PDA mounting alternatives

"Jack Glendening" wrote in message
.net...
I'm thinking about "upgrading" from a Cambridge LNAV/GPS to a more
modern setup using a PDA. But I've noticed that the usual setup has
the PDA mounted vertically on the canopy, which I would not like since
it obscures a portion of the outside view and for me the visual
aesthetics of being able to look out and sightsee while I am flying
are very important (and the main reason why I own a DG with its large
canopy area). I would think there are other alternatives such as
strapping the PDA on one's thigh - but perhaps the usual setup is
mandated by some factor, such as sun-washout of the screen if it were
to be more horizontal (per the thigh-mounted approach). So I was
wondering if anyone has experience with a non-canopy-mounted PDA which
they like and would recommend (and which does not impede the external
view).
Jack

New panel with the instruments moved to the sides leaving a PDA shaped
vacant spot in the middle.

Bill Daniels

I was
wondering if anyone has experience with a non-canopy-mounted PDA which
they like and would recommend (and which does not impede the external
view).
Jack


New panel with the instruments moved to the sides leaving a PDA shaped
vacant spot in the middle.

Bill Daniels


I tried this several years ago, and it didn't work for me. It is hard
to read small print that far away, and even harder to use a touch screen
at arm's length.

..

Thanks to all those who responded or sent me photos of their setup. I'm
happy to hear that view blockage can be much less than in the two
gliders I had looked at. And I had not previously seen a gooseneck
installation. Sounds like I need to find and sit in a few more gliders
with PDAs. Jack

The nice thing about the flexible gooseneck is that you can move it
around in flight. Mine (9 inch) is attached to the upper right
quadrant of the panel, holds it's position well, even on wave tows, and
can be easily adjusted for glare. I typically move it off to the right
during takeoff and landing.

Ray Warshaw
1LK

Jack Glendening wrote:
Thanks to all those who responded or sent me photos of their setup. I'm
happy to hear that view blockage can be much less than in the two
gliders I had looked at. And I had not previously seen a gooseneck
installation. Sounds like I need to find and sit in a few more gliders
with PDAs. Jack

Speaking for the over 55 pilots, I became much more happy with my PDA
viewing when switched to a tri-focal glass. Why move your PDA inches
when you can change your focal distance with a few millimeters of
eyeball movement.
Bela

I'm using auto-darkening glasses with a "blend" prescription. Although I've
heard complaints from others that the auto-darkening lenses are still not
dark enough, mine have worked out well and the distance adjustment has
become automatic.

Ray Warshaw
1LK

"Bela" wrote in message
oups.com...

Jack Glendening wrote:
Thanks to all those who responded or sent me photos of their setup. I'm
happy to hear that view blockage can be much less than in the two
gliders I had looked at. And I had not previously seen a gooseneck
installation. Sounds like I need to find and sit in a few more gliders
with PDAs. Jack

Speaking for the over 55 pilots, I became much more happy with my PDA
viewing when switched to a tri-focal glass. Why move your PDA inches
when you can change your focal distance with a few millimeters of
eyeball movement.
Bela