Compiled by Julie K. Boatman
With the proliferation of personal digital assistants (PDAs), such as the popular Palm Pilot series and Handspring's Visor, it was only a matter of time before aviation-related applications for PDAs exploded onto the market. And explode they did. Eighteen months ago, an online search for a GPS moving-map application for the Palm operating system (OS) likely resulted in a "no pages found" proclamation. Now the stack of printouts from applications, known in the industry as "apps," offered for this function alone runs an inch high on the desk.
In response to member questions about the brave new world of Palm Pilots in the cockpit, we'll take a look over the next few months at various applications and see how well they work on our PDAs here at AOPA Pilot. Because of the scope of the programs currently available, we'd be hard-pressed to look at them all in this space. However, we plan on selecting the best for review in Pilot. In the meantime, we offer this roundup of software programs.
The most exciting use of a PDA for the pilot is GPS moving-map software. This takes advantage of what some outside our community would see as a disadvantage: the compact PDA display. Though small in comparison to a laptop's, the displays on most PDAs rival and best many screens currently available on handheld GPS units in resolution, color, and size. Add their light weight, and they give laptops in the right seat, not to mention some surprisingly heavy GPS units, a run for their money. The most complex entry into this arena appears to be Control Vision's Anywhere Map for Pocket PC. (See the Web site, www.controlvision.com. Pocket PC is another operating system, like the Palm OS, driving the device.) The software includes moving-map and horizontal situation indicator (HSI) displays, AOPA's Airport Directory excerpts, E6B and flight-management functions, and aeronautical database updates over the Internet every 28 days. A "lite" version, the AnywherePalm Map, is offered for less powerful devices running the Palm OS. Price of the Pocket PC version — including the computer, GPS receiver, cables, power adapter, yoke mount, and six months of online upgrades — is about $1,000. Other companies with similar GPS products on or coming to the market include Tele-Type ( www.teletype.com), GPS Pilot ( www.gpspilot.com), and GeoDiscovery ( www.geodiscovery.com). But how do they compare to the Garmin 295, for example? We'll see in up-coming issues.
Other flight-planning and E6B applications without GPS abound for quite a lot less. The difference between a total flight-planning application and a flight computer lies in the access to a database, and companies construct their database coverages in various ways. Most flight planners include airports, navaids, and GPS waypoints, and some, such as the Apexx Flight Buddy ( www.aspenleaf.com/palm/version17.html), contain an aircraft profiler as well. Currently in testing, Flight Buddy is scheduled for a spring 2001 release. The FlyBy E6B, by SkyWriter Software ( www.skywriter.com), a basic flight computer, turns your PDA into an E6B and retails for $14.95. FlyTimer also offers the FT2000, with checklist and flight-planning information, for $89.95 ( www.flytimer.com).
As many PDA users know, the beauty of the device is its ability to store useful data in a highly portable fashion — particularly data you can use while away from your desktop computer. To this end, databases of aviation terms and references are on the market.
For example, Aurora Software's Aeronautical Terms for the Palm includes more than 1,500 terms, acronyms, abbreviations, and definitions to help pilots interpret the aviation mother tongue. A search feature locates all references to a particular word or abbreviation — handy for relating various terms to each other and building total knowledge. This software retails for $5.95 and is available for download on the Web ( www.handango.com).
In a final potpourri of apps, we find checklists, airport databases, and fuel-management specialists. There are even a number of programs for glider pilots to use in determining possible landing airports and fields while flying cross-country. Also, as of press time, AOPA is in the process of releasing a version of AOPA's Airport Directory for the Palm OS. The proliferation shows no signs of slowing, as everyone jumps on the PDA bandwagon. — Julie K. Boatman
Sandel 3308 Horizontal Situation Indicator
As those who have flown using a horizontal situation indicator (HSI) typically agree, once you grow accustomed to the combined indications of VOR and heading indicator, it's hard to go back. To a certain extent, the more related information you have on a single display, the faster your ability to ascertain your position. In 1999, Sandel Avionics debuted the SN3308, an electronic HSI that functions less as an HSI and more as a petite, low-cost electronic flight information system (EFIS). At this point, the mature product is worth serious consideration as a panel upgrade in any high-performance single or light twin.
The SN3308 displays HSI and radio magnetic indicator (RMI) information, combined with a moving map, on a three-inch display. A miniature projector, using liquid crystal display technology, delivers information from multiple sources, including heading data from a flux gate or heading indicator, and navigation data from VOR, GPS, loran, ADF, RMI, DME, and/or marker beacon inputs. You are able to select the desired navigation source(s) to be displayed on the screen and thereby add information or unclutter the screen as the situation warrants. The unit can also display data from a BFGoodrich WX-500 Stormscope. A Jeppesen database provides the location of navaids, special-use airspace, and airports for the moving map.
I flew with the SN3308 in Sandel investor Paul Gernhardt's Beech Baron. According to Kurt Barnhardt at Sandel, "Paul has the latest and greatest [version] in his airplane. We've tried to go into the field and retrofit older installations" so that they perform up to current standards. The unit makes use of various colors to identify the nav sources shown on the screen, and the colors were easy to read in full daylight. The brightness is adjustable for night or instrument flight. A single lamp illuminates the display, which originally prompted concerns from pilots desiring redundancy in as many cockpit systems as possible. To address this, Sandel hired an outside firm to compose a reliability study on the lamp and multifunction display (MFD) used in the SN3308, and the results are reassuring. Gernhardt replaces his bulb every 200 flight hours, according to the manufacturer's schedule, or during each annual inspection, whichever comes first.
The SN3308 features two views: a traditional 360-degree HSI compass rose and a 70-degree EFIS arc display. The menu system, like those in other MFDs, takes some time to get used to. However, once you understand the logic behind the system, you can customize the display by saving up to two situations — for example, the 70-degree EFIS arc overlaid with a VOR indication and Stormscope data could be stored as situation A in the unit's memory, and the 360-degree HSI view with a map display and GPS information could be stored as situation B. After saving these views, you can toggle between the two as desired.
AOPA installed an early version of the SN3308 in AOPA's 1999 Sweepstakes Aero SUV, a Cessna 206. In the rush to put the newly developed SN3308 into the airplane, obstacles were encountered that have since been resolved. While putting in the HSI, Airborne Electronics (the installation firm) encountered trouble getting the HSI to communicate with the remote gyro in the S-Tec System 55 autopilot. This issue was addressed with a software upgrade. "We now recommend [using] the S-Tec without reservation," says David Rudkin, marketing coordinator for Sandel Avionics. Gernhardt's Baron had the standard Honeywell Bendix/King KFC 200 autopilot installed, and he's never experienced problems resulting from the match.
The Aero SUV also mated the SN3308 with a Garmin GNS 430, a pairing that had some initial complications as well. However, with both units being early models of avionics that have been highly upgraded since, it's not surprising that there are few, if any, headaches now. In fact, according to Sandel, the complete interface between the SN3308 and the GNS 430 consists of but six wires. The SN3308 is compatible with all analog avionics, as well as the newest all-digital, self-contained nav/com receivers, such as the 430.
Like any groovy new box in the cockpit, some time spent with the manual on the ground and in VFR flight (with a safety pilot, at that) goes a long way toward fully understanding all the functions of the SN3308. After an hour of flying with the unit, I felt comfortable with the most basic features and found it easy to read. However, flying an approach in the soup would be another matter entirely.
The SN3308 retails for $9,495. The installation time varies depending on the airplane, but "a good average would be 60 hours if the aircraft already has an existing gyro and flux detector. If it does not, then you are looking at approximately 100 hours for installation," according to Rudkin. For more information, contact Sandel Avionics, 2401 Dogwood Way, Vista, California 92803; telephone 877/726-3357; 760/727-4900 outside the U.S.; fax 760/727-4899; or visit the Web site ( www.sandel.com). — JKB
Briefly Noted
Even the most careful preflight inspection may not reveal the minute cracks in an aircraft's exhaust system that leak carbon monoxide (CO) into the cockpit. Detecting this gas before it causes pilot incapacitation is critical. To this end, Ash Vji, a mechanical engineer and multiengine-rated pilot, developed a carbon monoxide detector, CO Guardian.
CO Guardian plugs into an aircraft's cigarette lighter and displays the CO level. Levels below 50 parts per million (PPM) illuminate a green light on the unit, and when levels rise to 50 to 70 PPM, a yellow light comes on. If the CO level goes above 70 PPM, a red light illuminates. If cockpit levels of CO stay between, for example, 50 to 70 PPM for longer than 10 minutes, an alarm sounds. If the unit detects higher concentrations, the alarm goes off sooner, and at levels above 400 PPM, the alarm sounds instantly.
The unit is sold with a limited warranty period of five years. For comparison, disposable carbon monoxide detectors typically expire 30 days after they are activated. Retail price is $199. For more information, contact CO Guardian LLC, 1951 East Airport Drive, Tucson, Arizona 85706; telephone 800/639-7139; fax 520/889-8249; or visit the Web site ( www.coguardian.com).
The Relief Band, manufactured by Woodside Biomedical Inc., is a motion sickness remedy now offered in both disposable and reusable styles. Unlike medication, the Relief Band alleviates nausea through electronic nerve stimulation. The device can be worn preventatively or after symptoms begin, and it attaches like a watch to the wrist. Two metal contact points deliver a tiny current to the inside of the wrist, which interferes with the nerve impulses that cause nausea. Both Relief Bands have five different settings.
The Relief Band may help pilots or passengers experiencing morning sickness — the device has no known side effects or contraindications associated with pregnancy. However, it may not be used by anyone with a cardiac pacemaker. The disposable unit lasts 48 hours when used at level two. The disposable Relief Band retails for $51.95, and the reusable Relief Band is $144.95. Both are available through Sporty's Pilot Shop or via the Woodside Biomedical Inc. Web site ( www.reliefband.com). For more information, contact Sporty's Pilot Shop, Clermont County Airport, Batavia, Ohio 45103; 513/735-9100; fax 513/735-9200; or visit the Web site ( www.sportys.com).
Unless otherwise stated, products listed herein have not been evaluated by AOPA Pilot editors. AOPA assumes no responsibility for products or services listed or for claims or actions by manufacturers or vendors. However, members unable to get satisfaction regarding products listed should advise AOPA. To submit products for evaluation, contact: New Products Editor, AOPA Pilot , 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701; telephone 301/695-2350.
