cessna182b
Line Up and Wait
Are there any members out there who are learning the ropes of the BK AV8OR GPS? I'm looking for comments and suggestions.
I've got mine (no WX yet), and am gradually getting it arranged to suit myself. First flight I tried to use it without cracking the "manual" - and succeeded- but there was obviously much to be learned. The second time
went noticeably better, but the screen presentation still needed some rearrangement (took care of that afterward). Generally, I'm pleased - but time will tell. A road trip went better on the first attempt - but I couldn't figure out how to reverse the course for the return trip (and consequently missed a turn in a strange city). For the most part, I don't care for the voice prompts - and find the speaker volume inadequate.
As others have noted, the power and antenna connections come out of the unit at awkward places - though both could be resolved by switching to right angle connectors. Anybody have sources for these? (I believe that the antenna connector is of the "MMCX" variety).
I have yet to arrive at a satisfactory mounting arrangement in the plane. The yoke mount won't fit my Cessna (shaft too small) - and I don't like them anyway. I took the car windshield mount apart and inserted a 1/4-20 bolt and washer in the bottom of the upper half. Then I attached this assembly to an angle bracket and clipped it to the browshield of the panel with a large spring clip. This worked, but has several drawbacks: 1. It is not solid enough (moves around a bit due to vibration or maneuvering), and 2. It is too close to my face (can't see it without magnifier lenses - which I don't like to use). I have since fabricated a non-swiveling mount attached directly to the spring clip - but haven't has a chance to try it yet.
Other comments: The display is bright enough, but could benefit from the addition of a visor. The plastic cradle is rather flimsy and has an insecure grip on the unit. Metal would be better.
More later. Comments?
David Johnson
I've got mine (no WX yet), and am gradually getting it arranged to suit myself. First flight I tried to use it without cracking the "manual" - and succeeded- but there was obviously much to be learned. The second time
went noticeably better, but the screen presentation still needed some rearrangement (took care of that afterward). Generally, I'm pleased - but time will tell. A road trip went better on the first attempt - but I couldn't figure out how to reverse the course for the return trip (and consequently missed a turn in a strange city). For the most part, I don't care for the voice prompts - and find the speaker volume inadequate.
As others have noted, the power and antenna connections come out of the unit at awkward places - though both could be resolved by switching to right angle connectors. Anybody have sources for these? (I believe that the antenna connector is of the "MMCX" variety).
I have yet to arrive at a satisfactory mounting arrangement in the plane. The yoke mount won't fit my Cessna (shaft too small) - and I don't like them anyway. I took the car windshield mount apart and inserted a 1/4-20 bolt and washer in the bottom of the upper half. Then I attached this assembly to an angle bracket and clipped it to the browshield of the panel with a large spring clip. This worked, but has several drawbacks: 1. It is not solid enough (moves around a bit due to vibration or maneuvering), and 2. It is too close to my face (can't see it without magnifier lenses - which I don't like to use). I have since fabricated a non-swiveling mount attached directly to the spring clip - but haven't has a chance to try it yet.
Other comments: The display is bright enough, but could benefit from the addition of a visor. The plastic cradle is rather flimsy and has an insecure grip on the unit. Metal would be better.
More later. Comments?
David Johnson