Tablet Kneeboard/EFBs 2015

[TwinHueyMan]

Hey all,

I know there have been posts on this in the past, but technology moves so quick... time for a current thread on the subject.

Are any of you using tablets as EFBs and/or Kneeboards? If so, what are you using? Ipads, Galaxy's, Nexus's, etc - what size, cell networked or WiFi only? Hows about mounting them - knee or aircraft mount, etc.

What about the app you're using?

I'm in the market to upgrade my old Nook 10" that I tether to my phone GPS via Bluetooth as an EFB and moving map, with the Avare app and clipped into my old kneeboard. Didn't put much thought into the setup, just started using it one day and liked the situational awareness. Works alright though the app is clumsy at times and the bluetooth GPS link drops off pretty regularly. Also can't stand that the Avare app doesn't show NOTAMS, though I may just be unable to find it. Still helped slim my flight bag down quite a bit, so it's worth it.

Curious how many heli guys/gals are using these things. We all know the plank drivers are gaga for this stuff these days.

Mike

[Flyting]

Mini Ipad on my knee (out of the way and doesn't block any view as when mounted somewhere) with cell connection and gps using Air pro nav.

[Brilliant Stuff]

We are looking into using the iPad Mini suckered to the window using the Runway HD app.

Flying 5hrs a day battery life could be interesting.....

[ThomasTheTankEngine]

I've been using the iPad mini for about a year, with run way HD, heli pack pro in the UK.

I keep the iPad in a survivor case, having dropped it a few times I'm glad I done this.

Advantage of having this on a cell network is you can get the weather / notams out in a field as along as you have a signal that is.

The only downside is battery life you'll only get about 2 hours of flying on a fully charged battery, so you need some sort of power supply.

[aa777888]

Nexus 7 on a small, kneeboard with a bit of Velcro. The kneeboard because as a student/renter it's a different ship every day.

Running Garmin Pilot. I tried Avare but it was not very stable and a bit clunky to use. I do wish Pilot had U.S. heli charts, though.

I don't normally have a need to hook to the internet while flying, but it's easy enough to do by tethering it with the smartphone, which also has a copy of Pilot on it as back up.

[Flying Bull]

Hi,
personal iPadMini in a waterproof case wich is velcroed to a hingesystem on my kneeboard, so that I can still use the paper and pen underneeth.
Boss suplies a choice of iPad mini or iPad, with Jeppesen VFR and Jeppesen IFR Apps on board.
Personal iPad ist with 3G, so that I can get weather when I´m underway - but could also do a personal hotspot with my iPhone and using the supplied iPad.

[Dynamic Roller]

Nexus 7 on a small, kneeboard with a bit of Velcro. The kneeboard because as a student/renter it's a different ship every day.

Running Garmin Pilot. I tried Avare but it was not very stable and a bit clunky to use. I do wish Pilot had U.S. heli charts, though.

I don't normally have a need to hook to the internet while flying, but it's easy enough to do by tethering it with the smartphone, which also has a copy of Pilot on it as back up.
Same here, Nexus 7 + GP on small "kneepad" (had to get one tiny enough to fit strapped on left knee, to eliminate any contact with controls). Battery lasts for hours, visibility in sunlight is good, internal GPS works great.

[TwinHueyMan]

What steers you Android guys to the Nexus? Most Android tablets around here are Samsungs.

I heard the Ipad minis had better battery life - those of us that fly multiple acft (no ability to hard wire) be warned I suppose?

Mike

[400hover]

I use a galaxy note 10.1 from 2012 with a Ottercase Defender. I dont use in the knee due to the size. I have at my side and when needed i check it.
3G + GPS and runs for 5 to 6 hours!

Air Nav Pro (still waiting for the big update)
Metam
and Snap Pad.

[Masak]

Ipad mini with retina display in Lifeproof case, clicked into Lifeproof cradle,attached to Ram suction mount (fixed on front windscreen near right hand door frame just above cyclic in R44) and running Sky Demon app works for me.

[aa777888]

What steers you Android guys to the Nexus? Most Android tablets around here are Samsungs.

I heard the Ipad minis had better battery life - those of us that fly multiple acft (no ability to hard wire) be warned I suppose?

I get about 5 hours out of the Nexus 7 at max. brightness. That's more than I need but maybe not for others.

BTW I find the "Metam" and "AirReport" app's great for checking weather and NOTAMs, too.

[Fortyodd2]

Samsung Tab S 8.4 with Skydemon. Good battery life, easily decluttered maps and easily created user waypoints, works well day and night and touchscreen works with leather gloves with silk liners.

[krypton_john]

"We are looking into using the iPad Mini suckered to the window using the Runway HD app.

Flying 5hrs a day battery life could be interesting....."

You could strap one of these on the back:
Anker 2nd Gen Astro3 12800mAh External Battery (http://www.ianker.com/product/79AN7904S-B2A)

Should double the battery life of an iPad Air... or quaduple an iPad mini.

[CRAZYBROADSWORD]

IPad mini with airnav pro connected to the aircraft via usb to keep it charged

[krypton_john]

Someone put a USB port on a certified aircraft?

Didn't expect to see that before about 2025.

[CRAZYBROADSWORD]

Indeed normal and back lit in blue :) we have 3 double sockets one ether side of the instrument panel and one in the back for passengers plus an audio in lead for music .

[B Sousa]

Kneeboards like a lot of other flying stuff is pretty much Personal choice. For me over the last 45 years I have always had one of the Military ones. I see them all over the place for a ridiculous price and made of metal. Mine is Plastic,made on a Military contract. I got it at Sportys for probably $5 less than they charge now and I have had THIS one for at least 20 years. Its my recommendation.
Deluxe Lighted Kneeboard | Aviation Kneeboards | Flight Bags, Kneeboards - from Sporty's Pilot Shop (http://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/flight-bags-kneeboards/aviation-kneeboards/deluxe-lighted-kneeboard.html)