The Best iPad App Ever

MileHi480B · February 26, 2011

Have any of you heard about "Beacon" by Zivorsity Software? It is made for the iPad.

It does almost everything the Garmin 696 does for a fraction of the cost: Flight Plans, Navigation, Nav-Aids, Airports, Moving Map, Weather, Charts, Obstacles and Terrain. The only thing is doesn't do is Traffic. But is has 3D rendeerings of airspace as you are flying and a lot more.

It costs $79 for the app and $99 a year for constant updates.

Am I missing something or is this way cool?

I am considering not installing the 696 in my new helicopter and using the iPad instead. Any thoughts?

CHECK IT OUT!

Beacon

Chopperman11 · February 27, 2011

The chief instructor at my school has this on his iPad and it is definitely as cool as it looks

setlab · February 27, 2011

Must be cool, but $99 per year to use a software program!? I mean I know they have to update the information from time to time but that on top of $79 is rediculous for a software program IMO.

MileHi480B · February 27, 2011

Must be cool, but $99 per year to use a software program!? I mean I know they have to update the information from time to time but that on top of $79 is rediculous for a software program IMO.

The 696 and other GPS units usually require even more money! You need both an XM subscription and a Database subscription! Together they are hundreds of dollars a year.

BTW ...you can use Beacon without updates.

4engines · February 27, 2011

Interesting. Can someone give an accurate comparison to using ForeFlight on the Ipad? I've been pretty happy with that program.

deerock · March 1, 2011

looks like Beacon is still in its infancy...as the ratings are not great and not that many users/reviews in the first place.

I'd wait to use it and see what the stability is, etc.

I'm really happy with Foreflight on the iPad while flying, though I have a 696 too. But I tend to use Foreflight more now...and I got the Bad Elf GPS attachment too to maintain a more correct fix.

Either way, I think the expensive Garmin stuff is going by the wayside...not sure what Garmin has in mind for the next version of the 696, etc. but I'm sure it won't be that much different than the iPad/Foreflight combo. Plus the map updates for the Garmin are ridiculously expensive. Crazy expensive.

MileHi480B · March 1, 2011

Foreflight doesn't come close in features. I've now compared them side by side. Beacon's synthetic vision is incredible and the maps have way more overlays than Foreflight. I just wish the iPad could take TIS Xpndr input for traffic display!

BTW ... Anyone want to buy my 696? Like new ... Still have box and all accessories. Save $1000. Just $2500. If you have an R44 ... I have a custom mount and pilot knee bar at bolts into any 44. With all the pigtails that are wired inside the bar. It was custom made and I'll let it go for an extra $1000. It cost me $1500 to have It custom machined.

deerock · March 2, 2011

then let us know after using it for a while during flights, etc. and give a review after some time with the program. I like the synthetic vision option too...just not ready to take on a program that's not proven yet.

thanks

cherminator · March 2, 2011

Do not buy this product if you live in Canada as it is pretty well useless for Canadian info.

Bootcamp · March 6, 2011

I'm looking at getting the iPad as an alternative to charts and approach plates, more for IFR use than VFR use. I'm on the fence between ForeFlight and iChart (from FlightPrep). Does anyone have any thoughts?

Has anyone tried using an external Bluetooth GPS with the non-3G/4G iPad? Have you had any success?

jeffham · March 6, 2011

I'm looking at getting the iPad as an alternative to charts and approach plates, more for IFR use than VFR use. I'm on the fence between ForeFlight and iChart (from FlightPrep). Does anyone have any thoughts?

Has anyone tried using an external Bluetooth GPS with the non-3G/4G iPad? Have you had any success?

I have used the IPAD in our Citation and it works great. We've tried Foreflight and Sky Radar. Foreflight is by far the best of the two. I can highly recommend it.

Apple sells a GPS that is recommended for use with the IPAD. We tried our bluetooth GPS that we used with a Windows computer and couldn't get it paired. The latest update to Foreflight shows your position on the charts. I can't say that I use it much on approaches, but it is worth every penny on airport diagrams. Especially at large airports. They have a bluetooth and a plug in GPS that is advertised at Foreflight that will work.

Best Buy has original IPADs on clearance for $100 off.

As far as FlightPrep, I have sworn them off after their heavy handed patent enforcement. Not to mention I didn't care much for their product. My AME had FlightPrep initially and switched to Foreflight (not sure why).

Hope this helps.

Jeff

AW139 · June 10, 2011

Must be cool, but $99 per year to use a software program!? I mean I know they have to update the information from time to time but that on top of $79 is rediculous for a software program IMO.

Also don't forget the $300+ a year you will be paying for data coverage on a 3g iPad!

cherminator · June 11, 2011

Also don't forget the $300+ a year you will be paying for data coverage on a 3g iPad!

A lot of people don't know this but although yes, you do need an ipad 3g to get the GPS, you don't need to sign up for a data plan. The GPS in a 3g ipad works all by itself, no cell coverage or wifi necessary.

https://discussions.apple.com/message/15376314#15376314

I've flown my R44 with the ipad strapped to my leg like a kneeboard. It works great. It's a little hard to see in direct sunlight though. You can get the ipad leg strap at Sporty's.

AW139 · June 11, 2011

A lot of people don't know this but although yes, you do need an ipad 3g to get the GPS, you don't need to sign up for a data plan. The GPS in a 3g ipad works all by itself, no cell coverage or wifi necessary.

https://discussions.apple.com/message/15376314#15376314

I've flown my R44 with the ipad strapped to my leg like a kneeboard. It works great. It's a little hard to see in direct sunlight though. You can get the ipad leg strap at Sporty's.

Ah, sweet!

After further research I learned that "The GPS should work just fine without data plan, but remember that many apps, including the built in Maps app, require a data signal to draw the map. Full-fledged navigation programs like Copilot HD and TomTom have the maps built in, and thus will work fine without data, but some features like Traffic reports and live POI lookups won't work."

MileHi480B · June 12, 2011

IMPORTANT UPDATE! I bought a 16-gig WiiFi only, iPad2. When flying I use a small Bluetooth GPS module that stays in the helicopter. I also tether the iPad to my 4G Droid Thunderbolt for cell coverage (weather , etc). The combo works great! No data plan necessary for the iPad and my "rooted" Droid gives me free tethering.

This is the best combination of this technology I have found. The 4G is faster than the native 3G that comes with more expensive iPads. And the GPS is better than the built-in GPS in the 3G iPad. BTW ... the WiFi iPad DOES NOT have a built in GPS.

Here is the total breakdown:

16-gig WiFi iPad = 499

Bluetooth GPS = 199

Beacon Program = 90

You get one free set of charts up front and can choose to buy update service but it is not mandatory.

Edited June 13, 2011 by MileHi480B

txflyer · June 13, 2011

Hey milehi, have you had any problem with beacon force closing? I was using Beacon but it kept closing on me so I switched to wing x pro7.

cherminator · June 13, 2011

IMPORTANT UPDATE! I bought a 16-gig WiiFi only, iPad2. When flying I use a small Bluetooth GPS module that stays in the helicopter. I also tether the iPad to my 4G Droid Thunderbolt for cell coverage (weather , etc). The combo works great! No data plan necessary for the iPad and my "rooted" Droid give me free tethering.

This is the best combination of this technology I have found. The 4G is faster than the native 3G that come with more expensive iPads. And the GPS is better than the built-in GPS in the 3G iPad. BTW ... the WiFi iPad DOES NOT have a built in GPS.

Here is the total breakdown:

16-gig WiFi iPad = 499
Bluetooth GPS = 199
Beacon Program = 90

You get one free set of charts up front and can choose to tale update service but it is not mandatory.

Which GPS Bluetooth module are you using?

MileHi480B · June 13, 2011

Hey milehi, have you had any problem with beacon force closing? I was using Beacon but it kept closing on me so I switched to wing x pro7.

Never had the problem.

MileHi480B · June 13, 2011

Which GPS Bluetooth module are you using?

XGPS 150 by Dual. Here is a link: http://xgps150.dualav.com/

Edited June 13, 2011 by MileHi480B

Ryan CFI · June 14, 2011

Hello,

I have foreflight on my iphone 3g and I really love the app. The only issue I have with it is that it takes forever to load screens at times, especially maps. I was wondering if it was just my phone being antiquated, or if it was the app in general. If I could get it to perform faster and have a more accurate GPS fix I would buy an ipad in a second so I could have a bigger screen to work with.

I heard mention of gps options such as bad elf in previous posts, does anyone have any recomendations as far as they go?

One of my students bought a really expensive portable garmin, and I have to say that I would prefer foreflight on an ipad if I could work out these kinks. Any insight or recomendations will be greatly appreciated.

Ryan

palmfish · June 14, 2011

IMPORTANT UPDATE! I bought a 16-gig WiiFi only, iPad2. When flying I use a small Bluetooth GPS module that stays in the helicopter. I also tether the iPad to my 4G Droid Thunderbolt for cell coverage (weather , etc). The combo works great! No data plan necessary for the iPad and my "rooted" Droid gives me free tethering.

This is the best combination of this technology I have found. The 4G is faster than the native 3G that comes with more expensive iPads. And the GPS is better than the built-in GPS in the 3G iPad. BTW ... the WiFi iPad DOES NOT have a built in GPS.

Here is the total breakdown:

16-gig WiFi iPad = 499
Bluetooth GPS = 199
Beacon Program = 90

You get one free set of charts up front and can choose to buy update service but it is not mandatory.

Most people will not root/jailbreak their phones and "illegally" tether their iPads.

You should include the cost of either a 3g iPad and data plan or a tethering plan.

clay · June 14, 2011

Rooting/Jailbreaking a phone is not a crime. It's a way to use a phone to its full potential without the cell phone company's trying to control what you can and cant do.

http://www.androidguys.com/2010/07/26/rooting-android-phone-longer-crime/

Edited June 14, 2011 by clay

MileHi480B · June 14, 2011

Rooting/Jailbreaking a phone is not a crime. It's a way to use a phone to its full potential without the cell phone company's trying to control what you can and cant do.

http://www.androidguys.com/2010/07/26/rooting-android-phone-longer-crime/

TOOK THE WORDS OUT OF MY MOUTTH!

But for those pansies afraid of offending Steve Jobs or Google ... you can add $100 to the iPad for 3G (but then you don't need the $199 Bluetooth GPS) ... So you're still saving money.

If you choose to buy the WiFi "only" iPad then you have to buy the independent GPS and tethering it "legally" would be $20 a month.

Edited June 14, 2011 by MileHi480B

palmfish · June 15, 2011

TOOK THE WORDS OUT OF MY MOUTTH!

But for those pansies afraid of offending Steve Jobs or Google ... you can add $100 to the iPad for 3G (but then you don't need the $199 Bluetooth GPS) ... So you're still saving money.

If you choose to buy the WiFi "only" iPad then you have to buy the independent GPS and tethering it "legally" would be $20 a month.

Not illegal in a criminal sense, but in a contractual sense. When you signed up for your cellular service, you signed a contract with them. That contract says that you will not violate the terms of your service. If you do, you are in breach of contract.

Now if you choose to do it, that's fine. I understand wanting to use your phone and service the way you want without suffering through limitations imposed by your service provider. However, just because you choose to do it doesn't mean that those who do not are "pansies."

But I digress. My principal point was that most people are simply not interested in jumping through the hoops required to jailbreak their phone, download Cydia, and install a tethering app...successfully.

It's not exactly a straightforward process for the average Joe - it requires a fair bit of research and effort. Also, the software is buggy - you risk bricking your phone if you make a mistake, and you will likely void your warranty too. Finally, if you manage to get everything up and running, you will invariably receive harassing e-mails and/or phone calls from your service provider when your data usage habits change.

It may work for you, and that's great. But for most people, it's just too much trouble and not worth effort just to save a few bucks.

Tarantula · June 15, 2011

Minor point palmfish. If you buy the phone outright (instead of discounted with a plan) then sign up for a plan. Their terms of service don't control what OS you install on your phone, only how it connects/uses their network.

I do agree however, that for the average joe, jailbreaking a smartphone is beyond what they are willing to do just to save a few bucks.