Genghis the Engineer
11th Jun 2009, 10:11
I know I'm not alone in using a PDA as a GPS. In my case, a Pocket LooX repackaged as a pocket flymap.
Two problems I've had with it, one I'd like to share the solution, one ask if anybody else has a fix. Then, finally, a general whinge to see if anybody else has a way around it.
(1) Battery life.
The battery that came with it was rated 1200mA.hr, and had a life of about 90 minutes which was very frustrating. Browsing eBay one day I discovered that for about £18 I could buy a double capacity (2400mA.hr) battery which was fatter, but came also with a thicker back to accomodate it. The reality is that this now lasts about 6 hours, vastly improving it's usefulness.
(2) How to mount it?
I've got pretty good eyesight, but the reality is that strapped to my knee, whilst flying an aeroplane and trying to keep my head mostly outside, a PDA is almost unuseable. I also fly a wide range of aeroplanes, with selection of sticks and yokes, so aircraft mounting isn't very viable.
So, the obvious thing to do (to me anyhow) is to mount it on my left wrist so that I can just bring it up, look at and/or tap the screen, then carry on flying.
So far, I can't find a solution to this. Before I start making things myself - has anybody found a commercial solution that I can just buy and use?
(3) Finally
Flymap UK seems to have vanished! Does anybody have any idea how to get chart updates?
Cheers,
G
Two problems I've had with it, one I'd like to share the solution, one ask if anybody else has a fix. Then, finally, a general whinge to see if anybody else has a way around it.
(1) Battery life.
The battery that came with it was rated 1200mA.hr, and had a life of about 90 minutes which was very frustrating. Browsing eBay one day I discovered that for about £18 I could buy a double capacity (2400mA.hr) battery which was fatter, but came also with a thicker back to accomodate it. The reality is that this now lasts about 6 hours, vastly improving it's usefulness.
(2) How to mount it?
I've got pretty good eyesight, but the reality is that strapped to my knee, whilst flying an aeroplane and trying to keep my head mostly outside, a PDA is almost unuseable. I also fly a wide range of aeroplanes, with selection of sticks and yokes, so aircraft mounting isn't very viable.
So, the obvious thing to do (to me anyhow) is to mount it on my left wrist so that I can just bring it up, look at and/or tap the screen, then carry on flying.
So far, I can't find a solution to this. Before I start making things myself - has anybody found a commercial solution that I can just buy and use?
(3) Finally
Flymap UK seems to have vanished! Does anybody have any idea how to get chart updates?
Cheers,
G