Best ADS-B In Portable Navigation Device by Steven Wightman:
There is a new generation of glass panels revolutionizing the aviation industry and it is dragging down prices. We are talking about devices that feed I-pads and smartphones with head-spinning amounts of data especially when coupled with a flight management system like Foreflight, Garmin Pilot, WingX, or many others. No longer do pilots face a price wall they cannot climb. Now, with intersecting technologies, the general aviation world is becoming safer and more sophisticated. This has driven me to look at two of the many exploding and affordable technologies I hope will wow you as it did with me. I will compare the new Levil Aviation’s ASTRO PLUS for experimental aircraft only, with the top version, the Sentry Plus. Both are popular ADS-B Receivers with astounding capabilities.
Why ADS-B In? I recently flew with an instructor in a Warrior whose only navigation system was a VOR that was not working. The only references I had were the land features below. That is not helpful when reporting positions. “That bend in the river” just does not cut it. Frustrated, I finally succumbed to Black Friday, and I ordered a new ASTRO PLUS receiver that always tells me where I am, and where I should not be. It will also track my flights for later flight analysis on X-plane or Cloud Ahoy and others. Moreover, it indicates AGL altitude. This makes water landings – especially in glassy water – easier. First wow.
I decided to review just five features of the dozens available. These are the ones I cherish. You may have dissimilar needs and priorities. No problem: You can check out the Excel spreadsheet I put on www.SuperSeawind.com to select the technologies best for you.
First, does it(Best ADS-B In Portable Navigation Device) connect with my Grand Rapids Technology, GRT, Engine Information System, EIS, and my Electronic Flight Information System, EFIS? Yes again. Through Foreflight and my connected IPAD, I can flight plan on the wing and even control my TruTrak autopilot to change headings, altitudes, and IFR approach modes such as switching from an ILS to a VNAV approach. Second wow
Second, does it integrate seamlessly with Foreflight? Yes! Furthermore, it provides a split screen feature with FF permitting flight management and engine monitoring simultaneously. Though I have a GRT EFIS with data display, the IPAD view reduces glare, and it permits closer viewing and readability. Up to four more pilots and passengers can view the same information on their screens. Third wow.
Third, does it have in-flight weather? Yes! I can read winds aloft directions and speeds, storm system locations, directions and speeds, cloud bottoms and tops, METARS, TAFS and so much more. Wow, four.
Does it record all my flights, stop automatically, and work with a score of computer flight simulation or replay systems so that I can identify areas of improvement and focus on them to up my game? Yes, it can! An airplane is my last choice for trying to identify and correct errors. The best place for my wallet and my ability to learn is a simulator. Astro will allow me to replay and redo any phase of the flight I did not get right in the air. I can practice on X-plane until I nail it. That saves me money, time, and sweat. X-plane flights are realistic and educational. Wow #5.
Bonus: Does it offer synthetic vision? Yes. Combined with Attitude and Heading Reference, AHRS is great for situational awareness and as a backup panel. Want more? Like the Sentry, the Astro Plus is also portable. That is great for flight training!
Sentry Plus is highly competitive. It also offers Foreflight compatibility, a carbon monoxide alert, and in-flight traffic and weather. However, it does not connect to a GRT EFIS or a Trutrak autopilot. That is a big negative. The price for the Sentry Plus and the Astro is about the same. For me, the Astro Plus will be my guiding star for many days and nights of flight. What will be yours?
Comparison chart: 20231201 Comp Anal of ADS-B Receivers.xlsx
Sentry website: https://flywithsentry.com/
Also, Read: TIPS TO LANDING SAFE AND SMART