New stuff and Sexy Panels

[n86121]

Gents

Re-doing my avionics, I've been looking for the perfect combination of an open hardware platform (non-certied so it can evolve at the speed of software), that is dash mountable, and could run TrueMap (aviationsafety.com); which I think to be the best in-cockpit application.

When the Helm x650 came out I said 'Bogey down!" (Or some equally dated expression).

Thus I'm adding the Helm x650, at the top of the stack to help keep eyes OUT,with TrueMap.

The Helm appeals to my rebel nature, a non-certified open platform with high-rez, high brightness, touchscreen, the same GPS hardware chipset as garmin certified, plus azimuth and elevation sensors, USB, etc. You can run any software you want. As software evolves, so does the box.

Much better than spending $20k for whatever FAA was willing to approve four years ago with garmin, or others; thereafter technologically frozen in time until ready to fork over another $20k or more in the future.

I went with truemap because it seemed the best in-flight application. Some of the user I/O is a bit klunky, but it's probably the best for in flight www.aviationsafety.com

I also realized its a full computer, so with audio software (VFR) my wife can listen to her podcasts, and I can fill up to 60G solid state drive with music, etc.

Pretty cool, eh?

It also puts out the data stream my Shadin can read. Since it cannot control or affect the certified devices, merely spits data, they can be interfaced without too much adieu.

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As I was looking online at various panels, I also ran across these wood-like finishes from www.pfluegers.com.

My wife happened to look over my shoulder and went "Oooooo."

When you are looking at airplane stuff and your wife goes "Oooooo" it is best to assume that is an imperative statement.

To date my 'thrasher was still equipped with cracked and broken plastic overlay and riveted 40 year old post lights. I had been planning to put in a pile of nulites around all of the instruments. When I priced out that many nulights, plus the hassle and cost of installing, I realized that for not too much more these panels both prettied-up the panel and also provide the perfect lighting. The panels are actually acrylic with embedded lighting. I had them designed with their bottom edge open as well, to provide down lighting to the switch panels below.

Pflueger can do them in any finish. Metal-like, wood like, whatever. They use high tech overlay material over the underlying acrylic.

"Ooooooo"

Eat your hearts out!

D