1. How do I troubleshoot cable connection between my GPS/Logger and a Pocket PC device?
We have written a special application to make it easier. Right-click on one of the links below ,  save it on your PC, and transfer it to your Windows CE device to \Windows\Start Menu directory. You should then be able to start it from the Start button menu. The application shows if  NMEA data is arriving to the serial port, and saves the incoming data into a file named NMEA_Log.txt. WinPilotTTy for MIPS   WinPilotTTy for iPAQ

2. How to avoid the following situation: "Last year I experienced a sudden flat back-up battery and main battery of my ____ (enter the name of your Pocket PC device here). So I had to install a new back-up battery, reload all software, airspace, turning points and polar data. When starting the software you will have to enter the key again. Imagine this when the tow airplane taxies to you glider for the start of an other interesting contest flight..."
Answer: Please consider investing in a SD card that would be used exclusively for backup of all the Pocket PC software. On Pocket PC devices, select Start.Programs.QUtilities.Backup, and press the 'Backup to CF' button. This saves all your programs and settings, including WinPilot itself, airspace, polar, and turnpoint files, as well as your WinPilot key, so if your device goes down,  restoring it is as easy as putting the CF card back in, going into  Start.Programs.QUtilities.Backup, and pressing the 'Restore from CF' button.

3. Who is responsible for storing a copy of  your WinPilot software and corresponding password, the Client, or Sierra SkyWare, Inc?
Answer: The Client (you) are responsible for storing your own copy of  WinPilot software you have purchased, along with password that goes with it. Because there are so many WinPilot versions, we are not in a position to be able to provide a backup service, and provide copies of outdated versions or outdated passwords. The installation module for WinPilot ADV and PRO are usually located on the desktop PC, and they can be found by searching the whole hard drive for files named "WP_Install*.exe". If everything else fails, we will provide a free current password to users of current versions of WinPilot.  Users of outdated versions of WinPilot can obtain update to the current version on our Order Online page. 

4. Where to buy data cables for my iPAQ?
Check out the following links:
Europe: Hannu Korhonen
Usa:: CraggyAero.com, Cambridge.

5. How to power an iPaq in flight?
In operation with the backlight on and discharged internal battery, a color iPaq draws about 600mA at 5V (= 3Watts). In order to power it from the 12V glider battery a voltage reducer must be used. Using a simple voltage regulator works but it will dissipate about 6-7W of wasted power, requiring a reasonable heatsink - and the total current drain is still 600mA - shortening battery life in flight. Compaq provides a device for powering the iPaq from a car cigar lighter. This uses a switch mode power voltage regulator. 5V is produced with high efficiency. No heat is generated and the current drain from the glider battery is reduced by better than 50%, extending battery life. The part name is 'Auto Adapter 180743-B21', and it can be ordered on-line from Compaq iPaq Accesories Store.
If you iPaq didn't come with a Serial Cradle, you can also order it from the link above  (part name: Serial Cradle, 176482-B21).

New: The Garrecht brothers are now manufacturing an iPAQ Connection Kit that contains everything needed to connect an iPAQ Pocket PC to Volkslogger, or any other GPS. Price is $150, and the following components are included:

iPAQ sleeve with a DB-15 connecting cable circuit board with a switching 5V power supply and the following connectors: DB-15 for iPAQ, DB-9 for non-iPAQ Pocket PCs, RJ-45  for Volkslogger, and a wire connector for 12V power, and non-VL gps units. Click here to see the diagram. RJ-45 cable for direct connection between the circuit board and Volkslogger

6. If I purchase WinPilot Advanced now, how much would it cost to upgrade it to the PRO later?
The price of upgrade from Adv to PRO is equal to the difference in price between these versions, which currently is  $50.

7. What is the update policy for newer versions of WinPilot?
The current price for updates to a newer version in
The current price for updates to a newer version is $59. The fee covers all updates for the calendar year in which the update has been purchased.

I still don't see an answer to my question. What should I do?
Please send it to info@winpilot.com, or use our contact form.