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Electronics Component

by Jérôme Daoust. Created 2004/12/1, revised 2013/7/14.

1.      Concept

2.      Layout

a.       Cockpit

b.      Vario+GPS

·        Airspeed Probe

c.       Radio

3.      Conclusion

a.       To-Do List

 

Intent of this review :  Usefulness to a recreational pilot.

 


 

Concept

 

The idea is to put all electronics instruments in the cockpit, and keep it with you at all times (like during transport).

 

Definitions.  I don't like the word cockpit (definition) as it normally means "the compartment where the pilot sits while flying the aircraft", but will still be used here as "a bag secured to your harness which sits in your lap" which is what most paraglider pilots will understand.

 

Why would someone want to put all electronics in the cockpit?  Some reasons:

·        The value/volume ratio of electronics makes them easy pray for being stolen or abused in transport.  With all electronic devices in a smaller container, this one can be kept with the person at all times.

·        Easy access at any time:

o       Radio for tuning to local frequencies.  Or adjusting volume/squelch in flight if needed.

o       GPS for entering waypoints or data exchange.

o       For battery charging.

·        If you want to try a new wing or harness, all your instruments will easily carry over.  One can think of the analogy to a software component (for those programming guys).

·        The elastic strap of instruments tied to your leg (like a vario) can reduce blood circulation.  Also instruments on your leg may see more abuse.

·        Just close the protective top lid, and your instruments are already in their protective bag.

 


 

Layout

The following represents my current configuration layout: Picture.  Use it as a starting point for your own tinkering.

 

Cockpit.  A Sup'Air / Cockpit-Ballast is used.  Picture of it closed.

 

Vario+GPS. In this case, a Bräuniger / Competino is used.

 

Radio. A Yaesu / VX-5R is used.  The idea is to have the antenna contained within the cockpit, not sticking out or requiring an outside connection.  Ideally an antenna should be vertical to improve communication range.

Solutions I also tried (but did not work as well):

 

 


 

Conclusion

 

I took a few trials and errors, but I finally achieved good radio reception and transmission, maybe better than I had before (antenna vertical against my chest).  There is no current need for an Airspeed Probe, but there is room for it, if needed in the future.  I am getting used to carrying the cockpit separately from my wing and harness bag.  Overall I feel I have simplified my procedure for gearing up before a flight, and gained comfort in flight as well as increased instrument readability.

 

To-Do List, with priority level (0=I don't care. 10=A must):

·        2/10. Improve the lower compartment shape holder (75% satisfied).  Currently using a plastic box which is smaller than maximum volume, and the shaved right top corner does not provide even support.  Considering plastic upper ring band and sets of vertical half-loop bands.  Design must include some form of rigid antenna protection.

·        1/10. Consider having cockpit side-loop male connectors relocated to loops left on the carabiners.  The male connectors can easily be unthreaded from the straps, and set on new straps, which could be left with the carabiners.  Not sure if the extra gear will be worth any significant time saving, and it creates a dependency for the harness carabiners to have corresponding connector.  Passing the male end of cockpit's side straps is quick anyway.

 

 

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