Parts by Cumulus Soaring,
Inc.
Aluminum Parts
I've had to have a few parts made to ensure
glider pilots can get the most out of their gliders. The machined
aluminum parts are made on a machining center and black anodized.
They are very nice.
Cumulus iPAQ Cradles -
Sorry - No Longer Available
Overview
Need a way to mount your iPAQ in your glider? This is the best
solution available for iPAQs. It is simple and light, and it securely
holds the iPAQ. Compatible with iPAQ h3800, h3900, h5100, h5400, and h5500 series Pocket PC's. The power/data cable exits
the back of the cradle so there are no connectors dangling down below the
Pocket PC to be knocked loose by your knee. A 1.0 m (39.4 in) cable
is standard with a 9-pin DB-9m connector wired for use with a Cambridge Aero
Instruments 302, 302A or Goddard PS-5a Power
Converter. Other cable lengths are available - up to 1.85 m (72.8
in). The PS-5a power converter can be used to connect the iPAQ to a wide
variety of soaring flight instruments. The cradle's cable contains wires for
powering the iPAQ with 5V and data communications with the GPS. Gooseneck and
RAM articulated arms are available.
Example PDA to GPS Cabling Solutions
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Example System using
iPAQ Cradle |
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| Cumulus iPAQ Cradle |
Optional
CAI-Pnl-0.5 Cable |
CAI 302, 302A or
GPS-NAV |
Photos
Retaining Hook
The iPAQ cradle utilizes a simple and reliable retaining hook that
locks into a slot on the lower back of the iPAQ. The hook is held in
place by a spring and released by pressing the button on the side of the
cradle. It is very easy to put the iPAQ into the mount, and easy to
remove when the button is pressed.
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Retaining
Hook
Click on the images to view larger versions. |
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Options
You will be prompted to select from the following options when you place
your order:
Mounting Tips
The cable is not run through the gooseneck or arm. The cable is to be
attached to the gooseneck or arm using small black tie-wraps. Since
the connector is already attached to the cable, a simple and elegant
solution has been devised by Klaus Keim in Germany for passing the cable through the
instrument panel. A small slot is made on the edge of an existing
instrument hole, and the cable is put into the slot with the instrument
removed. It makes for a very clean panel. See the photos below
for examples of how this looks. Alternatively, a small instrument hole
filler plate is available - the Gn57mmPlate2.
Gooseneck and Optional Base Plate
The gooseneck and adapter plates are made in the USA. The gooseneck is
very stiff and will hold the mount in position in flight. It is
normally mounted on the instrument panel with washers and a nut behind the
panel as shown below. I don't generally recommend mounting the
gooseneck in a location where it will need to bend more than 20 degrees or
so because it will eventually become less stiff with repetitive motion. The
RAM-GN3-238 adapter plate is used to mount the
gooseneck to the back of the cradle. The gooseneck threads into the
optional GnBase2 base
plate which is 1 3/16" (30 mm) in diameter and made of aluminum. The base
plate may also be the best solution for thin composite instrument panels.
Gooseneck Vs. RAM Articulated Arm?
I am often asked when an arm should be used, and when a gooseneck should be
used. Both options have advantages. Both the arms and the goosenecks can be
mounted to the panel - extending straight out. Articulated arms are
better for mounting on the canopy rail or
cockpit sidewall (bent 90 degrees to face the pilot). Both options
hold the mount securely. The arms are slightly more stiff than the
goosenecks, but I haven't had any complaints that the goosenecks are not
stiff enough. The goosenecks require less mounting space and are more
easily adjustable with one hand. It takes two hands to adjust a RAM
arm - one to position the cradle and one to loosen and tighten the nut.
It comes down to personal preference.
I will make both options available and let you decide. I prefer the
gooseneck and I sell more of them than the RAM arms. Note: Be careful not to mount the
cradle where it could interfere with your control stick!
Compatible with
:: Goddard ::
Cable Systems
The iPAQ cradle feature the same
DB-9m connections as used in :: Goddard ::
I38C-x cables, and connect directly to the
Cambridge 302, 302A or GPS-NAV or the Goddard
PS-5a Power Converter. The PS-5a can provide
power to your iPAQ and just about any GPS or flight logger.
Mount Comparison
See the Cradle Comparison page for details on the
advantages and disadvantages of the mount options available from Cumulus Soaring, Inc..
How to Order
To order a product, click on the
button next to the product.
When you are ready to complete your order, click on the
button.
Click on the small images to view larger versions.
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Part # |
Description |
Photo
Click on image to view larger version |
Price |
Lead-time |
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Cumulus-iPAQ-Cradle |
Cradle for Compaq/HP
iPAQ Pocket PC
Compatible with iPAQ h3800, h3900, h5100, h5400, and h5500 series
Pocket PC's. When you place your order, you will be prompted to
select the model of your Pocket PC and the desired gooseneck or arm
type. The $168 price does not
include the optional gooseneck or arm. I try to keep units with 1 m
(3.281 feet) cables in stock. Other lengths will have a 1 to 2
week lead-time. |
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$178+ |
In
Stock |
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CAI-Pnl-0.5 |
Cable, 0.5 m (19.7 inches),
Cambridge 302, 302A, GPS-NAV or Goddard PS-5a to Instrument Panel
Mountable DB-9f Connector,
This cable is used to bring the connections from the DB-9 on the back of
a Cambridge GPS-NAV, 302 or 302A to the instrument panel where they can
be more easily accessed. The panel connector has ears for mounting
the connector to the back of the instrument panel. A small 15 x 30
mm rectangular hole must be made in the panel to allow access to the
DB-9f connector. A PC cable can be connected to the panel
connector for downloading flight logs or a Cumulus iPAQ cradle
could be connected
directly to the panel connector. DB-9m connector at CAI product to DB-9f at panel, Includes lines for 5 VDC power and RS-232 data. |
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$55.00 |
In
Stock |
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| GNeck2 |
Flex Arm, 3, 6 or 9 inch
1/8-27 NPSM Threads,
The GNeck2 gooseneck flex arm is great for mounting a Pocket PC or GPS in a
glider. Most pilots mount the base of the gooseneck in the
instrument panel. It may be mounted through a hole in the panel
with a nut on the back, or it may be mounted to the optional ,
or in an instrument hole using a
Gn57mmPlate2. The GnBase2
can also be used to connect the other end of the gooseneck to the back
of a Cambridge CAA-128 cradle. The
optional adapter was designed to allow this GNeck2 gooseneck to be
mounted to the back of any RAM cradle. Gooseneck length options are
3 in (7.6 cm), 6 in
(15.2 cm) or 9 in (22.9 cm). This gooseneck is much more rugged than the
RAP-105-6DD flex arm. 2 nuts and 2 lock
washers are
included.Note: Most customers are
satisfied with the rigidness of these goosenecks. However, they
are friction devices and the longer length units are less stiff than the
short length units. I now include a steel stiffening rod with the
6" and 9" units which can be inserted into the gooseneck. I
recommend that you try to go without it first and then insert the rod if
necessary. Gooseneck flex arms work best when positioned more or
less straight. They will hold much less load when bent with a
sharp angle - such as a right angle bend.
Weights:
- GNeck-3in: 1.4 oz (40 g)
- GNeck-6in: 2.5 oz (71 g)
- GNeck-9in: 3.3 oz (94 g)
- RAM-GN3-238: 0.7 oz (20 g)
- GnBase2: 0.4 oz (11 g)
- Gn57mmPlate2: 0.7 oz (20 g)
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$19.95 |
In
Stock |
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GNeck2-Assy-Thru |
Flex Arm Assembly,
Through Panel Mount
Perfect for mounting and RAM or Seidio cradle to the instrument
panel of your sailplane. The threads of the flex arm go through a
10 mm hole in the instrument panel and are secured by a lock washer and
nut (included) on the back of the instrument panel. This option
works well with rigid panels such as those made of aluminum, but I
recommend the GNeck2-Assy-Panel for
instrument panels of fiberglass or carbon fiber because it offers a more
rigid solution. Available in 3 in (76 mm), 6 in (152 mm) and 9 in (229
mm) lengths. The photo at right shows the 6 inch model.
Included
- RAM-GN3-238
Diamond Shaped Adapter
- GNeck2 Flex
Arm, 3 in (76 mm), 6 in (152 mm) and 9 in (229 mm) lengths
Note: Most customers are
satisfied with the rigidness of these goosenecks. However, they
are friction devices and the longer length units are less stiff than the
short length units. I now include a steel stiffening rod with the
6" and 9" units which can be inserted into the gooseneck. I
recommend that you try to go without it first and then insert the rod if
necessary. Gooseneck flex arms work best when positioned more or
less straight. They will hold much less load when bent with a
sharp angle - such as a right angle bend. |
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$34.90 |
In
Stock |
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GNeck2-Assy-Panel |
Flex Arm Assembly,
Instrument Panel Mount
Perfect for mounting and RAM or Seidio cradle to the instrument
panel of your sailplane. I recommend this option over the
GNeck2-Assy-Thru because it offers a
more rigid system which is especially important when mounting to
fiberglass or carbon fiber instrument panels. Available in 3 in
(76 mm), 6 in (152 mm) and 9 in (229 mm) lengths. The photo at
right shows the 6 inch model.
Included
- RAM-GN3-238
Diamond Shaped Adapter
- GNeck2 Flex
Arm, 3 in (76 mm), 6 in (152 mm) and 9 in (229 mm) lengths
-
GnBase2, Round panel adapter with mounting screws
Note: Most customers are
satisfied with the rigidness of these goosenecks. However, they
are friction devices and the longer length units are less stiff than the
short length units. I now include a steel stiffening rod with the
6" and 9" units which can be inserted into the gooseneck. I
recommend that you try to go without it first and then insert the rod if
necessary. Gooseneck flex arms work best when positioned more or
less straight. They will hold much less load when bent with a
sharp angle - such as a right angle bend. |
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$49.85 |
In
Stock |
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GNeck2-Assy-Side |
Flex Arm Assembly,
Cockpit Side Wall Mount
Perfect for mounting and RAM or Seidio cradle to the cockpit side
wall of your sailplane. The right angle adapter allows the flex
arm to be mounted parallel to the side wall - just like a boom
microphone. Or it could be mounted to the side of the instrument
panel. Available in 3 in (76 mm), 6 in (152 mm) and 9 in (229 mm)
lengths. The photo at right shows the 6 inch model.
Included
Note: Most customers are
satisfied with the rigidness of these goosenecks. However, they
are friction devices and the longer length units are less stiff than the
short length units. I now include a steel stiffening rod with the
6" and 9" units which can be inserted into the gooseneck. I
recommend that you try to go without it first and then insert the rod if
necessary. Gooseneck flex arms work best when positioned more or
less straight. They will hold much less load when bent with a
sharp angle - such as a right angle bend. |
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$40.85 |
In
Stock |
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GNeck2-Assy-Plate |
Flex Arm Assembly, With
Plate for Small Instrument Hole
Perfect for mounting and RAM or Seidio cradle into a spare small 57
mm (2 1/4") instrument hole. Made of machined and black anodized
aluminum. Available in 3 in (76 mm), 6 in (152 mm) and 9 in (229
mm) lengths. The photo at right shows the 6 inch model.
Included
- RAM-GN3-238
Diamond Shaped Adapter
- GNeck2 Flex
Arm, 3 in (76 mm), 6 in (152 mm) and 9 in (229 mm) lengths
- GN57mmPlate2,
mounting plate for small 57 mm (2 1/4") instrument hole, mounting
screws included
Note: Most customers are
satisfied with the rigidness of these goosenecks. However, they
are friction devices and the longer length units are less stiff than the
short length units. I now include a steel stiffening rod with the
6" and 9" units which can be inserted into the gooseneck. I
recommend that you try to go without it first and then insert the rod if
necessary. Gooseneck flex arms work best when positioned more or
less straight. They will hold much less load when bent with a
sharp angle - such as a right angle bend. |
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$44.85 |
In
Stock |
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RAM-GN3-238 |
Gooseneck Base, diamond
shaped
The RAM-GN3-238 was designed to allow a gooseneck to be mounted
to the back of any RAM-HOL cradle or a Cumulus
iPAQ cradle. It can also be used to mount
the gooseneck to the instrument panel or canopy side rail. It has a threaded hole in the
middle that the GNeck2 gooseneck is threaded into. The diamond shaped
mounting plate measures 1.25" x 2.5" and has 2 small holes
(not threaded) for the
screws that mount it to the cradle. A slot is cut into the bottom of the
adapter to allow a cable to be routed out the side. Made of
machined and black anodized aluminum, Weight: 0.7 oz (20 g), Gooseneck not included. Mounting
screws included with cradle. |
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$14.95 |
In
Stock |
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| GnBase2 |
Gooseneck Base, Round
This aluminum base plate was designed for mounting the
GNeck2 gooseneck to the instrument panel. It
is 1 3/16" (30 mm) in diameter. It
can also be used to connect the other end of the gooseneck to the back
of a Cambridge CAA-128 cradle. The mounting holes are also aligned for use with a
Cambridge CAA-127 instrument hole
mounting plate. It is nice for use on thin instrument panels where
mounting the gooseneck through a hole in the panel is not ideal. Mounting screws
are included.
Made of machined and black anodized aluminum. The screw holes are threaded so no nuts are required. Weight: 0.4 oz (11 g) |
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$14.95 |
In
Stock |
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GnBracket-Rt-Angle |
Mounting Bracket for
Gooseneck Flex Arm, Right Angle
Simple bent steel bracket, black, Perfect for mounting a GNeck2
gooseneck flex arm on the cockpit side wall or the side of the
instrument panel. It is just like the brackets that are used to
mount gooseneck microphones in gliders. 2 different lengths of
mounting screws are provided. |
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$5.95 |
In
Stock |
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Gn57mmPlate2 |
57 mm Instrument Hole
Mounting Plate
Simple square, black, aluminum mounting plate for use in a 57 mm
instrument hole. It has a hole for a GNeck2 gooseneck and a small slot
for passing the power/data cable through the edge of the plate.
Mounting screws are included. The screw holes are threaded so no nuts
are required. Weight: 0.7 oz (20 g) |
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$9.95 |
In
Stock |
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