I do not know what Free Flight told or represented to D2 regarding the
1101 vs 1201. I have never done a side by side comparison but I am
skeptical that there are any physical differences between the two
receivers other than a part number, sticker and perhaps software. I
can also see how, now that D2 isn't around to tell their side, FF's
line now is that they never told D2 that they would slap a new sticker
on on the certified receiver to make it "experimental" and sell it into
a new market. Nudge nudge wink wink, say no more. Now they only want
$2,500 to reverse the "conversion process". This is pure speculation on
my part, but it is the simplest explanation.
Concerns over the FF availability and performance prompted CFS to
explore other options. Consequently, CFS will be introducing their own
WAAS GPS Beta-III later this summer. We started with the basic Accord
design, folded it in half, redesigned the RF board to incorporate
proprietary Regan Designs technology to improve RF performance and
expand the operational temperature range, added a power supply /
lightning protection (DO160E) / power ride through and wrapped the
whole thing in a billet machined aluminum enclosure that is needed to
meet the humidity, sand, dust, vibration, waterproofness, fluid
susceptibility, Helicopter vibration levels, etc. of DO160E.
Production units are currently undergoing "for credit" DO160 testing.
FYI, "gamma" and "beta" terms differentiate the requirements between
stand alone GPS navigation systems and GPS receivers integrated into
FMS, Flight Management Systems like the CFS.
Regards
Brent Regan
Spectralux™ Announces Chelton First
Customer for GPS-WAAS Sensor
Will be integrated in Chelton Flight Systems GPS receiver;
production mid-summer 2007
Redmond,
Wash. – Spectralux Corporation, the most dependable manufacturer of
proprietary avionics components and modules, today announced that
Chelton Flight Systems has selected the NexNav™ GPS Class Beta-3 sensor
for use in a new GPS WAAS receiver.
“We’re very excited
Chelton Flight Systems chose our NexNav sensor for their new receiver,”
said Michael Burke, president. “Our flexible form factor—the smallest
in the industry—was a key factor in their adoption decision.” The
NexNav sensor circuit card assembly (CCA) measures only 15 square
inches (97 sq. cm.) and weighs only 150 grams.
The Chelton
receiver is designed to work with both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.
The unit is expected to be in production by mid-summer 2007.
http://www.spectralux.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=159&Itemid=43
<<<With respect to the Freeflight 1101:
Talked with a knowledgeable person at Sun n Fun, according to him:
1) Freeflight 1101 (despite what D2 portrayed) is definitely not
intended for IFR use. (D2 knew this)
2) Freeflight is willing to swap out 1101 for 1201 for about $2,500
for a limited time
3) 1201 will probably be upgradeable to gamma 3 (precision approach)
within the next year or so
Can anybody confirm this?
If this is so, it would seem to me to make sense to make the swap.
D. Brunner
>>>>
|