If you're doing a trip in a 172/182/210 wouldn't the idea be that you want to enjoy the scenery?
Back in the day, we used the iBall mark 1, they came in a convenient holder supplied from day one. It proved very handy in all situations, even in Low Visibilty they were worth their weight in gold as they had an in built swivel mechanism that allowed for scanning of all instrument required to keep the blue side up, and had a depth adjustment for longer vision requirements like looking out the window for runway lights or other visual clues, the auto function was also able to adjust to changing light conditions. (although the sun protection application was a useful addition)
This depth adjustment was an automatic function enabling the user to adjust the field of view without any need to remove a hand from the control column or the throttle lever. It also had a handy in built scanning function that was very good for interfacing ground to map for navigation purposes and for other visual clues.
Sure, the time expiry of the iBall mark 1 was unknown, and varied amongst uses, and the warranty was non existent as the original manufacturer had probably also experienced the same performance degradation and was not able to help.
Many users were unable, or too pig headed, to install the mark 2 upgrade required as the original model got affected by years of ogling at young barmaids in bad light and burn out by forgetting the sun protecting module that could be downloaded from atop the forehead. No upgrade was installed unless forced to by their DAME, and even then the upgrade was very easy to misplace and prone to damage from being sat on or left at home.
The upgrade 2.1 was a more permanent upgrade, with the application of "laser" technology, the iBall was broken back to the original mark 1 model, but reportedly, with much better performance.
the iBall has always been required as part of a "Twin" operation, due to the significant performance penalties of a single operation, mainly with depth perception and scanning ability.
They have all been fitted with a self cleaning function, which while proving to be generally well suited to the job of cleaning, had some small software glitches that allowed for spontaneous waterworks if kicked in the goollies by an angry bull/horse/girlfriend.
Another great function of the iBall, regardless of the model chosen, was the security aspect. no need to be constantly vigilant of their whereabouts or live in fear of them being stolen, as they were always mounted in a convenient and prominent position.
During times that the iBall wasn't required for navigating, ogling or leering, they came with a handy dust cover to allow them to be shielded from the elements and allow the hard drive to go into sleep mode, mainly in the darker hours.
This had been known to activate at times of intense boredom, or at anytime during night freight or Back of the clock operations. Some owners have also complained of a software glitch appearing after the downloading of too many Rum and Coke applications. The manufacturer has been contacted, and at this point no fix has been made available, but the users have been contacted and warned of the "glitch"
Ohh, and they also come in a range of colours!!
Sorry i couldn't help with your iPad mount
