BENDIX KING SKYMAP 111C
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PRICE £1169.12
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
There's no getting away from the fact that the SkyMap IIIC unit is
getting long in the tooth and the first pointer is its sheer bulk for
the size of screen.
But on the up-side, the screen is very bright and clear, and the
operation very easy to learn. The joystick is an excellent device.
PLANNING THE FLIGHT
No manual was included in the box but the Quick Guide was perfectly
adequate. It didn't take long to work out how to create our user
waypoint. In fact, this ability to customise the data is one of the
SkyMap's strengths, mainly because it was designed here in the UK and
recognises we have lots of private farm strips.
But we did notice that the unit was appreciably slower than the more
modern units, particularly when zooming in and out, or scrolling the
map. And the maps, while detailed, look a bit 'blocky' around
coastlines.
This is probably the easiest operating system to learn - very intuitive.
IN THE AIR
Good clear display that didn't deteriorate in the bright sunshine. The
flightplan was easy to see - nice to see the trackline projected
forwards too. Easy to operate thanks to that joystick. And you can
orientate the map view in portrait or landscape format.
Plenty of split screen options and lots of nice touches, but few of the
more advanced functions commonplace in the other units tested here - no
terrain awareness, no mini EFIS, no flight director.
CONCLUSION
Bendix King needs to update this unit as soon as possible. It was once
the market leader but has been well and truly overtaken - and it's the
most expensive unit here.
Plenty of things are great about the SkyMap - the easy operating system and customisable database - but technology marches on.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
» SkyMap unit
» Power cord
» Knee strap
» Remote antenna
» Carrying case
» Quick Guide
SPEC
» Size 158x115x65mm
» Screen size 127mm
» Weight 850g
» Battery Li-Ion
» External power? Yes
SCREENS
» Moving Map
» Trip/fuel planning
» Electronic VOR
AT A GLANCE
SCREEN ****
Bright, clear, good size.
DESIGN ****
Nice design, just needs to be slimmer.
MAP ****
Good, but not the best.
PROGRAMMING *****
The standard others aspire to.
EASE OF USE ***
Joystick makes use simple, but the unit's sheer bulk is annoying.
FEATURES **
Lacking the features of rival units half the price.
VALUE FOR MONEY *
Very expensive for an old-fashioned unit.
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