News:
28 Feb 2004. Use Navgps on your PDA with Flight Simulator 2002/04 (see below)
01 Dec 2004 Version 4.4b released
01 Dec 2005 NGA confirms withdrawl of DAFIF data base availability.
(see below).
28 Sept 2006 Current European database validity 28 Sept 2006 to 25 Oct 2006
NOTE This is the last database update that will be officially available
due to withdrawl of DAFIF. (see below)
The US NGA (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency) has confirmed that it will withdraw from public access, the DAFIF (Digital Aeronautical Flight Information File). This database file published every 28 days has been used by many aviation GPS navigation software suppliers to provide up to date world wide airport and airspace information for users
UNBELIEVABLY, THE PRIME REASON GIVEN IS THAT VARIOUS OTHER NATIONAL AGENCIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD WHO PRODUCE THE AIRPORT AND AIRSPACE DATA THAT IS COLLATED INTO DAFIF, ARE NOW CLAIMING COPYRIGHT, AND WANT TO RESTRICT AVAILABILITY OF THE DATA.
SO MUCH FOR FLIGHT SAFETY !
IT IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND HOW FLIGHT SAFETY DATA CAN BE COPYRIGHTED TO RESTRICT ACCESS AND THE MENTALITY THAT WANTS TO LIMIT COST EFFECTIVE ACCESS TO CURRENT FLIGHT SAFETY INFORMATION, (THAT INCLUDES AIRPORT DATA, CONTROLLED AIRSPACE DATA, DANGER AREAS, ETC), BY PILOTS USING MODERN NAVIGATION SYSTEMS.
WITH ALL THE CURRENT CONCERN ABOUT AIRSPACE VIOLATIONS, WE MIGHT REASONABLY HAVE EXPECTED THE AUTHORITIES TO BE PLEADING WITH US TO USE THEIR DATA.
Unfortunately, this means that NavGPS will be unable to supply any further worldwide database updates as of October 2006 (the announced date that electronic DAFIF will be withdrawn).
FAQ
Does it work with PCFlightSystems solid state gyro ?
This version, known as Navgps-Pro is only a navigation program, however another version is available for slightly more cost called Navgps-PCFS which is fully integrated and supports the PCFlightSystems solid state gyro.
I've lost my registration number and need to re-install the software, what do I do ?
No problem just contact: support@flightsys.co.uk , we maintain a record of all registrations issued by us.
What GPS should I use ?
Almost any GPS that has an output of NMEA 4800 can be used, however we mainly use the Garmin GPS35PC. This unit can be powered with any dc voltage between 6 and 40 volts to the head itself. Because there is no power module in the cigar lighter connector,it can be discarded and the cable wired directly into the aircraft electrical system if required. For data output the unit has a 9 pin "D" connector. (note there are various versions of the GPS35 available, we use the "PC" version). We have also used the Haicom 303MMF SIRF, this is a dual connection device that can be plugged into a CF slot directly (on an iPAQ 2210 or with a CF sleeve on 38/39/55** series for instance) or connected with cable to the PDA serial port in the normal fashion. Other GPS units that should work OK are the Haicom 204 or the Royaltek Saphire devices, both of these are available with a range of connector cables that provide data and power to the PDA.
My system doesn't remember my licence key or my settings when I restart it
This is almost certainly due to a file called "navgps.ini" in the Navgps folder on your PDA having its properties set as "read only". It can be fixed by copying it back to your PC from your PDA using active sync, selecting properties by right clicking on it, and unticking the read only check box on the properties page. Close the properties page and copy the file back to your PDA. Alternatively if you have the original files on your PC, check the navgps.ini file properties and verify it is not set to read only, then just copy this original navgps.ini file into the Navgps folder on your PDA. (default installed path is: my pocket pc/program files/Navgps Pro. This should resolve the problem. (Note you cannot copy the navgps.ini file direcectly from CD to PDA as it retains the read only property of the CD, it has to be done via your hard drive).
Can I use my navgps system with my flight simulator ?
Yes, now you can put the 2 together - connect a PC running FS to a PDA running Navgps and navgps will receive flight data from FS and can use it just like you would do in an actual flight. You need to connect your PDA to the PC using a null modem configured serial cable (basically same cable as used to connect to GPS but with Tx and Rx data pins cross connected. iPAQ users should be able to use their cradle). You will need to add 3 small files to your FS modules folder and set Navgps GPS preferences on your PDA to Com 1 / 57600, and away you go. If you would like the files, please e-mail support@flightsys.co.uk with your request and we will send you a small zip file (174 Kbs) containing the required files.
Last updated 18/12/2006
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