Trimble/FreeFlight 2101 GPS
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: london
Free Flight 2101
Just a warning to anyone with the Free Flight 2101 GPS.
We had a faulty antennae on one of our A109E's causing poor satellite reception. This GPS has a Dead Reckoning back-up which I think could kill. When the system loses its GPS fix it uses dead reckoning. The only way the pilot knows this is happening is if he sees the symbol DR on the EFIS, which is easily missed.
Meanwhile the moving map carries on moving, and you think all is well. However errors start to magnify with any turns and soon you are not where you think you are…
We had a faulty antennae on one of our A109E's causing poor satellite reception. This GPS has a Dead Reckoning back-up which I think could kill. When the system loses its GPS fix it uses dead reckoning. The only way the pilot knows this is happening is if he sees the symbol DR on the EFIS, which is easily missed.
Meanwhile the moving map carries on moving, and you think all is well. However errors start to magnify with any turns and soon you are not where you think you are…
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: UK
I have had the same thing happen with a Free Flight 2101 (in an EC135) which had an antenna failure. I didnt notice a DR symbol but did notice the track and position looked completely wrong after a while. Luckily I was VMC at the time but I can see how it could be dangerous for the unwary... 
BC
BC
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,032
Likes: 7
From: OS SX2063
The DR Mode of the 2101 can be turned off (certainly on the newer software versions) by hunting for it in the setup menus, I turned it off on your 109 Philip after the last GPS upgrade in May.
The DR mode whilst IMC could be a real killer, especially if as discussed on the other thread pilots are following GPSs down to low level whilst IMC.
The DR mode whilst IMC could be a real killer, especially if as discussed on the other thread pilots are following GPSs down to low level whilst IMC.
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Far East
DVD Guides for the TNL2101
Does anyone recommend where we can get hold of some good training devices for this? Looks scary that the DR is not reliable. We have the TNL 2101 Eurocopter standard fit on our N3 and am looking for a better unit...Eurocopter should have have put a good FMS as a standard fit.All helps in safety implementation especially in IFR.
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: croatia
Card reader
Hi
We have Freeflight approch plus 2101 on ours two EC135. The GPS is good but we have problem with database update from Jeppesen. We need card reader for this specific card and its cant be found anywhere. If somebody have card reader to sell or know where to buy reader for this card in Freeflight I will be grateful.
We have Freeflight approch plus 2101 on ours two EC135. The GPS is good but we have problem with database update from Jeppesen. We need card reader for this specific card and its cant be found anywhere. If somebody have card reader to sell or know where to buy reader for this card in Freeflight I will be grateful.
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: europe
You need the Jeppesen Skybound Card Reader to write updates onto the EDGE cards. try to get it via [email protected]
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
From: London
If/when you find one of these for sale, make sure that it is the 3 in 1 skybound adaptor as this is the model you need for the Edge cards. I think that the exact model No is NDSKYUSB.
https://ww1.jeppesen.com/documents/a...pt-install.pdf
There are newer Skybound units but these are not suitable for the Edge cards.
https://ww1.jeppesen.com/documents/a...pt-install.pdf
There are newer Skybound units but these are not suitable for the Edge cards.
Joined: Apr 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 10,959
Likes: 1,814
From: EGDC
Personally, I think the Freeflight is an awful piece of kit - it takes user-unfriendliness to a new level and trying to create WPs from L/L or grid is just painful, let alone linking them into a FPLAN. Ous doesn't have the DR option (possibly disabled) but gives alerts on the ND if the GPS signal is lost.
I guess Trimble never thought to include a pilot in their design team for this one!
I guess Trimble never thought to include a pilot in their design team for this one!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Someplace else
It's probably worth remembering that the 2101 has been around since the late 1990s. In its time it was considered 'state of the art'. I certainly was impressed with the capabilities it offered. Yes, the thing took a bit of learning but no more than any other product of its era. We are a little spoilt these days with touchscreens etc etc, not that I want to go back to the old days!!
Joined: Aug 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 83
From: Gold Coast, Australia
Originally Posted by [email protected]
Personally, I think the Freeflight is an awful piece of kit - it takes user-unfriendliness to a new level and trying to create WPs from L/L or grid is just painful, let alone linking them into a FPLAN. Ous doesn't have the DR option (possibly disabled) but gives alerts on the ND if the GPS signal is lost.
I guess Trimble never thought to include a pilot in their design team for this one!
I guess Trimble never thought to include a pilot in their design team for this one!
Joined: Aug 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 83
From: Gold Coast, Australia
Originally Posted by [email protected]
No, but I did have the joys of Decca
Hyperbolic nav in 3 colours anyone?
Hyperbolic nav in 3 colours anyone?Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Someplace else
And there were the joys of the Decca DANAC moving map that worked perfectly until you actually needed it. One sight of a cloud and the position seemed to move to somewhere adjacent to Stavanger when flying through deepest darkest Norfolk! Changing the long plasticised sheets one handed whilst flying as you moved from one area to another was a true test of ability to work as a 'one armed paper hangar'
