From: Charles.K.Scott@dartmouth.edu (Charles K. Scott)
Newsgroups: rec.aviation
Subject: AEROplan moving map display/GPS reciever - long
Date: 27 Aug 92 12:41:25 GMT
Organization: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH

This is the product I mentioned several weeks ago, Mike Gvili the
designer sent me his latest brochure which I am reproducing below for
those who may be interested in the specs and performance.  Pricing
included below as well.

Moving map display:  (I'll summerise or I'll be all day typing)  Three
modes of operation, Departure/Arrival, map is shown North up and
aircraft positioned in relation to airport. En-Route, map displayed
Head up aircraft is at bottom quarter of screen.  Emergency, aircraft
is center of screen, nearest airports and tower frequencies displayed. 
Twelve zoom levels,  highest shows single airport, lowest shows
continental United States.  Track, heading, ground speed, course and
waypoints (plus altitude from GPS) can be displayed.  Weather map
(radar map) can be selected to overlay the moving map.

Flight Planning , Routing and Optimization

Able to route flight several ways: define legs of trip, request
automatic VOR to VOR, AWY or direct great circle route.  It will
calculate the flight parameters and will generate a comprehensive trip
report.  AEROplan uses forecasted winds aloft and outside air temp. to
calculate the ETE, GS and fuel consumption.  Can be connected to DUAT
via internal modem and dials free and retrieves the forecasted winds
aloft from all the weather reporting stations along the way, for all
practical altitudes.  Using this info. it recalculates your flight
parameters and will recommend the most efficient altitude for planned
flight.  It can calculate the trip for minimum time en-route or minimum
fuel burned.  This is all automatic.

Weather Maps and DUAT

AEROplan generates WX maps, free of charge.  When Connected to DUAT,
AEROplan retrieves a complete WX briefing for your flight.  Using the
internal database and map overlays, it converts the info. into maps for
display or print.  Radar forecasts enable to display cloud coverage. 
Winds aloft and temp. profiles can also be displayed for any area of
the country.  Using the internal database, it can search and decode all
ID codes and expands most contractions appearing in weather reports.

Nav. database

Database includes all public airports, heliports and sea bases,  all
NAV aids, V&J airways and intersections in US, Canada, Mexico and
Central America as published by the FAA.  The info includes name,
lon-lat, nearest city, state , control tower, lights, up to 5 radio
comm. frequencies, runway length, elevation, type of surface,
instrument landing equip. and type of fuel.  Airway info includes all
intersections and Minmum Enroute Altitudes (MEA) and TCA boundaries. 
Database can be updated at any time by calling the ZYCOM data network
and downloading the latest revisions.  There is room for an additional
300 waypoints.

Flight Calculations

Performs all flight calculations - Aircraft course and Heading, Ground
Speed, True Air Speed, True Altitude, Pressure Altitude and Density
Altitude.  Distances and conversion tables are included.  Maintains a
realtime checklist and runs a W&B analysis with graphic presentatin of
the results.

User Expandable

Has a BASIC language interpreter.  You can perform special
calculations, store your own data, or add your own software package. 
You may store your own Basic programs in memory for repetitive uses. 
An interface to a PC will enable you to share your software with others
or to upload/download data to and from AEROplan

All operations are menu driven supported by help messages and help
screens.  All of the components are internal.  No need for cards or
batteries.  Batabase updates, software updates, and new software
(applications) can be downloaded by phone from the Zycom data network.

Has dedicated modem port to access on-line sysems such as DUAT, or to
recieve database updates.  Also has serial port (RS232).  Optional
acoustic coupler to use with either pay phones or cellular phone.

Optional Heads-up display:  2 oz. hi-resolution head-up display mounted
on an adjustable arm which attaches to headset.  Displays a moving map
and flight info. without obstructing view.  Red image on black
background.  Image viewed through magnifying lans and appears as large
as a full size desk-top computer terminal.

Optional Rockwell 5 channel GPS receiver.

Weight 1.5 lb (with GPS receiver) size: 7.5" by 4" by 1.5"

Power" rechargeable NiCad Battery or 12 VDC interface.

Prices: AEROplan (includes Super Twist (STN) back lit LCD display,
RS232 port for interface to external printer, GPS/Loran, 512K byte
database, built in modem, 60K communication memory.  Applications
software include: moving map, flight planning and routing, DUAT
interface, W&B - $898
GPS-V - $898
AEROplan with GPS  - $1948
Antenna (A/C or portable) $149
Options: Database update (one year on a 56 day cycle) $269
Extended Database Memory (1 MByte) - $99

Company - ZYCOM, phone 800-955-6466

Corky (I'm neither selling nor promoting this product) Scott