"RD" wrote in message


1. Are basic GPS modules such as the ones you take camping/fishing
good enough?

In my opinion, these types of units are not sufficient for aviation use.
They will indeed give you a position report, but will not likely show items
of interest to a pilot - like SUA's and TFR's.

2. What about PalmPilot/Windows CE based hand held units?

This is the type of unit I purchased. Like you, I'm a GA pilot with mostly
recreational flying goals. I also regularly use a PDA outside the airplane
so the "dual use" aspect of this configuration appealed to me.

3. Is it worth buying a decent Garmin model?

This type of unit has some definite advantages. The interface is optimized
for use in the cockpit (for instance, no touch screen or stylus needed) and
they are very speedy. Of course, they may be useful only in the cockpit (a
significant disadvantage for my needs) although some units allow
reprogramming for use with street maps to improve their usefulness.

To compare the dedicated unit to the PDA unit, consider these points:

a) Setup - Both will likely require a remote antenna with its connecting
wire. Both may need external power supplies for extended use (with its
connecting wire). However, the PDA-based unit may need additional hardware
(like a "sleeve" or adapter) in order to attach the GPS receiver. Both will
need mounting hardware (yoke mount or suction cup mount) to keep it close to
your field of view. For use in a rental plane, a dedicated unit will
probably be faster/easier to setup and tear down - but not by much. My iPAQ
slides into the sleeve, I attach the GPS receiver, attach the remote antenna
and I'm ready to go in under 90 seconds (no mounting hardware). I know that
several pilots have begun using Bluetooth wireless remote GPS receivers with
their PDA units. This has the advantage of eliminating one wire from the
setup, but I have no direct experience with these units.

b) In-flight use - The PDA-based unit has the advantage (usually) of a
larger screen. I've seen few dedicated units with screens to match my
iPAQ's screen in terms of readability, but that a purely subjective opinion.
All of these screens suffer washout and glare in bright light. However, the
dedicated units' user interface is typically superior for in-flight use due
to the lack of the need for a stylus. Sure, the PDA software may offer
"rough air" interfaces with larger buttons for use with a finger, but those
take up valuable display area.

c) Battery life - I cannot comment on dedicated units, but the battery on my
iPAQ 3955 will run the PDA and GPS hardware for about 3 hours on its
internal battery (based on my somewhat conservative reserve power setting).
While this is sufficient for most of my recreational flying, I bought an
external battery pack (holding AA cells) for long XC flights.

d) Cost - PDA units can be less expensive. There are low-cost mapping
solutions available and GPS receivers of several formats and styles are
available.

It's a tough call to make - especially without the opportunity to fly with
each of the different types (PDA vs. dedicated). The major factor in my
decision for the PDA-based version was the ability to use the device as PDA
outside the plane. This lets me keep other aviation related software (like
AF/D, eFAR's, logbook, W&B) at my fingertips, as well, without adding an
additional unit of clutter.

See here for more discussion:
http://tinyurl.com/xwoh

You can also review comments on the public discussion forums at:
http://forum.controlvision.com/

--
John T
http://tknowlogy.com/tknoFlyer
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