Using a PDA with FltPlan.com
This page will give you information on different aspects of using FltPlan.com on a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).
The address to enter into your PDA is www.FltPlan.com/PDA.htm
Opening Remarks
The PDA version of FltPlan.com is designed to be as similar to the ’regular' FltPlan.com website as possible.
The PDA version operates exactly like the regular site. There is no learning curve. If you know how to use FltPlan.com, then you will be able to use the PDA version without any difficulties.
Because of the smaller screens on PDAs, we have reformatted some of the pages for readability.
You will be able to:
Receive the latest Weather Sequences and Weather Maps
Create, Modify, and and view NavLogs with the latest Winds, ETE's, and Fuel Burns.
File Flight Plans.
Retrieve Airport Information.
Send out Pax Briefings and Calendars just as you can on the regular website.
For our Flight Tracking Customers, receive real-time flight tracking with weather overlay.
|
|
Helpful hints for using a PDA for FltPlan.com
The PDA version is NOT FOR NEW USER. we have removed many of the instructions, and HELP icon. Learn to use FltPlan.com on a regular size computer first, and then the PDA version will be easy.
The secret to speed on the PDA is to keep your Flight Plan List small. Only keep current flight plans listed on the MAIN MENU PAGE. The smart thing to do is save frequently travel routes in the STORED ROUTES section. These routes will automatically appear when you plan a flight between the same city pairs. There is no limit to the number of routes that you can store in this section, and it does not slow thing down, when retrieving the MAIN MENU PAGE.
DO NOT have Fit to Screen selected on your PDA browser. The pages will look better if you have this un-selected. On Pocket PC, you can change this setting, by going to VIEW on the bottom left side of the browser.
This is a work in progress, (just like the rest of the site). We will be refining the different pages, and adding additional pages in the future.
|
|
PDA General Information
Besides having a PDA, you must have a means for your PDA to connect to the internet.
This can either be a
Wi-Fi connection
A Cellphone connected to a PDA through an adapter
A combination cellphone/PDA.
WI-FI
If your PDA has Wi-Fi (Wireless - Fidelity) capabilities, you will be able to connect to www.FltPlan.com whenever you are in an area that has Wi-Fi service. A good number of high-end coffee shops, hotels, and just recently, some FBOs are providing free Wi-Fi service. Other locations are charging an access charge to log on to their system.
Cellphone connected to a PDA through an adapter, or a combination PDA / Cellphone.
Both ways have their pluses and minuses. With the separate PDA and cell phone you have the benefit of keeping your current cell phone (which is probably more compact), and leaving the PDA behind when it’s not needed. The downside is you need to connect a cable from the PDA to the cellphone for internet access. This can be a little awkward when trying to use the PDA in the cockpit, with a cable strung between the two units. The beauty of the combo PDA / cellphone is the ease of use and a compact size that fits easily in the cockpit or, for that matter, in your pocket. They are more bulky than a straight cellphone, but the lack of wires, and one unit versus two, can't be beat. The other great feature of the combo PDA/cellphone is the ease of connecting to the web. With the push of a button, and within a few seconds, you are connected to FltPlan.com (or any other website). No telephone numbers to call, just instant access where there is cellphone service. The one downside we found was that the combo PDA/cellphones that we tested were not the type cellphone you put up to your ear. Rather, they were more like a speaker phone. This is not a problem when you are driving in your car or at home but can be a problem when the boss calls while you are standing in line at the grocery store. These type phones do have earpiece/headset capabilities, but now you are back to carrying a wire with you, if you don't want everyone else to hear both sides of a phone conversation.
Wireless Service Plans
If you are planning on using WiFi to get access to the internet, be prepared for not finding a spot that has service, or as we found, some locations charging a daily fee ($5-10/day). T-Mobile has different monthly service plans. Keep in mind that WiFi will not work sitting out at the end of the runway or on the FBO's ramp, but if you are a frequent visitor to coffee shops, then you might be a candidate for Wi-Fi only service.
Connecting by way of a cellphone or combo cellphone/PDA gives you the best chance of getting connected to the web. If you are somewhere that cellphone access is available (which is just about everywhere these days) then you should be able to connect to the internet.
We are impressed with SPRINT's PCS vision plan which gives you unlimited internet access (24 hrs/day) on your PDA for a $15/month charge.
PDA Operating Systems
There are two major type operating systems for PDAs. They are PALM OS and Pocket PC.
The latest version of Microsoft POCKET PC is Windows Mobile 2003. FltPlan.com works great on Windows Mobile 2003. If the PDA says its uses a POCKET PC/Windows Mobile 2003, then you are all set. The FltPlan.com web pages will operate and display properly.
The PALM OS PDAs must be running a program that can handle standard web pages. In the past, PALM OS required specially coded web pages for them to display properly on the screen. The newer version of PALM PDAs now has what's called WEB PRO, which will display web pages in the normal manner.
PALM PDAs without WEB PRO, can not display normal web pages, and will not work with FltPlan.com
PDAs that will work with FltPlan.com
When buying a new PDA, it is always best to ask for a demo or at least make sure you know what their return policy is.
There are many different features on the various PDAs besides web browsing. Check on RAM and type processor, when comparing units.
Notice for Cingular users: We have had numerous reports from Cingular users about coverage area problems, and compatibility problems with FltPlan.com (and other websites)
Cingular Samsung Blackjack i-607 new 12/06
Cingular 8125 new 10/06
Dell Axim x31 PC
HP 1940/1945
HP iPAQ hw6515 new 10/06
Hitachi G1000
IPAQ 2210 / 2215
IPAQ 5550 / 5555
Palm Treo 600/650
Palm Tungsten T3
Toshiba 2032SP
Toshiba E805
Viewsonic Pocket PC V36
Siemens
Palm Tungsten C ( with optional Palm Web Pro 3.0)
Palm Tungsten E ( with optional Palm Web Pro 3.0)
Palm Tungsten T ( with optional Palm Web Pro 3.0)
Palm Tungsten T2 ( with optional Palm Web Pro 3.0)
Palm Tungsten Zire 71 ( with optional Palm Web Pro 3.0)
Blackberrry - most all features will work.
At this time, the Blackberry browser does not support Javascript (which we use for changing the default cruise altitude when creating a flight plan).
All other features will work on FltPlan.com
Blackberry is coming out with a new Browser at the end of 2004 that will be capable of Javascript.
plus many more that we are not familiar with.
Support@FltPlan.com
|
|
|