Sport Pilot Talk

Philip B · Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 2:05 pm Post subject: GPS Units

Given the vast knowledge of the experienced pilots here I wanted to get everyones input and thoughts on a couple of portable GPS units I have been looking into.

My favorite is the Samsung Q1 loaded with Anywhere Maps. This is a full featured windows based tablet PC with moving map technology. I have included links for your review. http://www.anywheremap.com/detail.aspx?ID=247

The next candidate would be the ATC with Anywhere Maps. I don't believe this is a windows based unit so although it might be easier to initiate you would lose the functionality of a PC. http://www.anywheremap.com/detail.aspx?ID=219

The final candidate utilizing the Anywhere Maps would be the smaller PDA models like the Dell Axim or HP Ipaq. These items are definitely easier to find a place for and take up less real estate, but also makes them a little harder to see. http://www.anywheremap.com/detail.aspx?ID=233

I would like to get opinions on these items as well as thoughts in comparison to the Garmin lines like the 496, 396, etc...

The other software I found that compares to Anywhere Maps is APIC. APIC seems to be a lot less expensive, but I fear you get what you pay for.

Thank you in advance for your input and ideas.

Bill · Joined: 07 Jul 2008 Posts: 96 Location: Delaware Beaches

I received my ATC unit two weeks ago and have flown with it twice. It is easy to read and easy to use in my Ercoupe. I haven't quite decided how I want to mount it yet, but am leaning toward velcro (yeah, believe it or not) and a wedge - just to the right of centerline on my panel.

I am still learning the features and believe there are some I will never use. Can't goo too fast or too high in an Ercoupe. :shock:

I had looked at the other units with the pocket PC software - and am afraid of software lockups and so on. I also have no use for the PC features and believe the dedicated unit will perform better.

BTW, it also does very well as a car nav unit. I can't really imagine using it there on a consistent basis - but maybe will try it on a trip to new destinations.

Good luck on reaching a decision and with the unit you end up getting.

sethdallob · Joined: 19 Apr 2008 Posts: 33 Location: Cedarpines Park CA

It's probably overkill for what you want, but I have the AvMap EKP IV in my Eurofox and love it. Big screen, easy to program and look at, all kinds of features like TAWS, TCAS interface, XM interface, very customizable, good support.

Helen · Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Posts: 114 Location: Maryland

We use the Garmin 396/496 in our planes and the weather is really great to have. You can't beat the price of the 396 either as a combined GPS and wx unit. I like it so much that I'm seriously considering pulling my ADF out of my Cessna once they finish decommissioning all all of the NDB approaches and adding a 396. Adding a 396 is a fraction of the cost of uograding my 530 to include wx. Just be sure to remove the internal magnets from the 396 wx antenna if you want you compass to read accurately.

jimhazen · Joined: 14 Apr 2007 Posts: 10 Location: Arizona

I started using the Anywheremap in with an Ipaq 4700 in 2006 and the Anywheremap ATC last year. Both units have worked well for me. I do a lot of cross country flying (48 states, 115 airports) and I really like the Anywheremap systems. The touch screen is easy to use. If the price ever comes down I'm going to upgrade to XM Weather. The support from Control Vision is excellent and they are continuing to improve the software. A lifetime data subscription is only $395, much less than Garmin.

N44469

Philip B · Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 4:05 pm Post subject:

Thank you so much for all your input and ideas. After reading your suggestions, and doing some more homework, I think I have decided to go with the AvMap EK IV. They all are nice units but I think I like the look, feel and function of the AvMap.

Thanks again for all your help.

sethdallob · Joined: 19 Apr 2008 Posts: 33 Location: Cedarpines Park CA

The only downside to the AvMap is that the OS is less than intuitive - you will definitely want to spend some time with in it "simulator" mode and some batteries in the back at home before going live - there's a lot of neat stuff buried in all kinds of sub-menus. It's a lot easier to get things customized the way you want and fiddle with the settings in your living room than the air.