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Show HN: Aviation navigation log on $20 receipt printer

carloslagoa.com

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Re: Show HN: Aviation navigation log on $20 receipt printer

#2

Post by carloslagoa »

Hi HN!

Just a small script I wrote a few days ago, but I had 2 or 3 friends publish some blogs online and I got hella jelly --- so here's my submission, so at least I can say I made something and post it.

Hopefully you like both planes and tech and very hopefully you find this an okay read :)

Any spelling mistakes, bugs, issues, ethics, please do tell me about!

Sorry if it looks rushed -- night is coming upon us and I need to take the dog out!

Good weekend!

Re: Show HN: Aviation navigation log on $20 receipt printer

#5

Post by jfim »

carloslagoa wrote: post #2

Hi HN! Just a small script I wrote a few days ago, but I had 2 or 3 friends publish some blogs online and I got hella jelly --- so here's my submission, so at least I can say I made something and post it. Hopefully you like both planes and tech and very hopefully you find this an okay read :) Any spelling mistakes, bugs, issues, ethics, please do tell me about! Sorry if it looks rushed -- night is coming upon us and…

Not knowing much about aviation, are there concerns if the printed list falls off of the pillar?

Re: Show HN: Aviation navigation log on $20 receipt printer

#6

Post by jcrawfordor »

I wrote up a tool years ago that would take a nav log and print the charts onto long strips of receipt tape, basically as an artistic venture. The Epson thermal printers can do surprisingly nice halftone once you figure out which of the several ESC/POS raster modes they like the most, although the printing is very slow compared to the usual text speed. Unfortunately I don't think I have the scripts any more.

Re: Show HN: Aviation navigation log on $20 receipt printer

#7

Post by EMM_386 »

I'm a dinosaur and I'm always amazed at the technology that pilot's have available to them these days.

While complex to learn, having huge glass navigation systems sitting in front of you in a single engine plane seems so foreign to me.

I did my instrument ride in a C-172 and my commercial in a PA-44.

During both of those checkrides, I ended up having to shoot ILS approaches to minimums, in turbulent IFR conditions, with nothing but "steam gauges". The fanciest thing in the plane was probably the HSI.

On the instrument ride, I had to shoot an NDB approach to minimums in actual. That was a good time.

I assume planes don't even come with NDBs anymore. I used to tune into AM radio on them just to have something to listen to to pass the time.

I used the latest Microsoft Flight Simulator recently and loaded up the C-172. It just stared at the screen for a minute, realizing I don't know how to use a G1000 so I couldn't fly it. I mean, I could start it up and get it off the ground, but for IFR navigation? No clue. Lots of buttons and fancy graphics.

The march of progress.

Re: Show HN: Aviation navigation log on $20 receipt printer

#8

Post by carloslagoa »

jcrawfordor wrote: post #6

I wrote up a tool years ago that would take a nav log and print the charts onto long strips of receipt tape, basically as an artistic venture. The Epson thermal printers can do surprisingly nice halftone once you figure out which of the several ESC/POS raster modes they like the most, although the printing is very slow compared to the usual text speed. Unfortunately I don't think I have the scripts any more.

Thats sounds dope! I had to modify the library I use for printing because it was made for Epson ones hehe

I agree -- it's artistic than anything, but is cool!

Thanks for popping by :)

Re: Show HN: Aviation navigation log on $20 receipt printer

#9

Post by carloslagoa »

jfim wrote: post #5
carloslagoa wrote: post #2

Hi HN! Just a small script I wrote a few days ago, but I had 2 or 3 friends publish some blogs online and I got hella jelly --- so here's my submission, so at least I can say I made something and post it. Hopefully you like both planes and tech and very hopefully you find this an okay read :) Any spelling mistakes, bugs, issues, ethics, please do tell me about! Sorry if it looks rushed -- night is coming upon us and…

Not knowing much about aviation, are there concerns if the printed list falls off of the pillar?

Hi! --- fantastic question, so far, mostly due to the gentle nature of General Aviation flights and my sellotape skills, I haven't had to deal with this.

I did worry at one point, but it's surprisingly sturdy.

If it does fall --- no worries! I have my original (kneeboard) copy to go off

Thanks for the question!

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