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GPS Flight Recorders
GPS Flight Recorder Comparison
This page includes an overview of GPS Flight
Recorder systems, example systems, and a
comparison table.
Links
Cambridge Aero Instruments |
Garrecht | LX Navigation |
Scheffel
Automation Themi
The example systems on this page include
flight recorders only - not more advanced flight computer systems. To
see example systems including more advanced flight computers with integral
flight recorders please see the Flight
Computers Comparison page.
Related Pages
Overview
After starting with a PDA/GPS System, the next
step taken in expanding the capability of the soaring flight system is the
purchase of an IGC approved GPS Flight Recorder. IGC approval is
required if the system is to be used to document badge, record or contest
flights. GPS Flight Recorders (sometimes called loggers) consist of a
GPS, a pressure transducer (used to measure altitude), a processor, and
memory chips that are used to record the GPS position and pressure altitude
every few seconds. Due to the small market size for soaring
instruments and the time consuming process of seeking IGC approval, IGC
approved flight recorders are quite expensive when compared with GPS units
designed for larger markets such as hiking and boating.
Time Savings
If you are accustomed to documenting your soaring flights using a camera and
barograph you will find that the use of an IGC approve flight recorder will
make your badge and record flying documentation much, much easier for
yourself and especially for your Official Observer. You will no longer
have to prepare the camera, the barograph, the declaration form, etc.
You simply do an electronic task declaration in the flight recorder under
the supervision of your Official Observer and go fly. Ok, it is a
little more complicated than that, but not much. Flight recorders
really are timesavers before and after the flight.
With or Without a Pocket PC
Many pilots begin with only the flight recorder and use the built-in or
optional LCD display for navigation and task declaration entry.
However, it is very common to add a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant - Pocket
PC or Palm) running soaring flight software. PDA systems offer
excellent moving maps and final glide information. They even
automatically calculate wind speed and direction while you thermal.
Improved Safety
Pilots that haven't flown with a PDA/GPS system think that they will
decrease safety because the pilot will be staring at the PDA rather than
keeping their eyes out of the cockpit. It is my opinion that PDA/GPS
systems greatly improve safety because the pilot can glance at the display
and know instantly whether he/she is within gliding distance of nearby
airports. All soaring flight software available can highlight
reachable airports on the moving map.
|
What GPS Flight Recorder Systems
Can Do |
What GPS Flight Recorder Systems
Can't Do |
- Use GPS Position and Pressure
Altitude
- Moving Map with Waypoints and
SUA
- Final Glide Calculations
- Reachable Airports Highlighted
- Record IGC Approved flight logs
- OK for all contests, badges, and
records
- Tasks
- Flight Statistics
- Improved safety through quick
access to final glide data
- Wind speed and direction
calculated using drift while circling
- Portable - maybe
- 92% of what the high cost
systems can do
|
- No Vario or averager
- No Speed-to-fly
- Cant calculate wind speed and
direction using airspeed and GPS data while cruising
|
Please Buy from Me
I work very hard to provide detailed
product comparisons for soaring pilots. I hope you will find this web
site useful. I also offer excellent support to customers who buy from
me. The best way to thank me for the services I offer is to help
support my business by buying from me - and telling your friends about
my company.
Connecting to PCs that
Don't Have RS-232 Serial Connectors
Most flight computers and flight recorders connect to PCs using RS-232
communications. However, most new PCs do not have RS-232 serial
connectors. These are usually DB-9m (9-pin male) connectors.
There are several ways to work around that issue. My recommendation is
to use an RS-232 serial port PCMCIA Card. You can see an example here:
Socket Serial I/O PC Card Another
solution is to use a USB to serial converter. However, many of these
units to do work as well as one would expect. David Nadler has
compiled a very nice list of devices that have been tested and work well.
You can see his page here:
http://www.nadler.com/sn10/SN10_USB_Serial_Notes.html
Example Systems
Below are a few example systems. I've tried to pull together all
the components you need for a complete system.
How to Acquire These Example Systems
Not all the parts listed on this page are available from Cumulus Soaring, Inc.
I don't sell Pocket PCs because they change too rapidly so Pocket PCs and accessories are
available through alliances with PC Connection. In order to
purchase all the parts in some of the systems below, you would need to place
two orders - one with Cumulus Soaring, Inc., and one with PC Connection. I can buy them for international customers if you are also
buying other parts from me.
Example System with Butterfly Vario Only
The Butterfly vario is a powerful soaring flight instrument with
built-in speed-to-fly variometer, simple navigation, final glide
calculations, artificial horizon, fully IGC approved logger (not approved
yet), FLARM display and other features. The simple navigation features
allow selection of a waypoint from a waypoint database. Pre-entered
tasks are not supported, but you can navigate around a task by navigating
from one waypoint to the next - one at at time. The moving map screen
shows waypoints, but not terrain data or airspace. Final glide to a
single waypoint (not around multiple task waypoints) and accurate wind
information are displayed. The large LCD display is used for all data.
The vario display shows not only the current variometer reading, but also
the average (green triangle) and the airmass lift/sink rate (blue circle).
This is a complete system for simple navigation. If the display of
terrain data, rivers, lakes, cities, airspace, etc. are desired - you can
upgrade the system by adding a PDA or PNA or other navigation display in the
future.
- Butterfly Vario -
Powerful speed-to-fly variometer with simple navigation, final glide
calculations, artificial horizon, fully IGC approved logger (not
approved yet), FLARM display and other features - $3299
Total Price of all the components:
$3299
Example System with Butterfly Vario and
Naviter Oudie with SeeYou Mobile Soaring Flight Software
The Butterfly vario is a powerful soaring flight instrument with
built-in speed-to-fly variometer, simple navigation, final glide
calculations, artificial horizon, fully IGC approved logger (not approved
yet), FLARM display and other features. Final glide and accurate wind
information are displayed. The large LCD display is used for all data.
The vario display shows not only the current variometer reading, but also
the average (green triangle) and the airmass lift/sink rate (blue circle).
The Butterfly Vario is a complete system for simple navigation. By
adding the Naviter Oudie, you get a large, color navigation display with
terrain, waypoints, airspace, rivers, lakes, cities, etc. The Oudie
also supports pre-entered tasks and final glide calculations around multiple
turnpoints.
- Butterfly Vario -
Powerful speed-to-fly variometer with simple navigation, final glide
calculations, artificial horizon, fully IGC approved logger (not
approved yet), FLARM display and other features, $3299
-
Butterfly NMEA Box -
Adapter box which enables NMEA output to a PDA or PNA or navigation
display, $130?
-
Naviter Oudie - $578,
includes a suction cup mount, built-in GPS, power/data cable with
built-in 12V to 5V power converter, and SeeYou Mobile license which is
tied to the Oudie.
-
SeeYou Mobile - Included in the price of the Oudie
- Oudie Cradle with
Oudie Cradle Modification
- I can modify your Oudie cradle for use with a
RAP-B-238 diamond base (part of a RAM
arm) or RAM-GN3-238 gooseneck
adapter (part of a GNeck2 gooseneck) for $30.
-
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238
suction cup mount kit, $42.85
Total Price of all the components:
$4079.85
Optional
If you want to mount this PNA more permanently, I recommend the Oudie
Cradle with Oudie Cradle
Modification with a
GNeck2-Assy-Panel or
GNeck2-Assy-Side gooseneck
system, or a RAP-B-Arm-Std-PlBase
B-size mounting arm.
with
or
or
Example System with PowerFLARM, Butterfly
Vario and Naviter Oudie with SeeYou Mobile Soaring Flight Software
The Butterfly vario is a powerful soaring flight instrument with
built-in speed-to-fly variometer, simple navigation, final glide
calculations, artificial horizon, fully IGC approved logger (not approved
yet), FLARM display and other features. The Butterfly Vario's moving
map screen shows waypoints, but not terrain data or airspace. Final
glide and accurate wind information are displayed. The large LCD
display is used for all data. The vario display shows not only the
current variometer reading, but also the average (green triangle) and the
airmass lift/sink rate (blue circle). By adding the Naviter Oudie, you
get a large, color navigation display with terrain, waypoints, airspace,
rivers, lakes, cities, etc. The Oudie also supports pre-entered tasks
and final glide calculations around multiple turnpoints. By adding the
PowerFLARM, you get FLARM, ADS-B, and Mode C/S transponder traffic displayed
on the Butterfly Vario and on the Naviter Oudie. The Butterfly Vario
also offers voice alarms for FLARM traffic.
- PowerFLARM - Traffic and
Collision Avoidance unit with IGC Approved (not approved yet) flight
recorder - $1695
- Butterfly Vario -
Powerful speed-to-fly variometer with simple navigation, final glide
calculations, artificial horizon, fully IGC approved logger (not
approved yet), FLARM display and other features, $3299
-
Butterfly NMEA Box -
Adapter box which enables NMEA output to a PDA or PNA or navigation
display, $130?
- Naviter Oudie - $578,
includes a suction cup mount, built-in GPS, power/data cable with
built-in 12V to 5V power converter, and SeeYou Mobile license which is
tied to the Oudie.
- SeeYou Mobile - Included in the price of the Oudie
- Oudie Cradle with
Oudie Cradle Modification
- I can modify your Oudie cradle for use with a
RAP-B-238 diamond base (part of a RAM
arm) or RAM-GN3-238 gooseneck
adapter (part of a GNeck2 gooseneck) for $30.
-
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238
suction cup mount kit, $42.85
Total Price of all the components:
$5774.85
Optional
If you want to mount this PNA more permanently, I recommend the Oudie
Cradle with Oudie Cradle
Modification with a
GNeck2-Assy-Panel or
GNeck2-Assy-Side gooseneck
system, or a RAP-B-Arm-Std-PlBase
B-size mounting arm.
with
or
or
Cambridge Aero Instruments 302A with 303 Navigation
Display
Low Cost IGC Approved System for Badge and Record Seekers
This system is great in regard to simplicity and ease of use. It
avoids the complexity of having a Pocket PC in the cockpit. It is
great for syndicates because data for multiple pilots can be stored and
edited using the 303. The 302A is a GPS/logger and the 303 is used for
navigation, task editing and declarations. It does not display final
glide information or wind speed and direction data. The integral GPS and logger are IGC Approved for
all types of soaring accomplishments. The 302A has more memory for
flight logs and waypoints than any other logger. It will hold up to
100 hours of flight log positions @ 4 second intervals.
- Cambridge Aero Instruments CFR (Cambridge
Flight Recorder), IGC approved flight recorder with GPS antenna - $945
-
303 LCD Navigation Display
with task editing and task declaration - $410
Total Price: $1355
Cambridge Aero Instruments 302A System
Low Cost IGC Approved System for Badge and Record Seekers
This is a nice system. Some other loggers don't
provide 5V power to the iPAQ as the 302A can so the system price for the
other systems substantially higher when you include
a 12V to 5V converter.
Total Price of all the components:
$1703
Example System with
PowerFLARM, Naviter Oudie and SeeYou Mobile Soaring Flight Software
With this unit you get not only a low cost IGC approved (not approved
yet) flight recorder, but also a traffic and collision avoidance unit.
The PowerFLARM sends GPS and FLARM traffic data to the Oudie.
|
Example System with
PowerFLARM, Naviter Oudie and SeeYou Mobile Soaring Flight Software |
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PowerFLARM |
Power/data cable supplied with Oudie
The cable's RJ45 connector plugs directly into the PowerFLARM
The cable is powered with 12V from the glider power system and
supplies 12V power for the PowerFLARM and 5 V power for the Oudie. |
Naviter Oudie
with
SeeYou Mobile |
Oudie
Cradle
with
Oudie Cradle
Modification
(included in box with Oudie) |
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238
RAM suction cup mount |
- PowerFLARM - IGC
Approved (not approved yet) GPS Flight Recorder and Traffic and
Collision Avoidance unit - $1695
-
Naviter Oudie - $578,
includes a suction cup mount, built-in GPS, power/data cable with
built-in 12V to 5V power converter, and SeeYou Mobile license which is
tied to the Oudie.
-
SeeYou Mobile - Included in the price of the Oudie
- Oudie Cradle with
Oudie Cradle Modification
- I can modify your Oudie cradle for use with a
RAP-B-238 diamond base (part of a RAM
arm) or RAM-GN3-238 gooseneck
adapter (part of a GNeck2 gooseneck) for $30.
-
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238
suction cup mount kit, $42.85
Total Price of all the components:
$2345.95
Optional
If you want to mount this PNA more permanently, I recommend the Oudie
Cradle with Oudie Cradle
Modification with a
GNeck2-Assy-Panel or
GNeck2-Assy-Side gooseneck
system, or a RAP-B-Arm-Std-PlBase
B-size mounting arm.
with
or
or
Example System with
PowerFLARM, Cambridge 302, K6 Mux, Naviter Oudie and SeeYou Mobile Soaring
Flight Software
With this unit you get not only a low cost IGC approved flight recorder,
but also a traffic and collision avoidance unit. A 3-position switch
is used to select between "flight", "communication with PowerFLARM" and
"communication with 302" modes. In flight mode the K6 Mux combines the
GPS, vario, airspeed and wind data from the 302 with FLARM traffic data from
the PowerFLARM and sends it to the Naviter Oudie. The Oudie can also
exchange MacCready data with the 302 in flight. In "communication with
PowerFLARM" mode the Oudie can send flight declarations to the PowerFLARM
and download flight logs from the PowerFLARM. In "communication with
302" mode the Oudie can send flight declarations to the 302 and download
flight logs from the 302. The K6 Mux also does baud rate conversions.
The Cambridge 302 communicates with the K6 Mux at 4800 baud. The
PowerFLARM communicates with the K6 Mux at 19200 baud. The K6 Mux
communicates with the Oudie at 19200 baud.
|
Example System with
PowerFLARM, Cambridge 302, K6 Mux, Naviter Oudie and SeeYou Mobile
Soaring Flight Software |
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| System
with PowerFLARM, Cambridge 302, K6 Mux and Naviter Oudie |
PowerFLARM |
Cambridge 302 |
Cable-K6Mux-FLARM-0p3
Cable for connecting a FLARM or PowerFLARM to the K6 Mux.
This cable passes 12V power from the K6 Mux to the FLARM or
PowerFLARM. |
Cable-K6Mux-GNAV-0p3
Cable for connecting a Cambridge 302 or GPS-NAV to the K6 Mux.
Power is not passed through this cable, data only. |
K6 Mux
4-port data multiplexer and baud rate
converter |
Power/data cable supplied with Oudie
The cable's RJ45 connector plugs directly into the K6 Mux
The cable is powered with 12V from the glider power system and
supplies 12V power for the K6 Mux and PowerFLARM (through the K6
Mux) and 5 V power for the Oudie. |
Naviter Oudie
with
SeeYou Mobile |
Oudie
Cradle
with
Oudie Cradle
Modification
(included in box with Oudie) |
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238
RAM suction cup mount |
- PowerFLARM - IGC
Approved (not approved yet) GPS Flight Recorder and Traffic and
Collision Avoidance unit - $1695
- Cambridge Aero
Instruments 302 Vario and IGC Approved Flight Logger with GPS
Antenna - $2425
-
Cable-K6Mux-FLARM-0p3,
Cable for connecting a FLARM or PowerFLARM to the K6 Mux. This
cable passes 12V power through the K6 Mux to the FLARM or PowerFLARM.
$30
-
Cable-K6Mux-GNAV-0p3,
Cable for connecting a Cambridge 302 or GPS-NAV to the K6 Mux.
Power is not passed through this cable, data only. $45
- K6 Mux, 4-port data
multiplexer and baud rate converter, $175
- Setup of K6 Mux, The K6 Mux must be
configured to work with the devices as desired. You can do this
yourself, or I can do it for you for $20.
-
Naviter Oudie - $578,
includes a suction cup mount, built-in GPS, power/data cable with
built-in 12V to 5V power converter, and SeeYou Mobile license which is
tied to the Oudie.
-
SeeYou Mobile - Included in the price of the Oudie
- Oudie Cradle with
Oudie Cradle Modification
- I can modify your Oudie cradle for use with a
RAP-B-238 diamond base (part of a RAM
arm) or RAM-GN3-238 gooseneck
adapter (part of a GNeck2 gooseneck) for $30.
-
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238
suction cup mount kit, $42.85
Total Price of all the components:
$5040.85
Optional
If you want to mount this PNA more permanently, I recommend the Oudie
Cradle with Oudie Cradle
Modification with a
GNeck2-Assy-Panel or
GNeck2-Assy-Side gooseneck
system, or a RAP-B-Arm-Std-PlBase
B-size mounting arm.
with
or
or
Example System with
PowerFLARM, Cambridge 302, K6 Mux, iPAQ hx4700 and SeeYou Mobile Soaring
Flight Software
With this unit you get not only a low cost IGC approved flight recorder,
but also a traffic and collision avoidance unit. A 3-position switch
is used to select between "flight", "communication with PowerFLARM" and
"communication with 302" modes. In flight mode the K6 Mux combines the
GPS, vario, airspeed and wind data from the 302 with FLARM traffic data from
the PowerFLARM and sends it to the PDA. The PDA can also exchange
MacCready data with the 302 in flight. In "communication with
PowerFLARM" mode the PDA can send flight declarations to the PowerFLARM and
download flight logs from the PowerFLARM. In "communication with 302"
mode the PDA can send flight declarations to the 302 and download flight
logs from the 302. The K6 Mux also does baud rate conversions.
The Cambridge 302 communicates with the K6 Mux at 4800 baud. The
PowerFLARM communicates with the K6 Mux at 19200 baud. The K6 Mux
communicates with the PDA at 19200 baud. 5V power from the 302 is sent
around the K6 Mux directly to a DB-9f connector for the PDA cradle or cable.
|
Example System with
PowerFLARM, Cambridge 302, K6 Mux, iPAQ hx4700 and SeeYou Mobile
Soaring Flight Software |
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PowerFLARM |
Cambridge 302 |
Cable-K6Mux-Pwr-2
Cable for bringing 12V power into the K6
Mux. The 12V power is used to power the K6 Mux and the
PowerFLARM. |
Cable-K6Mux-FLARM-0p3
Cable for connecting a FLARM or PowerFLARM to the K6 Mux.
This cable passes 12V power from the K6 Mux to the FLARM or
PowerFLARM. |
Cable-K6Mux-302-PDA-0p3
Cable for connecting a Cambridge 302 to the K6 Mux and to a PDA
cradle or cable. Data is sent from the 302 to the K6 Mux and
then on to a DB-9f connector for a PDA cradle or cable. 5V
power from the 302 is sent around the K6 Mux - directly to the DB-9f
connector for the PDA cable or cradle. |
K6 Mux
4-port data multiplexer and baud rate
converter |
Nimbus cradle or
I38C-1 cable |
iPAQ hx4700 |
SeeYou Mobile
Soaring flight software |
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238
RAM suction cup mount |
- PowerFLARM - IGC
Approved (not approved yet) GPS Flight Recorder and Traffic and
Collision Avoidance unit - $1695
- Cambridge Aero
Instruments 302 Vario and IGC Approved Flight Logger with GPS
Antenna - $2425
-
Cable-K6Mux-FLARM-0p3,
Cable for connecting a FLARM or PowerFLARM to the K6 Mux. This
cable passes 12V power through the K6 Mux to the FLARM or PowerFLARM.
$30
-
Cable-K6Mux-Pwr-2, Cable
for bringing 12V power into the K6 Mux. The 12V power is used to
power the K6 Mux and the PowerFLARM. $30
-
Cable-K6Mux-302-PDA-0p3, Cable
for connecting a Cambridge 302 to the K6 Mux and to a PDA cradle or
cable. Data is sent from the 302 to the K6 Mux and then on to a
DB-9f connector for a PDA cradle or cable. 5V power from the 302
is sent around the K6 Mux - directly to the DB-9f connector for the PDA
cable or cradle. $75
- K6 Mux, 4-port data
multiplexer and baud rate converter, $175
- Setup of K6 Mux, The K6 Mux must be
configured to work with the devices as desired. You can do this
yourself, or I can do it for you for $20.
- Nimbus Cradle,
$155, or I38C-1 cable, $55
- iPAQ hx4700 PDA - no longer available as
new, ~$200
-
SeeYou Mobile - Soaring flight software, $239
-
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238
suction cup mount kit, $42.85
Total Price of all the components:
$5086.85
Optional
If you want to mount this PDA more permanently, I recommend the Nimbus
Cradle with a
GNeck2-Assy-Panel or
GNeck2-Assy-Side gooseneck
system, or a RAP-B-Arm-Std-PlBase
B-size mounting arm.
or
or
Example System with
PowerFLARM, Cambridge GPS-NAV and L-NAV, K6 Mux, iPAQ hx4700 and SeeYou
Mobile Soaring Flight Software
With this unit you get not only a low cost IGC approved flight recorder,
but also a traffic and collision avoidance unit. A 3-position switch
is used to select between "flight", "communication with PowerFLARM" and
"communication with GPS-NAV" modes. In flight mode the K6 Mux combines
the GPS, vario, airspeed and wind data from the GPS-NAV and L-NAV with FLARM
traffic data from the PowerFLARM and sends it to the PDA. The PDA can
also exchange MacCready data with the L-NAV in flight. In
"communication with PowerFLARM" mode the PDA can send flight declarations to
the PowerFLARM and download flight logs from the PowerFLARM. In
"communication with GPS-NAV" mode the PDA can send flight declarations to
the GPS-NAV and download flight logs from the GPS-NAV. The K6 Mux also
does baud rate conversions. The Cambridge GPS-NAV communicates with
the K6 Mux at 4800 baud. The PowerFLARM communicates with the K6 Mux
at 19200 baud. The K6 Mux communicates with the PDA at 19200 baud.
|
Example System with
PowerFLARM, Cambridge GPS-NAV, K6 Mux, iPAQ hx4700 and SeeYou Mobile
Soaring Flight Software |
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and
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PowerFLARM |
Cambridge GPS-NAV
and L-NAV or
S-NAV |
Cable-K6Mux-FLARM-0p3
Cable for connecting a FLARM or PowerFLARM to the K6 Mux.
This cable passes 12V power from the K6 Mux to the FLARM or
PowerFLARM. |
Cable-K6Mux-GNAV-0p3
Cable for connecting a Cambridge 302 or GPS-NAV to the K6 Mux.
Power is not passed through this cable, data only. |
K6 Mux
4-port data multiplexer and baud rate
converter |
Cable-K6Mux-PS5a-0p3
Cable for connecting a Goddard PS-5a to the K6 Mux.
|
Goddard PS-5a
12V to 5V Power Converter
The PS-5a is powered with 12V from the glider power system and
supplies 12V power for the K6 Mux and PowerFLARM (through the K6
Mux) and 5 V power for the PDA. |
Nimbus
cradle or I38C-1 cable |
iPAQ hx4700 |
SeeYou Mobile
Soaring flight software |
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238
RAM suction cup mount |
- PowerFLARM - IGC
Approved (not approved yet) GPS Flight Recorder and Traffic and
Collision Avoidance unit - $1695
- Cambridge Aero
Instruments GPS-NAV - no longer available, not included in the total
price below
-
Cable-K6Mux-FLARM-0p3,
Cable for connecting a FLARM or PowerFLARM to the K6 Mux. This
cable passes 12V power through the K6 Mux to the FLARM or PowerFLARM.
$30
-
Cable-K6Mux-GNAV-0p3,
Cable for connecting a Cambridge 302 or GPS-NAV to the K6 Mux.
Power is not passed through this cable, data only. $45
- K6 Mux, 4-port data
multiplexer and baud rate converter, $175
- Setup of K6 Mux, The K6 Mux must be
configured to work with the devices as desired. You can do this
yourself, or I can do it for you for $20.
-
Cable-K6Mux-PS5a-0p3,
Cable for connecting a Goddard PS-5a to the K6 Mux. $45
- Goddard
PS-5a 12V to 5V Power Converter, $88
- Nimbus Cradle,
$155, or I38C-1 cable, $55
- iPAQ hx4700 PDA - no longer available as
new, ~$200
-
SeeYou Mobile - Soaring flight software, $239
-
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238
suction cup mount kit, $42.85
Total Price of all the components:
$2734.85 (not including GPS-NAV)
Optional
If you want to mount this PDA more permanently, I recommend the Nimbus
Cradle with a
GNeck2-Assy-Panel or
GNeck2-Assy-Side gooseneck
system, or a RAP-B-Arm-Std-PlBase
B-size mounting arm.
or
or
LXNAV Nano with Naviter Oudie and Socket
Mobile Power Pack
-
The Ultimate Portable System
Low Cost IGC Approved System for Badge and Record Seekers and Contest Pilots
This is a great portable system.
The Nano provides GPS data to the Oudie. The SeeYou Mobile software on
the Oudie can send an official task declaration to the Nano. The
Socket Mobile Power Pack powers both the Nano and the Oudie with 5V.
If you buy the suction cup mount for the Oudie, the system can be taken with
you for use in club and rental gliders. I tested the battery life of
this system using my 5 year old Socket Mobile Power Pack. The Oudie
shut off after about 12 hours.
Total Price: $1476.95
LXNAV Nano with Naviter Oudie - Powered by
12V Glider Power System
Low Cost IGC Approved System for Badge and Record Seekers and Contest Pilots
This is a great system for installation in a sailplane. The Nano
provides GPS data to the Oudie. The SeeYou Mobile software on the
Oudie can send an official task declaration to the Nano. The NanoPower
cable is powered with 12V from the glider's power system. It powers
both the Nano and Oudie with 5V.
Total Price: $1348
ClearNav
The ClearNav is a large, bright, color, navigation display that runs
ClearNavigator soaring flight software. The
display has a large and extremely bright screen without the overall
dimensions being too large. I find the remote to be easy to use and the
software very intuitive. The 2 software features that impress me the
most are the way area tasks are supported, and the
"Glide Amoeba" glide range rings.
- ClearNav,
$2950, Large, bright, color, navigation display that runs ClearNavigator soaring flight software.
Total Price: $2950
ClearNav with Cambridge 302
The ClearNav is a large, bright, color, navigation display that runs
ClearNavigator soaring flight software. The
display has a large and extremely bright screen without the overall
dimensions being too large. I find the remote to be easy to use and the
software very intuitive. The 2 software features that impress me the
most are the way area tasks are supported, and the
"Glide Amoeba" glide range rings. This combination will be
very popular because the ClearNav can receive wind data from the 302.
- ClearNav,
$2950, Large, bright, color, navigation display that runs ClearNavigator soaring flight software.
-
Cambridge 302, $2425, Extremely popular
speed-to-fly variometer with built-in IGC Approved GPS flight recorder.
Total Price: $5375
Comparison Table
Please note that I'm not 100% certain of all the data in the table below.
I've done my best to get complete and accurate data, but some of it is difficult to find.
If you see any errors or have any suggestions for the table below please let
me know. My goal is to make the table as accurate as possible.
Note: The products did not it onto a page in 1 row so there are multiple
rows with products across the top. Be sure to scroll down to see the
other products.
|
Feature Comparison -
More Products Below |
| |
Butterfly Vario |
Cambridge Aero Instruments 302A |
Cambridge Aero Instruments 302 |
ClearNav |
EW Avionics
MicroRecorder |
| |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
| Price |
$3299 |
$945 |
$2425
($2445 for Motorglider version) |
$2950 |
$695 |
Overview
Video |
|
 |
|
|
|
| Dimensions |
fits in 57 mm
instrument hole |
2.5 x 2.5 x 6 in
(64 x 64 x 153 mm) |
2.5 x 2.5 x 6 in
(64 x 64 x 153 mm) |
4.3"w x 5.8"h x 1.1"d (109mm x
147mm x 27mm) |
4.53 x 3.35 x 0.98 in
(115 x 85 x 25mm) |
| Power (mA) |
100 mA, |
110 mA,
With a 303 connected:130ma
With a Pocket PC and 303 connected: 230ma to 450+ ma. (350 typical) |
300 to 360 mA |
~700
mA (at 12V)
|
100 mA |
| Weight |
|
12.3 oz (349 g) |
15.2 oz
(431 g) |
|
9.9 oz
(280 g) |
| From |
Germany |
USA |
USA |
USA |
United Kingdom |
Flight Log Memory
(Time shown is based on a 4 second recording interval. Longer
recording periods are possible with longer recording intervals.) |
? |
100 hours |
100 hours |
? |
128 hours |
| |
Butterfly Vario |
302A |
302 |
|
EW Avionics
MicroRecorder |
| Waypoint Memory |
? |
1500 |
1500 |
|
None |
| Task Memory |
|
10 |
10 |
|
None |
| Airport Database (Jeppesen) |
|
|
|
|
|
| Memory Wraps when full and writes
over the oldest flight log in memory (as opposed to stopping logging
when full) |
|
|
|
|
|
| Moving Map with waypoints and
Special Use Airspace |
|
|
|
|
|
| LCD Display with Simple Navigation
(compare bearing and track) |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Butterfly Vario |
302A |
302 |
|
EW Avionics
MicroRecorder |
| Navigation with Turn Arrows |
|
|
|
|
|
| Thermal Centering Aid |
|
|
|
|
|
| Provides 5V power for Pocket PC |
|
|
|
|
|
| Final Glide Computer |
|
|
|
|
|
| Turnpoint Area Task Support |
|
|
|
|
|
| Vario with Averager and Audio |
|
|
|
|
|
| Speed-to-fly Director |
|
|
|
|
|
| Wind Speed & Direction Calculation |
|
|
Airspeed & GPS |
|
|
| IGC Approval |
All Record Types |
All Record Types |
All Record Types |
All Record Types |
All Record Types |
| |
Butterfly Vario |
302A |
302 |
|
EW Avionics
MicroRecorder |
| Unique Features |
Powerful
set of sensors, accurate wind calculation while cruising, artificial
horizon, simple navigation, simple final glide, FLARM display |
Lots of
memory for flight logs and waypoints. Can power a PDA with 5V. |
Everything
(vario, speed-to-fly, GPS, logger) in a single small instrument
hole. The most flight memory available. Great with a
Pocket PC - provides 5V power for the Pocket PC. |
The
ClearNav is a large, bright, color, navigation display that runs
ClearNavigator soaring flight software. The display has a
large and extremely bright screen without the overall dimensions
being too large. I find the remote to be easy to use and the
software very intuitive. The 2 software features that impress
me the most are the way area tasks are supported, and the "Glide
Amoeba" glide range rings. |
This is a
great option for a soaring club or for use as a portable device to
be carried between multiple sailplanes, or as a simple backup system
for contest pilots. It is perfect for recording flights for
submission to the OLC or any soaring contest. It is extremely
small and includes a built-in battery. The antenna is external
(not shown). It can provide 5V power for a PDA (when the
microRecorder is powered with 12V external power). A USB
connection is used for flight log downloads and task declaration
editing. |
| |
| |
LXNAV Nano |
LXNAV LX8000 |
LXNAV LX8080 |
LXNAV LX9000 |
LX Navigation Colibri |
| |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
| Price |
$645 |
$4695 |
$4595 |
$4895 |
$995 |
Overview
Video |
LXNAV Nano Overview Video on YouTube |
|
|
LXNAV LX 9000 Overview Video on YouTube |
|
| Dimensions |
60 x 40 x 20 mm
(2.36 x 1.57 x 0.79 inches) |
57 mm
vario readout
3.5" diagonal flight computer display
98 x 88 x 80 mm (display unit) |
57 mm
vario readout
3.5" diagonal flight computer display
82 x 82 x 60 mm (display unit) |
57 mm
vario readout
Display Unit:
145 x 113 x 38 mm
(5.71 x 4.45 x 1.50 inches) |
59 mm (2.323")
x 35 mm (1.378") x 98 mm (3.858") |
| Power (mA) |
|
550 |
550 |
550 |
|
| Weight |
~66g (2.3 ounces)
(0.1455 pounds) |
|
|
|
200 g (7 oz) |
| From |
Slovenia |
Slovenia |
Slovenia |
Slovenia |
Slovenia |
Flight Log Memory
(Time shown is based on a 4 second recording interval. Longer
recording periods are possible with longer recording intervals.) |
56,000 hours |
|
|
|
16.67 hours |
| |
LXNAV Nano |
LXNAV LX8000 |
LXNAV LX8080 |
LXNAV LX9000 |
LX Navigation Colibri |
| Waypoint Memory |
|
|
|
|
600 |
| Task Memory |
|
|
|
|
100 |
| Airport Database (Jeppesen) |
|
|
|
|
4500 |
| Memory Wraps when full and writes
over the oldest flight log in memory (as opposed to stopping logging
when full) |
|
|
|
|
|
| Moving Map with waypoints and
Special Use Airspace |
|
Map |
Map |
Map |
|
| LCD Display with Simple Navigation
(compare bearing and track) |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
LXNAV Nano |
LXNAV LX8000 |
LXNAV LX8080 |
LXNAV LX9000 |
LX Navigation Colibri |
| Navigation with Turn Arrows |
|
|
|
|
|
| Thermal Centering Aid |
|
|
|
|
|
| Provides 5V power for Pocket PC |
|
|
|
|
|
| Final Glide Computer |
|
|
|
|
|
| Turnpoint Area Task Support |
|
|
|
|
|
| Vario with Averager and Audio |
|
|
|
|
|
| Speed-to-fly Director |
|
|
|
|
|
| Wind Speed & Direction Calculation |
|
Airspeed & GPS |
Airspeed & GPS |
Airspeed & GPS |
GPS While Circling |
| IGC Approval |
All |
All |
All |
All |
All |
| |
LXNAV Nano |
LXNAV LX8000 |
LXNAV LX8080 |
LXNAV LX9000 |
LX Navigation Colibri |
| Unique Features |
Extremely
small and simple. The setup software is installed on the unit.
When you connect it to your PC it looks like a USB Flash Drive.
Just double-click on the setup software icon to run it. It has
a very powerful GPS engine as well. The low price is also
great! |
Everything
(vario, speed-to-fly, GPS, logger, navigation, final glide, moving
map) in 1 large and 1 small instrument hole. Probably the most
full featured flight computer available with panel mounted moving
map display. |
Everything
(vario, speed-to-fly, GPS, logger, navigation, final glide, moving
map) in 1 large and 1 small instrument hole. Probably the most
full featured flight computer available with panel mounted moving
map display. |
Everything
(vario, speed-to-fly, GPS, logger, navigation, final glide, moving
map) in 1 large and 1 small instrument hole. Probably the most
full featured flight computer available with panel mounted moving
map display.
|
A very
popular and reliable flight recorder. It is a very small and
quite easy to use. It has a small LCD display that can be used
for simple navigation. I like that it has a USB connection to a PC
and a built-in microSD card reader. It is great for club use
because you can store data for 100 pilots and 30 gliders in the
unit. The built-in keypad and LCD display make it possible to
edit and declare tasks at the gliderport without the need for a PC
or PDA. |
|
