Glass big learning curve?

Thomas Borchert wrote:
Robert,

So, I'm wondering if all this talk about a long transition
time is mostly for the generation that didn't grow up with computers.


After reading the articles and spending 30 minutes flying the Entegra
system on a clear VFR day, I tend to agree with your view.

I tend to agree. Guys who are used to computers seem to pick it up
pretty fast. The user interface on these new systems is more intuitive
and people are less afraid of doing something wrong. It is the guys who
insist on trying to memorize every key and menu setting before they
will touch the thing that run into trouble.

Guys who are used to computers seem to pick it up pretty fast.

I'm a computer guy but I got lost on the Garmin 430 a couple times when
I first flew behind one (at the time it was just a stupid box to me, I
really didn't need to turn it on). When in map mode if you turn the
little knob and the big knob a couple times you can quickly get lost.
The GX GPS has a "map" button to get you back to the map when you get
lost, the 430 could really use a "main menu" type button to get you
unstuck. I've power cycled them before.

-Robert

Robert M. Gary wrote:
Guys who are used to computers seem to pick it up pretty fast.

I'm a computer guy but I got lost on the Garmin 430 a couple times when
I first flew behind one (at the time it was just a stupid box to me, I
really didn't need to turn it on). When in map mode if you turn the
little knob and the big knob a couple times you can quickly get lost.
The GX GPS has a "map" button to get you back to the map when you get
lost, the 430 could really use a "main menu" type button to get you
unstuck. I've power cycled them before.

Yes, it certainly could use a button like that. I like the 430, but I
think the buttons are too small and the menus are a mess. Simple things
like switching radios or navaids can be a real problem if you are not
familiar with it.

The nearest competitor, the KLN 89B, shares many of the same problems.
Both units also need a dedicated missed approach button, IMHO.

On 29 Sep 2005 10:57:55 -0700, "Robert M. Gary"
wrote:

Guys who are used to computers seem to pick it up pretty fast.

I'm a computer guy but I got lost on the Garmin 430 a couple times when
I first flew behind one (at the time it was just a stupid box to me, I
really didn't need to turn it on). When in map mode if you turn the
little knob and the big knob a couple times you can quickly get lost.
The GX GPS has a "map" button to get you back to the map when you get
lost, the 430 could really use a "main menu" type button to get you
unstuck. I've power cycled them before.


1. Learn how to turn on.

2. Learn hot to get to, or back to the default menu.

#2 may be more important than #1.

If the default menu doesn't contain the basic flight instruments,
boycott the manufacturer.

Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com

-Robert