AvMap EKP IV

Bob Axsom · #1 09-14-2006, 10:13 AM

Well I just got my Sporty's September 2006 catalog and I see the AvMap EKP IV write up and image on page 109. Now, I have seen the EFB write-ups etc. and I saw Paul Dye's comments a while back about a product that only shows the approach plates, etc. (no GPS and other bells and whistles). The product that Paul described seems like it would be fine for my applications. Jeppessen has gotten so expensive it is clear to me that they do not want my business and I have difficulty reading the small print in the cockpit at night anyway (need the white light) and them having two approach formats in the books at the same time is awkward. I make cross country trips frequently enough that I am always buying FAA Terminal Procedures Publications (approach plate books) and En Route Low Altitude Charts to supplement my Jeppessen subscription for Oklahoma/Arkansas/Lousiana coverage (you don't get to pick the states you want of course). So I am constantly working around the differences in the FAA charts/plates and the Jeppessen charts/plates as well. All this conspires to make me want a compact single format per application system but I have been around development projects long enough to know many will not survive, there are a lot of clumsy implementations, extra hardware is required, wires are exposed in the cockpit, updates are expensive, operationa heat is a problem, etc. etc.

This thing in Sporty's is advertized as a strap on your leg affair that requires ony power and an external antenna. I could live with that but I suspect this is not the whole story. I would like to hear candid inputs from others that are not as timid as I - people that have made the plunge - so I can make a more informed decision.

Bob Axsom

otterhunter2 · #2 09-14-2006, 10:57 AM

These guys might have a product which could cut down on the paper chart requirements and provide you with a EFB plus other features.

http://www.aviationsafety.com/fl_190.htm

Ironflight · #3 09-14-2006, 11:14 AM

Hi Bob - I did a little more looking at the eFlybook (the thing I mentioned a little while back), and decided I was going to wait until i hear some reports from people in the file. I did talk to their sales guy, and when I asked if the whole approach plate was visible, he said that parts of it are off the screen, and you have to scroll around. It sounds very promising, but I don't want to be on that much of a bleeding edge on technology, so since my chart subscription is good to next May, I tempered my impatience, and decided to wait and see.....

Paul

otterhunter2 · #4 09-14-2006, 11:27 AM

More EFBs.

http://www.avionix.com/E_Charts.html

svanarts · #5 09-14-2006, 01:14 PM

You can learn more specifically about the EKP IV in this thread: avmap EKP Impressions

I've been looking for the Holy Grail of inflight data presation. I've used tablet PC, laptops, PDA, and have not yet found an acceptably small and yet visible (in the bright cockpit environment) technology to my liking. When I complete the RV-7 I'll probably go with a Motion LS800 or similar tablet PC which is small enough to be manageable, has a View Anywhere display that is visible in direct sunlight, and can run a GPS moving map/flight planning program that will pop up approach plates for the selected approach, and then pop up taxi-way diagrams once on the ground.

Bob Axsom · #6 09-16-2006, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svanarts

You can learn more specifically about the EKP IV in this thread: avmap EKP Impressions

Thanks for that. Most of the comments are encouraging but the omission of some approaches is a significant problem and the ignorance (or worse) of a company representative responding to the learned observation of a potential buyer is very disturbing. Since the data are not complete, one has to wonder about the source and the validity of what is available. A completely reliable and available set of approach plates requires buying the paper sets and cross checking the electronic version before flight for coverage as well as correctness and bringing them along for reliability. Even with the preflight cross check, it is doubtful that the checks would be effective in detecting out of date or otherwise erroneous electronic displays and every successful cross check would reduce the checking rigor. It is easy to imagine an "Aftermath" article in Flying devoted to crash that occurred due to bad electronic data even though good hard copy approach plates were in the plane. However, the functionality sings a siren song that is hard to resist.

Bob Axsom

Ironflight · #7 09-16-2006, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Axsom

It is easy to imagine an "Aftermath" article in Flying devoted to crash that occurred due to bad electronic data even though good hard copy approach plates were in the plane. However, the functionality sings a siren song that is hard to resist.

Bob Axsom

You and I have arrived at the same place Bob - I really LOVE the idea of having all my charts in one little electronic box....but I'm just sure the functionality is reliable yet (for a price that I can afford at least...)

Paul

svanarts · #8 09-16-2006, 07:10 PM

Experience with bad/missing data in the AvMap parallels what some Garmin users are reporting. The company just shrugs and says to complain to Jeppesen. That's not good enough for me, if I buy the product from you, I want YOU to complain to Jeppensen for me.

For day VFR flying the EKP IV is an impeccable unit. Just the right size, VERY readable display. I just wanted a multipurpose device a la PDA or tablet so I sold my EKP. I ended up with a Lowrance 600C. So much for multipurpose.

fodrv7 · #9 09-17-2006, 04:56 AM

I have an Avpap EKP IV and and won't do what you want as I doubt you can be sure to obtain current charts.
But my Fugawi PDA compromise might do what you want.

Maptrax Australia supplies scanned Aeronautical Charts which can be dispalyed on a PDA and driven by a GPS.
http://www.maptrax.com.au/
The software to drive the system is Fugawi (I can explain what I think is the origin of the name..... by private email) which I think is Canadian.
http://www.fugawi.com/web/
You can purchase Charts or scan your own, so you can ensure they are identical copies of the current charts.
It is possible that someone in the States can provide USA Charts for this Fugawi driven system.
The only downside I found is the small PDA screen, but it is value for $.

Craggy Aero supplied me with the PDA, GPS and connections.
http://www.craggyaero.com/

Also try http://www.avionix.com/E_Charts.html
Pete.

Phyrcooler · #10 09-17-2006, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svanarts

For day VFR flying the EKP IV is an impeccable unit. Just the right size, VERY readable display. I just wanted a multipurpose device a la PDA or tablet so I sold my EKP. I ended up with a Lowrance 600C. So much for multipurpose.

Apologies for wandering off-topic a bit here. What are your thoughts on the 600C? I'm still a VFR/rental/spam-can driver, and am considering one. Do you like it and would you buy it again?

Thanks!