: A new cigarette lighter outlet on a sound circuit shouldn't
: be any more intermittant than any other part of the electrical
: system, but a small power outlet just behind wherever one
: mounts the GPS is much neater.

I've experienced quite a few issues with the big, fat cig connector in its socket. With
a more robust power connector somewhere (Molex or DC battery disconnect type), I'd agree.

: I'm not sure what one means by "not very expensive" on the panel-mount
: GPS, nor am I really arguing against it....but the two disadvantages
: of the handheld (the external antenna, and the funky power) can almost
: certainly be taken care of for much less than the cost of VFR
: panel-mount, and the panel mount does not IMHO replace the handheld.

I got a KLX-135 VFR GPS/COM for $1200, with install kit, and antennas. Took less than 5
hours to install myself and have it signed off on. That was even tying it into the
transponder's altitude encoder to help resolve a GPS solution.

: So if I were going to put the effort and time into an install, I'd
: go for a used approach-capable IFR GPS and get the significant utility
: of IFR approaches. Around here, there are plenty of airports where the
: only approaches are NDB, or GPS, and IMO it *is* a significant increase
: in capability.

I'd heard enough horror stories about getting an IFR GPS installation approved that I
declined that route. A friend of mine did buy a KLN-90B for pretty cheap, however ($1500 IIRC).
It would be nice to have, but for my IFR training, I wanted to be proficient at old-school
stuff. The GPS will only make it easier...

: OTOH, how much time did you spend on the install? Given a choice
: between 25 hrs of install time vs. 25 hrs working on the instrument
: rating, I would have to agree with those who suggested that the
: latter might be a better investment!

This is true. I guess that's why I'm working on my IFR ticket a year later, since last
year at this time I was busy locating and installing equipment.

-Cory


--
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* The prime directive of Linux: *
* - learn what you don't know, *
* - teach what you do. *
* (Just my 20 USm$) *
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