Flight Computer Input Devices

Evan Ludeman wrote, On 2/25/2014 10:18 AM:
On Tuesday, February 25, 2014 11:10:21 AM UTC-5, Mike the Strike
wrote:
I'm about to upgrade my Discus 2 panel with a more modern flight
computer (5.6" class 640x480 display) and in reviewing the various
options I am interested in user opinions about input devices.



My panel is just out of easy reach, so I'll need some input device
- either stick-mount or cord-mount. Pros, cons and comments about
the various approaches (button, trackball, etc.) would be useful.



Mike

Beware any device that requires precision analog hand / eye
coordination. It will add up to an awful lot of head in the cockpit
time. A push button interface ("digital", not analog), stick
mounted, works well for most pilots (and works great on ClearNav).

"It depends" a lot on what your flying is like. I've used SeeYou Mobile
on an iPaq (600+ hours), and currently a ClearNav (600+ hours), and
found the touch interface to be quicker, easier, more intuitive, and
required less eye contact with the display.

If I flew on turbulent ridges routinely, perhaps I'd feel differently,
but the huge number of touch interface flight computers in use indicates
the efficacy of the method.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to
email me)