Thread: Backup GPS

I've been thinking about upgrading my "backup" GPS to something a bit more aviation friendly/useful. I currently carry a Garmin 60-something handheld as a spare. While it would work in a pinch, it has almost no aviation features, and a tiny screen.

While looking at the low-end aviation portable like the AV8OR and the ATC, I stumbled across a new unit from Control Vision that replaces their Anywhere Travel Companion. The QUADRA is just out, and I haven't seen one yet, but the specs look awesome. With all the features, I'm beginning to think about having a "spare" that I actually use, along with the main unit.

http://www.anywheremap.com/anywheremap-quadra.aspx

The Quadra is pretty much the same as the new Garmin Aera line (4.3" touch-screen), but much cheaper and with more features. I'm particularly interested in using the unit to replace sectionals. Unlimited updates for the sectionals, and all the other aviation stuff (obstacles, airports, airspace, nav, etc) is only $115 year (Garmin Aera is $500/yr). I'm sure I pay that much already just updating my paper maps. The unit has wi-fi built in, so a couple of clicks updates everything from any wi-fi connection. With the touch screen, it looks like the Quadra would be an easy way to get frequency info, runway info, etc., without fumbling with maps and the AF/D. I'm thinking that my passenger would benefit as well, as they could look stuff up for me without messing with my primary display. Otherwise, the knee-board mount would work great for the pilot.

The "emergency" mode of this thing looks very interesting... with one button, it automatically switches to a special screen with info needed to get down safely. It plots a course to the nearest airport, and shows a "cone of safety" circle, showing your likely glide distance. The info is based on actual performance, and takes into consideration winds and changing flap settings.

I'm thinking about getting the MAX unit, with sectionals ($795)... so it's a bit more than I wanted to spend for a "spare" unit, but with fact that I can actually USE IT, it seems like a reasonable price.

SO..... am I nuts? Has anybody used one of these type units to replace their sectionals? Anybody use the predecessor (the ATC)? I think Brian (allegro) had a similar unit... how is that working out?

Tim

I hate to write this BUT I've owned them all including anywheremap. Had the AV8OR, and two or three others. It makes me mad but I always end up with the Garmin. They are over priced but they work, are well built and always have the easiest interface. I have a 696 with with an aera backup. I think the Aera is another hundred or so - I'd save that up and as much as I hate to say it - go with Garmin.

Roger H

Point well taken... I've had a 7-8 Garmins (car/plane/hiking) over the years and always appreciate their quality. It's just that the Garmin Aera that even begins to match the features costs double, and I don't take kindly to the $500 /year updates. Plus, the Aeras don't do sectionals, do they?

Tim

No they don't do sectionals but at this size and it being a backup you can't read them in an airplane anyhow.

Tim, I don't know how close you are to a good avionics shop but I'm lucky to be about 20 miles away and can play/compare with them all. Do you have that option?

Here's another thought... I'm very excited about the Apple iPad due out next week. I'm hoping we'll finally have a "computer friend" in the cockpit that will do it all when it comes to displaying charts, GPS, etc., etc. It will probably lack in the "bright sunlight" screen category but it just might work... we'll see.

Roger

Roger, what software would you use in the iPad? I'm an Apple guy also and might go that direction if there's the right software available...
John

There's a bunch of stuff for the iPhone but tuff to read and use due to it's smallness. I call it my third GPS backup however. I think we'll see plates, sectionals, gps stuff and more for the iPad. It makes a more sense then the iPhone for airplane stuff. I'm pretty pumped. I think some of the "flight bag" stuff might even work eventually.

Tim,

What I have is a 7" moving map GPS over sectionals.. It Cost 499.00 and one year of updates are 69.95...t

It is very cool for the price and you have access to the developer via a forum.. He (Walter) gives personal replys and answers...
Look at .... http://ifly.adventurepilot.com/ to see the Ifly700... Tim. I do have one and would be glad to show you next time I am in the valley.... *(Mesa) usually onve or twice a month....

Brian

I ordered a Quadra Max 3 weeks ago. If you like I'll report on it once I get it.
Sunlight readable is critically important in our bright cockpits. I bought a small tablet computer specifically for use in the plane but it's just not bright enough. What a waste.
Mike Koerner

You guys are going to need a bigger plane!

N3081X, how are you enjoying your Allegro? That's what I trained in down in Sanford, NC. Doug and Betty did me right, and I thank them periodically for teaching me to fly.