lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Gentleman I recently purchased the new WeatherAnywhere system form Control Vision(controlvision.com) and have to say that I am very impressed with it. The system is comprised of four basic parts: A Compaq iPaq pocket computer, a Garmin gps, a Qualcomm satalite phone, and the software and cables/boxes to connect them and make them work together. Togrther they create quite a remarkable product. First it is gps with a color moving map. It has all and more of the newest and best features of the products on the market (although it is not approach qualified). Second and the reason I bought one is that it uses the satalite phone to hook up to a isp and down loads 7 level radar data for the continental U.S. It displays it on the moving map. It's better than on board radar it seems to me: No attenuation and you can zoom way out to view the the big picture. The drawback is the picture could be a few minutes old when you get it. The resolution is about 1 mile. It should be fine for wx avoidance, not for penetration. Other drawbacks: Lots of cables/boxes/clutter in the cockpit (I think these can be hidden later); Also the screen is smaller than most mfd's but bigger than most moving maps. The price is around $3,000. There's a $115 annual fee for regular database updates and the phone compay charges $30/month plus $1.40 per minute/ update. One can use the phone as a cell phone or a satalite phone when not used by the system (if one can afford it) and one can use the ipaq as a pda when not flying. all in all it's not a bad deal. I currently have a Northstar M3 gps conected to to a Arnav mfd5200 in my IVP. The two together cost new about $12000. I have much more useful information with the new system. I've been bugging Arnav for a year to get their promised satalite system going to no avail. Their current wx product has very limited coverage and is more expensive than this whole system. I hope this is useful. I keep you updated. Cheers Bob Evans N4TQ LML website: http://members.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please remember that purchases from the Builders' Bookstore assist with the management of the LML. Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.