ClearNav too big?

I think the ClearNav designers may have missed the mark a bit, I'm
trying to figure out why they made the thing so big. In flying with a
PDA I have often wanted the screen to be brighter, but never bigger;
the other option I would pay for is to have the PDA controls on the
stick. I fly a DG and I think the DG panel is pretty standard across
their line. A scale drawing can be downloaded from their site which I
did, then I sized up to full scale and imported it into a CAD system.
After drafting a ClearNav screen and the other instruments I was able
to slide them around, trying to find a configuration that would work.
In a DG panel I just couldn't get it to work. I think in the long run
these devices need to be designed with at least one dimension (height
or width) compatible with traditional gear (80mm!). I suspect that
there was an available screen that was pressed into service and drove
the size.

On Jun 9, 1:03*pm, brianDG303 wrote:
I think the ClearNav designers may have missed the mark a bit, I'm
How old did you say you were???

Ray Warshaw
1LK

trying to figure out why they made the thing so big. In flying with a
PDA I have often wanted the screen to be brighter, but never bigger;
the other option I would pay for is to have the PDA controls on the
stick. I fly a DG and I think the DG panel is pretty standard across
their line. A scale drawing can be downloaded from their site which I
did, then I sized up to full scale and imported it into a CAD system.
After drafting a ClearNav screen and the other instruments I was able
to slide them around, trying to find a configuration that would work.
In a DG panel I just couldn't get it to work. I think in the long run
these devices need to be designed with at least one dimension (height
or width) compatible with traditional gear (80mm!). I suspect that
there was an available screen that was pressed into service and drove
the size.

brianDG303 wrote:
I think the ClearNav designers may have missed the mark a bit, I'm
trying to figure out why they made the thing so big. In flying with a
PDA I have often wanted the screen to be brighter, but never bigger;
the other option I would pay for is to have the PDA controls on the
stick. I fly a DG and I think the DG panel is pretty standard across
their line. A scale drawing can be downloaded from their site which I
did, then I sized up to full scale and imported it into a CAD system.
After drafting a ClearNav screen and the other instruments I was able
to slide them around, trying to find a configuration that would work.
In a DG panel I just couldn't get it to work. I think in the long run
these devices need to be designed with at least one dimension (height
or width) compatible with traditional gear (80mm!). I suspect that
there was an available screen that was pressed into service and drove
the size.

Daylight visible displays are only available in a limited number of
sizes. While there are displays in the 3.5" size range that are better
than the typical transflective PDA screen, the brightest screens start
at a bit larger, hence the size of the ClearNav. If anyone knows of a
supplier of bright (500+ nit) 3.5" LED backlit displays, please disclose 8^)

Marc

Putting it on a small size ASW panel is similarly challenging -- along
with vario, radio, transponder, etc. The ram mounts do a lot to add
wiggle room. I put the clear-nav on a short ram mount. It blocks the
view of the compass (useless anyway) and backup vario (turned off
anyway). Then there was plenty of room for everything.

the other option I would pay for is to have the PDA controls on the stick.

You could glue the clearnav remote to the stick. Realistically, I like
having a little remote that I work with my left hand. (SN10 remote
works similarly well). Nothing is as fun as trying to aim at a
touchscreen while rocketing down the ridge. No, wait, rebooting said
PDA while rocketing down the ridge -- that's more fun.

John Cochrane

On Jun 9, 1:20 pm, BB wrote:
I put the clear-nav on a short ram mount. It blocks the
view of the compass (useless anyway) and backup vario (turned off
anyway). Then there was plenty of room for everything.

I think that's the way to go with something like this. By placing the
ClearNav ON the panel and not IN the panel, it can at best block some
other instruments' mounting screws, and at worst some or all of a less
used instrument. For example, I use the altimeter in my 302, and only
cross check the mechanical. Fuses and connectors can also be placed
behind the ClearNav.

-Tom

On Jun 9, 3:20*pm, BB wrote:

You could glue the clearnav remote to the stick. Realistically, I like
having a little remote that I work with my left hand. (SN10 remote
works similarly well). Nothing is as fun as trying to aim at a
touchscreen while rocketing down the ridge. No, wait, rebooting said
PDA while rocketing down the ridge -- that's more fun.

John Cochrane

The Clearnav will also have the option for a stick mounted remote
which incorporates a PTT switch plus all of the buttons required to
operate the instrument - a Coolie Hat setup.