I read this from today's Flyer flyer:



SkyDemon to launch as iPad App

Although SkyDemon developer Tim Dawson is remaining tight-lipped, it seems the company's flight planning and navigation software will be available on the iPad after all. FLYER spoke to Tim at The Flying Show, and while he wouldn't confirm anything, we did manage to get our hands on an iPad running a development version of SkyDemon, and very impressive it was too.



Is it true? It would be a good news!



Windows CE has no longer future. So I imagine you are working to move your software on other platforms.




Massimo Mangia

I-PPL

I would also love to see SkyDemon on the IPad but I have said this several times before and been told to go away :-)

A number of us saw SD running on an iPad at the Flying Show in November.

Looked fantastic.

However the SD team have to have the App accepted by Apple.

D

I loaded Skydemon onto my IPad today. It is brilliant, only one minor glitch, I couldn't get the GPS to work

Nice! Did SD team any announce about availability?



Apple approval is not a so difficult job for a good team as SD.




Massimo Mangia

I-PPL

Apple's tablet is one of the best in the market no doubt. The same goes for their other machines. However, Apple is likely to charge for their approval and ultimately it is likely that every one of us will be paying Apple for their monopoly as SD price goes up.

Hence my Apple MacBook Pro has been formatted to make way for Linux.

Very Newbytheway

DurhamTeaseAirport

?!

Well, it depends...



SD has the great advantage of being able to run smoothly on inexpensive device (on the contrary of the iPAD). Having it on iPAD (which BTW is usually not so easy to place in the cockpit) where other SW are already running would cause confusion in using it. Having the GPS on a dedicated device is a strong advantage. Also avoiding to concentrate many important navigation aids on a single device is important. Plus, on iPAD there are other available solutions (SD is better, for sure, but in this case it could not be alone).



This, of course, is true if a single platform will be choosen (development costs of both so different sw platforms could be a bit high to maintain in the future)



It would be interesting to get some official statement...



Personally, if a iPAD-only future would be announced, I will discard SD as a choice (sadly).

Could not agree with you more Orangedam. Unfortunately I do not think I can physically and safely make use of an iPad in my cockpit on a regular basis.

It would be nice if SD were to be made installable on several platforms. This would take time though. While Windows CE/Mobile devices are gradually becoming "protected species" and not so easy to find as previously, recent reports show that Android devices are quickly catching up with Apple's in popularity. One day they may overtake them.

It is very heartening to see the SD Team rethink and change tact as necessary depending on user/market needs. These are the products (and developers) I would like to stick with.

Stevelup: Big thanks for the Keyboard. I still think you deserve a big Champagne bottle for the Season!

Very Newbytheway

DurhamTeaseAirport

I agree iPad cannot use safely as primary and unique navigation device (stability, over heating, and more), but SD on iPad is very interesting as secondary devices. I hope SD on iPad will be both planning and navigation tool, so to have a unique software for flying.



About multi platforms it's very difficult to develop a unique code for different OS; these are different like their SDK (software development kit). However, working in C++ it's possible to reduce the effort necessary. There are software running on iPad and Android.




Massimo Mangia

I-PPL

I flew today, weather wasn't up to much but did a bit of general handling while I was up there. My mate brought his ipad and atttached it in the PA28 using  his RAM yoke mount. he was using memory map on it, The clarity of the screen in the bright sunlight was brilliant and that was looking at it from the left seat. But, the size of unit is massive and blocked out quite a few instruments ( he tried it in the left seat as well) and really got in the way.  Sd of course performed well on my 5 inch device but the ipad made it look tiny. A 7 inch ipad would be the ideal for me  with SD on it.

Absolutely Ikarus61 and nje. I can use an iPad when in the passenger seat (including airliners) and comfortably on the ground. I am yet to devise a practical and safe way of placing it in my cockpit so that it is comfortably visible, within reach yet out of the way of controls & instruments. Is it fair to relegate a Co-Pilot to minding it? I am no so sure. Perhaps after their approval, Apple may decide to contribute towards solving this cockpit ergonomic problem. As you stated nje, I find the optimal screen size of a Pilot-added GPS in the cockpit ranges between 5"-7".

Very Newbytheway

DurhamTeaseAirport

I have a Robin DR400. I fixed the iPad using a RAM Mount stand to instrument panel, on the right of ammeter. It's the only position I find without covering any instrument. It's not comfortable but it works. I use AirNav Pro as secondary navigation software (the first one it's an Aera). I tested also the Ram Mount fixed as knee-board but I prefer the first option.


Massimo Mangia

I-PPL

Thanks ikarus61. Good to know youcan accomodate itsomehow.I note fixing it in thefar end ofmy instrument pannel in a reasonably spacious cockpit renders it almost unreadable, distracting, andvirtually useless. A smaller version from Apple, perhaps would do.

Very Newbytheway

DurhamTeaseAirport

This is about choice. No-one is expecting you to throw away your 5" device.

Of course it is Stevelup & the more the merrier. But the context of my point is the trio of =(SD+iPAD+Cockpit) as a whole, and how useful such a combination in flight. Cheers

Very Newbytheway

DurhamTeaseAirport

I have a kneepad case for the iPad, it works well but does get a bit uncomfortable on long trips.

I give my opinion on SD+Ipad in the cockpit.



Dimensions may be a problem. The iPad is big and is not easy the find the place to fix it. I agree the kneepad option is not comfortable. In my case I find a good position and usually I have no problem about screen readability. I have much more with my Area (which is over my instrument panel). Readability changes also according with map colors and layout. I think SD team may works on this achieving a good result.

Another problem may be system (iOS and software) reliability. I use AirNav Pro and sometime I had crashes while software was running (application restart was needed). With Aera and previous a Garmin 96C I never had any kind of problems. I don't know how is SD Mobile (I use only desktop software). I hope SD team will release a reliable software (there are several issues about). There are some tricks to reduce this risk: shutdown and restart the iPad before flight; close all other running applications; update iOS after other pilot feedbacks.

Another possible big problem is iPad over heating protection (over 35° C). I had, in some sunny days, this kind of lock and there is nothing to do other than waiting for cooling. With the current position of iPad, in front of air vent (using RAM Mount), I have had no problem, but I am not sure to be solved definitively this risk.



P.S. (sorry for english)

Massimo Mangia

I-PPL

I do not recall SD crashing on any platforms I used ever since maps were optimised last year. Even then for me it only occurred while crossing international borders @ 500 Kts.



It would be nice If Apple brought out a slightly smaller tablet version that is not prone to overheating, as a lot of their products are.

Very Newbytheway

DurhamTeaseAirport

Perfect for me would be planning on iPad, with sync to iPhone and then in-flight navigation on iPhone. But I guess that's just asking for a little bit too much.....

It's certainly a logical scenario. Fingers crossed!



I've had a play with the iPad version and am delighted to say that it does not disappoint.

mini iPad 7 inch due out 2012 with sd well all our wishes will finally come true ....?

Captain Solo, is this just wishful thinking, or do you have some insider information?

Apple is likely to launch a 7.85-inch iPad prior to the fourth quarter of 2012 in addition to a new iPad scheduled to be released at the end of the first quarter, according to sources in the supply chain.



Global shipments of tablet PCs are expected to reach 60 million units in 2011, of which 70% will be Apple's iPads. To cash in on market demand as well as market expectations, Apple is expected to release its next-generation iPads at the end first-quarter 2012, said the sources.



However, in order to cope with increasing market competition including the 7-inch Kindle Fire from Amazon and the launch of large-size smartphones from handset vendors, Apple has been persuaded into the development of 7.85-inch iPads, the sources indicated.



In addition to purchasing 7.85-inch panels from LG Display, Apple will also buy panels from AU Optronics (AUO), indicated the sources, adding that makers in the supply chain are likely to begin production of the 7.85-inch models at the end of the second quarter of 2012.



Source: Digitimes

Massimo Mangia

I-PPL

This is good news. Our prayers this Christmas may be answered next Christmas. Provided no hiccups or overheating problems are encountered I look forward. In the interim I am looking at he possibility of getting a set with a transreflective touch screen direct from Korea.

Very Newbytheway

DurhamTeaseAirport

Which Korean unit?

D

Hello Pink Leader, Apologies for not getting back sooner. Not found a suitable unit from Korea yet. Most of the websites I encountered were in Korean and were sparse on English. I have a Korean friend who is assisting in scanning & translating some GPS selling websites to English. She assures me that "if it can be made, you'd find it Korea!".

I will keep you posted once a suitable set is found. In the meantime, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.

Very Newbytheway

DurhamTeaseAirport

If SkyDemon eventually works on iPhone/iPad?

Do all iPhones have the same GPS and is it based on cellular network triangulation etc. Not a proper GPS?

Thanks

All iPhones and 3G iPads have proper GPS units.



The suggestion that they don't is an urban legend perpetrated by people who do not properly understand what AGPS is.



Basically if your device has network access, it improves the time to first fix by downloading the GPS almanac instead of waiting for it to trickle down from the satellites.



If you have no network access, then they are a bit slow to get a fix, but once they do, the performance is good.

Thanks for that, really interesting. Just need it working on SkyDemon now. Think the screen size will be OK to be going on with. If I had an iPad and iPhone, how would I manage the SIM cards? Can you clone it so long as only one is switched on or do you need to constantly change the SIM. I'm thinking about upgrading to iPhone 4 and maybe an iPAD later. Assume they will both have the identical Micro SIM I think its called?

I'd just leave the SIM in the phone and enable personal hotspot.

Thanks Steve, good idea. Don't have the iPad just yet so did not realise it had that built in.

Hi Tim,



Appreciate this seems to be somewhat veiled in secrecy but when can we expect an announcement?



Thanks,



Ian

Hi folks,



Careful what you wish for with Apple and iPads.



I understand that Memory Map now has a problem in that Apple wish to insist that all charts etc used on an i system are purchased via itunes at 30% extra.



How will the superb system and chart updates on SD which are free be handled by Apple which does not seem to like even getting up in the morning without being paid??



Alan M

S'ok - 30% of nothing is...

Hi Tim,

Marvellous news today - will the Instruments View become available at a later date?

Thanks,

Ian

Yes

Great thanks,

Ian

Now we just need SkyDemon Mobile on Android so those of us with Android phones can install it on them ;-)

Took the Ipad to France yesterday with Skydemon installed - Absolutely Brilliant - Worked a dream and even told me what freqs I needed before I entered controlled airspace. This will kill the competition WELL DONE Skydemon!!!!!!

Looking forward to trying SD on iPad for real. It looks wonderful in the sitting room, but I wait to see if the iPad screen is readable in a cockpit and if the built in GPS is responsive enough in flight. Fingers crossed. Thanks SD team for extending in this direction.

Worked great yesterday and plenty of brightness in the Sportcruiser in the sun.

What a wonderful addition to the SD Family. Well done team.

Hi Tim

Ipad version absolutely brilliant - especially in the cockpit. I'll be using the SD as a backup now.

Could you check the Aircraft set up area - I've got IPAD 2 on IOS 5. Although I can add equipment I can't add aircraft type or Aircraft colours. (no oprion arrows to select)

Hi,

Hello All

I have an original WiFi Ipad (no internal GPS) and I use

it with a small external high performance bluetooth gps unit.

Works great with Skydemon.

Congratulations to Tim and the team.

Dan G
EGSJ

Dan, Could you please name the GPS device you are using with iPad wi-fi? Seems that Apple has several restrictions on bluetooth devices, so any BT GPS unit will not work with iPad.
Software is just great! Can't wait to get airborne with it



BR,

Jani
EFTP

I've tested it with the Bad Elf wired GPS and GNS5870 bluetooth one and they both worked fine.

I don't know how to start a new post, so perhaps I can reply to this. I have previously installed and used Skydemon on my IPAD2. I tried to synchronise the Ipad with my PC (Vista) without success. I can live with that, but, more disastrously, I can no longer open Skydemon at all on the IPAD. It says it is installed, but when I touch the icon it shows 'Skydemon' but immediately cuts off. Does anyone have any suggestions? Can you re-download an App to IPAD, for instance?

hi i have an apple ipad and cannot sync with computer i have pressed the sync button but nothing happens can anyone help im not very good with computers thanks Tony

I don't have an ipad but what I've read on these forums, I don't think you can sync it with your PC.

This is one feature I really miss. Aircraft data, airfields and routes are only a few kB each. They could easily be stored online, associated with the account (or use a third party storage solution like DropBox) to always keep the PC and IPad in sync.