The Unofficial XCSoar Manual
Hardware/Example iPaq Flarm Power
From XCSoar
The following is a simple example of an install popular at the GCV - http://www.gliding-benalla.org/ - using a basic iPaq, FLARM/other GPS, and some cheap power converters.
Contents |
iPaq
Start with an HP iPAQ 1950 running Windows Mobile 4.
e.g. http://www.ow.com.au/shop/product_info.php/cPath/43_112/products_id/1023
These sell for less than $350 in Australia.
This organiser is on the cheap end and provides all that is required for XCSoar. Warning though, it does not include Bluetooth nor a Compact Flash Slot - these may be required for higher end requirements (e.g. a Bluetooth GPS and Compact Flash for things like Heads up display).
You will also require a USB/Serial combination cable. This cable has a USB and Serial connector both connected at once. This is very handy as you are able to use the USB end for providing power (see below) and the serial cable for GPS connection.
e.g. http://www.ow.com.au/shop/product_info.php/cPath/43_112_136/products_id/432
These sell for about $35 in Australia.
FLARM or Other GPS
Basically you need any GPS that can produce a serial NMEA output (this is 90% of GPS on the market.
Here are some possible examples:
- FLARM - http://www.rf-developments.com/page008.html -$695.00
- Bluetooth GPS - http://www.exploroz.com/Shop/DisplayItems.asp?CategoryID=12&ClassID=55 - $250
- Almost any old Garmin - Second hand from eBay from $100+
- GPS Mouse (basically small mouse shaped GPS - requires power) - $150+
Most of these mainly suffer from odd connectors, you will probably have to build a connector. (TODO - Document FLARM and Garmin and Vega connectors).
Power
The cheapest way of doing power is to purchase a USB charger for the car. This is a cigarette lighter connector with USB connection, used to charge many devices, including an iPod.
search for "USB Cigarette Lighter Charger" - usually about $10 to $25.
This includes a USB connector and a cigarette lighter connector - usually this is easy to pull apart and just connect the wires to your battery (of course via fuse and master switch !).
TODO - Photo and Power.
Mounting
This one is easy - stick velcro on the back - and put stick it to just about anything you like - you probably want to make an aluminium bracket.
TODO - Photo
