:)Wondering if anyone can recommend a cheap (read: inexpensive) GPS I can use to bring with me and record my flightpath?Obviously this does not have to be an aviation gps. I wouldn't care if it has a map or not... just need to record and then be able to download to my computer and view (preferably) in Google Maps/Earth.Any recommendations?BTW I have an iPhone which may be able to do this, but it doesn't work in Airplane mode and would rather not leave it on during the flight anyway.cheersAndrew

:)Wondering if anyone can recommend a cheap (read: inexpensive) GPS I can use to bring with me and record my flightpath?Obviously this does not have to be an aviation gps. I wouldn't care if it has a map or not... just need to record and then be able to download to my computer and view (preferably) in Google Maps/Earth.Any recommendations?BTW I have an iPhone which may be able to do this, but it doesn't work in Airplane mode and would rather not leave it on during the flight anyway.cheersAndrew

I also have an iphone, the motion-x gps app would be perfect for this. I use it to track my walks and it does download to google maps. Motion-x $2.99. Took a look at best buys website, they have a small device for $70. Called : Ecco - GPS Locator. Not sure if it downloads to google maps though. All other gps units are over $100. Matt

Hi Matt, thanks - Funny you mention that, I did 2 miles this am and used "RunKeeper" (free version) which seems like it would work too. Motion-X does look pretty sweet! How easy is it to export the tracks? Do you find it drains the battery really fast?Now I just have to look to see if the trainer has an inside power plug of some type.... ;)thxAndrew

I also have an iphone, the motion-x gps app would be perfect for this. I use it to track my walks and it does download to google maps. Motion-x $2.99. Took a look at best buys website, they have a small device for $70. Called : Ecco - GPS Locator. Not sure if it downloads to google maps though. All other gps units are over $100. Matt

Hi Matt, thanks - Funny you mention that, I did 2 miles this am and used "RunKeeper" (free version) which seems like it would work too. Motion-X does look pretty sweet! How easy is it to export the tracks? Do you find it drains the battery really fast?Now I just have to look to see if the trainer has an inside power plug of some type.... ;)thxAndrew

It is pretty easy to export the tracks. I have it set up where it sends an e-mail to myself and my doctor ( she gets on me if i dont excercise LOL). The email has all the information and a link to google maps where it shows your route. Motion x has a power saving feature. You basically lock the screen and it goes mostly dark to save power. It does seem to do ok and last longer not listening to music. If i listen to music at the same time on the phone,, it drains the battery pretty fast :(. I walked for 55 minutes and without music, it barely drained the battery at all. I have seen, on best buy web site i think, a rechargeable external battery pack for the iphone. You charge the battery pack and it plugs into the iphone. Supposed to give you alot longer battery life. Will put a copy of the information motion x sent me this morning, at the bottom of this post. MattMatt Krochmalny uses MotionX-GPS on the iPhone 3G or 3GS and is sharing with you the following track: Name: Track 103 Date: Jun 3, 2010 8:44 am Map:(valid until Jul 3, 2010) Google Maps LINK FOR GOOGLE MAPS GOES HEREDistance: 2.74 miles Elapsed Time: 55:08.1 Avg Speed: 3.0 mph Max Speed: 4.5 mph Avg Pace: 20' 05" per mile Min Altitude: 580 ft Max Altitude: 796 ft Start Time: 2010-06-03T12:44:46Z Start Location: Latitude: 41.705893

:)Wondering if anyone can recommend a cheap (read: inexpensive) GPS I can use to bring with me and record my flightpath?Obviously this does not have to be an aviation gps. I wouldn't care if it has a map or not... just need to record and then be able to download to my computer and view (preferably) in Google Maps/Earth.Any recommendations?BTW I have an iPhone which may be able to do this, but it doesn't work in Airplane mode and would rather not leave it on during the flight anyway.cheersAndrew

You should leave the iPhone in airplane mode when flying, there have been reports of the iPhone interfering with altitude reporting of the transponder and who know's what other radiowaves it might interact with. The 3G iPad does have a GPS that can be left on in flight and with the SkyCharts program will track "bread crumbs" which will later send an email tracking your flight (the iPhone will do this also but unless Apple changes some of its coding or you jailbreak it you cannot leave the GPS on and turn off the phone portion). If you use flight following on an active VFR flight plan or are on an IFR flight plan you can use Flightaware to not only track your flight but also to download a kmz file which will show the flight in Google Earth. A very neat tool to review your flight with. For simming Skycharts will currently work with xPlane v9 to provide a moving map and the author is working on this capability for FSX/ESP now.BTW if you're really flying you should already know there is nothing cheap!

Thanks guys...of note: I would love to buy an iPad. Not going to right now though... Yeah, I know... flying's expensive. But, what cost, NOT flying? ;)I will look into radio interference a bit more, but as noted I'd rather not leave it on anyway, if I don't have to.I've seen what look like super-basic handhelds for something like $89 or something in the past... I'm really just looking for something that can record multiple tracks and download to a computer.cheersAndrew