SkyDemon for iPad

[VORTIME]

Hi guys,

I downloaded the SkyDemon app for the iPad last night. May I just say whoever has developed this application - a very large congratulations is in order. The usability and readability and truely fantastic. Vector drawn maps seem better suited than the scaned variants of other applications.

I have the iPad1 and it's probably not powerful enough for smooth running of the app but I suspect the iPad2 and 3 will be perfect for it. Given the iPad3 will likely have a Glonass compatible chip-set, this will provide a very nice dual-frequency navigation suite.

I wonder what is next on the iPad/Aviation roadmap?

Cheers
VT

[jkveenstra]

Indeed a great product! Used it this week for the first time and like it better than the Windows based application (I used it on a Navigon car nav before).

Keep up the good work.

[thing]

A few questions for you i padders, how do you mount it in the a/c, how much is the skydemon app and is the screen readable? I normally have my GPS in line of sight (but not blocking the view) so that it's in my peripheral vision all the time, I believe the i pad has to be knee mounted, do you find this a problem in terms of lookout etc?

[jkveenstra]

I'm also looking into it. I don't have a mount yet. but found this: RAM Aviation Mount

probably a good solution.

[Lagentium]

I can wholly recommend RAM Mount, I have a complete yoke mount for the SkyDemon MD and think its top notch!

Cheers, Jim

[xj8driver]

Personally I wouldn't RAM- or yoke-mount an iPad - if you look at the gallery picture at the above link, you'll see it's a completely impractical solution (IMHO). Where it's positioned covers instruments and blocks some of the outside view. I keep it on my knee, and with an anti-glare screen cover it works just fine.

[Fox Four]

A great product, the iPad version being as easy to use as the PC version. However, I tried my new app on a short local flight the other day, and after 30 mins, the whole thing locked up and told me as I was in 'Trial' mode I would now have a 10 min tracking blackout.

I have purchsed the full planning version, but now discover I need the 'navigation' (£60) upgrade.

Just be aware before you jump in the cockpit.

[Bobby Hart]

I checked the page and it seems to clearly say "GPS navigation facilities are an optional extra." on the purchase page and reiterates again on the next that "If you want to use SkyDemon while in flight to help with navigation and keep you safe, purchase the navigation upgrade."

Worth noting though that at the moment there is no warning when you try to "Go Flying" in evaluation mode that it will cut out after 30 minutes which is an oversight that will be corrected in the forthcoming update.

[Fox Four]

Thanks Bobby, not having a go at the product. More to the point that:

A: I should read the details on the website
B: The sudden blackout at 30mins needs sorting! A warning that you need to purchase the nav upgrade should be displayed.

FF

[Bobby Hart]

Couldn't agree more on B. The next version of the app is currently with Apple for approval apparently... Looks like a couple of tweaks have been made after the first release.

- ref: the flyer forum, "SkyDemon iPad released" page 40

[Phil Histine]

I have SD on an iPad 3 mounted in a RAM yoke mount in my Grumman AA5. It's probably a bit bigger than ideal, but there's enough flexibility in the RAM system to get the device precisely positioned, in portrait mode, without obstructing the instuments in any way and without getting in the way of my A5 strap-on kneeboard. Once it's all in place, it's very well positioned and allows a perfect scan over both primary intruments and Sky Demon. After a decade of fiddling with various GPS devices, power supplies, software and mounts, this is unquestionably the best and tidiest solution so far.

[Slopey]

Anyone mounting one currently in a 172? I'd quite like to use SkyDemon in the cockpit as a backup (or replacement) to my AV80R, and for approach plates, but ergonomically I just can see where I could put it.

Yoke mounting isn't going to work as I sit quite far forward and high (short legs), so it would get in the way of full/free movement, don't want it on the left suckered to the window as it would obscure the ASI, and it might be abit big for having on the knee?

Anyone have a solution in use?

[S-Works]

I have a window mount that I use in my 172 that sticks to the flat part of the window at the bottom on the right side so the iPad sits above the yoke. Its a double sucker base and very secure even with my landings....

Easy to use and does not interfere with anything. I got a 12/24v adaptor for a fiver from eBay that powers it.

[1800ed]

Is there a facility in the app to 'take notes'? I'm going to give SkyDemon a go soon and would like to have my iPad kneeboard mounted, but I like to be able scribble notes during the flight on a pad on my current kneeboard. How do people get about doing that if their iPad is in the way?

[JOE-FBS]

Skydemon Light is now available free for iPad from the "App Store".

There's a load of complicated technical stuff about it in a thread in the Other Place but at 46 1/2, I'm too old to understand.

FLYER Forums • View topic - Sky Demon Light Now available for iPad

[flybymike]

Is there a facility in the app to 'take notes'? I'm going to give SkyDemon a go soon and would like to have my iPad kneeboard mounted, but I like to be able scribble notes during the flight on a pad on my current kneeboard. How do people get about doing that if their iPad is in the way?

I use one of these.
iPro Aviator Kneeboard for iPad 1, iPad 2 and now New iPad 3 by 'For Pilots Only' from Flightstore.co.uk

[1800ed]

That looks good - seems to be fairly substantial too so I think I'll give it a go

[PH-UKU]

Does it come with any European maps ?

[djtaylor]

Yes
The complete suite, regularly updated

[stuartforrest]

Another vote from me. I feel like a skydemon fan tonight (my third post on the subject) but I love it.

I had it on a windows tablet which was good then and Ipad1 which was also good (perhaps slightly better because of the reliable built in gps) but then I got it on an Ipad 3 and it took it to a new level. Anyone thinking about it you must try it. It is simply amazing. I used to look longingly at american market only apps but now we have our own that knocks them for six, and it gets better incrementally with each release.