Re: GPS Interface Software

[John Peterson <jaypee@netcom.com>]

On Mon, Apr 12, 1999 at 10:10:34PM +0400, Amos Shapira wrote:
> On Mon, April 12 1999, "D.F.S." <dfs@xmission.com> wrote:
> |> 
> |> |   I've noticed one topic that hasn't come up on the list yet; GPS
> |> 
> |> Not sure how much this is relevant to this forum, so I think any
> |> further discussion should be kept away from here, 
> |First off, I gess I must be mistaken as to the intent of the mailing list.
> |I thought it was all about planes, computers and the linux OS.
> |I think This is a perfect subject along those lines.
> 
> OK, I just hope we don't annoy anyone.

   Please, please do post!!!

> I suppose as a glider (aka sail-plane) pilot, especially with club
> gliders (i.e. no private glider to stick my babies inside
> permanently), and with power, space (not just volume, but take a
> moment to remember how a glider pilot sits and try to find a place for
> the display) and sometimes weight limits being an issue, I look at
> quite the opposite extreme of the scale - lightweight, small,
> self-sufficient (i.e. no or very limited external battery) and
> hopefully lap-mountable box which can help me calculate from current
> data (IAS, TAS (=> wind), height, vertical speed, glider data, average
> thermal characteristics encountered so far and predicted by forecast
> etc.) where can I hope to reach from my current position.
> [...]
> 
> My point is that I'm in what might be viewed by others in this forum
> to be a "niche" - I need small, lightweight, PORTABLE, computer with
> GPS capabilities and which can calculate real-time data specific for
> flying gliders.  Looks like a PalmPilot with this card might give a
> good, partial, answer to such needs.
> 
> |A $50.00 laptop from someplace like EBAY and $100 for a GPS rcvr and
> |antenna could give you a realtime, moving display system using LINUX
> 
> But the size and other attributes aren't acceptable, unless you have
> something in mind I'm not aware of.
> 

   I agree, laptop computers are just out of the question for use
in gliders. You can't find room for them in most cockpits, and
if you could, it still needs to be strapped down (one decent bump and
you're looking at a smashed laptop, maybe a smashed canopy at $2K a
pop, and maybe even a smashed head :^).

   From someone who "flys both ends of the rope", I also have somewhat
mixed feelings of the value of in-flight usage of laptop computers in
"roomy" power planes. The ergonomics of laptops leave something to be
desired when compared to dedicated units (ala' GPS). Custom user
interfaces with just a few buttons and menus are just plain easier to
use. The same comment applies to the "distractions" created by the
operating system itself (starting the application, etc). This is also
an issue under Palm OS as well.

   So what is the answer? I don't claim to know, but I think it's
worth keeping an eye on the uClinux project.  I bought a Palm III a few
months ago, with the idea of buying the TRG memory board and running
uClinux on it.  I've since learned that the uClinux gang is working on
a small, mostly self contained card that has a Motorola DragonBall EZ
processor (same integrated CPU as the Palm III) right on it! They
claim the price will be $150 or so. For more info, see

        http://ryeham.ee.ryerson.ca/uClinux/simm/

This opens up the possibility of building a low cost, high quality,
dedicated unit that could be programmed accordingly depending on the
target application (power vs. soaring).  I would have to agree with
those who say uClinux has a way to go yet. However, I have also looked
into developing under Palm OS, and it looks rather painful to me! By
the way, the uClinux kernel runs fine under the latest Xcopilot
emulator.

Regards, John

-- 
 ___|___  | John C. Peterson, KD6EKQ | Installing Micro$oft Windows on a PC is
  -(*)-   | mailto:jaypee@netcom.com | like putting wagon wheels on a Porsche!
  o/ \o   | San Diego, CA   U.S.A    | See http://www.linux.org/ for info.
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