Pocket FMS alternative

[jackzk]

Hi, just wondering if there is an alternative software program similar to Pocket FMS. I think with their new subscription method of 150 Euros per year seems a bit stiff!!

 

 

[Matt]

Hi Jackzk,

 

What functions are you looking for? Flight planning, moving map GPS etc.? If so, have a look at OziExplorer - it's Australian, reasonably inexpensive and very well supported.

 

Cheers,

 

Matt.

 

 

[Guest ultrabaz]

Have a look at http://www.approach-systems.com/ - this looks very good and I have tried it with good results. They are in the process of developing Australian info and have released a beta version for trial.

 

Cheers

 

Barry

 

 

[johnprop]

In response to my enquiry I received the following answer from Approach Systems.

 

Clive

 

We do offer coverage of Australia. You can download the data at www.approach-systems.com/intl_data.asp. If you have any other questions or comments, please let me know. Thanks!

 

--

 

Rob Moncur

 

APIC Sales/Support

 

[email protected]

 

 

[rong]

The Approach Systems Australian data is more than 18 months out of date.

 

R.

 

 

[skybum]

There is a very cheap interface with OziExplorer. Get onto UltraNav to do your flightplanning, export to OziExplorer, UltraNav already is compatible with Ozi. Ozi is extremely useful if you have the 1:250000 AusLig maps. The maps are downloadable to a PDA if you have the PDA program for Ozi but will only be trip specific for the maps.

 

GPS and a TabletPC and you have an outstanding moving map display. Add 3D view and Satellite images and you are showing a very strong navigation device for light GA or RAA use.

 

Personally, I use PocketFMS in my GPS PDA. My Magellin Explorist(route downloaded across from UltraNav) as a backup and trip logger and my TabletPC as a GPS moving map. Also have Command for my GA flightplanning. Goes great as a paperless cockpit for downloading the weather and uploading my plans to NAIPS.

 

In defence of PocketFMS, I have found them to be faster than either Jepp or AirNoServices for data updates and the relative height interface is quite exceptional. I already had my GPS PDA phone so it was easy to get into the subscription service as a donor. The way I see it ,PFMS is every bit as good as the the Garmin Q and when you compare $1300 pricetag and the Jepp subscription for a VFR only device and that 75Euro a year looks pretty good.

 

Back to the original question- OziExplorer plus PDA 1:250000AusLig maps and UltraNav all on a Tablet PC or GPS PDA will be quite effective for minimal software costs.:thumb_up:

 

 

[johnprop]

R.

 

Is it the free Approach Australia data that is 18 months out of date or the data you subscribe to ?

 

At first glance Approach Sytems looks interesting with their artificial horizon driven by your GPS - as a back up of course. I understand changes are behind the actual by up to 1 second. Any comment the experience of using artificial horizon driven by GPS would be appreciated.

 

Blue skies

 

Clive

 

 

[Guest ultrabaz]

Approach

 

Hi all - I have on my PDA Ozi Explorer, Pocket FMS and the Approach Systems. I use them all and at the bottom of this list is Ozi Explorer. The other 2 are very good and give excellent results. The artificial horizon from Approach is very good and it does work! As the approach is at this stage free - what do you have to loose by giving it a go? Pocket FMS is excellent but does cost so it is your choice, depending on the use you want to put the system to.

 

Cheers

 

 

[rong]

Clive, it is the free Approach data which has not been updated. I don't know about the other.

 

Ron

 

 

[johnprop]

Hi,

 

Do you have on your PDA the free Approach or the Approach Pro for which you pay? If it is the Pro is it up to date?

 

Cheers

 

Clive