I considered myself lucky today. First I met one of the ardent supporters of SD face to face and briefly discussed SD compatible hardware. That was excellent and hope to repeat the experience without having to rudely rush away, as I did today due to time constraints.



However, the reason for writing here is to report my experience with the latest SD version 2.1.1, which I managed to put to the test in a flight, in marginal and IFR weather conditions. As we all expected SD passed with flying colours. here is my summary:



1. The colour moving map appeared enhanced, very clear to see and totally uncluttered.Ideal.

2. The options that we needed the most we found very easily acceptable, merely within a 2-4 touches of the screen. Changing from map to instrument was simply ideal. Go to nearest or more distant field was very simple and the selection list was intuitive.

3. The instrument screen we found virtually breathtaking, with its simplicity usability, clarity and above all accuracy.

4. Localiser, glideslope, and DME were very accurate and could easily have replaced our aircraft's own instruments. We would have liked to have tested these down to virtual ground level. I feel it would have shown it to be very reliable.

5. The colours of the instruments were well chosen and very clear. The ILS lines could be made thicker in future releases for better visibility inflight, particularly that screens in commonly used devices leave a lot to be desired.

6. My companion who is a seasoned flyer who survived two serious aeroplane accidents while doing low level aerobatics was extremely impressed with SD's accuracy.



Verdict: Full marks for SkyDemon and SkyDemon Team on a job well done. In my mind SD is by far the best software on the market. It has certainly come a long way since I subscribed first some 8 months ago. I am glad I did.

I would be interested to hear views from others.

Very Newbytheway

DurhamTeaseAirport

Well done, That was very kind of you Stevelup. I have several units with direct WinCE access. However, I have just arrived in the Middle East, from the UK yesterday. I know sending the devise from here would be both expensive and unpredictable. I hope to be back in the UK in August. I have 5,6 & 7" screen suitable GPS devices of various makes that can be made available then.



In the Interim, can I use this venue to request forum members or guests who displayed the enthusiasm and keenness to use a large keyboard with SD, to grab this unique opportunity and consider active participation in this regard? Should they have a spare portable GPS with direct WinCE access to contact Stevelup please, with view to availing their device for him to test his new Keyboard module on. A lot of us have been waiting patiently for this to be realised. Stevelup has been kind enough to work on this module in his own personal time.



Our understanding is that the device would be sent back to the original owner once the testing is complete.

I am happy to pay both stevelup and the owner part or the total cost of a UK Royal mail return trip, by direct electronic transfer to their respective accounts, once the necessary details are forwarded to me.

(PS: Was this a first on this forum?)

Very Newbytheway

DurhamTeaseAirport