AvMap EXP IV Pro

Should you buy this?

  • Yes, but only if you don't want to buy any other unit.  This unit is very expensive and isn't as easy to use as other units I have reviewed.  However, if for some reason you don't like the other manufacturer's, this is the one to buy.

Why should you buy it?

  • Nice big screen
  • Relatively easy to use button/navigation system
  • Average User Interface
  • Instrument approach capabilities
  • Fast Screen Drawing/processing
  • Average user interface
  • Can be used for Aviation, Marine and Land navigation

Why shouldn't you buy this

  • No reliable portable power
  • Objects on the screen can be difficult to see at times
  • Finding airspace information can be difficult if not impossible
  • Very expensive

The Details

(Average) The Display

Not as sharp as Garmin units, but good enough. 

Positives

  • The display is very large giving you a lot of area to see with a single glance. 
  • The detail of landmarks is very good.  Easy to find your position in relation to the display.

Negatives

  • The icon that represents your airplane is located at the bottom of the screen, making it difficult to see features behind you.  This can get VERY irritating.
  • Out of the box, the airplane flight plan is easily lost because of its black color, especially in areas heavy with airspace and ground references (highways, roads, waterways, etc.).
  • Tracks are saved between flights which can be annoying and finding the menu used to clear them is relatively difficult the first time you try to find it.
  • In the unit I tested, only class Bravo (B) airspace gave any real information about the airspace.  Class Charlie and Delta airspace was identified but not vertical limits were included.  You still need your chart with this unit.

Processing/Drawing Speed

The system is fast and draws the screens quickly

GPS Satellite Acquisition

Satellite acquisition is pleasantly fast.

(Average) The User Interface/Menu

The user interface is easy to navigate but you WILL need the users guide the first few times you fly with the unit.  AvMap did not get an 'A' on their research for this unit, more like a 'B'.

  • The HSI display is NOT an HSI display, it's more of a compass/directional gyro combination.  Not much use.
  • The NAVData page is confusing and difficult to understand.
  • AvMap claims they have terrain awareness,  I couldn't find it either in the user's manual or on the unit when testing it.

Portable Power

The batteries lasted only minutes (30 minutes in the configuration I tested with).  An external power supply is needed or a portable battery system.  A battery system something like this can be purchased for about $150.00 or so and gives you enough power to run the unit for a very long time as well as other devices.  Units like this normally weigh about 6 pounds or so, but just another thing you have to carry around with you to simply navigate.

External Power

A cigarette lighter adapter is supplied with this unit.  No AC adapter is provided

Mounts

A knee mount is all that is provided with this unit.  Unfortunate since it overtakes your kneeboard during flight.  You can order a number of different mounts like the yoke mount shown here to the left, but those are extra cost.

 

GPS Antenna

An external GPS antenna is provided with a suction-cup mounting option with a very long cable - perfect! 

Cost

List is $1,990.  Very pricey for a unit that is not that exciting or easy to use.

More Information

http://www.avmapnavigation.com/index.php

 

GPS Review Page

Note:  All images were taken directly from the AvMap web site.

This page was last modified on 12/03/2006