I use a 302/Winpilot Pro/3955--which does everything I want on one page. I
can "disconnect" the MC setting and thus set MC in the 302 speed command for
one setting, and the MC in Winpilot final glide gets another. I have flown
with SN10 and LX7000---I find they are all nice. I have been told by experts
that the SN10 has the best variiometer, but without side-by-side comparison
in the same glider, it's hard to tell. Winpilot Pro has a "thermal history"
graphic presenting similar info to the SN10. The only drawback is that the
Winpilot has so many features, it takes a while to sort out the useful from
the merely interesting. The program will take at least a season to learn to
use effectively. The variometry of the 302 is at least good-to-excellent.
The 302 has a backup battery--does the SN10? I have had the 302 several
years--it's been back to the shop twice--once to replace the polarization
screen so I could read it with polarized sunglasses, and once to convert it
to a motorglider version.

--
Hartley Falbaum


"kirk.stant" wrote in message
ups.com...
Or try a different tack: I've been using L/D to the landing field
instead of an MC-adjusted altitude. This does require one to know what
his glider will do under various conditions (no/tail/headwind, bugs,
etc) but allows a quick and easy analysis of the fields in (or not in!)
range.

I use to do this using my Garmin Pilot 3 (the vnav L/D feature), and
now use SeeYou Mobile for the same thing. By setting the MC high
enough, the L/D boxes change from yellow to green at about 30/1, which
is when I start to consider an alternate safe in my LS6. Makes it easy
to glance at the PDA to see where the closest possible alternate is (or
isn't).

I use my SN10 for "real" final glides, set for wind and bugs and etc.,
and if I have to divert will use it to the divert,if possible,
especially if wind is a factor. But have made final glides using L/D
only, and it works fine - especially for a short range low altitude
last minute landout - you know, the kind when you realize 10 miles out
that you aren't going to make it home and have to take a snap vector to
some field you have never been to before...

Like Tom, I get all my tactical data from the SN10; my PDA is limited
to the moving map with alternates and task line - essentially a
simplified glass sectional. And it is my backup (independent
GPS/logger) in case all the blue smoke leaks out of my SN10.

Re the original subject, I have no experience with the 302 (other than
being beaten by guys using them, and vice versa), but I do think the
SN10 is an excellent bit of kit!

Kirk
66