At the core of the iQue 3600a is a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, which gathers pulsed signals from as many of the two dozen or so GPS satellites orbiting the earth as it can lock in.
Unlike other GPS-enabled PDAs, the iQue 3600 adds an airplane yoke-mounted cradle as well as built-in basemap, terrain, obstacle, and Jeppesen databases. Instead of using a stylus for data input, you insert the unit into the cradle and navigate using the dedicated Direct To, Nearest, Menu, Escape, Enter and directional rocker buttonsgiving it the same functionality as other Garmin aviation portables.
When inserted, the company said the iQue 3600a instinctively selects settings appropriate for aviation use and allows aviators to transition seamlessly from personal/automotive use to the cockpit environment.
Airborne Navigation Software
QueMap: Displays a set of mapping data, such as a
basemap of North/South America; aviation navaids, airports and
airspace; navigation arc overlay with configurable data fields;
Sectional chart-like topographic data; and U.S. obstacles like towers
and obstructions
QueTerrain: Takes advantage of the topographic/obstacles database to
alert the pilot of potential terrain conflicts within the proximity of
the flight path using pop-up windows
QueNav: Displays GPS-derived speed, altitude and guidance features in
an aircraft panel format
QueFlights: Keeps a record of flight time, mileage and start/end point
as a digital logbook (also interfaces with Garmin's PC-based
FlightBook(TM) software, which is included in the Setup CD)
Terra Firma
The iQue 3600a also bundles the same automotive turn-by-turn capabilities and personal information management (PIM) applications as other Garmin handhelds. You can also the locate points of interest and compute trips, among other functions.