Trimble GPS

[skyhigher]

Hello,

would anyone familiar with Trimble GPS (older models) like to explain the decode of certain GPS points on SID's or STAR's? By this I mean points that appear as D160Jw etc.. I understand that the D160 related to the 160 radial from a navaid but what do the other letters represent? distance surely, but how?

Thanks for your help.

[411A]

Not specifically familiar with the older Trimble units, however...
the D160Jw would, on my Bendix/King KLN89B refer to: Distance 16.0nm from the Jw navaid facility or specific fix....as, for example, a DME arc, to final.

If you have the specific approach or or arrival procedure chart, these items are usually noted, for reference.
I hope this has been helpful.

[mad_jock]

Have you started banging your head yet because the data cards have run out of room on the older models.

Due to uk rules we can't use the for PRNAV approaches so I have never really looked at the points.

Personally I quiet like them. Once you get your head round which knob to twiddle and how to stick a flight plan in it does the job nicely.

[Tmbstory]

Skyhigher:

I have the Trimble 2101 I/O Approach GPS Navigator Pilot Guide. 1995 model

If you send me a PM with an email address, I may be able to scan the relevant section and send it to you.

Please let me know.

Tmb

[mini-jumbo]

It means the 160 radial FROM the fix, J = 10 miles (a = 1 mile and so on) The W = Intermediate fix.

I have a PDF of the Trimble 2000 manual, pm if interested

[skyhigher]

thanks to all for the replies! problem solved.

madjock, yes i know the problem well. With the database out of date is it legal to use at all? even for BRNAV?

[mad_jock]

Nope you will get your fingers slapped for it. In theory you are limited to below FL100. It can be used below that level as normal but might not have new points.

I believe there is a mod but I only drive the things and its an on going issue.
Last I heard they were talking about sectorising the data so you could pick and choose which areas were included. This of course could have been wishfull thinking. If they dumped all the US data it would solve the prob overnight.

[nightjar1]

There is a 'Mod' which allows the use of a bigger Data card which is now supported, maybe can find out more information if you require it ?

[mad_jock]

If skyhigh isn't interested I certainly am.

[skyhigher]

sure am interested.

[LeadSled]

Folks,
All the Trimble aviation GPS now comes under the FreeFlight Inc. banner. FreeFlight Systems - GPS Retrofits and Upgrads (http://www.freeflightsystems.com/retrofits_upgds.htm)
The cost of the upgrade to the bigger memory card is quite moderate,for all the 2101s, under US$500, for what is an almost all new unit. As I understand it, it's a new motherboard, plus other hardware and firmware, as well as the 4gb card.
All the manuals can be downloaded from their site.
Tootle pip!!

[hawker750]

TRIMBLE
The upgrade mod can be done by AvionicAir at Southend and is quite reasonably priced.
If you have to use an out of date card it is legal if you verify LAT/LONGS of EVERY waypoint from an up to date chart!
I too quite like the Trimbles, but our units are 11 years old and they suffer from sticking buttons especially the enter button. Many trips to the workshop for new parts has only partially solved the problem, any one else experienced this?
Also does any one know how to speed the thing up. If there is a big flight plan in the system a "Go Direct" command from ATC takes a very long time, long enough for ATC to query you unless an intial HDG select is used.

[mad_jock]

Never used them coupled to an Autopilot. But have never really noticed any undue delay after hitting direct. But then again I can't be bothered putting in huge plans for one off trips.

Never had problems with sticking buttons either, one case of the outer little knob coming off. But to be honest I have found they have the looks and robustness of a house brick in normal ops.

[tom_ace]

The database issue is indeed a mighty ball-ache. They are/were a good GPS!

[mad_jock]

Nothing causes more amusment than a OAT zero to hero confronted with one though. You really do have to try and not to laugh when they get into the wrong mode for thirty times in a row, or which I really can't understand turn the wrong way to correct the tracking on the HSI scale on it.

In the end they usually resort to some pan ops crap that the plane isn't legal because you can't display it on the primary nav aids