E6B

[d2hpeter]

was trying the E6B purchased from ASA today and love it!
I was amazed at its beauty and power :)
Performed similar calculation side by side with my HP 35s.
Almost the same speed if not faster, even when using the HMS --> function of the 35s to handle those Hour Minute format hassle.
And when it comes to conversion eg from Nautical to Statue and Km, the E6B gives both answers in one turn of the wheel   For the 35s, i hv to key in at least at least 10 keystrokes, not to mention that i hv to know the conversion factors, which is already built into the E6B.
Thanks to Dalton!

[flaminghotsauce]

When I was in flight school, I used ONLY the manual E6B until I finished my private ticket. I then opened up my electronic E6b for my instrument and beyond. I decided it wasn't much faster if at all. We used to have time trials to figure the same calculations manual vs electronic and there was almost no difference in times.

I've kept my aluminum manual E6B, and sold my electronic one off.

[beaky]

The whiz wheel is actually easier to use with one hand than the electronic one...

Never needs batteries, and practically indestructible.
I still use the cardboard one I bought in 1996! It's in bad shape, but it still works fine. 

It's great to hear about people discovering and enjoying this simple but very useful tool.  8-)

[Splinter562]

I'm another vote in favor of the whiz wheel. I know that I am faster flight planning with it than with an electronic E6B. I believe it is easier to use in the cockpit environment as well.

[d2hpeter]

it is definitely a marvelous piece of work. Hoorah.

I was further amazed when i turned to the wind side.

a few turns and pulls and the answer is there! Using the HP 35s, i hv to use vector algebra or trigo solving triangles, cracking my head to remember those maths.

anyway, i will still try to program the 35s to handle this. Maybe use it as a backup if it works. Figured vector algebra may be a better approach for the program than the trigo approach.

[DaveSims]

The best part about the good ole E6B, the batteries will never die, and it will never fail to turn on.  About the only problem I've had with mine is the wheel fell off of the slide, and it took me a minute to find it under the seat.  Short of it falling out of an open window, it is idiotproof.

[beaky]

Short of it falling out of an open window, it is idiotproof.

Even then, if you actually manage to find it, it will still work.
Try doing that with a $100 E6B... or a handheld GPS!

[DaveSims]

Short of it falling out of an open window, it is idiotproof.

Even then, if you actually manage to find it, it will still work.
Try doing that with a $100 E6B... or a handheld GPS!

I can tell you, once something goes out the window, you won't find it.   ;) 

[olderndirt]

[quote]
I can tell you, once something goes out the window, you won't find it.

[DaveSims]

[quote][quote]
I can tell you, once something goes out the window, you won't find it.