GPS Question.... Yet Again

Dave,

Thanks for your input! So if I mount the AM1000 on the Yoke, it does
not block any of the instruments in the cockpit?

When you turn the Yoke, does the AM1000 stay vertically aligned, or
does it turn with the yoke?

Since the AM500 and AM1000 are pretty much the same unit (Except for
size) Is the extra $200 a good trade off for screen size? I have not
seen either of these units in person so I am not sure how dramatic the
difference on the screen is... I drew out two boxes that are the exact
size of the units, and the AM1000 is quite a bit bigger... I am
certainly leaning toward either the AM500 or AM1000, but trying to
justify the money in my head... If the AM500 does exactly what I
want, and the screen/button size is usable then I would be happy. If
however, the buttons are too small to be easily used during flight,
then I would be very disappointed. My currrent solution is jsut not
working... The PDA using GPS software and a CF card. It is just not
practical. How the heck am I supposed to use the little stylus during
flight... :-)

Obviously you thought the cost was worth the extra size on the
screen... I am just afraid the size of the unit would block some of
my view in the cockpit. What about using this AirMap 1000 on a
suction cup mount connected to the lower left side of the front
windscreen? Workable?





Airmap 1000 Questions:
-Is the Airmap 1000 a bit too big for a portable GPS device?

Nope

-Is the Wrist strap even worth messing with on a device this large?

Nope

-Will this GPS device receive signals reliable without use of the
external antenna?

Yes


Airmap 500 and Garmin 96 Questions:
-Sensitivity good without external antenna? (In a C172)
-Again, Is the wrist strap worth even trying? Does it get in the way?

Garmin 196
-It looks like this device has the ability to set on top of the dash
in the plane with the antenna exposed through the windscreen. So I
would imagine if left on top of the control panel an external antenna
is not necessary.

Correct

So, would an external be needed?

No


-With the previous in mind, is this device usable if left on top of
the panel?
-Can you reach up and accurately press buttons as needed?

No. not in any rough air

-Is the screen large enough to see if left sitting on top of the
Panel?

No


General Questions:
How do the GPS Yoke mounts work?

The RAM mount with the AirMap 1000 is superb


I do not own a plane and rent, so is
the Yoke Mount easibly removable,

Yes the Ram mount is easily Removed

or should I forget that idea all
together and just use a wrist strap? Does it work on a Cessna 172
without getting in the way?

Yes it does

Is the wrist strap even worth messing
with?

NO



Of the 4 GPS devices I have listed in or near my price range which is
the best all around device for the money?

The AM 1000 has by far the largest screen, useful for older eyes
and single button presses, important in Rough air

I think the most important
thing to me is the ability to acquire a signal without the use of an
external antenna. I do not want wires running through the airplane
getting in the way and interfering with the flight controls.

Additionally, I want it to be usable while flying without causing too
much distraction. By that I mean I do not want to be head down trying
to figure out what button to push to switch modes. Single button
presses to switch between functions would be ideal.

We chose the AM 1000 becauses of this...

Since I do not fly long trips a lot, battery life is not of real
concern. I would be happy with about 4-5 hours battery life.


Would be close, keep the backlight off...

Dave


Mike Alexander
PP-ASEL
Temecula, CA
See my online aerial photo album at
http://flying.4alexanders.com