|
|
You can get a gadget called a MiFi, available from Verizon, Sprint and others. This will take a wifi-only device and connect it to the internet via a cellular network. Although it's yet another thing to buy and carry, they are extremely lightweight. On some plans, you can simply activate the device when you need it, have wi-fi wherever you go and then deactivate it again when you are done, paying only a couple dollars.
Another option is to get "tethering" set up on your cell phone (iPhone and Android can do this, dumb phones can't, I don't know about Blackberry) which will allow you to connect wi-fi devices and allow them internet access over your phone connection. Cell phone carriers try to charge money for this (even though you already paid for the data, and you paid for the phone, and they didn't even write the software that makes it work) but there are ways around it if the idea of paying for something twice offends you.
On Tue, Dec 13, 2011 at 1:59 PM, Bill Wade <super_chipmunk@roadrunner.com> wrote:
I just bought a G3 unit. Haven't actually had a chance to use it in flight but my instructor has a G3 unit with X-Wing and loves it. He hasn't had any problem with signal, and from my understanding the unit is pretty accurate- not to WAAS standards perhaps but good enough for most usage.
Wi-fi isn't always available- for example, my home base doesn't have it. If you travel to rural locations there are still places without broadband and depending on where you stay they may not have wireless installed. There have been times when I've had to make daily drives to a Wi-fi location to get prog charts for trip planning. Having G3 available gives another option and would allow a last minute update before departure. Downside is it's a relatively expensive way to get the info but if I purchased a few GB before starting a trip I'd be covered for a month. I got Verizon because of the coverage in the areas I go to, but I haven't activated it yet so I don't know how well it works.
I'm currently running a 30-day trial of X-Wing, but bought Foreflight Pro with the georeferenced plates & taxi diagrams. I have a 530 and that shows position on approach but I think it'll be helpful when taxiing in an unfamiliar airport. I was really impressed by the ability to organize plates into "binders" so I can pull up all the plates for an airport or for a trip and immediately select from thumbnails of them. The weather charting is similar, showing thumbnails of the choices.
X-wing has the split screen so I could display Sectional/IFR Enroute. It seemed a bit easier to set up a route. X-wing also is able to display multiple overlays, while Foreflight does one at a time. Foreflight does have a operator's manual that can be downloaded to learn about features.
Since I currently have both loaded, I may try using X-wing for enroute and switch over to Foreflight for approach. The Ipad loads programs so quickly I think that could work very well. As both display current position on the maps the changeover should be almost seamless. -Bill Wade
-----Original Message----- From: Terrence O'Neill
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 12:22 PM
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Subject: [LML] Re: Digital nav charts for iPad
Randy, thanks. I'm trying to understand whether i want the G3 or not, vs. just with wi-fi and maybe add a Bad Elf later. What else does the G3 give you besides the faux GPS?
For mounting, I thought mine might fit right above and cover the throttle and mixture, which I work without looking at anyway. Not much room in there.
Terrence
|
|