Mike,
You may find the Magellan GPS Companion inserts too much electronic
noise into the radio (can eaily open the squelch on a Dittel FSG-40S)
when supplied with external 12V. The remedy we found (after lots of
false attempts) is easy: just feed it with 9V istead. You can use a
7809 chip - center pin is common (negative) ground, a pin on one side
to the positive 12V source, the other to the GPS (center) connector.
For the GPS connector, use the "H type" connector from Radio Shack...

The 7809 is nice, does all the work, doesn't even need a eat sink for
the power the GPS needs, and includes curren protection as well...

SoaringPilot Rocks!

Uri
ASW-20
4X-GGG


On Mar 24, 3:43*am, SoaringXCellence wrote:
On Mar 23, 1:33*pm, "kirk.stant" wrote:

Looking for ideas on a basic logger for a glider club - something that
will make .igc compatible log files (for OLC and SeeYou) and local
contests.

Thinking of a Garmin handheld that could be turned on, tossed in the
back of the cockpit, then downloaded after the flight.

Suggestions?

Kirk
66

I have been getting together some "loggers" for just this purpose.
We're promoting XC soaring in our club this year.

I have several Palm Tungsten T PDA units and have recently found
several Magellan M500 Companion backpack-style GPS units to use with
the Palms. Add the FREE SoaringPilot software and not only do you have
a logger but a glide computer system as well. *Total cost will be
around $100 for the whole system, if you're careful and watch Ebay.

The units will run for over 4 hours on their own batteries or *the GPS
will provide power to the Palm if connected to a 12 volt supply. *They
are very compact and portable from glider to glider.

The software is available from this site:http://www.soaringpilot.org/

search the wiki for details on the operation and various setup
options.

Mike