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GPS-NAV

Note: The GPS-NAV is not currently in production but a few units are available directly from Cambridge.  I can sell accessories.

Photos Click on the images below to view larger versions.
GPS-NAV Model 20	GPS-NAV Model 25	LCD Navigation Display
The Model 20's small package features a built in antenna, allowing easy installation and removal. Using the same 1/4"-20 mounting screw as a camera allows simple attachment to a standard camera mount. The small size also permits installation on or just under the instrument panel cover.	For more difficult installations the Model 25 features an external antenna, rather than a built-in antenna. This allows the GPS antenna to be located remotely and connected to the flight recorder via a coaxial cable.	The optional LCD Navigation Display offers a very simple user interface and can be used to edit tasks and make electronic flight declarations.

Background
Cambridge pioneered Secure GPS Flight Recording and Navigation with the introduction of the Model 10. This was the first GPS based Flight Recorder to score a World Championship. It was first to receive FAI approval. The Model 10 set the standard for all to follow.  The Model 20 and 25 used the latest technology and eliminate the Model 10's internal battery. This reduces both size and cost. All GPS-NAV models have the same functionality and are approved for validation of FAI Badge and Record flights.

Better by Design
Cambridge systems are designed by glider pilots for glider pilots. The FAI approved GPS-NAV replaces both cameras and barographs. Ease of use and attention to detail make Cambridge the best GPS system for soaring.

Features

• The optional LCD display is very easy-to-use in flight - perfect for use in gliders owned by clubs or syndicates.
• Small size
• Wind speed and direction calculated while circling. Helps you locates wind shear and blue streets.
• IGC approved GPS position recorder, pressure altitude recorder (barogram), and motorglider engine run sensor, approved for badge and record flights
• Automatice motion based recording - It notices when you start flying and uses a buffer to record the two minutes preceding the flight.
• 9900 GPS/Altitude fixes are logged - 11 hours of logging at 4 second intervals.
• Works great with an L-NAV.  The GPS-NAV sends destination elevation data to the L-NAV so that the L-NAV can display differential final glide data.  No other logger offers that feature with the L-NAV. 
• Works great with Glide Navigator II software for Pocket PC.  Glide Navigator can download flight logs from the GPS-NAV and send flight declarations to the GPS-NAV.  The GPS-NAV also relays data from the L-NAV to Glide Navigator.  No other logger can do that.
• The GPS-NAV can provide 5V power for a Compaq Aero 1550 Pocket PC.  It may, or may not have enough current to power an iPAQ.  It may work as long as the iPAQ is fully charged, but most pilots invest in a 12V to 5V converter like the Goddard PS-5a to be on the safe side.

Need to Know Items
I am very up-front about the limitations of the products I sell.  I want to be sure that you feel I have helped you select the best system for your needs.  This section points out some items that may not be obvious when comparing products.

• The GPS-NAV is somewhat expensive when compared with similar competitive products.  The 302A is also a much lower cost solution.  However, the optional LCD display offer the best user interface by far.  Also, the GPS-NAV works better with the L-NAV than competitive products.
• Memory for only 250 waypoints.  The 302 and CFR hold 2000 waypoints.
• Memory for only 11 hours of flight recording at 4 second intervals.  The 302 and CFR hold up to 100 hours at 4 second intervals.
• Flight logs files downloaded from the GPS-NAV are stored in ".cai" files and must be converted to ".igc" files using PC software.  Most flight analysis software programs prefer ".igc" files.  It is very easy to convert the files, but a little bit of a pain.

LCD Navigation Display

Fast and simple navigation point selection. Instant bearing and distance display for up to 250 points. Instant toggle between a turnpoint and a landing field. Navigation points listed by full 12 character names.

Example System

• Cambridge Aero Instruments GPS-NAV Model 20, IGC Approved Flight Logger - $1220
• Glide Navigator II Soaring Software with Moving Map, Final Glide, Flight Logging, etc. - $149
• Compaq iPAQ 3950 Pocket PC - $459.95  (any iPAQ (other than the 1900 series) will work, see the iPAQ comparison on the Pocket PC page)
• :: Goddard :: PS-5a and PGNAV-1 - PS-5a 12 V to 5 V high efficiency power converter and PGNAV-1 cable to connect the GPS-NAV to the PS-5a.  Supplies 12V power to the GPS-NAV. $88 + $65 = $153
• TEKK-iPAQ-3900-Gn15cm-DB - $195, Gooseneck mount for iPAQ 3800, 3900, or 5400 Pocket PC.  Includes cable to connect to PS-5a.

Total Price of all the components: $2176.95
If you already own an iPAQ, it is only $1717
If you already own a GPS-NAV, it is only $956.95
If you already own a GPS-NAV and an iPAQ, it is only $497

There are lower cost mount options.  See the Mount Comparison page.

Software
There are several PC software programs which may be used to edit waypoint databases, transfer waypoint files to the GPS-NAV, and download flight logs from the GPS-NAV. 

• GPS-NAV - DOS, The original DOS software is available on the Cambridge web site at: http://www.cambridge-aero.com/CA_explorer.htm  
• Cambridge Aero Explorer - This Windows software program is the latest product from Cambridge.  It is available at: http://www.gfbyars.com/winscore/download.shtml   
• SeeYou - This is the ultimate flight analysis and waypoint database editing software.  It is available here.  It allows waypoint uploading an downloading of flight logs from the GPS-NAV.

Directions

• Download and open the zip file: demogpsn.zip
• Extract the files to a directory somewhere on your PC - I recommend the "My Documents/GPS-NAV Demo" folder
• Open the folder and double-click on the file "demogpsn.htm"
• Follow the directions on the screen