GPS in a phone as a flight instrument … not off-topic at all.
The software is $2.99 … how much is an iPhone?
I don’t have a cell phone yet, but when flying increases I’ll
need one … the iPhone may be a good choice.
BTW, I’ve heard of other PDAs that people use as GPS devices.
Jeff
From: Rotary motors in
aircraft [mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Mark Steitle
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 10:58 AM
To: Rotary motors in aircraft
Subject: [FlyRotary] MotionX-GPS as a flight instrument?
I know this is off topic and a bit geeky, but I was
wondering if anyone with an iPhone has tried the MotionX-GPS
application to track their flights? It was designed for tracking
workouts, like for mountain biking and jogging. But I couldn't help but
wonder how it would work as a poor man's GPS. The basic
"LITE" app is free, full-featured app is only $2.99 (almost
free). One user comments that it works better than his $500
GPS. Is this possible?
I just downloaded it and plan to try it out this
weekend. Maybe it won't even work at altitude, but since it gets
its signals from GPS satellites, maybe it will surprise me.
See http://gps.motionx.com/overview/
Check out the picture of the iphone mounted on the handlebars of the mountain
bike, with the MotionX app running. Now picture your instrument panel
with the same mount. Pretty cool, and very cost effective, assuming you
already have an iPhone.