Personal GPS with Falcon View?

[Sabre170]

I was told today that some of the best advise for those going P-3s was to buy your own headset, and a handheld GPS with Falcon View. Has anyone else done this? What kind of GPS unit did you get? Does falcon view come with a subscription or is it just a program you buy and then that is it. I read the FAQS and it said something about availability category etc... Any guidance on the subject would be apreciated.

 

[Gatordev]

Isn't Falcon View part of the PFPS system? If so, the Navy will already have that for you. As for a GPS, if it's got a data port, then theoretically, it could interface w/ PFPS. I'm questioning how useful this would be in the P-3, however.

 

[zab1001]

We use Falconview all the time, but the squadron supplies the GPS and laptop...I'd wait until you get to your Fleet squadron to see what they're issuing before buying anything.

 

[Gatordev]

That's what I get for writing quickly... I figured if you needed the toy to begin with, you'd already have it. My last squadron had two tablet sized PDAs (before there were tablet PCs) that had Falconview on them and a GPS receiver built in. We had a special clearance from NAVAIR to fly w/ them, although you still couldn't use them for official navigation. That said, a buddy of mine was very glad to have one w/ him while trying to get into downtown Tokoyo for a Medevac at night in some very unpleasant weather.

Do you guys use it for for trans-landmass flights or for operational areas?

 

[zab1001]

Yeah, I have no idea how many the squadrons are equipped with now, I remember seeing at least 5 or 6, back in the day.

They were used both as a backup on transits and operationally, "and that's all I have to say about that."

The main problem we had was the brightness of the screen. Some senior NFOs used to get pissed at me when I wouldn't put it in the flight station, saying it was a waste of resources. I responded with "shouldn't the Nav be the one with the backup for his own systems?" There's just nowhere to put it up front, other than the radar cabinet, which is not accessible by the pilots. I would have to twist around about 150 degrees to even catch a glimpse. The screen was bright as hell, and a detriment to night vision. If they ever (hey maybe they have by now) figure out how to patch the display into the tactical screen and integrate the controls into the touchscreen, it would be awesome. Until then, the Nav has plenty of room and he can share it with the TACCO. Me fly plane.

 

[PropStop]

We all have two laptops per crew plus a GPS. Falconview is the SH!T!!! Takes up a HUGE amount of memory though, if you load up all that many maps. Very powerful and useful program. When coupled with PFPS (which is actually separate) you can do some sweet flight planning. I'm not very good with it all but I'd like to get better and I will. It's one of those programs the Navy was wise to purchase. Now Sharp 5.0 on the other hand, they got ripped off there!

All that said, I did just purchase a GPS of my own which is far better than the one we were issued (Garmin 60cx, get it in a day or two), but that's for personal use.

 

[Sabre170]

The NFO I talked to yesterday was saying that his personal GPS was more reliable and able to pick upto 24 sats and the one on the plane could only pick up 4 or so. Also his personal gps does not break down like the one on the plane.

 

[zab1001]

Again, new stuff is issued all the time, I'd wait to see what the squadron has on hand before you spend your own cash. It would suck to buy something fancy and then find out your Fleet squadron has something even better, and free. In the end, it's your call.

 

[Machine]

Honestly, you have way more important things to worry about right now.

 

[e6bflyer]

The NFO I talked to yesterday was saying that his personal GPS was more reliable and able to pick upto 24 sats and the one on the plane could only pick up 4 or so. Also his personal gps does not break down like the one on the plane.

Not an expert on GPS, but I am pretty sure there are only 24 active sats worldwide. That would be one impressive receiver if it could get that kind of reception.
Someone who is smarter, please correct me.

 

[HeyJoe]

Fun facts about GPS

Not an expert on GPS, but I am pretty sure there are only 24 active sats worldwide. That would be one impressive receiver if it could get that kind of reception.
Someone who is smarter, please correct me.

You're correct. It would be a mean trick to pick up 24 at one time as many are hidden at any given time. You're doing great to get 8 and don't need that many to get a decent location. Here's some GPS trivia:

24 satellites make up the GPS "constellation" orbiting the earth about 12,000 miles above us. They are constantly moving, making two complete orbits in less than 24 hours while travelling at speeds of roughly 7,000 miles an hour.

GPS satellites are solar powered with backup batteries to keep them running when they are on night side of earth. Each satellite has small rocket boosters to keep on the correct orbit.

The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978 and the full constellation of 24 satellites was achieved in 1994. Each satellite lasts about 10 years with replacements constantly being built and launched into orbit to maintain 24 satellites.

 

[Gatordev]

The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978 and the full constellation of 24 satellites was achieved in 1994. Each satellite lasts about 10 years with replacements constantly being built and launched into orbit to maintain 24 satellites.

[/I]

I think that last part is the most interesting. I had no idea we put that many satellites up there (at least one per year).

 

[HeyJoe]

GPS Satellites

I think that last part is the most interesting. I had no idea we put that many satellites up there (at least one per year).

When you look at how many it takes to provide coverage around the globe, it's not hard to realize you need 24 (see graphic) below. I found it interesting that they only last 10 years (nice business to be in).

 

[H20man]

Here is a website that has some pretty detailed information on GPS.
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/gps/default.htm

In terms of personal GPS receivers, the next question is whether or not companies will be combining the new European Galileo system with our NAVSTAR system when the Galileo system is fully operational.

Also there is the Russian system (GLONASS?) still floating out there, and is supposedly being updated.

 

[Gatordev]

When you look at how many it takes to provide coverage around the globe, it's not hard to realize you need 24 (see graphic) below. I found it interesting that they only last 10 years (nice business to be in).

Yeah, I knew there were 24, it was the 10 years part I was referring to.