iPad for flying
 

Hi all,

I'm looking into getting SkyDemon, and need a tablet to run it on. I can't quite weigh up whether or not they have GPS that will work at altitudes. I know the 4G ones have GLONASS, but as far as I'm aware, that requires a data signal too? Or am I wrong?

does anyone have any experience of this?

Thank you

T

I have a nexus 7 which runs pocket fms perfectly well. the built in gps works fine but with a high wing I find its better to get the fix before you get the plane as otherwise struggles to get one.


low wing is no problem at all

Excellent, I was looking in to getting an android tablet, but not sure if an iPad would be better suited for my other needs too.

IPad 4G (ie a cellular rather than wifi only model) has a fully functional GPS that works without any data signal/ground signal - ie it will show GPS position even if no SIM card installed.

But it is very expensive compared to perfectly viable Android options.

@rjtjrt - Thank you, I wasn't sure about it, but I think that's what I'll go for.

They are more expensive than Android, but they are very, very nice.

BUT why pay for 4g you don't need.???? unless you need phone network for other stuff


also nexus 7 or similar fits on your thigh if you don't want to cockpit mount it.


get what works, not what looks nice.

Camargue - My reason is because I'm impulsive and really, really, really stupid with money I don't have. I think I've settled on a Galaxy Tab 9.7", but still not certain

In a recent flight trip written up in the Pilot or Flyer one of the most impressive things using SkyDemon was filing a flight plan from the cockpit in the middle of Morocco after being refused take off clearance and told to taxi back and refile a VFR FP due to track request errors. Using the 4g connection and SD they refiled siting on the taxiway in less than 10 minutes. ATC very surprised that a new FP popped up on their system so quick.

So I would say to get the best out of SD or FMS an Ipad or Android with cellular and a good data package is a good idea. A separate GPS with dual system may be a good idea to cover GPS drop out as well.

Your 4g mobile phone has a GPS which can Bluetooth the Nexus if asked so there is your backup and cellular capability.

I've flown a fair few hours now with SD running on an Asus 7" tablet. Can't fault it. I've flown 7hrs on the battery alone and still had a fair bit left.
It's cheap enough to leave dedicated to SkyDemon.
ASUS MeMO Pad 7 inch Quad Core Android Tablet Intel Atom Z3745, 1GB, 16GB eMMC | Laptop Outlet, UK

I have just set up an iPad mini 4 cellular on a yolk mount. I have a lightning lead attached which goes to a cigarette lighter in the aircraft. The advantage of the cellular is that it has internal GPS. You can buy an external GPS to fit into the lightning socket but if you do that, you lose the ability to power the iPad. The external GPS costs the same as the extra for the cellular iPad so for me it is a no brainer. The nano SIM card allows you to connect to 4g and get up to date met, notams etc. You could also tether your smart phone to the iPad and get the same info. Coupled to Skydemon it is a great piece of kit.

I use an iPad mini clipped into a kneeboard and blue-toothed to a GNS 100 gps as it is a wifi only iPad. Works a treat with Skydemon. When I get a new iPad for Christmas it will be a cellular one and the GNS will be on eBay.

but android devices have gps built in anyway.
If I ever needed cellular capability (and admittedly the type of flying I do renders this very unlikely) I just tether to my phone.

Should work well on either of these.


http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/applicat...01&imgtype=jpg


http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/applicat...03&imgtype=jpg

This is a copy of what I have posted in the Pacific and General Aviation forum.

Something to think about. We go flying with our iPads fully charged and OzRunways doing its thing.

Last weekend the ground temperature was around 15 degrees and around 10 degrees at the level I was flying. iPad strapped to my right leg and the sun streaming through the window when a message appeared that the iPad was shutting off to cool down. Not the sort of thing you'd expect.

The iPad is known to overheat and shut down. It's by no means uncommon. Even here.

I think it is best to check the spec of any device as not all have in built GPS or cell phone. SD or FMS are not compute heavy programs so processor power is not a worry the screen and storage are I think are more critical even a cheap Chines will do the job and cost a third or less of an ipad. The yearly cost of phone/data and SD may exceed the tablet cost and its only a one off cost so even the extra of an ipad is not the biggest expense just some thoughts.

I'll admit I was I impressed with the filing of a flight plan from a taxiway at an airport in Morocco. But I'm going to be boring again. What happens when the damn thing packs up? it will. Also, when this lump of silicon decides to misbehave, which it will, who flies the plane when you do battle with wretched thing? These bloody bits of silicon are best left in your bag when VFR flying because too many PPL's have shown the world what happens when they fail. If you can't fly without one, you shouldn't be flying. So when you reply, "Oh, but I can!" Why do you need one?

PM

You use your already fired up standby one.

And in my case, when that packs up, you use the built in one.

Etc.