Lowrance 2000c Upgrade

[rv6ejguy]

I'm looking at the 2000C for my RV10 panel right now. Has anyone hooked up this unit to a TruTrak autopilot? Any word if/ when they will offer weather overlay software for the 2000C? Any problems with this unit to report? Has Lowrance added private airports to their data base yet?

I looked at the Avmap IV but read too many scary reports of disappearing, features, bad terrain data and interference problems, plus North up only depictions. Not sure if those are now solved but I see a lot for sale used.

I really like my Skymap IIIC in my RV6A but kinda pricey now and not sure if they will offer the weather features either. Sunlight readability was poor on my 2000 year model which may have been improved by now. WAY easier and more intuitive to use than my backup Garmin.

[rv6ejguy]

How do users find the programming/ entering of waypoints for flight planning? I've read where you must use the cursor to choose. Is there a way to select identifiers or names to do this. Also, best current price people have found on this unit?

Finally, anything users really dislike about the 2000C?

[John_RV4]

I have been hesitant to enter into this area but......
I bought an Airmap 500 to get an inexpensive GPS that could serve as a backup when I eventually get my "keeper". I know we're talking about the 2000 here, but the software is likely similar if not identical.

I find the Lowrance interface to be very clumsy. Yes, you are using arrow keys to work your way up and down menu selections and it is very "heads down" in operation.

I find that when I haven't used the unit for a while, I have to relearn how to do things again (like build a flight plan). It is not very intuitive. A couple of times I have had to get the manual out to re-figure out how to do something.

Speaking of the manual. It is very limited. There are many undocumented operations in the unit. For example, I have never successfully reversed a flight plan. When I try to do it, the unit simply ignores my menu selection. I then make a new flight plan for the trip home. There is no mention in the manual anywhere about reversing a flight plan.

There are also lots of silly features that clutter up the unit and make it that much more difficult to navigate around. Do we really need an E6B in our GPS?
I would like the ability to turn stuff off/make it go away. There are lots of goofy things I will never use like OBS hold. However, if you stumble into OBS hold, it fundamentally changes the way the moving map works. I simply want that "capability" removed.

That leads me to my one tangible complaint. On 3 occasions(twice in flight, once on the ground) the moving map would not move. It seems to revert to a fixed location and just sit there. The HSI screen still works but the map is dead. No amount of fiddling seems to be able to recover it including rebooting the unit. Did I select something form the menus that I shouldn't have ? Maybe but 99% of the real value of any GPS is in the moving map. If it doesn't move, it's nothing but a distraction.

In summary, I would prefer less "fluff" and more intuitive operation of the core aviation functions. I recognize that other people might think that OBS hold is a good thing for a VFR GPS but I want the ability to disable/remove it. If others want to keep it, that's up to them. Right now, I don't get a choice.

On the plus side, this little unit fits in a shirt pocket and can go 10+ hours on a set of AAs. As a backup, you just turn it on and you know where you are. You can even leave it in your pocket if you like :-). Pretty close to ideal.

[mrreddick]

I have to agree with the OBS Hold feature but that's about all.
The 2000C is very easy to program a route and reverse it but you must be familiar with the unit, just like any other GPS you would purchase. When you select a function you have to remember to hit the "ENT" button and then the "EXIT" or the unit will just return you to the previous menu or screen you were viewing.
If you're used to a Garmin it will take a few flights or simulator mode usage at home before you try to use the Lowrance in the air.
My wife is normally useless on techno stuff like VCRs, DVRs, etc., and she even learned the Lowrance navigation menu on our first cross country.
The Terrain Awareness in the 2000 is great and comes in handy when flying near mountainess terrain. Hope to get some use out of it this weekend when we fly to Denver and Fort Collins.

[Sam Buchanan]

The 2000C is very easy to program a route and reverse it but you must be familiar with the unit, just like any other GPS you would purchase.

I concur. The Airmap 100 faithfully guided my RV-6 around the country for six years and the unit was very intuitive to use. A few months ago I upgraded to the Airmap 1000 and found the menu to be similar to the old 100 in function and ease of use. But an evening spent with the unit and the manual is always time well spent when getting familiar with a new GPS.

Lowrance has a very cool bit of software you can download to your computer so you can "use" the Airmap 1000 prior to buying the unit. This should also be useful for prospective 2000 users since the menu structure is very similar:

http://www.lowrance.com/Software/PCS...p1000_demo.asp

Just as with the 100, the new 1000 drives the Trio EZ-Pilot superbly and my mature eyes love the huge display of the new Airmaps.

Sam Buchanan
http://thervjournal.com