PDA GPS software Which one??

[Kevin Black]

Hi,

Firstly I'm in Australia and VFR. I have a Garmin III Pilot, but am also
about to purchase an iPaq PDA. Rather than upgrade to a colour GARMIN
(296/396) at megabucks I thought I could get similar functionality using
the PDA. Costings seem to be PDA nil (it's a sunk cost I'm going to buy
it anyway), Bluetooth GPS AUS$100 or so on e-bay, and the software
(Anywhere map special US$95 and NavGPS US$290).

The Anywheremap seems the standout bargain, at current exchange rates
I'm looking at about an all up cost of AUS$232 for software and GPS.

I'm e-mailing both companies with these questions, but I'm pretty darned
sure they will recommend their own product. For those that have used
either or both (and compared to say a G296):

1. Which of these two would you buy, and why?
2. Functionality compared to Garmin's offering?
3. Ease of use compared to Garmin?
4. Base mapping (Garmin has the intl Pacific Base map for Aus). The
Jepp DB has all of the avaiation info including control zones etc etc.
Do these systems have at least the same info depicted?
5. Updates - If I don't update the Garmin it still works with the 'old'
database. Do these keep functioning without updating the database. I
have no real reason to update more than once a year or so?
6. Any other advice much appreciated....

reply to group or kevinblack at bigblue dot net dot au.

Thanks,
Kevin

[MC]

Kevin Black wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Firstly I'm in Australia and VFR. I have a Garmin III Pilot, but am also
> about to purchase an iPaq PDA. Rather than upgrade to a colour GARMIN
> (296/396) at megabucks I thought I could get similar functionality using
> the PDA. Costings seem to be PDA nil (it's a sunk cost I'm going to buy
> it anyway), Bluetooth GPS AUS$100 or so on e-bay, and the software
> (Anywhere map special US$95 and NavGPS US$290).
>
> The Anywheremap seems the standout bargain, at current exchange rates
> I'm looking at about an all up cost of AUS$232 for software and GPS.
>
> I'm e-mailing both companies with these questions, but I'm pretty darned
> sure they will recommend their own product. For those that have used
> either or both (and compared to say a G296):
>
> 1. Which of these two would you buy, and why?
> 2. Functionality compared to Garmin's offering?
> 3. Ease of use compared to Garmin?
> 4. Base mapping (Garmin has the intl Pacific Base map for Aus). The
> Jepp DB has all of the avaiation info including control zones etc etc.
> Do these systems have at least the same info depicted?
> 5. Updates - If I don't update the Garmin it still works with the 'old'
> database. Do these keep functioning without updating the database. I
> have no real reason to update more than once a year or so?
> 6. Any other advice much appreciated....
>

Try PocketFMS.
It's donationware and works well on most PDA's.
Downside is that it uses NIMA for the base-data which means
that Oz is not totally covered/accurate. (a recently introduced
system for users to update information in their local area from
the ERSA/etc is gradually improving that though)

[newsgroups.comcast.net]

Anywheremap is a great product, IMO, --->> BUT <<--- , I would not recommend
it for anyone outside of the USofA right now. They don't really have any
kind of data, outside of the USofA, and they don't update data (in years)
outside of the USofA.

"Kevin Black" > wrote in message
...
> Hi,
>
> Firstly I'm in Australia and VFR. I have a Garmin III Pilot, but am also
> about to purchase an iPaq PDA. Rather than upgrade to a colour GARMIN
> (296/396) at megabucks I thought I could get similar functionality using
> the PDA. Costings seem to be PDA nil (it's a sunk cost I'm going to buy
> it anyway), Bluetooth GPS AUS$100 or so on e-bay, and the software
> (Anywhere map special US$95 and NavGPS US$290).
>
> The Anywheremap seems the standout bargain, at current exchange rates
> I'm looking at about an all up cost of AUS$232 for software and GPS.
>
> I'm e-mailing both companies with these questions, but I'm pretty darned
> sure they will recommend their own product. For those that have used
> either or both (and compared to say a G296):
>
> 1. Which of these two would you buy, and why?
> 2. Functionality compared to Garmin's offering?
> 3. Ease of use compared to Garmin?
> 4. Base mapping (Garmin has the intl Pacific Base map for Aus). The
> Jepp DB has all of the avaiation info including control zones etc etc.
> Do these systems have at least the same info depicted?
> 5. Updates - If I don't update the Garmin it still works with the 'old'
> database. Do these keep functioning without updating the database. I
> have no real reason to update more than once a year or so?
> 6. Any other advice much appreciated....
>
> reply to group or kevinblack at bigblue dot net dot au.
>
> Thanks,
> Kevin

[[email protected]]

On Wed, 09 Nov 2005 09:05:46 +1100, MC > wrote:


>Try PocketFMS.
>It's donationware and works well on most PDA's.
>Downside is that it uses NIMA for the base-data which means
>that Oz is not totally covered/accurate. (a recently introduced
>system for users to update information in their local area from
>the ERSA/etc is gradually improving that though)

Great prog see: http://www.pocketfms.com/

[Michelle P]

NAV GPS Pro has coverage for Australia.
http://www.flynavgps.com/downloadavdata.shtml
I use it in Conjunction with the PC/EFIS in North America and it works
fine...
Michelle

Kevin Black wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Firstly I'm in Australia and VFR. I have a Garmin III Pilot, but am
> also about to purchase an iPaq PDA. Rather than upgrade to a colour
> GARMIN (296/396) at megabucks I thought I could get similar
> functionality using the PDA. Costings seem to be PDA nil (it's a sunk
> cost I'm going to buy it anyway), Bluetooth GPS AUS$100 or so on
> e-bay, and the software (Anywhere map special US$95 and NavGPS US$290).
>
> The Anywheremap seems the standout bargain, at current exchange rates
> I'm looking at about an all up cost of AUS$232 for software and GPS.
>
> I'm e-mailing both companies with these questions, but I'm pretty
> darned sure they will recommend their own product. For those that
> have used either or both (and compared to say a G296):
>
> 1. Which of these two would you buy, and why?
> 2. Functionality compared to Garmin's offering?
> 3. Ease of use compared to Garmin?
> 4. Base mapping (Garmin has the intl Pacific Base map for Aus). The
> Jepp DB has all of the avaiation info including control zones etc etc.
> Do these systems have at least the same info depicted?
> 5. Updates - If I don't update the Garmin it still works with the
> 'old' database. Do these keep functioning without updating the
> database. I have no real reason to update more than once a year or so?
> 6. Any other advice much appreciated....
>
> reply to group or kevinblack at bigblue dot net dot au.
>
> Thanks,
> Kevin

[Jonathan Goodish]

In article
>,
Kevin Black > wrote:
> Firstly I'm in Australia and VFR. I have a Garmin III Pilot, but am also
> about to purchase an iPaq PDA. Rather than upgrade to a colour GARMIN
> (296/396) at megabucks I thought I could get similar functionality using
> the PDA. Costings seem to be PDA nil (it's a sunk cost I'm going to buy
> it anyway), Bluetooth GPS AUS$100 or so on e-bay, and the software
> (Anywhere map special US$95 and NavGPS US$290).


You may save some bucks with a PDA-based system, but you will give up
the reliability and accuracy of a purpose-built unit.

As far as I know, most of the PDA-based systems are geared toward the
domestic U.S. market, and I'm not aware of any of the PDA software
vendors who use the Jepp navigation database. In my experience, even
the domestic U.S. data from these companies is fraught with errors and
inaccuracies, so I can't imagine that foreign data would be any better.

A PDA or TabletPC-based system may be a great way to go for backup, but
I wouldn't want to rely on it for anything--ever.



JKG

[John T]

"Kevin Black" > wrote in message

>
> 1. Which of these two would you buy, and why?

I bought AnywherMap for much the same reasons as you listed. I use a PDA
regularly outside the cockpit so the "dual-use" aspect was appealing.

> 2. Functionality compared to Garmin's offering?

Compared to the Garmin handhelds I've been able to get side-by-side, I'm
pleased with my purchase. The Garmin units do offer good performance and
are purpose-built so conflicts with other apps is a non-issue (read
"reliability"). However, I don't recall a problem with AnywhereMap in
flight and the screen of my iPAQ 3955 (now hx4700) is superior to those of
the Garmin handhelds I've had up close. However, the new 296 is intriquing
and I've not yet had it side-by-side with AnywhereMap.

> 3. Ease of use compared to Garmin?

This is a matter of pure opinion. My experience is the PDA screen is usable
in flight. However, I have yet to fly in anything but mild- to light
turbulence. With that in mind, my preference is for the PDA interface.
Having to use the buttons and rockers on the Garmins is not as efficient in
my opinion.

> 4. Base mapping (Garmin has the intl Pacific Base map for Aus). The
> Jepp DB has all of the avaiation info including control zones etc etc.
> Do these systems have at least the same info depicted?

This is where other systems can really outshine AnywhereMap. The latest AWM
database for Australia appears to be dated June 2001. That *may* be
sufficient for VFR use, but then again, it *is* very old and is unlikely to
be updated.

> 5. Updates - If I don't update the Garmin it still works with the 'old'
> database. Do these keep functioning without updating the database. I
> have no real reason to update more than once a year or so?

Yes, AnywhereMap will function with an outdated database.

Others have mentioned alternative solutions that may work just as well for
your needs.

--
John T
http://tknowlogy.com/TknoFlyer
http://www.pocketgear.com/products_search.asp?developerid=4415
Reduce spam. Use Sender Policy Framework: http://spf.pobox.com
____________________

[Paul kgyy]

I find the touchpad processing on the AWmap to be easier to use than
the Garmin handheld. It's not bad in turbulence, either - with
Bluetooth GPS you can pull the PDA out of its holder and just run it on
battery power to review airport diagrams, etc.

The resolution is much better than Garmin's, and the dual use is a
treat.

[Mitchell Schaeffer]

"Paul kgyy" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>I find the touchpad processing on the AWmap to be easier to use than
> the Garmin handheld. It's not bad in turbulence, either - with
> Bluetooth GPS you can pull the PDA out of its holder and just run it on
> battery power to review airport diagrams, etc.
>
> The resolution is much better than Garmin's, and the dual use is a
> treat.

This is a good site to review different programs
www.palmflying.com
It includes pocket P.C programs

Mitchell

[Morgans]

"Jonathan Goodish" > wrote

> A PDA or TabletPC-based system may be a great way to go for backup, but
> I wouldn't want to rely on it for anything--ever.

I always thought portable GPS's were for backup, and just another tool in
the pilot's bag of tricks!
--
Jim in NC

[Mal]

http://www.craggyaero.com/WinPilot.htm

I would suggest dowloading all the software you can and evaluate it yourself
before paying for the licence.

I race gliders with winpilot and a ipac.

Mal

[[email protected]]

On Wed, 09 Nov 2005 05:39:18 GMT, "Mitchell Schaeffer"
> wrote:

>This is a good site to review different programs
>www.palmflying.com
>It includes pocket P.C programs
>
>Mitchell
>

Good idea but PocketFMS v0.9.59 is reviewed and is now v0.9.60 with
v0.9.61 being developed. Many changes!

[Thomas Borchert]

Kevin,

> 1. Which of these two would you buy, and why?

I would buy PocketFMS. It's donation ware, so you determine what it's worth
to you.

> 2. Functionality compared to Garmin's offering?

Well, on the one hand, PPCs do crash and leave you with all the problems of
a Windows bases system. On the other hand, you gain more possibilities.

> 3. Ease of use compared to Garmin?

Comparable, but not as stable.

> 4. Base mapping (Garmin has the intl Pacific Base map for Aus). The
> Jepp DB has all of the avaiation info including control zones etc etc.
> Do these systems have at least the same info depicted?

Yes.

> 5. Updates - If I don't update the Garmin it still works with the 'old'
> database. Do these keep functioning without updating the database. I
> have no real reason to update more than once a year or so?

Yes.

> 6. Any other advice much appreciated....
>

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Jonathan Goodish]

In article >,
"Morgans" > wrote:
> > A PDA or TabletPC-based system may be a great way to go for backup, but
> > I wouldn't want to rely on it for anything--ever.
>
> I always thought portable GPS's were for backup, and just another tool in
> the pilot's bag of tricks!

It depends on your definition of "backup." If you don't have an IFR
certified GPS, you can not file for IFR enroute or approaches. However,
I routinely file airways and then ask for direct, effectively using my
portable GPS as a primary navigational reference. As long as you are in
radar contact, this practice is legal.

My point is that the portables from Lowrance and Garmin are more
reliable, and use navigation data that is much more reliable, than many
of the TabletPC/PDA software vendors.

In the case of AnywhereMap, I've found fairly obvious and frequent
errors in their navigation data. They are missing low-level obstacles.
The software does not compute great-circle routes. The software was
otherwise riddled with bugs and quirks that made it impossible to use as
any type of reliable IFR reference, in my opinion. It did do well for
weather display, though it only displays a fraction of the XM weather
information that the Garmin 396 displays. There still exists a bug that
makes it impossible to reliably use the PocketPlates product along with
AnywhereMap--this was going to be fixed "soon" months ago.

If I had a panel-mount GPS with the Jepp database, I probably would have
kept the AnywhereMap system. It should be fine for VFR-only use.




JKG

[Michelle P]

I have had absolutely no reliability problems with my PDA based unit
with bluetooth GPS.
Michelle

Jonathan Goodish wrote:

>In article
>,
> Kevin Black > wrote:
>
>
>>Firstly I'm in Australia and VFR. I have a Garmin III Pilot, but am also
>>about to purchase an iPaq PDA. Rather than upgrade to a colour GARMIN
>>(296/396) at megabucks I thought I could get similar functionality using
>>the PDA. Costings seem to be PDA nil (it's a sunk cost I'm going to buy
>>it anyway), Bluetooth GPS AUS$100 or so on e-bay, and the software
>>(Anywhere map special US$95 and NavGPS US$290).
>>
>>
>
>
>You may save some bucks with a PDA-based system, but you will give up
>the reliability and accuracy of a purpose-built unit.
>
>As far as I know, most of the PDA-based systems are geared toward the
>domestic U.S. market, and I'm not aware of any of the PDA software
>vendors who use the Jepp navigation database. In my experience, even
>the domestic U.S. data from these companies is fraught with errors and
>inaccuracies, so I can't imagine that foreign data would be any better.
>
>A PDA or TabletPC-based system may be a great way to go for backup, but
>I wouldn't want to rely on it for anything--ever.
>
>
>
>JKG
>
>

[John T]

Jonathan Goodish wrote:
>
> It should be fine for VFR-only use.

Which is what the OP said was his case ("Firstly I'm in Australia and
VFR.").

--
John T
http://tknowlogy.com/TknoFlyer
http://www.pocketgear.com/products_search.asp?developerid=4415
Reduce spam. Use Sender Policy Framework: http://spf.pobox.com
____________________

[John T]

Michelle P wrote:
>
> I have had absolutely no reliability problems with my PDA based unit
> with bluetooth GPS.

Like you, I've never had a problem with my AnywhereMap software or hardware
setup in flight. However...

"Reliability" can be used to reference a few different aspects of the PDA
system. If the user has to reset the iPAQ due to a driver issue totally
unrelated to the GPS, then the PDA is "less reliable" than a 295 that
they've never had to reset. The flexibility of the PDA-based system (a
strength in my opinion) introduces more opportunity for "reliability"
issues.

--
John T
http://tknowlogy.com/TknoFlyer
http://www.pocketgear.com/products_search.asp?developerid=4415
Reduce spam. Use Sender Policy Framework: http://spf.pobox.com
____________________

[Jonathan Goodish]

In article >,
"John T" > wrote:
> "Reliability" can be used to reference a few different aspects of the PDA
> system. If the user has to reset the iPAQ due to a driver issue totally
> unrelated to the GPS, then the PDA is "less reliable" than a 295 that
> they've never had to reset. The flexibility of the PDA-based system (a
> strength in my opinion) introduces more opportunity for "reliability"
> issues.


I never had a hardware reliability problem. My reference was to the
software. In the case of AnywhereMap, the bugs in the software and
inaccuracies in navigation data are rampant. A fine backup, certainly,
but not nearly as reliable as a one-button-press Lowrance or Garmin hand
held with the Jepp database.



JKG

[[email protected]]

Check out WinPilot VFR from my website. The program can be downloaded
and installed on your Ipaq for evaluation. The simulator is fully
functional you have to purchase the license to connect to a GPS.

Terrain Maps and Airport & Airspace data is update monthly for free and
available on the site.

Richard
www.craggyaero.com

[Kevin Black]

Kevin Black wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Firstly I'm in Australia and VFR. I have a Garmin III Pilot, but am also
> about to purchase an iPaq PDA. Rather than upgrade to a colour GARMIN
> (296/396) at megabucks I thought I could get similar functionality using
> the PDA. Costings seem to be PDA nil (it's a sunk cost I'm going to buy
> it anyway), Bluetooth GPS AUS$100 or so on e-bay, and the software
> (Anywhere map special US$95 and NavGPS US$290).
>
> The Anywheremap seems the standout bargain, at current exchange rates
> I'm looking at about an all up cost of AUS$232 for software and GPS.
>
> I'm e-mailing both companies with these questions, but I'm pretty darned
> sure they will recommend their own product. For those that have used
> either or both (and compared to say a G296):
>
> 1. Which of these two would you buy, and why?
> 2. Functionality compared to Garmin's offering?
> 3. Ease of use compared to Garmin?
> 4. Base mapping (Garmin has the intl Pacific Base map for Aus). The
> Jepp DB has all of the avaiation info including control zones etc etc.
> Do these systems have at least the same info depicted?
> 5. Updates - If I don't update the Garmin it still works with the 'old'
> database. Do these keep functioning without updating the database. I
> have no real reason to update more than once a year or so?
> 6. Any other advice much appreciated....
>
> reply to group or kevinblack at bigblue dot net dot au.
>
> Thanks,
> Kevin
Thank to all for your excellent advice, given me something (actually a
lot) to think about.

The GIII Pilot is a great little unit for VFR use and I'd want the same
sort of functionality. Having said that I'm a little confused at some
of the comments regarding use of GPS for VFR flying. I use the GPS as
to navigate my VFR routes. I have the charts etc as a backup. I use
other NAV aids (ADF/VOR). Whether you say I'm using it as the 'primary'
form of navigation - moot point. E6B calculation errors, wrongly
calculated bearings, wrong markup on map, map sails out of open window,
E6B falls to floor, stuffing around refolding chart..... why is this
vastly superior to a modern GPS, I don't get it. Each have their short
comings and point(s) of failure, be aware and be alert. And just because
a GPS is certified doesn't mean it cannot fail yet IFR GPS approaches
are part of the norm....

I'm doing what you have suggested, downloading as much demo/trail stuff
as I can, hopefully this will give me a feel for the look/feel of the
software.

Again, thanks all for your advice - the big bugaboo for still seems to
be the quality of the data for Aus - with the Garmin etc stuff it's the
Jebb DB so not an issue. I wonder if there's any of the PDA systems
that use the Jepp DB??

Thanks,
Kevin

[cwby-flyer]

It looks like MountainScope offers coverage for both Australia & Europe
- http://www.mountainscope.com/international.jsp

Mike

[Morgans]

"Jonathan Goodish" > wrote

> A fine backup, certainly,
> but not nearly as reliable as a one-button-press Lowrance or Garmin hand
> held with the Jepp database.

From all of the post about the 396, it seems there are some major
reliability problems, even with some Garmin units.
--
Jim in NC

[Jonathan Goodish]

In article >,
"Morgans" > wrote:
> > A fine backup, certainly,
> > but not nearly as reliable as a one-button-press Lowrance or Garmin hand
> > held with the Jepp database.
>
> From all of the post about the 396, it seems there are some major
> reliability problems, even with some Garmin units.

Really? I have one, and it's fantastic. I've only seen a handful of
posts from people with problems, and Garmin seems to resolve them
without much of a fuss. I'd guess that Garmin's failure rate on the
hardware is very, very low, given that they sold thousands of the units
during Oshkosh alone.



JKG

[[email protected]]

Is any portable GPS "IFR certified?" I don't believe you can presently
use any portable GPS as a primary instrument for flying enroute or
approaches and still be "legal," even if you are in radar contact. I
may be incorrect.

[Alex Shoemack]

Hi,

I am developing this type of software. What I have written at the moment is a traditional style flight planner with fuel & w+b calculations and a moving map navigation system for use with digitized maps. It also has NAIPS Access for briefings and flight plan submission. The software has a couple of things I need to iron out and then write a help file but that is it, 2 weeks work max. The thing is, I have no licence from Airservices Australia yet so I hope that works out, if so well all is good:) If not my product becomes slightly crippled in that the user has to put in all the waypoints manually Or I find another data source and I will likely include NAIPS access :(

Once I get v1 out I will be enhancing it for Direct3D under Windows Mobile 5 to allow map rotation and then implementing a 3D map, using DEM Data, etc etc under D3D. It should look good but probably will require Dell Axim x50v or x51v for this stuff as they have a nice GPU which performs very well, and at the very least WM5 but it's a big IF direct3d will Render fast enough in software mode.

My site is at http://www.digiflight.com.au but it is nothing there just yet!

I do intend a beta test pretty soon and will announce it on the site and here.

Alex

"Kevin Black" > wrote in message ...
> Hi,
>
> Firstly I'm in Australia and VFR. I have a Garmin III Pilot, but am also
> about to purchase an iPaq PDA. Rather than upgrade to a colour GARMIN
> (296/396) at megabucks I thought I could get similar functionality using
> the PDA. Costings seem to be PDA nil (it's a sunk cost I'm going to buy
> it anyway), Bluetooth GPS AUS$100 or so on e-bay, and the software
> (Anywhere map special US$95 and NavGPS US$290).
>
> The Anywheremap seems the standout bargain, at current exchange rates
> I'm looking at about an all up cost of AUS$232 for software and GPS.
>
> I'm e-mailing both companies with these questions, but I'm pretty darned
> sure they will recommend their own product. For those that have used
> either or both (and compared to say a G296):
>
> 1. Which of these two would you buy, and why?
> 2. Functionality compared to Garmin's offering?
> 3. Ease of use compared to Garmin?
> 4. Base mapping (Garmin has the intl Pacific Base map for Aus). The
> Jepp DB has all of the avaiation info including control zones etc etc.
> Do these systems have at least the same info depicted?
> 5. Updates - If I don't update the Garmin it still works with the 'old'
> database. Do these keep functioning without updating the database. I
> have no real reason to update more than once a year or so?
> 6. Any other advice much appreciated....
>
> reply to group or kevinblack at bigblue dot net dot au.
>
> Thanks,
> Kevin

[MC]

Alex Shoemack wrote:

> The thing is, I have no licence from
> Airservices Australia yet so I hope that works out, if so well all is
> good:) If not my product becomes slightly crippled in that the user has
> to put in all the waypoints manually Or I find another data source and I
> will likely include NAIPS access :(

Alex, make sure that you're sitting down when ASA give you a quote
for their electronic data.

[Dan Luke]

"Morgans" wrote:

>> A fine backup, certainly,
>> but not nearly as reliable as a one-button-press Lowrance or Garmin
>> hand
>> held with the Jepp database.
>
> From all of the post about the 396, it seems there are some major
> reliability problems, even with some Garmin units.

I'd say the problems are isolated, aithough the must seem major to the
owners who've had them. The 396 has sold like hotcakes; if the troubles
were widespread, surely we would see more reports on the various forums
like this one, CFO, CPA, ABS, etc.

I had one minor power mgmt. problem right after I bought my 396, later
corrected by a software revision. Since then, the unit has been rock
solid, in contrast to my old Bluetooth WX receiver/gps/pc setup, which
was plagued with MS Windows hiccups.

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM

[Coop]

MC wrote:

> Alex Shoemack wrote:
>
>> The thing is, I have no licence from Airservices Australia yet so I
>> hope that works out, if so well all is good:) If not my product
>> becomes slightly crippled in that the user has to put in all the
>> waypoints manually Or I find another data source and I will likely
>> include NAIPS access :(
>
>
> Alex, make sure that you're sitting down when ASA give you a quote
> for their electronic data.

Hey guys! I've come across a new instrument to assist with navigational
challenges- better than GPS or PDA systems by far.

It comes standard with the largest database of Australian waypoints I've
ever encountered.

The display is extremely realistic and rendering in 3-dimensional colour
graphics is available at the greater magnifications.

The range of display magnifications is almost infinite- far beyond what
is required by most Private Pilots, and sufficient for the most
demanding applications (The Space Shuttle had at least one of these
installed for all flights.)

Any visible waypoint can be selected by simply pointing at it on the
display.

The memory requirements are negligible- and power consumption is
extremely low (although it can rise if "open architecture" is used- this
is an option on some models).

There are literally no buttons. The display is set up so that it becomes
active as soon as the aircraft engine is started, and all functions are
engaged by simply examining the display and pointing at the required track.

The display remains perfectly oriented irrespective of the attitude of
the aircraft, although it has a fixed reference which cannot be changed.

You might think with such demanding specifications that this is an
expensive instrument- but they are quite affordable- although some
regular maintenance is required.

I have found that a disadvantage of the available display magnification
range is that at the larger magnifications the scroll rate becomes
unacceptably rapid.

It is, unfortunately, available only in VFR versions. However, if IFR
conditions are encountered the display notifies the pilot immediately.

It is known as the Wide INertial Device for Orientation of Waypoints



Or WINDOW, for short.....:-)

Coop
<g,d,r>

[Kevin Black]

>
> Or WINDOW, for short.....:-)

The last time I tried to buy one of those with attached hardware, it was
out of my price range - sigh..... And the running costs were a little
over the top as well...

Cheers,
Kevin

[Newps]

Alex Shoemack wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I am developing this type of software. What I have written at the moment
> is a traditional style flight planner with fuel & w+b calculations and a
> moving map navigation system for use with digitized maps.

I have tried all the moving map programs on my PDA. No contest, NavGPS
Pro is the best. As for W+B programs Wing X is the best. If I have to
enter any more than my empty weight and empty weight CG then you are not
doing your job. With Wing X I simply pick my particular model of plane
off a list, enter two numbers and I'm done. It shows me a picture of my
W+B envelope as well as a list. It tells me my weight at any time. It
has a complete nav database as well, so I simply tell it where I am and
where I'm going.

[Robert M. Gary]

I thought about using my Dell X50v in this way ( I already have a GPS
for it). However, I decided that there was no way I would ever be able
to use the touch screen in real IFR because its just too hard when
you're bouncing around. I bought a 296 instead. Has anyone been able to
master using a touch screen PDA in turb?

-Robert

[MC]

Robert M. Gary wrote:
> I thought about using my Dell X50v in this way ( I already have a GPS
> for it). However, I decided that there was no way I would ever be able
> to use the touch screen in real IFR because its just too hard when
> you're bouncing around. I bought a 296 instead. Has anyone been able to
> master using a touch screen PDA in turb?

Depends on how well the user-interface is designed.

PocketFMS mostly uses the physical buttons to navigate through
the 'pages' of info, but if you need to do data-entry (eg to
calculate the actual wind) then a large onscreen
context-dependant keypad appears.
It works ok for me in bouncy conditions and I haven't had
to use the stylus in-flight yet.

[Robert M. Gary]

I've downloaded PocketFMS for my PC (haven't figure out yet how to get
it on my PDA). To be honest, I brought it up and tried to play with it
but found, without actually reading the manuals, I wasn't able to get
it to do anything.

[MC]

Robert M. Gary wrote:

> I've downloaded PocketFMS for my PC (haven't figure out yet how to get
> it on my PDA). To be honest, I brought it up and tried to play with it
> but found, without actually reading the manuals, I wasn't able to get
> it to do anything.

Have you actually loaded the FIRs for where you are ?
Have you set your current lat/lon (or tried to connect a GPS) ?

PocketFMS does flight-plans, airspace info and a heap of other
stuff and even a cursory reading of the help-file will show
you what features are available and how to use them.

[Robert M. Gary]

I"m sure the help file will help, I just haven't gotten there yet. I
set the FIR but didn't recognize the area because it didn't show me
airport names (just airspace). Again, I'm sure if I sit down with the
documentation I can get it to work. I use Flightsoft now for planning
and it works a bit more out-of-the-box, but may or may not be better.

-Robert

[[email protected]]

On 14 Nov 2005 15:21:19 -0800, "Robert M. Gary" >
wrote:

>I"m sure the help file will help, I just haven't gotten there yet. I
>set the FIR but didn't recognize the area because it didn't show me
>airport names (just airspace). Again, I'm sure if I sit down with the
>documentation I can get it to work. I use Flightsoft now for planning
>and it works a bit more out-of-the-box, but may or may not be better.
>
>-Robert

You really need to read the help file!

If you've set the FIR's have you downloaded the data from the
internet? i.e. Map (at each zoom level unless you register), Nav,
Elevation? That's how it's updated!

As for the PDA simply 'synchronise CE device' from the icon, via the
PDA cradle using Active Sync.

This prog has so many options you can't expect it to just work without
reading the basic help info. Lots of icons on the top & side of the
screen to select/deselect options.

The first thing to do is right click the mouse and 'search' for your
nearest airfield then click 'Plane Pos'. That puts the plane at the
centre of the screen in your area. If you don't the plane position
could well be in the sea or another FIR anywhere in the world.

You also need to check properties and ensure you set the 'Limit
PocketPC Memory storage to' xxx MB

[Darrel Toepfer]

wrote:
> Robert M. Gary" > wrote:

>>I"m sure the help file will help, I just haven't gotten there yet. I
>>set the FIR but didn't recognize the area because it didn't show me
>>airport names (just airspace). Again, I'm sure if I sit down with the
>>documentation I can get it to work. I use Flightsoft now for planning
>>and it works a bit more out-of-the-box, but may or may not be better.
>>
> You really need to read the help file!

Download all the data files, it takes awhile. And also that you have a
compatible GPS. PocketFMS doesn't work with my Garmin GPS III. Works
great with my Magellan 315...

[[email protected]]

On Mon, 14 Nov 2005 19:15:20 -0600, Darrel Toepfer
> wrote:

wrote:
>> Robert M. Gary" > wrote:
>
>>>I"m sure the help file will help, I just haven't gotten there yet. I
>>>set the FIR but didn't recognize the area because it didn't show me
>>>airport names (just airspace). Again, I'm sure if I sit down with the
>>>documentation I can get it to work. I use Flightsoft now for planning
>>>and it works a bit more out-of-the-box, but may or may not be better.
>>>
>> You really need to read the help file!
>
>Download all the data files, it takes awhile. And also that you have a
>compatible GPS. PocketFMS doesn't work with my Garmin GPS III. Works
>great with my Magellan 315...

I had a lot of trouble with an old Trimble Flightmate Pro (1993
database) but eventually got it to work. As long as you can get NMEA
sentences, at the right baud rate, with the right parameters selected
it should work.