SOLIDFX, LLC, makers of the only digital readers for Jeppesen terminal charts, has introduced the FX8 and FX8-3G, the newest additions to the FX Series of Aviation Information Managers.
Using the SOLIDFX FXVIEW application, the FX8 and FX8-3G are designed to be a chart reader, notepad, cockpit organizer, electronic briefcase and library, according to company officials. The screen and stylus combo is more readable and convenient than paper and pencil, they say, adding the reader enables pilots to zoom, pan and annotate charts, write and store important notes such as ATIS, clearance, flight plan, and other critical data, as well as store important documents for ready access.
Because of their compact size — less than 8 by 6 inches and less than a half-inch thick — the FX8 or FX8-3G can be held or mounted in virtually any aircraft.
The FX8 Series displays Jeppesen terminal charts, chart NOTAMs, and airport information. The screen size and aspect ratio allow an approach chart to appear in full on the screen. Using the stylus, pilots can zoom and pan the chart at will, or with a single tap magnify the chart to show the Jeppesen approach briefing strip, plan view, and profile view of the chart. The width of the FX8 screen is about the same as a printed Jeppesen approach plate.
The FX8 Series includes a wide array of new features and user benefits. With its Instant-On feature, when users put the FX8 or FX8-3G in sleep mode, they can return to chart viewing with a flip of the switch. The FX8 battery delivers more than 24 hours of continuous use while the FX8-3G provides comparable but slightly reduced endurance depending on 3G usage. Jeppesen data updates are downloaded onto the FX8 and FX8-3G through the Jeppesen Services Update Manager.
With enhanced Notepad functionality, users can annotate charts – drawing a taxi route on the airport diagram for example – or enter data on one of the included notepad templates for ATIS and clearances, US and ICAO flight plan forms, narrow and wide lined stationery and others. Multiple pages of forms and notes can be stored until cleared by the user.
The FX8 Series units can also be used for reading a wide range of documents including flight manuals, the FAR/AIM, e-books, newspapers and PDF files such as Jeppesen Nav Logs or other Trip Kit information. The FX8 Series units are fully ePub compatible.
Special bundle pricing is available so that JeppView subscribers can extend their current chart coverage area to the FX8 or FX8-3G. Subscribers to the full 48-state CONUS coverage can have all of those terminal charts added to their FX8 or FX8-3G for $55 more a year.
The FX8 and the FX8-3G are each priced at $1,195 and are available directly from SolidFX (electronic book and newspaper services are available at additional cost via IREX and associated vendors). Customers must also purchase eChart Reader annual service from Jeppesen. Units are shipped ready-to-fly, pre-loaded with current Jeppesen eChart Reader worldwide data. The FX8 Series units ship with a stylus, an AC adapter and a protective sleeve.
