Smart Phone Software

[John Foster]

What have you guys found to be the best "flight computer" app for a smart phone or tablet? Ive tried using iGlide for the iPhone (basic version), but it doesn't seem to have the functionality of a true flight computer where you can input a task, turn points, etc. Do I just need to upgrade to the next version, or are there better options out there? I'm also considering using an iPad for a digital display, but again am wondering what software to use.

[[email protected]]

On Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 4:57:27 PM UTC-5, John Foster wrote:
> What have you guys found to be the best "flight computer" app for a smart phone or tablet? Ive tried using iGlide for the iPhone (basic version), but it doesn't seem to have the functionality of a true flight computer where you can input a task, turn points, etc. Do I just need to upgrade to the next version, or are there better options out there? I'm also considering using an iPad for a digital display, but again am wondering what software to use.

TOP HAT

[Mike C]

On Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 2:57:27 PM UTC-7, John Foster wrote:
> What have you guys found to be the best "flight computer" app for a smart phone or tablet? Ive tried using iGlide for the iPhone (basic version), but it doesn't seem to have the functionality of a true flight computer where you can input a task, turn points, etc. Do I just need to upgrade to the next version, or are there better options out there? I'm also considering using an iPad for a digital display, but again am wondering what software to use.

XCSoar and Top Hat are GREAT free Android apps that allow tasks, turnpoints and glide caculations based on McCready theory, etc. Connecting to a smart vario allow 2 way communication between the vario and app. Android phones that were flagships one or two generation ago can be purchased for under $200.00.

Mike

[Andrzej Kobus]

On Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 4:57:27 PM UTC-5, John Foster wrote:
> What have you guys found to be the best "flight computer" app for a smart phone or tablet? Ive tried using iGlide for the iPhone (basic version), but it doesn't seem to have the functionality of a true flight computer where you can input a task, turn points, etc. Do I just need to upgrade to the next version, or are there better options out there? I'm also considering using an iPad for a digital display, but again am wondering what software to use.

Yes, you need to upgrade to unlock these features.

[Wyll Surf Air]

Agreed. Top Hat is the best glide computer app that I have used. XCSoar is a strong second (I know top hat is based on XCSoar but they have their differences)

[jfitch]

On Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 1:57:27 PM UTC-8, John Foster wrote:
> What have you guys found to be the best "flight computer" app for a smart phone or tablet? Ive tried using iGlide for the iPhone (basic version), but it doesn't seem to have the functionality of a true flight computer where you can input a task, turn points, etc. Do I just need to upgrade to the next version, or are there better options out there? I'm also considering using an iPad for a digital display, but again am wondering what software to use.

You need at least the advanced version of iGlide to to tasks and routing, and the Pro version if you want all the turnpoint and statistic features. It is then a fully featured flight computer. I have, and have flown with, XCSoar, SYM, iGlide, Winpilot, Winpilot Live for iOS, and a few others. I prefer iGlide as it has a modern UI. I've not tried Tophat, but had it demonstrated to me - it looks pretty much like a skin on XCSoar.

[Thomas Van de Velde]

You can also get a cheap Android tablet with built-in GPS like this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AZ7LQ00/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use a tablet with BT connection to my LXNAV S100. Not sure why I'd pay the extra $3,000 to get a full built-in LX90X0 system. You can also pair your Android device with a Nano if you like a certified logger and more reliable GPS source.



On Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 8:20:21 AM UTC-8, jfitch wrote:
> On Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 1:57:27 PM UTC-8, John Foster wrote:
> > What have you guys found to be the best "flight computer" app for a smart phone or tablet? Ive tried using iGlide for the iPhone (basic version), but it doesn't seem to have the functionality of a true flight computer where you can input a task, turn points, etc. Do I just need to upgrade to the next version, or are there better options out there? I'm also considering using an iPad for a digital display, but again am wondering what software to use.
>
> You need at least the advanced version of iGlide to to tasks and routing, and the Pro version if you want all the turnpoint and statistic features. It is then a fully featured flight computer. I have, and have flown with, XCSoar, SYM, iGlide, Winpilot, Winpilot Live for iOS, and a few others. I prefer iGlide as it has a modern UI. I've not tried Tophat, but had it demonstrated to me - it looks pretty much like a skin on XCSoar.

[Jonathan St. Cloud]

On Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 12:29:38 PM UTC-8, Thomas Van de Velde wrote:
> You can also get a cheap Android tablet with built-in GPS like this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AZ7LQ00/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
>
> I use a tablet with BT connection to my LXNAV S100. Not sure why I'd pay the extra $3,000 to get a full built-in LX90X0 system. You can also pair your Android device with a Nano if you like a certified logger and more reliable GPS source.
>
>
>
> On Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 8:20:21 AM UTC-8, jfitch wrote:
> > On Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 1:57:27 PM UTC-8, John Foster wrote:
> > > What have you guys found to be the best "flight computer" app for a smart phone or tablet? Ive tried using iGlide for the iPhone (basic version), but it doesn't seem to have the functionality of a true flight computer where you can input a task, turn points, etc. Do I just need to upgrade to the next version, or are there better options out there? I'm also considering using an iPad for a digital display, but again am wondering what software to use.
> >
> > You need at least the advanced version of iGlide to to tasks and routing, and the Pro version if you want all the turnpoint and statistic features.. It is then a fully featured flight computer. I have, and have flown with, XCSoar, SYM, iGlide, Winpilot, Winpilot Live for iOS, and a few others. I prefer iGlide as it has a modern UI. I've not tried Tophat, but had it demonstrated to me - it looks pretty much like a skin on XCSoar.

Oh God, I would pay $3,000 just not to deal with the Android operating system. Kind of kidding, but one pays the big bucks for full integration and a true flight management system (for a glider). I have flown birds with a full LX90X0 with flap position sensor, flux compass, water ballast dump sensor, wifi, weather and a radio link so you could control radio from computer.. All this information on the computer screen, even controlling screen of S80 and computer with this setup it is HOSAT, or HOSAF.

[Thomas Van de Velde]

All of those things are either available through the S100 or your Android device The S100 has water and flap sensor inputs and can connect directly to my Trig radio for frequency setting. XCSoar has bi-directional integration with the S100 so you can set McReady, tasks, radio, etc. from your Android while getting the S100's flight and FLARM data. I do envy the weather integration overlay though. Hopefully the XCSoar and SkySight teams make progress on building their own integration. For now, I can access Skysight directly on my phone. On the plus, I do get a higher resolution screen with a tablet and find it more convenient to manipulate when mounted near my mice boom, where sunlight is a non-issue. I also find touch more convenient than fiddling with dial knobs and buttons. Not bad for < $2,000.

[[email protected]]

Give LK8000 a peek. Beats XCSoar and TopHat.

[SoaringXCellence]

On Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 3:21:33 AM UTC-8, wrote:
> Give LK8000 a peek. Beats XCSoar and TopHat.

I really have been impressed by Paulo's guidance of this UI. Unfortunately it is very touch oriented. I prefer to use a remote controller mounted on my control stick. The LK8000 is a little clunky in that configuration.

Therefore I use XCSoar, which works well with other control inputs besides touch.

MB

[Ouroboros]

Funny you should say that. I just started building a Bluetooth controller to use with LK8000 next season. What kind of controller do you use with XCSoar?

[Thomas Van de Velde]

On Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 5:39:25 PM UTC-8, Ouroboros wrote:
> Funny you should say that. I just started building a Bluetooth controller to use with LK8000 next season. What kind of controller do you use with XCSoar?

XCSoar uses whatever controller is provided by the OS (Android, Linux, ...)

[SoaringXCellence]

>
> XCSoar uses whatever controller is provided by the OS (Android, Linux, ...)

True, however there are many external controllers that can be interfaced to the OS you mention. Many of the Android devices can support OTG devices like mice and keyboards as well as Bluetooth devices. I've used just about all those combinations.

I currently have XCSoar running on an OperVario system. I can plug in a mouse, keyboard, or a custom controller that I can mount on my control column. I have the latter.

MB

[6PK]

Please explain?

[SoaringXCellence]

On Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 8:46:09 AM UTC-8, 6PK wrote:
> Please explain?

The OpenVario is available as a kit from Stefan Langer:

https://www.stefly.aero/

His site also explains the controller possibilities. This particular version of XCSoar is running on a Linux based CubieBoard 2.

When I was running on an Android tablet I used a Bluetooth mouse to interact with the program, but a keyboard would work too.

You can check out the whole OpenVario project here:

http://openvario.org/doku.php

There are still several individuals doing development, but not at the pace it used to be.

MB