Stratus 2 or GDL39 3D?

[Guitarmaster]

Hey all.

I have been flying with Foreflight and Garmin Pilot.

There are some old ads-b threads, but with the new tech, I need some opins.

First, I have a mode s transponder. As I understand it, this qualifies as the 2020 requirement for "ads-b out."

Now, both systems say they they receive TIS-b, but the Garmin says it receives feed from the ATC facility as well.

The main and only gripe on the Garmin was the use of BT instead of WiFi. He said it kept dropping the signal.

They are the same cost.

I like Foreflight, but I could get used to Pilot.

I am not looking an any others at this time.

Thanks in advance for your input!

Matt

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[M016576]

I think it's less of who's hardware do you want to use and more of what software / handheld do you like to use. If you like foreflight- stick with that and get the stratus. If you have a garmin handheld in addition to your iPad, you'll probably want the gdl-39

The biggest gouging of the Private pilot market is the cost of these receivers (IMO). Sad to see them all in the 800 dollar realm when they are built for much less, and the companies offering these things can't hide behind certification costs either this time.

FWIW, I bought a used GDL-39 on eBay for $500.00 about 6 months ago to go with my aera 560. Not really a "deal", but didn't sting quite so bad as full price. I didn't get the AHRS version, though. Haven't had any problems with the BT dropping out, but mine is connected via cable to my Aera ... Only used the BT at home to update the firmware.

[rocketman]

Interesting topic since I am half way through the 30 day demo period for both Foreflight and Garmin Pilot. HAve not made up my mind yet either

 

Positive for Garmin - AHRS and ability to preflight with winds aloft calculating best altitudes. 

Positive for Foreflight - Being able to transpose the approach plate on the map.

 

Things to consider - Company support. Garmin has always been great to call but I have not had to call Foreflight yet. Also the market is heating up for these portable units. Just look at the first five pages or so of Sport's magazine I got in the mail yesterday. So, I fully expect to see some really big changes in the next few weeks at the Sun-n-Fun fly in. So I will not purchase anything until I check that out.

 

Also, I use regularly  use the Garmin 796. The hardware is a better platform than the iPad, more stable, and really I feel a lot more comfortable shooting a GPS approach in an aviation grade unit than an iPad and the other units. JMHO

 

One recommendation for both Foreflight and Pilot - larger buttons for ease of use in turbulence. Keep the smaller sizes for preflighting and the larger buttons for flight. Their missions and environments are different and so should the software presentation.

 

See you at Sun-n-Fun

[rbridges]

I'm leaning towards a stratus 2 this year, but I'd like to see what everyone else has to say.  I've been using FF for the past 2-3 years, and that's the main reason of going with stratus.

[orionflt]

I have been using fore flight for a couple of yrs, but i'm looking to make the jump to garmin and the GDL39

[N601RX]

I'm guessing both will be rolling out some new features next week at Sun-In-Fun. 

[MooneyBob]

I started with both FF and Pilot. For no particular reason I was leaning more towards Garmin and got really familiar with it. Since then they made some really big improvements and it looks like they really listen to the pilots' feedback and bring it back to the product. I traded my old ( still very new)  GLD39 ( which I had no problem with the BT connection or performance) and I got GDL39 3D that provides AI backup beside the synthetic vision. I think that's pretty nice feature. It is very responsive and accurate. I know the FF can superimpose the plate over the map but Garmin can do that on the split screen. You sacrifice the size of course. But since Garmin can connect two devices on the same account ( only one subscription) I use two iPADs ( mini in the corner of the window and regular on my kneeboard). SO I have my map, weather and everything else on one and the plate on another one.

One thing I really like about the GLD that it never shuts down because of overheating from the sun. And it gets really hot. I think the stratus had that issue. They are both great products. The question is Mercedes or BMW ?

[orionflt]

I started with both FF and Pilot. For no particular reason I was leaning more towards Garmin and got really familiar with it. Since then they made some really big improvements and it looks like they really listen to the pilots' feedback and bring it back to the product. I traded my old ( still very new)  GLD39 ( which I had no problem with the BT connection or performance) and I got GDL39 3D that provides AI backup beside the synthetic vision. I think that's pretty nice feature. It is very responsive and accurate. I know the FF can superimpose the plate over the map but Garmin can do that on the split screen. You sacrifice the size of course. But since Garmin can connect two devices on the same account ( only one subscription) I use two iPADs ( mini in the corner of the window and regular on my kneeboard). SO I have my map, weather and everything else on one and the plate on another one.

One thing I really like about the GLD that it never shuts down because of overheating from the sun. And it gets really hot. I think the stratus had that issue. They are both great products. The question is Mercedes or BMW ?

in a perfect world, both.....in my case chevy

[MooneyBob]

OK. Chevy or Ford?

[Danb]

I tried Wing X ,..Pilot..demo's..I have been flying with FF since it came out and purchased the Stratus 2 when it was available. All are so similar its hard to say one is bad. I like the stratus glass display if you lose your electric ( Ifly behind a glass panel) and there display is very similar to the G-1000 so I feel confident I could put it on the ground in a panel failure..other than that reason it's flip your coin..I'm not sold on adsb   wx and the traffic is incomplete I'm still paying for XM..oh well

[jlunseth]

Interesting topic since I am half way through the 30 day demo period for both Foreflight and Garmin Pilot. HAve not made up my mind yet either

 

Positive for Garmin - AHRS and ability to preflight with winds aloft calculating best altitudes. 

Positive for Foreflight - Being able to transpose the approach plate on the map.

 

Foreflight allows flight planning with winds aloft and calculated best altitudes.  In Edit Mode in a planned flight, tap on the Altitude number on the left side of the screen.  A popup will display winds aloft, ETE and fuel. You need a data connection of course, wifi, cellular, etc.   I just use it as a rough number, the lack of an algorithm that accounts for the time of a climb to altitude and descent from altitude makes the rest of the calculated numbers inaccurate, but the "Winds" screen does provide good information for choosing an altitude based on winds.  Fltplan.com allows a custom aircraft profile that allows for a climb and descent profile and computes an accurate flight time, but it is a little cumbersome when picking altitude based on winds aloft.  The function in Foreflight is very good, so I use that to "rough plan" a flight, and then if time enroute and fuel usage are going to be significant issues I use fltplan.com for those numbers.

[rbridges]

I've had the Stratus 2 for about eight months now

Pros:

1) it has a long battery life.

2) backup AHRS

3) always good reception of both GPS and ADS-B with no external antenna.

4) turn it on, connect to it's net, multi devises too and forget about it. Worry free!

Cons:

1) captive to Foreflight.

2) not certified

3) not able to use that WAAS as ADS-B source out in 2020

The Stratus 2 is a great worry free devise that works exactly as advertised.

However and XPS Duel GPS 170 might also work with Foreflight (my XPS 150 Duel GPS works with Foreflight ... and might work with other programs (like X Wing?) Or if you plan on getting into some Garmin products ... then the 39 may be the way to go?

I have only used Foreflight and Stratus 2 and that is the limit of my experience in GA products so far ...

 

the backup AHRS is a strong selling point to me.  I know it's not FF specific, but it is something the stratus 2 offers that is not in the original stratus.  I have a backup vacuum source, but I'd feel better in IMC knowing that the AHRS is also available.  

[rahill]

I'm not sold on adsb   wx and the traffic is incomplete I'm still paying for XM..oh well

 

Can you fill in the details on your dissatisfaction?  I understand the traffic restrictions (which are ridiculous) but what's incomplete about the weather?  There are clearly regions of the country where the coverage is incomplete, but with those exceptions, the ADS-B weather products seem comparable to the XM products.

[Danb]

On the weather the biggest concern is that I do not have it on the ground, when comparing it to my xm it seems to lag behind ..which as we know should be only used as a trend device ..that being said when in bad weather I seem to rely on it for accuracy sake I'm making a mistake. I do believe after I reconcile my personal concerns I'll most likely turn off the xm ,at least that's the hopeful plan, and save $$ which is one reason I got the Stratus..when my confidence grows my mind will to..but at this point I just feel internally leery re: the adsb Wx..not a good answer but it's my thought process.

[smccray]

My bet is that Garmin rolls out the capability to interface the GDL39 with a panel mounted GPS and then to flow the aviation route data to your iPad.

 

I chose the GDL39 b/c it supplies data to my 796 at the same time as my iPad.

[N33GG]

FWIW... I have used FF customer service a couple of times, and both times they have been outstanding.  Fast, sharp, and very helpful.

[Marauder]

My bet is that Garmin rolls out the capability to interface the GDL39 with a panel mounted GPS and then to flow the aviation route data to your iPad. I chose the GDL39 b/c it supplies data to my 796 at the same time as my iPad.

That's what I am holding out for... ForeFlight with Aspen Connected Pilot works with the 430/530 series. Garmin changed the code for the GTN series blocking this for Connecte Pilot. I suspect it will come out for Garmin Pilot. Crazy not to. As for the apps. I still have ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot on my iPads for the second year. I bought the GDL-39 last Fall and will let ForeFlight die a quiet app death. If you plan on or own a GTN series GPS, the Garmin app just feels like the navigator. As mentioned above, don't let the hardware make the decision for you. You need to feel comfortable with how the app works. One thing that still bothers me about ForeFlight is the fact they don't store the charts for your departure and destination in your charts folder. I really like that about Garmin.

[Guitarmaster]

Thanks everyone for your input.

Chris, I like that feature also. Right now I am leaning toward the Garmin, but I like the flight planning with FF.

Side note... I have a friend with a "J" that puked the vacuum pump yesterday. He had just flown out of IMC conditions so it was not a big deal... Could have been a huge deal 15 minutes earlier. I am really liking the built in AHRS right now.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Av8]

I have been using ff/stratus 1st gen since it came out. Have had 3 units fail where power connection inserts. Apareo never returned voice or email inquiries but sportys has been quick to ship replacement every time - no charge even though last time was well out of original warranty. Have been told this is a weakness in the first gen, fixed or at least greatly improved in the 2.

I'm curious what will happen as the iPad revolution matures, 430/530 line continues to age out and 2020 gets closer - what will happen to costs and features, will sales volume pick up and prices move down? Will hardware continue as garmin is promoting as getting more stable with software upgrades driving feature and capability down the road ?

[N33GG]

I expect some very affordable solutions to emerge as 2020 approaches, like 2 AMU or less, and I won't be surprised if Stratus is one of the leaders. I own, enjoy, and am amazed with the capability and performance of my Stratus 2. Other than that, I am not spending any real money until we get much closer to 2020. Standby for good news everybody...

[N601RX]

There are government agencies who have a vested interest in making ADSB a success and claiming 90 something percent of all aircraft are compliant in 2020. The only realistic way to make this happen is low cost portable units. I think we may see some new policies come out that allows for these portable devices.

[Av8]

I've been using fore flight / had a stratus 1 & now stratus 2.  The stratus 1 was definitely first generation - on 3rd return to sporty's due to issues with power cord insert point failing - they offered to refund 100% or apply to Stratus 2.  

 

Stratus 2 works as advertised, easy and tight integration with fore flight - only issue that it's captive to fore flight.

 

The ability to put up the A/I on iPhone as a backup alone with weather on the iPad is pretty cool - and definitely cost effective backup. 

 

I've found fore flight to be very easy to use and intuitive.  

 

As bluetooth/transmit from iPad to panel continues to mature it will be come a G vs. "anything else" decision - and get used to the differences.

 

I've just downloaded Garmin pilot, and it's definitely an adjustment - but I'm going garmin upgrade to the panel and will be transitioning.  IF anyone is interested in a Stratus2 PM me - mine is for sale...

[GeorgePerry]

I've been testing both the GDL 39 3D and Stratus II side by side for the past month.  I settled on Garmin Pilot and the GDL 39 3D.  Here's why:

 

(1) Synthetic vision of the GDL39 3D is really good and not available with FF and stratus

(2) I like the user interface of the Garmin Pilot better.  (Personal preference I suppose)

(3) ADS-B antenna of the Garmin works a bit better even though the thing is ugly to look at

(4) Integration if I want to use in conjunction with other garmin products.

[carusoam]

Daver,

There is a lot of coming soon with respect to their descriptions...

Best regards,

-a-

[Piloto]

There are government agencies who have a vested interest in making ADSB a success and claiming 90 something percent of all aircraft are compliant in 2020. The only way to make this happen is low cost portable units. I think we may see some new policies come out that allows for these portable devices.

Over 90% of all aircraft flying are airliners with over 100 passengers onboard. They will not use portable devices for weather and traffic. They already have onboard radar and TCAS. Politicians go for votes and I don't think the Mooney population has any chance against the airlines.

 

José