[aprssig] NMEA logger

[Rick Green]

On Mon, 7 Mar 2011, Andrew Rich wrote:

> Hello
>
> I have a need to record NMEA data for an application
>
> What is around that is small ?
>
> Plane use
>
  There are several flight data recorders designed specifically for 
sailplane racing.  Most these days also incorporate extensive navigation 
assistance, but this one is simple, self-contained, and reliable:

http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/ew.htm
   ...this is a british unit.

There are also two other simple data recorders, but neither of those has a 
built-in battery, and they both require special proprietary software to 
retrieve the data logs.

The Cambridge model 20 or 25 is no longer being manufactured, but may be 
found on the used market.  I have found it highly reliable.  This one was 
manufactuured in the US.  There's also the older model 10, with a built-in 
battery, but they're seldom seen any more, and they're as big as a brick!


The VolksLogger is a european design, very compact, and features a 
built-in display.  However, the software to download flight logs is very 
cumbersome, slow, and unreliable.  It requires 'magic incantations', and a 
sequence of three steps which must be done in the right order and within a 
short timeframe in order to initiate the download.  Then you wait, as the 
data transfer rate is remarkably slow.  I must say, however, that the 
Volkslogger is the least expensive logger onthe market, and I have met a 
few owners who claim to love them.

Both the cambridge and Volksloggers require a RS232 port for downloading, 
and do not behave nicely with USB-RS232 dongles.

-- 
Rick Green

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