iFly EFB questions, ipad vs android

[Ed Haywood]

Yep. Alternatively, you could stop looking at iFly while you're doing aerobatics.

I kept mine enabled, but set the thresholds where they won't bother me but might be useful if I'm screwing up. IIRC, the roll is set to 50deg.

The problem is my Stratux is not calibrated, so it ALWAYS thinks I am doing aerobatics.

I'd prefer to pull the AHRS chip out, but I think I need it for the fan controller. Maybe I'll research that sometime. Gotta be a standalone RBP fan controller out there.

 

[Half Fast]

Uh, why not calibrate your Stratux?

 

[Ed Haywood]

Uh, why not calibrate your Stratux?

Tried a couple of times. Gives me garbage. Don't care enough to troubleshoot, as I would never use it in flight. Even more so now that I know how to turn off the display.

 

[midlifeflyer]

I'd prefer to pull the AHRS chip out, but I think I need it for the fan controller

That’s exactly why I put the AHRS chip in mine.

 

[Dana]

Fan controller???

 

[midlifeflyer]

Fan controller???

Yep. If I remember this correctly (@Ed Haywood?) when I built it it (almost 6 years ago; I haven't used my Stratux for several years now), one of the issues was lack of control of the cooling fan. In addition to AHRS, the chip measured internal temperatures and turned the fan on and off as needed.

 

[Ed Haywood]

Just downloaded a software update.

Touching Class B areas on the screen to get airspace info causes the app to close. Tried this with Tampa, Memphis, and Orlando; same result. Class C and D work fine.

IMO a product released with these kinds of bugs is not airworthy. I'm going to look for an alternative. Probably Garmin Pilot. Sigh.

 

[Half Fast]

Just downloaded a software update.

Touching Class B areas on the screen to get airspace info causes the app to close. Tried this with Tampa, Memphis, and Orlando; same result. Class C and D work fine.

IMO a product released with these kinds of bugs is not airworthy. I'm going to look for an alternative. Probably Garmin Pilot. Sigh.

What version?

 

[Half Fast]

Just tried Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. Worked fine. Version 12.0.18, about a year old.

 

[Ed Haywood]

Just tried Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. Worked fine. Version 12.0.18, about a year old.

13.0.32

 

[Half Fast]

13.0.32

Well, I won’t upgrade, then! Did you flag their support?

 

[TCABM]

Just downloaded a software update.

Touching Class B areas on the screen to get airspace info causes the app to close. Tried this with Tampa, Memphis, and Orlando; same result. Class C and D work fine.

IMO a product released with these kinds of bugs is not airworthy. I'm going to look for an alternative. Probably Garmin Pilot. Sigh.

Android 13.0.32

IOS 17 / 13.0.30

 

[Ed Haywood]

Android 13.0.32

Try zooming in on the Android til the Class B is larger than the screen. Mine works when zoomed out sufficiently. Wouldn't be surprised if your tablet does not have the same bug as my phone though.

 

[TCABM]

Try zooming in on the Android til the Class B is larger than the screen. Mine works when zoomed out sufficiently. Wouldn't be surprised if your tablet does not have the same bug as my phone though.

Likely a hardware issue. The tablet is a Tab S6 Lite (SM-P613) with whatever version of Android shipped with it.

 

[Ed Haywood]

Likely a hardware issue.

I disagree with you there. This issue immediately followed an iFly version update. Phone is a Google Pixel 7 running stock Android.

If you scroll up earlier in the thread, this is not my first problem with iFly. I have had two in-flight app freezes, one during a stressful situation.

I like the app and would very much like to continue to use it. But after 3 strikes, I'm no longer sure I can trust their QC process to be sufficient for an in-flight environment. A larger entity like Garmin or Boeing may have more resources to perform Test-Driven Development.

However, that view conflicts with my cheapness. I just renewed my subscription in November, so I'll probably see if I have any more issues between now and then.

 

[TCABM]

I disagree with you there. …

No harm/no foul. I’m the same way with my WC X9; I got there because I wanted something that just worked for me. Every. Single. Time. This particular one about 11,000 tries so far.

I know you had challenges before and honestly, glad you gave it a second try, but nothing’s perfect and I get that, just as I get different use case drive different form factors, hardware, and software. It it matters, Avare is an efb that’ll work on android at no cost. It’s not full-feature but it’s my backup over using fltplan.com, which is another option.

Seriously, I hope you find an EFB that works for you in your use cases.

 

[Ed Haywood]

After thinking about it more, I'll stick with iFly ... as long as it does not give me any more issues.

I finally got my Stratux dialed in with an under-the-panel mount and remote antennas, so not looking to change ADS-B source. That rules out GP or Aera. Not gonna switch to iPhone, so that rules out FF.

I'll manage software risk by carrying my iPad mini as backup on trips. Unlikely to have an identical bug in both Android and Apple versions.

 

[JVerb]

I really liked iFly for VFR. Their smart routing was awesome.

 

[Half Fast]

I'll manage software risk by carrying my iPad mini as backup on trips. Unlikely to have an identical bug in both Android and Apple versions.

True, but if you're carrying an iPad anyway you might as well load FltPlan GO ( https://www.fltplan.com/ ) onto it and have a software alternative. It's free and while it's a little clunky, it's usable. I have it installed on my iPad and on my android phone.

I do my flight planning on my iPad mini, then sync it to the 740b on my panel. That way I have two devices ready to go, and if necessary I can still bring up FltPlan GO on my ipad or phone. I've been considering getting a cheap tablet for the panel and installing just FP GO on it and using it for weather monitoring only. It would be nice to have a continuous weather display without messing with my nav display.

 

[EdFred]

If VFR only, Avare as a backup on the android device could work too. I have the 740b in the panel, the EFB on a Samsung A9 along with Avare. I haven't had a lockup or reboot yet (knock on wood)

 

[Jim_R]

Just downloaded a software update.

Touching Class B areas on the screen to get airspace info causes the app to close. Tried this with Tampa, Memphis, and Orlando; same result. Class C and D work fine.

IMO a product released with these kinds of bugs is not airworthy. I'm going to look for an alternative. Probably Garmin Pilot. Sigh.

iFly v13 incorporates a complete overhaul of the graphics engine to divorce the app from its WinCE roots. As you mentioned in a later post, iFly is a small shop and is reliant on the beta test community to identify bugs, but the beta community also does not represent the full suite of devices and OS versions out in the wild.

The good news is that Adventure Pilot can be very responsive to bugs--especially critical ones. Have you submitted a bug report?

I tried to replicate your issue on a Samsung S9+ (Android 10), a Samsung Tab S6 (Android 12), and a Samsung Galaxy S21U (Android 14) but could not--it works fine on all three (Tab S6 video here). What device and Android version are you running? Maybe I have a device that's a closer match I could try with.

 

[Cheyenne Captain]

In regards to the OP asking about Ipad Versus Android.
I am running iFLY on a Samsung Android tablet.
Reason I like Android is there are a lot more beneficial APPS (weather, Weight and balance, Aircraft Performance, etc) for Android than IOS!

By the way, been using iFLY for many years and encourage students to get it!

 

[Lndwarrior]

I thought I would add some additional info for IFly EFB users that might be of interest.

I built the panel for my homebuilt Zenith 601 XL around the IFly GPS, 740B. It was velcro'd into the center of the panel which was made from light weight 6061 T6. Recently the unit stopped receiving ADSB. The new IFly EFB tablet weighs over 2 pounds, too heavy to panel mount in my plane (without rebuilding the panel).

I ended up buying the Hugerock X7 tablet. It is the exact same dimensions as the 740B and weighs almost exactly the same as the 740B, just over 1 lb.

The 740b unit has a screen brightness of 1300 nits which was pretty good. This is much brighter than any "sunlight readable" tablets. However, since my plane has a bubble canopy it can get so bright it would be hard to read the 740B in certain conditions.

The X7 has a screen brightness of 2600 nits (not a typo), making it the brightness tablet you can buy today. It's brighter than the new IFly tablet, and much brighter than the Tripletek Pro at 1200 nits.

I've only had it for a few weeks and two flights, but so far I really like this unit. It is superfast with processing - much faster than the 740B. The ability to pinch and stretch the screen is easier to use than the +/- buttons on the 740 (The screen buttons on the 740B can be a challenge in turbulence). Scrolling and all other functions are also much faster.

And it is bright! At full brightness you get great color rendition in full sun, compared to the washed out image on the 740B. This increased color saturation makes it much easier to read even the smallest chart details in full sun.

The unit cost was $479 which is not bad when you consider the IFly tablet is $900, which is also the same price as the Tripletek unit.

I did put the unit on the glareshield (under my bubble canopy) in full sun on a warm day and had no issues of over-heating (so far).

Even on sunny days, setting the screen for 50% brightness works well in my plane.

So far I am extremely happy with this unit. We will see how it holds up over time.

Here is a pic of the X7 and the 740B in flight. The difference in readability is obvious.

 

[Daleandee]

I thought I would add some additional info for IFly EFB users that might be of interest.

I built the panel for my homebuilt Zenith 601 XL around the IFly GPS, 740B. It was velcro'd into the center of the panel which was made from light weight 6061 T6. Recently the unit stopped receiving ADSB. The new IFly EFB tablet weighs over 2 pounds, too heavy to panel mount in my plane (without rebuilding the panel).

I ended up buying the Hugerock X7 tablet. It is the exact same dimensions as the 740B and weighs almost exactly the same as the 740B, just over 1 lb.

The 740b unit has a screen brightness of 1300 nits which was pretty good. This is much brighter than any "sunlight readable" tablets. However, since my plane has a bubble canopy it can get so bright it would be hard to read the 740B in certain conditions.

The X7 has a screen brightness of 2600 nits (not a typo), making it the brightness tablet you can buy today. It's brighter than the new IFly tablet, and much brighter than the Tripletek Pro at 1200 nits.

I've only had it for a few weeks and two flights, but so far I really like this unit. It is superfast with processing - much faster than the 740B. The ability to pinch and stretch the screen is easier to use than the +/- buttons on the 740 (The screen buttons on the 740B can be a challenge in turbulence). Scrolling and all other functions are also much faster.

And it is bright! At full brightness you get great color rendition in full sun, compared to the washed out image on the 740B. This increased color saturation makes it much easier to read even the smallest chart details in full sun.

The unit cost was $479 which is not bad when you consider the IFly tablet is $900, which is also the same price as the Tripletek unit.

I did put the unit on the glareshield (under my bubble canopy) in full sun on a warm day and had no issues of over-heating (so far).

Even on sunny days, setting the screen for 50% brightness works well in my plane.

So far I am extremely happy with this unit. We will see how it holds up over time.

Here is a pic of the X7 and the 740B in flight. The difference in readability is obvious.
View attachment 133641
View attachment 133642

Good info! Do you know if it has the ability to drive an auto pilot?

 

[Lndwarrior]

Good info! Do you know if it has the ability to drive an auto pilot?

I don't know. Don't have one so never looked into it.

 

[Jim_R]

Good info! Do you know if it has the ability to drive an auto pilot?

The latest version of iFly supports a Bluetooth-to-Serial capability to drive autopilots on Android devices. (iOS device support is planned but I don't know when it will be implemented.)

 

[Daleandee]

The latest version of iFly supports a Bluetooth-to-Serial capability to drive autopilots on Android devices. (iOS device support is planned but I don't know when it will be implemented.)

I am aware that the new iFly EFB can drive an auto pilot (if you purchase their docking station mount) but the tablet that @Lndwarrior posted about seems quite intriguing and would be the bees knees if it supported serial output ...

 

[Jim_R]

I am aware that the new iFly EFB can drive an auto pilot (if you purcaahse their docking station mount) but the tablet that @Lndwarrior posted about seems quite intriguing and would be the bees knees if it supported serial output ...

What I was endeavoring to explain is that *any* Android device can drive an AP now via a Blutooth-to-serial adapter. It does not require a specific tablet or a specific docking station.

I don't know your needs/desires--you may be looking for a hardline-only solution, which is still possible but constrains your choices.

But iFlyEFB supports more than hardline-only solutions today.

 

[Daleandee]

What I was endeavoring to explain is that *any* Android device can drive an AP now via a Blutooth-to-serial adapter. It does not require a specific tablet or a specific docking station.

I don't know your needs/desires--you may be looking for a hardline-only solution, which is still possible but constrains your choices.

But iFlyEFB supports more than hardline-only solutions today.
View attachment 133659

I've been looking into some of this but I guess I didn't fully realize that any android product could bluetooth a serial connection. I had been looking for a way to do this with my iPhone but so far, no dice. Appreciate the info ...

 

[rkstumberg]

I sold my soul to Apple some years back. Use only iPhones and iPads for anything aviation really. My one and only EFB Foreflight works flawlessly on them. Aside from any connotation of Apple controlling the human souls of all their users, I suppose I am doing okay. p.s. I remain faithful to my PC laptop.

 

[sansoneservices]

doesn't seem to be a lot of iFly users here based on the hits I find searching for it...still I thought I'd post some questions

I just started playing around with the trial on an android tablet
Just doing preliminary research.... I still haven't found a way to demo foreflight as a comparison, but I know that I did not like Garmin pilot on Android. I understand Pilot is better on iPad

1) Have any of you compared iFly EFB on android and iPad? Is it any better or different on one vs the other?

2) I'd be very interested to hear form folks that have used iFly AND Foreflight
is foreflight really worth that much more money?

My initial impression just poking around with it on the ground is that the look and feel of iFly is a bit dated looking, but it does seem to be very intuitive. There's been a few times when I haven't readily seen the method to clear the screen or whatever, but mostly it's nicely simple. And it seems to have most things I can think to look for.

After my android garmin pilot trial a while back, I was ready to just break down and get an iPad and go with foreflight since that seems to be the gold standard more or less...just to cut to the chase. No need to re-invent the wheel here....
but since I have the android tablet, I figured why not give a few things a shot. I tried some of the others I've seen mentioned and rejected them pretty quickly, but iFly looks pretty decent...

I'm mostly just wondering if it would be worth it to get an ipad for a smaller and better tablet to run the iFly EFB, knowing that it would give me the option later to try foreflight.
or, should I just go with my initial plane and get an ipad for foreflight

It sure was easier back in the day.... just pick up a couple of charts and an approach plate book...available almost anywhere...and you're good to go!

I use Avare on android tablet