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The Hugerock X7 tablet - 2600 nits (not a misprint) and the same size as the IFly 740B GPS
When my IFly 740 GPS Began to give me bad readings six months ago I began looking for an alternative tablet to run the IFly program. I had built my panel around the 740 and so I needed something that would fit within that same footprint. The new IFly electronic flight book was both too heavy and too large to be able to mount in the space.
I had tried working with Apple Minis before and just couldn't do it again. Next I looked at Triple Tech which had a very bright screen but it had the same problems as the IFly III EFB in that it was both big heavy, cumbersome and could not be mounted in my available panel space
Since my plane is a 601 XLB it is very bright in my cockpit. I am an older person and my eyesight is not as good as it once was.
I needed something brighter than my small Samsung tablet A7. While there were times that I could sort of read it, in bright sunlight it was just not possible.
It didn't seem as if there were any options to meet the requirements of a bright-sunlight readable screen that would fit within the available space on my panel.
In my search, I came across the Hugerock X7 which marketed that it had the brightest screen of any tablet at 2600 nits. At 1.2 lbs it was as light as the 740 and had the same physical size.
III This tablet seemed to be becoming popular with drone pilots, who the tablet was initially oriented towards. However, there were limited reviews and experience available on the Internet regarding this tablet, so I was skeptical.
The other aspect that made the X7 I attractive was the price tag. The IFly EFB and the Triple Tech were in the range of $800 to $900. The Hugerock X7 was a manageable $499.
I finally decided to take a chance and bought it. I'll attach a link to the specifications. I also have a Facebook page where I have done some reporting on my flight testing of this unit.
At this point, I am extremely happy with the tablet. even in bright sunlight I do not run it at 100 percent brightness closer to 60%. There is no question that this tablet is super bright, far brighter than the 740 B, then quite possibly far brighter than the Triple Tech And the IFly EFB.
I think the X7 is a great replacement for those previously using the 740, or those like me who just can't do Apple products.
The pic is of the X7 (in my hand) compared to the 740B mounted in my panel during flight. The brightness and richness of colors make it far superior to the 740.
Please note that I have no association with this company other than purchasing their unit from Amazon.
Here is the manufacturer's website on the X7.
https://hugerockglobal.com/products/x7-2600nit-drone-tablets?srslti...
Here is my a IFly GPS users Facebook page with my reports on the X7. (FYI I created this Facebook page after I felt abandoned by IFly when they stopped selling any versions of the 740, and their EFB was too bulky and heavy to mount in any panel.)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/752103727045966
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John Austin
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Great review, Gary - thanks! I have the original iFly 740 (which I understand has a brighter screen than the 740b) and fortunately it is still working well after several years. I, too, felt a bit orphaned by iFly when they went to the EFB - I understand that my 740 will still be supported with data, but if the 740 ever electronically fails, then there won't be support to repair, etc. This looks like a great alternative - 2600 nits is about double what's necessary for an "aviation quality" display!
I'm also constrained by mounting requirements if I go to a new tablet. I have an Air Gizmo panel dock for my 740 that tilts the panel towards me for excellent visibility;
I "think" I could modify the panel dock to hold the Hugerock and who knows, if they get popular maybe Air Gizmo will make an insert to mate the unit to the dock.
Looking forward to more reports as you gain experience with this unit. Can you describe or post pics of where the USB port/ports? are located and where the charging cable attaches?
Also, can you still rotate the iFly EFB 90 degrees to portrait display mode? My Air Gizmo mount holds my 740 vertically so I of course have the iFlyGPS set to portrait mode (which I prefer, anyway!).
Thanks,
John
N750A
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Permalink Reply by Stephen E.
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Thank you Gary for the information, I currently own 3 iFly 740B units and also felt orphaned, as I'm sure many iFly customers do. The 740B fits my panels (750 STOL, SPA Panther and Piper Colt) and mission perfectly. I'll never own the EFB or an Apple for the same reasons you and John mentioned. One day the 740Bs will fail as all electronics ultimately will. I am excited to know that there is a replace/alternative unit out there that will meet my needs at a reasonable price point and fit in the same space. Again thank you posting. The collective knowledge of the folks on the Zenith Aero site is what makes it so great and beneficial.
Stephen "Eric" Muehlberg
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Update: I did a deeper dive in that I went to the manufacturer's website, looked at YouTube reviews, etc., and emailed iFly/Adventure Pilot asking about the suitability of running the EFB on the Hugerock X7. They responded right away and went way above and beyond providing much more information than I requested! Here's the response:
Hey John,
I checked out the tablet specs and it's more than sufficient to run iFly.
I'll include a table below that goes over what's needed on a tablet for iFly to operate well and some tablets we recommend in case you're curious.
Device Name
Dimensions (Inches) (Height x width x depth)
Brightness (Nits)
iFly EFB Aviation Tablet
8.125 x 5.375 x 1
800
iPad Air
9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24
500
iPad Mini 6
7.69 x 7.03 x 0.24
500
Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
9.63 x 6.28 x 0.22
435
Galaxy Tab S8
9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25
463
Galaxy Tab Active5
8.42 x 4.99 x 0.40
450
Device Operating System
Device Minimum Specs
Device Recommended Specs
iOS
iOS Version 13.0 | 32GB Storage | 4GB RAM/Memory
iOS Version 14+
Android
Android Version 9 | 32GB Storage | 4GB RAM/Memory
Android Version 12+
If you plan on using the device for more than just using iFly EFB, we would recommend getting a 64gb storage option. Ensure the tablet has at least 4 GB of RAM, this is also called memory.
It is important to note that iOS devices have a cellular option which gives the device GPS capabilities. If you have an ADS-B in with an internal GPS, you may not need this cellular option.
Prices of these devices may vary online or in store based on deals, the provider/seller, and whether it is refurbished or not. Please research the best pricing option for you.
Have a good day!
Jaydon Beacham
Client Support | Adventure Pilot
P: 214-585-0444
A: 1476 Industrial Blvd #200, McKinney TX
The base Hugerock X7 has 8 GB RAM and 128 GB ROM and runs Android 13, so it should be way more than adequate to run the EFB as Gary's experience demonstrates. I was about to pull the trigger on a small tablet for travel, drone flying, etc., but think I might get the Hugerock and run it as a backup to my 740 when I fly the STOL 750 cross-country. Of course, that means after I spend the $ and get the tablet, the 740 will run forever! LOL!
I guess the biggest gamble/drawback is that it is a Chinese company so the support may be marginal and I "think" I saw a reviewer wishing there was a comprehensive manual included (although seems no one includes a manual with electronic products anymore!). They sell it on Amazon so you can get one very quickly, but with apparently no USA dealers, seems to me a repair might be problematic. Oh well, I've gambled on much bigger purchases than this! LOL!
John
(BTW, if you go to the Hugerock website and order direct, you can get the X7 for $469 with coupon code "ALIEN". There's no additional sales tax and free shipping included and you can use PayPal for security. It's $499 on Amazon + sales tax + shipping if you're not a Prime member.)
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