[simpits-tech] GPS/Loran units with simulator NMEA mode

[dabigboy at cox.net]

I'm trying to figure out what units I could consider for interfacing directly to sim software (specifically, X-Plane). I know XP can output NMEA coords directly, and there's a plugin that spits out a slightly different (newer?) system to run just about any GPS or Loran that accepts input in this manner, but finding details on which unit supports this is proving difficult.

I'm led to believe that both the KLN-89/89b and the KLN-90 support NMEA input through their data port. It also appears that the KLN-88 Loran supports this, after I just found the specs on Lonestar's Commander 2000 GPS/Loran doc that specifically lists support for the KLN-88. If I understand correctly, the Commander 2000 outputs NMEA data to the GPS/Loran so that it "thinks" it's flying, which is exactly what X-Plane would be doing.

The manuals for these units are actually not all that helpful, only mentioning the mode in passing. This situation is complicated by the fact that "sim mode" or "take-home mode" can also refer to simply being able to enter a special mode in the unit and dial in airspeed and heading, and then have the GPS follow this course internally, without any outside source of data. This is, of course, not what we want.

Has anyone played with any of these units? I'm keeping an eye out on ebay for a KLN-88 (even a used KLN-89 will push $1,000, but the KLN-88 is a Loran and thus can be had for under $100 in many cases), but I don't want to spend much time/money chasing something that turns out to not even be possible with the '88. I know the Garmin GPS 196 and a couple other handheld units support NMEA input, but these are more expensive than a used '88, and don't look nearly correct as panel units in a biz jet simulator. Plus I prefer the '88 for its richer features and relative similarity in form and function to the King GPS units (which I am occasionally exposed to in real flying, but rarely have enough time to learn/play with).

Thanks!

Matt