(Dave Piotrowski) wrote in message . com...
I've been considering purchasing an LX 5000. I was thinking if I did
so I could do away with the PDA. Given the capabilities built into the
LX unit itself, what does running WinPilot or other PDA based program
give you? (Besides color moving map).


I use the LX 5000 for final glide (it is always set to my home
airport), speed to fly and averaging when I fly. I use the PDA (Palm
running Soaringpilot) for navigation on the task and the thermal-zoom
graphic is very useful. The investment in the Palm (~$130) and
software (free) is minimal for the added convenience it gives in the
cockpit. No endless fiddling with the LX between the graphic and
numeric displays. Both units log the flight but recovering the data
from the LX involves lugging a laptop to the glider. I only bother
when the memory is getting full and then recover all the flights for
historic purposes. For the flight analysis in the evenings after the
flight - I use the log from Soaringpilot. If you need an FAI approved
log (for the odd diamond or world record) - then the LX 5000 log (for
the later models) is then needed, as the PDA log is not approved. I do
not have a colour (not a spelling mistake - it is how we spell color
in Africa) PDA as the Palm colour units are poor in direct sunlight
(plenty of that in Africa as well) and do not have the money for an
IPAQ and Winpilot.

Clinton
LAK 12