regarding iPac (or other pocket PC)
models, and portable GPS devices to use with WinPilot?

-ted

[Marc Ramsey]

Ted Wagner wrote:
> Can anyone familiar with the WinPilot product tell me whether my DeLorme
> Earthmate GPS Receiver (with DB-15 serial interface) will work with it?

Actually, the Earthmate has a DE9 (a.k.a. DB9) serial connector, and it
is not compatible with WinPilot (or any other glide software), as it
emits only Rockwell binary protocol, not the more common NMEA.

> If not, what advice would you offer regarding iPac (or other pocket PC)
> models, and portable GPS devices to use with WinPilot?

If you don't need to send GPS data to any other devices, the simplest
combination is a Dell Axim X5 combined with a CompactFlash GPS unit.
See the following websites for possible setups:

http://www.soarmn.com/cumulus/index.htm
http://www.craggyaero.com/

Marc

[Mike Borgelt]

On Fri, 26 Dec 2003 17:47:37 GMT, Marc Ramsey >
wrote:

>Ted Wagner wrote:
>> Can anyone familiar with the WinPilot product tell me whether my DeLorme
>> Earthmate GPS Receiver (with DB-15 serial interface) will work with it?
>
>Actually, the Earthmate has a DE9 (a.k.a. DB9) serial connector, and it
>is not compatible with WinPilot (or any other glide software), as it
>emits only Rockwell binary protocol, not the more common NMEA.
>
>> If not, what advice would you offer regarding iPac (or other pocket PC)
>> models, and portable GPS devices to use with WinPilot?
>
>If you don't need to send GPS data to any other devices, the simplest
>combination is a Dell Axim X5 combined with a CompactFlash GPS unit.
>See the following websites for possible setups:
>
>http://www.soarmn.com/cumulus/index.htm
>http://www.craggyaero.com/
>
>Marc


Be a little careful what you use as a GPS source. I've seen two
Colibri loggers where the GPS altitude was heavily filtered. In one
case it lagged the pressure latitude by 30 seconds in the other by 10
seconds. This can do interestingthings to final glide computers.

When using unknown GPS receivers you really don't know necessarily how
the receiver has been configured which is why I prefer Garmin 35 or 15
receivers which are completely user configurable.

Mike Borgelt

[Skip Guimond]

The Garmin 35 is inexpensive (often available on eBay) and works well.
It can be mounted below the instrument cover on many models such as
our LS-1. Power draw is low, but watch the voltage requirements since
there are several configurations of the Garmin 35 available (the 35 is
actually an OEM device).

Skip Guimond

[Mike Borgelt]

On 27 Dec 2003 10:39:32 -0800, (Skip Guimond)
wrote:

>The Garmin 35 is inexpensive (often available on eBay) and works well.
> It can be mounted below the instrument cover on many models such as
>our LS-1. Power draw is low, but watch the voltage requirements since
>there are several configurations of the Garmin 35 available (the 35 is
>actually an OEM device).
>
>Skip Guimond


The G35HVS is the one you want. Connect straight to 12 volts.

Mike Borgelt

[Marc Ramsey]

Mike Borgelt wrote:
> The G35HVS is the one you want. Connect straight to 12 volts.

For use with PDAs, the new Garmin GPS 18 LVC is worth a look. Supports
WAAS/EGNOS, under 2 1/2" in diameter and 3/4" high, needs 5 VDC (but so
does the PDA), street price is $80US. Downsides are the fact that it
isn't available yet (1st quarter 2004), and has a non-removable magnetic
base, like just about every other cheap mouse-style receiver...

Marc

[Jim Kelly]

The iPaq H5xxx models have a larger display than any of the other
current iPaqs. However they have inadequate audio sound level. The
H3xxx models also had the large display and had good audio. Look for
a H3950 or the new H5150. '

Regardless of the iPaq model you will need one of the Boxwave
"Cleartouch" antireflective films as sold by Craggyaero.com, along
with an efficient 5v power supply from the glider battery. A mouse
type GPS could be useful, like the Garmin G35HVS (12 volts).

Paul Remde has a good selection of bits and advice on his site
http://www.soarmn.com/cumulus/

Cheers,

Jim Kelly.


"Ted Wagner" > wrote in message
news:8eZGb.14436$7D3.11470@fed1read02...
| Can anyone familiar with the WinPilot product tell me whether my
DeLorme
| Earthmate GPS Receiver (with DB-15 serial interface) will work
with it?
|
| If not, what advice would you offer regarding iPac (or other
pocket PC)
| models, and portable GPS devices to use with WinPilot?
|
| -ted
|
|

[David]

If anyone is interested, I would like to sell my iPAQ 3955.
It is in "like new" shape.

I had intended to use it for soaring, but in the end
couldn't part with the other $500 or so to get it running
WinPilot, only to have difficulty reading it in the cockpit.

David



"Jim Kelly" > wrote in message >...
> The iPaq H5xxx models have a larger display than any of the other
> current iPaqs. However they have inadequate audio sound level. The
> H3xxx models also had the large display and had good audio. Look for
> a H3950 or the new H5150. '
>
> Regardless of the iPaq model you will need one of the Boxwave
> "Cleartouch" antireflective films as sold by Craggyaero.com, along
> with an efficient 5v power supply from the glider battery. A mouse
> type GPS could be useful, like the Garmin G35HVS (12 volts).
>
> Paul Remde has a good selection of bits and advice on his site
> http://www.soarmn.com/cumulus/
>
> Cheers,
>
> Jim Kelly.
>
>
> "Ted Wagner" > wrote in message
> news:8eZGb.14436$7D3.11470@fed1read02...
> | Can anyone familiar with the WinPilot product tell me whether my
> DeLorme
> | Earthmate GPS Receiver (with DB-15 serial interface) will work
> with it?
> |
> | If not, what advice would you offer regarding iPac (or other
> pocket PC)
> | models, and portable GPS devices to use with WinPilot?
> |
> | -ted
> |
> |

[Ted Wagner]

Since my original posting on this topic, I've purchased an HP iPaq 5555 and
a NavMan 4400 wireless GPS. I've got those two working great together on the
ground, but have yet to test them in the air.

I haven't yet flown with them because I currenty fly rental sailplanes,
usually a Pilatus B-4, where there's no mount for the iPaq. It's easy to
tuck the GPS receiver somewhere (or even leave it in my pocket), but I have
no place to put the iPaq.

Does anyone make a device that lets me wear it on my leg, above me knee?

What have other pilots done in this situation?

-ted

"Jim Kelly" > wrote in message
u...
> The iPaq H5xxx models have a larger display than any of the other
> current iPaqs. However they have inadequate audio sound level. The
> H3xxx models also had the large display and had good audio. Look for
> a H3950 or the new H5150. '
>
> Regardless of the iPaq model you will need one of the Boxwave
> "Cleartouch" antireflective films as sold by Craggyaero.com, along
> with an efficient 5v power supply from the glider battery. A mouse
> type GPS could be useful, like the Garmin G35HVS (12 volts).
>
> Paul Remde has a good selection of bits and advice on his site
> http://www.soarmn.com/cumulus/
>
> Cheers,
>
> Jim Kelly.
>
>
> "Ted Wagner" > wrote in message
> news:8eZGb.14436$7D3.11470@fed1read02...
> | Can anyone familiar with the WinPilot product tell me whether my
> DeLorme
> | Earthmate GPS Receiver (with DB-15 serial interface) will work
> with it?
> |
> | If not, what advice would you offer regarding iPac (or other
> pocket PC)
> | models, and portable GPS devices to use with WinPilot?
> |
> | -ted
> |
> |
>

[Marc Ramsey]

"Ted Wagner" > wrote:
> Does anyone make a device that lets me wear it on my leg,
> above me knee?

Please don't do that, it makes the rest of us nervous when your head is down
in the cockpit, looking at a screen.

> What have other pilots done in this situation?

I'd suggest using a RAM suction cup mount with one of their PDA holders.
They can be mounted on the canopy securely and without damage, if you are
careful. Total cost for all the pieces should be around $50. See:

http://www.soarmn.com/cumulus/index.htm
http://www.gpscity.com/

Marc

[Martin Gregorie]

On Thu, 08 Jan 2004 17:36:19 GMT, "Ted Wagner"
> wrote:

>Since my original posting on this topic, I've purchased an HP iPaq 5555 and
>a NavMan 4400 wireless GPS. I've got those two working great together on the
>ground, but have yet to test them in the air.
>
>I haven't yet flown with them because I currenty fly rental sailplanes,
>usually a Pilatus B-4, where there's no mount for the iPaq. It's easy to
>tuck the GPS receiver somewhere (or even leave it in my pocket), but I have
>no place to put the iPaq.
>
>Does anyone make a device that lets me wear it on my leg, above me knee?
>

I made a mount (for GPS, not an IPAQ but the principle is the same)
from 6mm (1/4") ply that attached to the camera mount in a club glider
and that worked just fine.

A fellow club member made a thigh mount (again for GPS but should be
quite possible for an IPAQ too) from 6mm (1/4") ply, a little scrap
wood, some webbing and Velcro. She said it worked really well.

You could make either in well under a day plus a little time for the
paint to dry.

--
martin@ : Martin Gregorie
gregorie : Harlow, UK
demon :
co : Zappa fan & glider pilot
uk :

[Paul Remde]

Hi,

Thanks for the referral Marc.

Ted, I suggest the following assembly.
RAM-B-SCMK-CO1, $52.80

You can see photos and order one at: http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/ram.htm
You select the RAM-HOL-CO1 cradle from a list of options when you order the
RAM-B-SCMK.

You can buy the parts for a little less at gpscity.com, but I would ask you
to support your friendly glider parts dealer who has taken the time to
select and stock the right parts for glider pilots.

Thanks,

Paul Remde
Cumulus Soaring Supplies

"Marc Ramsey" > wrote in message
...
> "Ted Wagner" > wrote:
> > Does anyone make a device that lets me wear it on my leg,
> > above me knee?
>
> Please don't do that, it makes the rest of us nervous when your head is
down
> in the cockpit, looking at a screen.
>
> > What have other pilots done in this situation?
>
> I'd suggest using a RAM suction cup mount with one of their PDA holders.
> They can be mounted on the canopy securely and without damage, if you are
> careful. Total cost for all the pieces should be around $50. See:
>
> http://www.soarmn.com/cumulus/index.htm
> http://www.gpscity.com/
>
> Marc
>
>

[Marc Ramsey]

"Paul Remde" > wrote...
> You can buy the parts for a little less at gpscity.com, but I would ask
you
> to support your friendly glider parts dealer who has taken the time to
> select and stock the right parts for glider pilots.

Always a good idea. Then again, he could buy the parts from gpscity and
send me a check for $10, thus supporting a friendly glider pilot who gives
advice when he should be doing real work 8^)

Marc

[David]

Ted,

I wear a home made knee board kind of thing. It's just cobbled
together from sheet aluminum, velcro-tape and a velcro-belt.

Here are a couple pictures:
http://www.utahisp.com/dlane/DSCN0633.jpg
http://www.utahisp.com/dlane/DSCN0636.jpg

As far as looking down too much... don't. I mean, it's a matter
of training. I had to train myself not to stare at the instruments.

David

"Ted Wagner" > wrote in message m>...
> Since my original posting on this topic, I've purchased an HP iPaq 5555 and
> a NavMan 4400 wireless GPS. I've got those two working great together on the
> ground, but have yet to test them in the air.
>
> I haven't yet flown with them because I currenty fly rental sailplanes,
> usually a Pilatus B-4, where there's no mount for the iPaq. It's easy to
> tuck the GPS receiver somewhere (or even leave it in my pocket), but I have
> no place to put the iPaq.
>
> Does anyone make a device that lets me wear it on my leg, above me knee?
>
> What have other pilots done in this situation?
>
> -ted
>
> "Jim Kelly" > wrote in message
> u...
> > The iPaq H5xxx models have a larger display than any of the other
> > current iPaqs. However they have inadequate audio sound level. The
> > H3xxx models also had the large display and had good audio. Look for
> > a H3950 or the new H5150. '
> >
> > Regardless of the iPaq model you will need one of the Boxwave
> > "Cleartouch" antireflective films as sold by Craggyaero.com, along
> > with an efficient 5v power supply from the glider battery. A mouse
> > type GPS could be useful, like the Garmin G35HVS (12 volts).
> >
> > Paul Remde has a good selection of bits and advice on his site
> > http://www.soarmn.com/cumulus/
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> > Jim Kelly.
> >
> >
> > "Ted Wagner" > wrote in message
> > news:8eZGb.14436$7D3.11470@fed1read02...
> > | Can anyone familiar with the WinPilot product tell me whether my
> DeLorme
> > | Earthmate GPS Receiver (with DB-15 serial interface) will work
> with it?
> > |
> > | If not, what advice would you offer regarding iPac (or other
> pocket PC)
> > | models, and portable GPS devices to use with WinPilot?
> > |
> > | -ted
> > |
> > |
> >

[Tim Mara]

don't quit your day job :-)
tim
"David" > wrote in message
om...
> Ted,
>
> I wear a home made knee board kind of thing. It's just cobbled
> together from sheet aluminum, velcro-tape and a velcro-belt.
>
> Here are a couple pictures:
> http://www.utahisp.com/dlane/DSCN0633.jpg
> http://www.utahisp.com/dlane/DSCN0636.jpg
>
> As far as looking down too much... don't. I mean, it's a matter
> of training. I had to train myself not to stare at the instruments.
>
> David
>
> "Ted Wagner" > wrote in message
m>...
> > Since my original posting on this topic, I've purchased an HP iPaq 5555
and
> > a NavMan 4400 wireless GPS. I've got those two working great together on
the
> > ground, but have yet to test them in the air.
> >
> > I haven't yet flown with them because I currenty fly rental sailplanes,
> > usually a Pilatus B-4, where there's no mount for the iPaq. It's easy to
> > tuck the GPS receiver somewhere (or even leave it in my pocket), but I
have
> > no place to put the iPaq.
> >
> > Does anyone make a device that lets me wear it on my leg, above me knee?
> >
> > What have other pilots done in this situation?
> >
> > -ted
> >
> > "Jim Kelly" > wrote in message
> > u...
> > > The iPaq H5xxx models have a larger display than any of the other
> > > current iPaqs. However they have inadequate audio sound level. The
> > > H3xxx models also had the large display and had good audio. Look for
> > > a H3950 or the new H5150. '
> > >
> > > Regardless of the iPaq model you will need one of the Boxwave
> > > "Cleartouch" antireflective films as sold by Craggyaero.com, along
> > > with an efficient 5v power supply from the glider battery. A mouse
> > > type GPS could be useful, like the Garmin G35HVS (12 volts).
> > >
> > > Paul Remde has a good selection of bits and advice on his site
> > > http://www.soarmn.com/cumulus/
> > >
> > > Cheers,
> > >
> > > Jim Kelly.
> > >
> > >
> > > "Ted Wagner" > wrote in message
> > > news:8eZGb.14436$7D3.11470@fed1read02...
> > > | Can anyone familiar with the WinPilot product tell me whether my
> > DeLorme
> > > | Earthmate GPS Receiver (with DB-15 serial interface) will work
> > with it?
> > > |
> > > | If not, what advice would you offer regarding iPac (or other
> > pocket PC)
> > > | models, and portable GPS devices to use with WinPilot?
> > > |
> > > | -ted
> > > |
> > > |
> > >

[Eric Greenwell]

David wrote:

> Ted,
>
> I wear a home made knee board kind of thing. It's just cobbled
> together from sheet aluminum, velcro-tape and a velcro-belt.
>
> Here are a couple pictures:
> http://www.utahisp.com/dlane/DSCN0633.jpg
> http://www.utahisp.com/dlane/DSCN0636.jpg
>
> As far as looking down too much... don't. I mean, it's a matter
> of training. I had to train myself not to stare at the instruments.

Wow, I hope you did a good job of training. That's an awful lot going on
in your lap. I hope you figure out a way to combine things into one
instrument (maybe a PDA with a GPS card on it) that you can mount on the
canopy ledge or with a suction cup.

--
-----
change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA

[David]

Hey, come on! Oh well, beauty is in the eye of
the beholder. :) Probably couldn't sell many of em.

As for complexity...

Yeah I guess. Though all flight computers (even those mounted
on the panel) are possible accidents waiting to happen, if you
want to be cynical.

I fly club gliders so I can't mount anything permanantly.
I've tried the nice Ram mount thing with the suction cups
without success.

David

"Tim Mara" > wrote in message >...
> don't quit your day job :-)
> tim

[David]

Hey, come on! Oh well, beauty is in the eye of
the beholder. :) Probably couldn't sell many of em.

As for complexity...

Yeah I guess. Though all flight computers (even those mounted
on the panel) are possible accidents waiting to happen, if you
want to be cynical.

I fly club gliders so I can't mount anything permanantly.
I've tried the nice Ram mount thing with the suction cups
without success.

David

"Tim Mara" > wrote in message >...
> don't quit your day job :-)
> tim

[Eric Greenwell]

David wrote:
> Hey, come on! Oh well, beauty is in the eye of
> the beholder. :) Probably couldn't sell many of em.

I thought the leg thingie was good solution for the question "how do I
strap everything onto my leg". I've seen a lot worse, and it looked kind
of elegant. Wrong question, though.

>
> As for complexity...
>
> Yeah I guess. Though all flight computers (even those mounted
> on the panel) are possible accidents waiting to happen, if you
> want to be cynical.

At least it's in your scan for ASI and other instruments, and your eyes
see more of the outside when you are using something on the panel,
rather than your leg.

>
> I fly club gliders so I can't mount anything permanantly.
> I've tried the nice Ram mount thing with the suction cups
> without success.

Yeah, suction cups suck (sorry). I liked another poster's solution of a
small ball mount on the panel of all the club's gliders, so a club
member just needs a RAM or similar mount with his PDA that clamps onto
it. I'll bet your club would let you do that on the glider you normally
fly, and maybe you could talk them into paying for it, too. Convince
them it's a safety thing (it is!). The ball mount is pretty cheap, anyway.

--
-----
change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA

[Tim Mara]

sorry....I couldn't resist....
but seriously, look at some of the other options....we offer a GPS mouse
that connects to the ipaq and with the FlywithCE Navigator that's all you
need for Navigation and glide calculations and then you simply need a small
mount for the iPaq and a power source .....look at
http://www.wingsandwheels.com/lx_navigation_accessories_for_ip.htm it really
is a simple and cheap way to go that does everything very well.....and
doesn't need a lot of fabrication :-)
tim

"David" > wrote in message
om...
> Hey, come on! Oh well, beauty is in the eye of
> the beholder. :) Probably couldn't sell many of em.
>
> As for complexity...
>
> Yeah I guess. Though all flight computers (even those mounted
> on the panel) are possible accidents waiting to happen, if you
> want to be cynical.
>
> I fly club gliders so I can't mount anything permanantly.
> I've tried the nice Ram mount thing with the suction cups
> without success.
>
> David
>
> "Tim Mara" > wrote in message
>...
> > don't quit your day job :-)
> > tim

[Jim Kelly]

Consider putting the ball near to the compass, that way the 'pilot's
own navigation instrument' can cover the compass which becomes
redundant once the instrument is in place. And if anything fails,
just swivel the 'instrument' away to see the compass!

This requires the compass to be mounted in a useful place . . but
this should be easy to arrange ;-)

Cheers,

Jim Kelly.



"Eric Greenwell" > wrote in message
...
| Yeah, suction cups suck (sorry). I liked another poster's solution
of a
| small ball mount on the panel of all the club's gliders, so a club
| member just needs a RAM or similar mount with his PDA that clamps
onto
| it.

"Marc Ramsey" > wrote in message
...
> "Ted Wagner" > wrote:
> > Does anyone make a device that lets me wear it on my leg,
> > above me knee?
>
> Please don't do that, it makes the rest of us nervous when your head is
down
> in the cockpit, looking at a screen.
>

http://www.anywheremap.com/pages/product_pages/aw182.htm

Check out this link. It's a knee board designed for the Ipaq. The point
about looking 'down' has merit, however considering the position of our legs
in a typical glass glider, this might actually prove to be forward facing
once you are seated. It's caught my attention. Might be worth a look.