Can the microEFIS work with the ControlVision Anywhere Map?
Both the microEFIS software and the Anywhere Map software can be running on the iPAQ at the same time. MicroEFIS can run in the background while you are viewing the Anywhere Map screen. You can instantly switch between the two applications by using the buttons on the iPAQ. There is no need to re-align the microEFIS when selecting it..

How can I connect Anywhere Map and the microEFIS to my iPAQ at the same time?
If you are using the Compact Flash plug-in GPS receiver, you can simply connect the microEFIS gyro to the standard serial port. If using an external GPS, you must install a second serial port on the iPAQ. The built-in serial connector can be used for Anywhere Map and the second serial port can be connected to the microEFIS. Icarus sells a Compact Flash Card sleeve, CF serial port, and cable to the microEFIS gyro module, ME-1000SP.

What GPS receivers will provide the required waypoint data for the microEFIS GPS option?
Any Garmin aviation database portable GPS receiver will provide the proper waypoint data to the microEFIS system. This includes the 89, 90, 92, 195, 295, and GPS III Pilot. Also the Apollo Precedus and the Lowrance 100 and 300 receivers provide the correct data. All of these receivers also provide the data necessary to display the Stabilized Heading display. Icarus has cables for all Garmin receivers that provide both a data and power connection via the gyro module..

Do I have to mount my portable GPS on the yoke?
No, the microEFIS should be located in full view of the pilot. If you were to have an attitude indicator failure, you would use the microEFIS for attitude information. To avoid having to scan around the cockpit for navigation data, we offer the GPS option on the same screen. You simply select a waypoint on the GPS and then this information will be displayed on the iPAQ, simplifying your scan.

Can I feed the iPAQ from a panel mounted GPS?
Some panel mounted GPS receivers can output the NMEA format, but most do not. Icarus has a Smart GPS Cable that includes a format converter integral with the cable. You need to have a jack (supplied with the cable) installed on your panel that is connected to the serial map output of your GPS. The Smart GPS Cable plugs into this jack and goes to the gyro module's GPS input

Why would I want the GPS data from a panel mounted GPS displayed on the iPAQ along with attitude information?
If you have a vacuum failure or attitude gyro malfunction, you may want to confine your scan to the fewest possible instruments and navigation sources. Placing GPS data about the waypoint that you are flying to on the iPAQ's screen helps to keep your eyes on fewer instruments.

Is the iPAQ the only Pocket PC compatible with the microEFIS?
We have only tested the microEFIS software on the 3600, 3700, and 3800 series Compaq iPAQs as well as the new HP Jornada series.

The serial cable supplied with the microEFIS is only compatible with the 3600/3700 series iPAQs. A special cable (ME-1000-38C) is required for the newer 3800 iPAQ. The newest HP Jornada has the same processor as the iPAQ and works just fine, but it uses a different serial cable. The iPAQ is fully compatible with the power supply inside the gyro module for charging its battery.

Can I use a Palm Pilot with the microEFIS?
No, we wrote the microEFIS application to run under the Windows CE operating system. We require the speed of the iPAQ and its bright color display to maintain a ten times per second update rate. There at no plans to re-write it for the Palm OS.

How does the iPAQ get its power?
A dedicated power supply inside the microEFIS gyro module provides power to the iPAQ during flight. This power source also keeps the internal iPAQ battery fully charged.

How does the gyro module get its power?
The gyro module is powered from the aircraft's electrical system using a supplied cigarette lighter cord. It requires about 500 milliamps at any voltage between 10 and 30 volts. If the power feeding the gyro module fails, an internal nine volt alkaline battery will provide power for about five hours. In the event of a power failure, the iPAQ runs off its internal battery, not the nine volt battery inside the iPAQ

How do I know the state of the iPAQ's battery and the gyro's battery?
There is a full time display on the iPAQ of your aircraft's system voltage, which changes to the internal nine volt battery's voltage if there is a loss of power to the gyro module. There is also a display of the state of the iPAQ's internal battery expressed as a percentage of available power.

How big is the gyro module?
It's 6.5" x 4.5" x 2.0 " and weighs 15 oz.

How do I mount the gyro module?
We supply Scotch type "velcro" that secures the gyro to the floor of the airplane. The gyro must be pointed forward and be reasonably level. The software alignment process takes out any inaccuracies in mounting..

How far can the gyro module be from the iPAQ?
The gyro module can be up to 15 feet away. A standard nine pin serial extension cable can be used to extend the five foot supplied interconnect cable.

Does the gyro have to be located at the center of lift or at the CG?
No, the location of the gyro is not critical as long as it is mounted on a flat surface such as the floor, under a seat, in the baggage compartment, etc.

Can the microEFIS be used as the only attitude gyro?
In certified aircraft, the microEFIS is used as a backup to the primary attitude gyro/vacuum system. In experimental aircraft that are used for IFR flight, again the microEFIS is a backup system. In experimental aircraft that are VFR only (no installed gyros), the microEFIS may be used as an emergency gyro should the aircraft encounter unexpected IFR conditions.

How can I use the microEFIS in a certified aircraft?
The microEFIS is a totally portable system, like a portable GPS receiver. As long as the pilot determines that it causes no harmful interference to aircraft communication and navigation systems, the microEFIS may be operated in certified aircraft as a backup system, just as a backup portable GPS receiver. If the primary attitude reference system fails, the pilot should land immediately by finding VFR conditions or declare an emergency and make an instrument approach. Failed attitude indicators are probably responsible for most accidents caused by aircraft upsets and the microEFIS must not be used for prolonged flight should the primary system fail.

Is there a better connection to the bottom of the iPAQ?
Icarus offers a cradle for the iPAQ (3600/3700) that has an integral connector that eliminates the fragile external serial connector. A cable exiting this cradle connects to the gyro module. The cradle may be attached to the Icarus yoke mounting system.

Icarus also offers a unique mount for the iPAQ with a built-in strain relief for the standard serial cable. This mount is suitable for iPAQ users that have Anywhere Map or similar GPS products. This mount includes the Icarus Yoke mounting system.