G3X/Garmin Pilot/iPad issues

[Tango Mike]

I'm a dinosaur from the paper-chart days trying to get comfortable in the cockpit without having a sectional or IFR Low/High chart open and an approach plate on the yoke or a clipboard. It's proving to be a frustrating transition, but with the anticipation of substantial rewards available at the end game.

My RV-7 is G3X equipped, and my primary use for the iPad/Garmin Pilot combo is for flight planning, filing, etc. In the cockpit, I'm dealing with glare issues and where to put the iPad. So far, it's proved to be the most useful in the terminal phase, resting on my right knee with an approach plate geo-referenced through the GDL-39. Zooming in to read approach details more easily is a great feature and more user friendly than the range rocker and joystick method on the G3X MFD.

I've been getting ship's power to the iPad with a USB adaptor plugged into a standard power outlet. Yesterday, during an hour-long round-robin flight, my passenger was using the iPad and inadvertently connected it to one of two power adaptors that isn't working. I didn't notice the battery level when we discovered that it wasn't charging, but after switching to the working outlet, the iPad became very hot.

My plan has always been to connect a fully charged iPad to ship's power at the beginning of a flight, so I'm wondering if the lower battery level in this case put the iPad into a fast charge mode that caused the heat?

My passenger suggested that the protective iPad case might be affecting the cooling, but the fully charged iPad on my desk using the standard power adaptor is at room temperature. Anyone having problems with heat buildup?

Another issue relates to Garmin Pilot, which in spite of a large user's manual seems to hide specific actions from me. In this case, it's a chart binder I created that isn't labeled correctly. I've looked for instructions on how to either rename the binder or delete if and start over, but the only option I've found is a function called "Edit/Arrange" which is used to move the binders around in the list. If anyone knows how to do this, I'd appreciate knowing.

Thanks in advance for your comments/suggestions.

Tosh

[scard]

Originally Posted by Tango Mike

I'm a dinosaur from the paper-chart days trying to get comfortable in the cockpit without having a sectional or IFR Low/High chart open and an approach plate on the yoke or a clipboard. It's proving to be a frustrating transition, but with the anticipation of substantial rewards available at the end game.

My RV-7 is G3X equipped, and my primary use for the iPad/Garmin Pilot combo is for flight planning, filing, etc. In the cockpit, I'm dealing with glare issues and where to put the iPad. So far, it's proved to be the most useful in the terminal phase, resting on my right knee with an approach plate geo-referenced through the GDL-39. Zooming in to read approach details more easily is a great feature and more user friendly than the range rocker and joystick method on the G3X MFD.

I've been getting ship's power to the iPad with a USB adaptor plugged into a standard power outlet. Yesterday, during an hour-long round-robin flight, my passenger was using the iPad and inadvertently connected it to one of two power adaptors that isn't working. I didn't notice the battery level when we discovered that it wasn't charging, but after switching to the working outlet, the iPad became very hot.

My plan has always been to connect a fully charged iPad to ship's power at the beginning of a flight, so I'm wondering if the lower battery level in this case put the iPad into a fast charge mode that caused the heat?

My passenger suggested that the protective iPad case might be affecting the cooling, but the fully charged iPad on my desk using the standard power adaptor is at room temperature. Anyone having problems with heat buildup?

Another issue relates to Garmin Pilot, which in spite of a large user's manual seems to hide specific actions from me. In this case, it's a chart binder I created that isn't labeled correctly. I've looked for instructions on how to either rename the binder or delete if and start over, but the only option I've found is a function called "Edit/Arrange" which is used to move the binders around in the list. If anyone knows how to do this, I'd appreciate knowing.

Thanks in advance for your comments/suggestions.

Tosh

Yes, the ipad can get quite hot. If you allow it to get too hot, it will shut down. We cut large "cooling" holes in the back of the case that ours is in. Also, we know to plan very carefully to be sure it is cool (air vent) before an approach phase when in actual imc. Wish it wasn't so, but it just isn't bullet proof.

[David Paule]

And it helps to keep it out of direct sunlight.

Dave

[BCP Boys]

Are you using the built in GPS or an external GPS? If using the internal GPS and charging at the same time (especially from a low battery) it will utilize the full charge since it is not only needing to charge it but keep it on as well. Depending on the Amps drawing from your ship power it may also get too hot as well. If you are using the internal GPS try charging it at home when the battery is less than 20%. I bet it still gets hot . . . also as said before, be careful it doesn't get too hot because it will shut down. I don't use iPad in flight very often due to the glare but when I do bring it up I have it mounted by the passenger vent so it almost sits in front of the vent to allow cooling when I do have to use it.

[Mike H]

I only have about 30 hours flying with an IPad mini GDL-39 combo. If it stays plugged into ships power with the display backlighting on continuously it will get hot, this is starting out with a full charge before take off. I have never had it shut off due to overheating...yet. I tried several mounting positions in my Rans, but due to lack of a glare shield on the instrument panel I found the best viewing angle was sitting on my thigh. I bought a kneeboard mount from a company called AppStrap. I bought it from Gulf Coast avionics and while it is a little pricy, it is very well made. It comes with a vinyl covered foam wedge that can be secured under the front edge with Velcro to adjust the viewing angle.

[Bill.Peyton]

To delete a binder, hold your finger on the folder for about 4 seconds and an "x" will appear in the corner of the folder. Touch the x to delete. You can't delete a binder in a current open flight plan

[Tango Mike]

Originally Posted by BCP Boys

Are you using the built in GPS or an external GPS? If using the internal GPS and charging at the same time (especially from a low battery) it will utilize the full charge since it is not only needing to charge it but keep it on as well. Depending on the Amps drawing from your ship power it may also get too hot as well. If you are using the internal GPS try charging it at home when the battery is less than 20%. I bet it still gets hot . . . also as said before, be careful it doesn't get too hot because it will shut down. I don't use iPad in flight very often due to the glare but when I do bring it up I have it mounted by the passenger vent so it almost sits in front of the vent to allow cooling when I do have to use it.

Not sure I understand how to select an internal versus external GPS. I elected not to pay the extra for the cellular model, which as I understand it improves the accuracy of the iPad's GPS, because it's Bluetooth-paired with the GDL-39 and derives its position from it.

On a 40-minute flight today, we began with a 100% charged, room temperature iPad, connected it to ship's power, and used it all the way to landing. It might have been in direct sunlight for a short period because I don't use the Kroger shade during the takeoff and landing phase, but for the most part it was shaded from the sun. Even so, the screen and back of the iPad got very hot to the touch.

On the way back to home base, we used it the same way except didn't connect it to ship's power, and it felt as if the heat level was about the same. This seems to indicate that whether or not it's charging might not be a factor.

I don't know if this has anything to do with it, but I've got the screen set on full bright. I turned off auto brightness because I was told that the iPad is designed so that in bright conditions it reduces screen brightness, which seems counter-intuitive, and may not be correct to begin with.

I have a cushioned leather case that I really like for protecting the screen and back of the iPad. I'm not too keen about yanking it in and out of the snaps every time I want to use it inflight, but I think that's the next thing to try, along with the suggestion to direct fresh airflow onto the back.

That won't work for having it close at hand on my right leg for verifying approach chart details, however.

Tosh

[Bill.Peyton]

If you don't purchase th cellular option for the iPad, you don't have a GPS built in to the iPad.

[Tango Mike]

Originally Posted by Mike H

I only have about 30 hours flying with an IPad mini GDL-39 combo. If it stays plugged into ships power with the display backlighting on continuously it will get hot, this is starting out with a full charge before take off. I have never had it shut off due to overheating...yet. I tried several mounting positions in my Rans, but due to lack of a glare shield on the instrument panel I found the best viewing angle was sitting on my thigh. I bought a kneeboard mount from a company called AppStrap. I bought it from Gulf Coast avionics and while it is a little pricy, it is very well made. It comes with a vinyl covered foam wedge that can be secured under the front edge with Velcro to adjust the viewing angle.

I heard about that kneeboard mount from another Van's Forum member and looked at it a few months ago. On the few occasions in which I've used it on approaches, I simply rested it on my thigh, but that might not be a workable solution long term.

[Bill.Peyton]

I think there is an issue with your iPad or your charger. I have never had any heat issues like you described. I have an ipad2. Mine is in a black notebook case. I have been using it for several years in the cockpit. I rarely have to charge it while in the aircraft unless it's an unusually long trip 7 + hours