Non-mounted GPS solution

MonkeyClaw

MonkeyClaw

Pre-takeoff checklist
Joined
Sep 17, 2019
Messages
212
Location
Sedona, AZ
Display Name
Display name:
Timothy Miller
I'm looking to equip my future experimental and thinking of a moving map GPS. I don't want something permanent (like a G500) and don't want an iPad either (overheating issues). What other options are there? I'm probably looking at an iFly 740b or Garmin Aera but want to see what other people are doing. It would be nice if it could get ADS-B data from the transponder also.
 
MonkeyClaw said:
I'm looking to equip my future experimental and thinking of a moving map GPS. I don't want something permanent (like a G500) and don't want an iPad either (overheating issues). What other options are there?
Click to expand...
Android running Avare on tablet of your choice. I'm currently running a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7.

MonkeyClaw said:
I'm probably looking at an iFly 740b or Garmin Aera but want to see what other people are doing. It would be nice if it could get ADS-B data from the transponder also.
Click to expand...
ADS-B data displayed on above tablet running Avare using a Dynon DRX for in.
 
Is an Android tablet less prone to overheating than a iPad? I’ve used an iPad for almost a decade now running GarminPilot and had exactly one overheat issue after I left it on top of the glare shield during a flight in the middle of the day. Lesson learned and haven’t had a problem since.
 
Just a sample size of one, but over a decade and 2 tablets I haven't had an overheated android.
 
I've been happy with my Aera 660 on a RAM mount.
 
Another vote for Avare, and another who's never seen an android tablet overheat. Also Avare on my phone as a backup, and for local flights when I don't bother to bring the tablet.

The tablet's on a homemade kneeboard, the phone's on a mount clamped to a fuselage tube.
 
FORANE said:
Just a sample size of one, but over a decade and 2 tablets I haven't had an overheated android.
Click to expand...
Even longer with iPads and neither have I. OTOH, my Android phone overheated once.
 
I think for your purposes (as you describe them), and avoiding the Android/iOS zealotry, a mounted Aera or iFly would be an excellent solution. From what I've seen both are pretty solid performers.
 
midlifeflyer said:
I think for your purposes (as you describe them), and avoiding the Android/iOS zealotry, a mounted Aera or iFly would be an excellent solution. From what I've seen both are pretty solid performers.
Click to expand...

My plug is to join the borg and buy Garmin. The hardware is rock solid and can be installed to interface with other Garmin stuff. The new 760 looks nice.
 
FORANE said:
Just a sample size of one, but over a decade and 2 tablets I haven't had an overheated android.
Click to expand...

Same experience. External GPS, bluetooth or wifi, will give you WAAS and sometimes ADSB. I've used Duo and Stratux, and both work well. If you're experimental, you could probably build a Stratux into it, and hardwire the power. Then whenever you jump in the plane with your tablet, it'll link up and you're all set.

I normally run on a 7" tablet, but it can also run on a TINY android phone, too. Pretty cool for a backup navigation system.
phone-1.jpg
 
Thanks for the suggestions! The plan is to have a temporary mount that I can place the device in (I've even seen people use Velcro). It's an open canopy that can be converted into a bubble canopy in northern AZ, so heat and glare are both issues. Of course right now we can't even be sure of what avionics are going to be available when the build starts!
 
Garmin 696 is a very capable unit and they are a bargain used. The 796 replaced it but I actually prefer the 696.
 
I keep my 796 because it can talk to my autopilot, I stream SiriusXm via this unit and I like having it as a backup but my main navigation unit is my mini IPad with Garmin Pilot on it - much better and easier to use than the 796 ( can’t imagine using 696 which does not even support a touch screen )
I have Garmin GDL39 which can stream ADSB traffic/weather to both , the 796 and my IPad so that works out well.
Of course I only fly VFR.

Here is my setup:
 

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Jeff767 said:
Garmin 696 is a very capable unit and they are a bargain used. The 796 replaced it but I actually prefer the 696.
Click to expand...

I have a 696 and love it. But It is getting old and Garmin’s support for the platform is on the wane. Check their webpage, but last I looked, they couldn’t promise to repair a 696. They would try, assuming parts availability, but wouldn’t guarantee anything.
 
I'd like to avoid Garmin stuff based on my G1000 experiences, but sometimes they are the best alternative.
 
Looks like the full package will be:
Garmin G5 PFD
iFly 740b GPS MFD
Dynon Skyview COM Radio
Kanardia Digi engine monitor
Sandia STX 165 transponder
uAvionix Echo UAT w/ ADS-B in/out

I'm still waiting for the final quote but this should cover the avionics. Thanks for the discussion everyone!
 
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