Home > ClearNav Instruments

Overview
ClearNav is developing the next generation of soaring instruments.  Their first product is the ClearNav flight computer running ClearNavigator soaring flight software by Chip Garner.  Their new variometer is also now available

News

ClearNav Variometer units are now available
Details are available in the price list below.

More product news and photos are available here: http://www.clearnav.net/main/cn-vario_status.html

First Impressions
I am extremely impressed with the ClearNav hardware and software.  The display has a large and extremely bright screen without the overall dimensions being too large.  I didn't think I was going to like the lack of a touch-screen, but I find the remote to be easy to use and the software very intuitive.  The 3 software features that impress me the most are the way area tasks are supported, the "Glide Amoeba" glide range rings and the way it calculates estimated speed for the remainder of the task.  You can see some of those features in action in the screen captures below.
  

Mounting Options
Click on the small images below to view larger ones.
On Panel
(included)
Through Panel Behind Panel Tunnel Mount
(recessed)
popular
RAM Mount

 

Clear Navigator Software
Quick Overview of the Innovative Features Displayed on the Moving Map
(Screen captures from the PC simulator)

  • The purple arc is the "Glide Amoeba" to a user specified arrival altitude over the terrain
    You can make it to the purple arc and still have enough altitude for a safe pattern and landing. 
    The arrival altitude is user adjustable (1000 feet AGL in these examples).
    The left example is over flat terrain. Note how the rings are shifted to compensate for the wind. 
    The right example is in mountainous terrain with a ridge in the lower right quadrant of the screen.
  • The red arc is the"Glide Amoeba" to ground level.
  • The black circles are turn areas
  • The heavy black line is line from your current position to the active waypoint. 
    Simply turn the glider until the line is pointed straight up an you will be on course.
  • The fine black lines show the task course line.  They are drawn automatically.
  • The blue arc in the turn area is a locus of points of equal task distance.  Simply fly to any
    point on the blue arc and you will complete the task in the desired task time.  The blue
    arc moves out and back if you change the estimated speed around the course.  There is
    no need to move turn points within the turn area. 

Screen Captures from the PC Simulator
Click on the images below to view full resolution versions.


Customer Installation Photos
Please send me a photo of your ClearNav installation.
Click on the small images below to view larger ones.
From NK web site Jay Pokorski's ClearNav Installation in his ASW-20 Jay Pokorski's ClearNav Installation in his ASW-20 Jay Pokorski's ClearNav Installation in his ASW-20
Recessed mount in
Kolie Lombard's Diana 2
(made by Kolie - not NK)
Recessed mount in
Kolie Lombard's Diana 2
(made by Kolie - not NK)
VGA ClearNav
on RAM mounting arm
in Phil Jones' sailplane
ClearNav installed using
"Behind Panel" mounting kit
in Hal Loken's Genesis
Recessed mount in
Terry Stroud's sailplane
(made by Terry - not NK)
Recessed mount in
Terry Stroud's sailplane
(made by Terry - not NK)
Recessed mount in
Terry Stroud's sailplane
(made by Terry - not NK)
Recessed mount in
Terry Stroud's sailplane
(made by Terry - not NK)

The Team
The team of people working on the product is very impressive. It includes:

  • Richard Kellerman - Soaring Pilot (recent Hilton Cup Winner), businessman
  • Dave Ellis - Soaring Pilot, Ran Cambridge Aero Instruments for 14 years, Driving force behind the Cambridge C-NAV, M-NAV, L-NAV, S-NAV, and the first IGC Approved Flight Recorder - the GPS-NAV. He also developed the Cambridge 302 and 303. In my opinion the Cambridge products were industry leaders in regard to ease-of-use.
  • Chip Garner - World level soaring competition pilot, Software Engineer, developer of Glide Navigator and Glide Navigator II (originally Cambridge Pocket-NAV) soaring flight software. Big proponent of the "keep the instruments simple - keep your eyes out of the cockpit" instrument design philosophy.
  • Phil Schlosser - Worked with Dave Ellis at Cambridge Aero Instruments for 14 years or so. Firmware developer for the Cambridge 302 and many other products.
  • Rick Sheppe - Soaring Pilot, functional designer of the Cambridge S-NAV, L-NAV and GPS-NAV.
  • Paul Remde - Writing the manual for the ClearNav and creating a cockpit quick reference card

ClearNav Overview
I have sold PDA systems for use in gliders for many years. I'm a fan of graphical moving map displays because they present key information to the glider pilot in a clear way so that one can glance at the display and get a quick overview of how you are doing. You know instantly which airports are within gliding range. That is powerful information and dramatically enhances safety. The problem is that currently available PDAs have small screens that are quite difficult to read in sunlight - they just are not bright enough. NK has designed what I consider to be a fantastic solution. It is a large display that really is easy to read in sunlight.

Key Features

  • Large, extremely bright 5.5+" diagonal color LCD screen (the largest PDAs are 4" diagonal).
  • The display is not a touchscreen - to maximize screen brightness
  • Built-in GPS engine (calculating position and altitude 4 times each second) and connector for external GPS antenna
  • IGC Approved Flight Recorder - Recording at 1 second intervals
  • Remote Keypad - Simple operator interface for operating the screen
  • Moving map with selectable layers
  • Comprehensive task optimization
  • Glide "amoeba" (gliding range footprint) shows areas you can reach, taking wind, glider polar, and terrain into account
  • New Method for Area Tasks - A blue arc shows where to turn in the turn area.
  • Airmass history
  • Airspace Monitor
  • Landability status monitor
  • Size: 4.25"w x 5.83"h x 1.22"d (108mm x 148mm x 31mm)
  • Display Size: 3.39"w x 4.53"h (86mm x 115mm)
  • Screen Resolution: 240 x 320 pixels (1/4 VGA version), 480 x 640 pixels (VGA version)
  • Backlight: CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) backlight. Nominal luminance is 700 Candelas/m^2 (nits), achieved with a single lamp that goes around 3 sides of the LCD. NK provides lamp overdrive capability up to 1100 nits for severe ambient conditions such as flying into a hazy late afternoon sun. This increases battery drain, so the display is normally operated at its nominal luminance.
  • Weight: ~1 lb (450 g)
  • Operating System: Windows CE.NET
  • Memory: 2 GB of internal memory for turnpoint, terrain, map and airspace information
  • Data Transfer: USB Flash Drive and perhaps a built-in SD card reader
  • Power Requirements: 9 to 16 VDC
  • Power Consumption: 600 mA at full brightness, 300 mA at min. brightness, In power-save mode the backlight goes to full brightness when any key is pressed on the remote keypad. It backs down to min. brightness about 25 seconds after the last key press.
  • Compatible with Cambridge 302 - The ClearNav can receive Vector Wind (speed and direction), Real Time Headwind and True Airspeed from the 302. The Vector Wind (speed and direction) and Real Time Headwind can be displayed. The Vector Wind is used for final glide (as the auto wind) if it is available. The True Airspeed is used for the total energy final glide calculation.

Interesting Details

Area Task Support - Brilliant!
When I first started playing with my ClearNav demo I was extremely impressed with the brilliant new way the ClearNav handles area tasks.  Competitive software requires that you move the turn point within the turn area.  That can be cumbersome and even dangerous to do in flight.  The ClearNav is much simpler and more intuitive.  There is no need to move or manipulate the turn location in any way.  A blue arc is shown inside the turn area.  It is a locus of points within the turn area that lie along an ellipse such that making your turn at any point on the line will give you the same distance around the course.  The software places the blue arc automatically based on your estimated speed around the course and the task time.  Task course lines are drawn in fine black lines from the start point, to a point on the blue line and then on to the center of the next turn area.  If you are flying fast then blue arc moves to a point on the far edge of the turn area.  If you are flying slowly the blue arc moves to a point on the near side of the turn area.  When the blue arc reaches the far or near side of the area then the turnpoint in the next turn area moves away from the center of that area to compensate.  For example, if you are flying slowly then the blue arc will move to the near side of the turn area you are headed for and the turn point in the following turn area will move closer to the near edge of that area.  I think this way of handling turn areas is revolutionary and brilliant!  Congratulations Chip Garner, Rick Sheppe and the NK team on this innovation!  It is brilliant because you never need to move the turn point manually, you just glance at the screen and fly to a point on the blue arc.  That makes flying safer because you will keep your eyes out of the cockpit and it also makes you faster because you can focus your efforts on flying fast - not fiddling with the software.

Glide Amoebas
The glide amoebas show your gliding range graphically on the map.  They take into account the wind, glider polar, altitude and surrounding terrain.  Over flat terrain they look like circular rings.  Over mountainous terrain they look like, well... amoebas. A ridge shows up as a flat "impassable" line while long extended "fingers" show where it is possible to glide through mountain passes or down into valleys. In flat land soaring the footprint will be much more circular or ellipse shaped. This is a very powerful feature.  Past generations of soaring software highlighted reachable airports on the map - which is also nice, but in ClearNavigator you can see at a glance not just what airports are reachable (any airport inside the glide amoeba) but you also know how far you can glide over the ground - or down into a valley.  To me the most powerful feature of any soaring software is the ability to glance at the screen and know instantly whether or not you can make it to a nearby landing site. The Glide Amoebas makes that very clear and intuitive and easy to use in flight - Fantastic!

  • The purple arc is the "Glide Amoeba" to a user specified arrival altitude over the terrain You can make it to the purple arc and still have enough altitude for a safe pattern and landing.  The arrival altitude is user adjustable (1000 feet AGL in these examples). The left example is over flat terrain. Note how the rings are shifted to compensate for the wind.  The right example is in mountainous terrain with a ridge in the lower right quadrant of the screen.
  • The red arc is the "Glide Amoeba" to ground level.

Calculation of Estimated Speed for the Remainder of the Task - New - Powerful
The ClearNav has a very innovative and powerful algorithm for calculating the estimated speed for the remainder of the task - so that you can finish at the desired time.  The estimated speed is used to estimate how long it will take you to finish the task - and the total time on task.  In contest tasks top pilot do their best to arrive home as close to, but just after the minimum task time.  The reason for that is that the final glide will be a larger percentage of your total task time.  Since final glides are fast (no thermalling), your achieved speed is faster for the entire task when the final glide is as high a percentage as possible of the total task.  Since it is considered important to finish just at or just after the minimum task time, it is important for your soaring software to accurately calculate the estimated time on course.  All brands of soaring software do calculations for the approximate time on course.  In Glide Navigator II the pilot is required to enter his/her best estimate of the speed that will be achieved for the remainder of the task.  That is tough to do accurately because you have to take into account the remaining cross-country speed while thermalling and the speed on final glide.  Great contest pilots like Chip Garner have the experience to do that pretty accurately, but most contest pilots (myself included) have a hard time knowing what number to enter into Glide Navigator II for the estimated speed for the remainder of the task.  Other soaring software (SeeYou Mobile, WinPilot, etc.) have several options available for the calculation of the estimated speed for the remainder of the task.  Most pilots select the option to use the MacCready setting to calculate the estimated speed for the remainder of the task (taking into account thermalling and final glide phases).  They do a pretty good job but they are assuming that you don't find lift while gliding and don't work great when ridge running.  Chip Garner has designed a powerful new algorithm for the ClearNav that is better than all previous methods.  Before the start, it uses the MacCready setting. Once on course the speed is computed based on your climbing and gliding performance so far, predicted out and including the final glide. It includes the wind and a final glide at the current MacCready setting and altitude. If you exceed final glide height it switches to the MacCready glide speed corresponding to that height.  It is not very sensitive to the MacCready setting because it using actual calculated climb and glide data. The glide netto and average climb used in the calculation are shown on both the performance and task dialogs. The prediction works extremely well if conditions do not change appreciably, in which case you can adjust the speed. Chip Garner says he has been able to consistently finish within about 30 seconds of the minimum task time on area tasks using the ClearNav.  This is a very powerful and innovative tool for accurately arriving home at the desired time.

Pitot and Static Inputs
I recommend using a Cambridge 302 Variometer/GPS Flight Recorder with the ClearNav because the ClearNav can receive airspeed and wind data from the 302. 


Remote Control

A small remote control is used to control the software.  It includes Arrow Keys (Left, Right, Up, Down), Enter, Zoom In, Zoom Out, Focus (yellow), and Menu buttons.  The operation of the buttons is quite intuitive.  The yellow Focus button changes the focus of the software between the user selectable data shown on the bottom of the screen and a black rectangle in on the moving map.  The rectangle can be used to pan the map to view regions outside the current view, or to select items inside the rectangle.  For example, you can use the Arrow Keys to move the rectangle over airports or airspace on the map. Then press the enter key and you can view airport or airspace data or make an airport in the rectangle the active waypoint so you can fly directly to it.  The Ribbon key is used to display and hide the pop-up menu icons.  They are shown and described below. They appear near the top of the screen.

Ribbon Icons (from left to right)

  • Change active waypoint (sorted by distance from current location or by name)
  • Bugs (polar degradation)
  • Water Ballast
  • Map Orientation (North Up or Track Up)
  • Screen Brightness
  • Task Edit
  • Map Settings
  • Simulator Settings (speed, turn rate, altitude)
  • Settings Menu
  • Ribbon Options


Chip Garner (ClearNavigator software designer) playing with his ClearNav prototype at the Region 4 Soaring Contest in 2007

Waypoint and Airspace File Compatibility
The ClearNav comes loaded with maps and elevation data for the entire world.  It supports waypoint files in either the Cambridge (Glide Navigator II) ".dat" format or the SeeYou ".cup" format.  It supports airspace files in the Tim Newport-Peace ".sua" format.  Soaring site data is readily available on the internet at the Worldwide Soaring Turnpoint Exchange.  I often use SeeYou or StrePla to import the latest FAA database of public and private airports and then export a subset of local airports to a Cambridge or SeeYou waypoint file.

What Vario to Use with It?
ClearNav's new variometer will be available in 2011.  It is the ideal choice for use with the ClearNav.  It is a speed-to-fly variometer that will communicate with the ClearNav flight computer over the high-speed CANbus network.

The 2nd best option is a Cambridge 302 because the ClearNav can accept airspeed data from the 302.  Many will probably use a Cambridge 302 because it offers many features in a small box. The IGC Approved flight recorder in the 302 is redundant, but it is always nice having an extra flight recorder. The ClearNav now also supports communication with Cambridge L-NAV (or S-NAV) and GPS-NAV combinations.

Price
The price is $2950.  Details on the included items are included in the price list below. I think it is a great value at that price. There are many glider pilots that are dying to replace their iPAQs with a larger and easier to read (brighter) display.  Keep in mind that this product is much more than a bright and large PDA replacement.  It also has a built-in GPS and IGC Approved Flight Recorder - and it is the easiest to use soaring flight computer available.

My Impressions
As stated above, I am very impressed with the product. I am a big fan of Dave Ellis and Chip Garner's "keep it simple - keep it safe" philosophy and the unit seems to keep to that principle well. I love the Glide Amoebas and the Area Task support.  I like that the screen is not overly cluttered and it is easy to hide the terrain data if you want to see only airports, airspace and "culture" data such as rivers, lakes, cities and roads.  The fonts are large and easy to read.

I must admit that 2 design items surprised me at first. I was surprised that the unit is not a touch-screen because I have long been a fan of the simplicity possible with touch-screens. However, I have been told that this compromise was necessary to ensure maximum screen brightness. Touch-screens consist of plastic layers placed between the LCD screen and the operator and they reduce the amount of light that gets to the pilot's eyes. Another reason to do without the touch-screen is that touch-screens are not ideal for use in a glider cockpit - while bumping along in ridge lift. A handheld or stick mounted keypad is a much better option for use in a glider. I have found the keypad solution to be an easy-to-use and intuitive alternative to a touch-screen. A nice side-benefit to the use of a keypad rather than a touch-screen is that there is no need to mount the screen in a location where it is within reach. Often PDAs are mounted on gooseneck or RAM arms to get them closer to the pilot - within reach. That is not necessary with the ClearNav - just mount the handheld remote within reach.

The new VGA (480 x 640 pixel) display on the ClearNav is very nice.  The text and maps look very crisp.

Second Seat Installation
The same mounting options and components are used when installing the ClearNav in the second seat in a 2 -seat glider. Two ClearNav systems installed in one glider will operate completely independently as they each contain a GPS and full functionality. If one ClearNav is connected to a Cambridge 302 for airspeed data, a CANbus extension cable may be used to connect the two Nexus Boards to enable sharing of the airspeed data. Additional data and function sharing may be available in the future.

Conclusions
This is going to be an extremely popular flight computer system.

- Manuals and installation documents are available here: http://www.nkhome.com/support/pdfs.html#Soaring

Screen Comparison With Competitive Products

The photo above includes (from left to right): NK ClearNav, iPAQ 310, iPAQ 210, iPAQ hx4700 (backlight getting dimmer as it is 3 years old).  The 3 units on the right are all running SeeYou Mobile software.  Click on the image to see a much larger version.  Note that this photo was taken indoors.  Screen brightness may be quite different outside in direct sunlight, or with the sun behind the units. The ClearNav is by far the brightest.  The iPAQ 310 uses a different screen technology than the iPAQ 210 and iPAQ hx4700 - which may make it better in sunlight.  To make the screen brightness comparison as fair as possible, all 4 devices are showing the same location on the map - Minden, NV.

ClearNav Flight Log Validation Program
The utility program below may be used to validate the security of flight logs generated by NK ClearNav units.  Download it to your PC and run it. To download it, right-click on it and select "Save Target As...".
IGCVerify-NKClearNav.exe


How to Order
To order a product, click on the
button next to the product. 
When you are ready to complete your order, click on the
button. 
Click on the small images to view larger versions.

Part # Description Photo
Click on image to view larger version

Price

Lead-time

CNi-CNv1000 CNv1000 - ClearNav Variometer - Base Version
This version of the ClearNav CNv series of variometers includes:
  • TE audio vario
    Fast response with digital filters and user-selected time constants
  • Speed-to-Fly
    Audio tones and display provide feedback for best STF
  • Mechanical pointer
    Still the most effective way to display both magnitude and rate of change
  • High resolution, high contrast backlit graphical display
    Long and short averages of climb and netto and many other parameters
  • Get-home navigation ***
    Glideslope and vectors to the home field with wind correction
  • Wind data ***
    Head and tail winds, graphical and numeric wind
  • Suction (TE probe) or electronic (Pitot and Static) options ***
  • In-flight adjustment of TE probe ***
    If the TE probe is under compensating it can be easily adjusted
  • Multi-coated low reflection window for maximum visibility
  • Easy update using USB Flash drive
  • 57 MM size
  • Easy to use
    One knob selects screens, the other screen values, graphical UI
  • PC utility ***
    Polar entry, netto or relative netto behavior, STF deadband etc can all be set using a configurator program. This program can also control which of many screens appear in flight, and the order in which they appear.
  • Upgradeable at any time to CNv1500 or CNv2000
    You can purchase an upgrade that is tied to the serial number of the unit to upgrade it to a CNv1500 or CNv2000.

    *** These features will not be in the first version.  They will be available in late April as a free download.

Features not yet working
The initial release works great as a speed-to-fly variometer, but not all the features above have been implemented yet.  They will be available as a free upgrade soon.   Below are some of the features that are not yet working.

  • Limited Polars Available - So far the available polars to select from include only the ones listed below.  More will be available soon and custom polars will be possible using the PC utility - which is not yet available.
    • ASW-20
    • ASW-27
    • Discus
    • DuoDiscus
  • PC Configuration utility not yet available. 
  • GPS functions are not yet functioning
  • "Get Home Navigation" is not yet functioning
  • Wind Data
  • Other items listed above

Pre-Order Discount
Customers that pre-ordered their ClearNav variometer before March 25th, 2012 will get them and the $900 price that was advertised previously.   The new price going forward is $1200.  Customers that get the $900 price are part of the early adopter program.  In exchange for the $300 discount they must accept the possibility that there may be issues or software bugs with these new products - as there often are with new high-tech products.  But they will receive full support, and their input, good or bad, will make it possible for us to make an even better product.  Hardware upgrades should not be required.  Software upgrades are free of course and easy to do using a USB Flash drive.

Package Discount
Customers that buy the CNv2000 at the same time as a ClearNav MFD will receive a discount of $500.  The total system price is $2000 + $2950 - $500 discount = $2450.  Since the CNv2000 is not yet available, the $500 discount will be applied to the price to upgrade a CNv1000 to a CNv2000 when available.  Instead of paying $800 for the upgrade, you would pay $300.

Discount For Owners of ClearNav MFD units
Customers that purchased ClearNav MFD units previously will receive a $400 discount on the CNv2000.  Since the CNv2000 is not yet available, the $400 discount will be applied to the price to upgrade a CNv1000 to a CNv2000 when available.  Instead of paying $800 for the upgrade, you would pay $400.

Upgradeable Hardware and Software Functionality - With a Simple Software Upgrade
One of the design goals was to be able to supply an upgradeable variometer system that can be upgraded easily.  The design team has met that goal, but rather than have hardware upgrades on the shelf at the factory, they have decided to put the full package of sensors and options into every unit.  Users will pay for only the features they want.  For example, a user could start with a basic unit, then, when they want to upgrade and enable some hardware of software function in the future, they simply buy a software upgrade that is tied to their unit's serial number - enabling any features and pre-installed hardware they desire.  The software upgrade is downloaded to a USB Flash Drive and plugged into the variometer.  It's that simple.  There shouldn't be any need to send the unit back to the factory, because all the hardware is pre-installed when the unit is first shipped - regardless of what set of features are enabled.

I am very excited about the ease of upgrade of the new variometer.  You can buy a simple speed-to-fly vario and upgrade it at any time to a powerful unit with built-in task navigation, PDA support and an IGC approved flight recorder - with a simple software download and USB Flash Drive.  Cool! 

Note: Please buy the software upgrades from me.  The price will be the same as buying it directly from ClearNav. 

It consists of 2 components:

  • Air Data Computer (ADC)
    Black box mounted to the back of the variometer or remotely mounted
     
  • Display
    Variometer display head mounted in the instrument panel.  The display can also be used as a 2nd-seat repeater.

Main Features

  • Flexible two-piece design with all sensors and most of the processing power in a formed aluminum enclosure (the Air Data Computer or ADC) and the display in a separate injection molded plastic enclosure. The two are connected with a CANbus cable, allowing the ADC to be mounted either on the rear of the display module, or wherever convenient.
  • State-of-the-art sensors:
  • pressure (pitot, static, and T.E.)
  • three-axis accelerometer
  • two axis rate sensor
  • three-axis magnetometer
  • five Hertz GPS receiver
  • High-visibility mechanical pointer driven by a stepper motor,
  • Dot-matrix LCD
  • 2 rotate/push control knobs
  • ADC and display software field-upgradeable.
  • Fully compatible with ClearNav.
  • The display module also acts as a repeater for two-seat installations.
    57 MM (2 ¼”) display size fits any panel.
    T.E. available either from a suction probe or using pitot and static.
  • In-flight fine tuning of T.E. suction compensation.
  • ADC is highly configurable and provides scalable capability from an entry level basic T.E. vario for club use to a fully featured racing vario including Speed-to-Fly, enhanced wind vector calculations, acceleration corrections to T.E., and a secure flight recorder.
  • Display module also highly configurable with in-flight user control of:
    • Time constants (LCD, pointer and audio)
    • Displayed parameters:
      • Netto
      • T.E. (total energy variometer)
      • Relative netto
      • Smart averager
      • bottom-to-now climb
    • Bugs,ballast, MC, volume
    • Profiles (set up profiles on the ground, instantly select one in flight)

Additional features

  • Smart gear and spoiler warning support
  • OAT (outside air temperature)
  • Emergency power connections
  • Configurable manual cruise climb switch
  • Automatic volume control

Connectivity

  • CANbus (2)
  • Serial (1)
  • USB host (1)

Both the CANbus and serial ports can be configured to make available any and all of the sensor outputs. This will make it easy for users who choose not to use a ClearNav flight Computer to take full advantage of all of the ClearNav vario features.

Future Developments

Our initial goal is to bring the CNi Vario to market in good time for the 2012 Northern Hemisphere soaring season. We are already working on advanced gust filtering based in part on pitch rate measurements. We are also working on enhanced wind vector measurements which do not require the pilot either to change direction or to circle.

Manuals
CNv Variometer - Installation.pdf
CNv Variometer - In Flight Guide.pdf

 
Red Needle: 3.0 knots (instantaneous)
20 second average: 3.7 knots
Thermal Average: 2.9 knots

The "0:20" on the top left indicates that the number on the top right is a short term (20 second) average. 
The lower left number "00:48" is the time in the current thermal.  The number to its right is the thermal average.


3D model with the scale faceplate and control knobs visible.  The vario is supplied with 2 versions of the faceplate - one in knots and one in m/s.  The unit can be installed without the scale faceplate if desired.



ClearNavVarioDrawings.pdf

$1200 2 to 3 weeks
CNi-CNv1500 CNv1500 - ClearNav Variometer - With IGC Approved logger and PDA/PNA support

This version of the CNv variometer includes all the features of the CNv1000 (above), plus the additional features listed below.
  • Secure GPS flight recorder to the highest IGC approval level
  • Cambridge Dataport
    To ensure easy and immediate compatibility with existing soaring flight software products, ClearNav is using the proven serial port data protocols developed for the Cambridge 302.  Therefore, all soaring flight software will work great with the CNv1500 by simply telling the soaring flight software that you are connected to a Cambridge 302.  This should work for exchanging MacCready, bugs and ballast data as well as task declaration uploads and flight log downloads.  This will make it an excellent "drop in" replacement for a 302.
  • GPS Ground Speed
  • Airspeed
  • True Airspeed
  • Altimeter
  • Upgradeable at any time to CNv2000
    You can purchase an upgrade that is tied to the serial number of the unit to upgrade it to a CNv2000.

Manuals
CNv Variometer - Installation.pdf
CNv Variometer - In Flight Guide.pdf

 
Red Needle: 3.0 knots (instantaneous)
20 second average: 3.7 knots
Thermal Average: 2.9 knots

The "0:20" on the top left indicates that the number on the top right is a short term (20 second) average. 
The lower left number "00:48" is the time in the current thermal.  The number to its right is the thermal average.


3D model with the scale faceplate and control knobs visible.  The vario is supplied with 2 versions of the faceplate - one in knots and one in m/s.  The unit can be installed without the scale faceplate if desired.



ClearNavVarioDrawings.pdf

$1700 Available
Mid 2012

Please buy
the CNv1000
version
now and
upgrade
to the
CNv1500
version
when
available

CNi-CNv2000 CNv2000 - ClearNav Variometer - For use with ClearNav MFD

This version of the CNv variometer includes all the features of the CNv1000 and CNv1500, plus the additional features listed below.
  • Bi-directional communication with ClearNav MFD over CANbus
    MacCready, bugs and ballast can be synchronized
  • Backup Task Management
    • Task and active waypoint are synchronized with ClearNav MFD
    • Completely autonomous operation provides a backup to allow task completion without the MFD if necessary

Package Discount
Customers that buy the CNv2000 at the same time as a ClearNav MFD will receive a discount of $500.  The total system price is $2000 + $2950 - $500 discount = $2450.  Since the CNv2000 is not yet available, the $500 discount will be applied to the price to upgrade a CNv1000 to a CNv2000 when available.  Instead of paying $800 for the upgrade, you would pay $300.

Discount For Owners of ClearNav MFD units
Customers that purchased ClearNav MFD units previously will receive a $400 discount on the CNv2000.  Since the CNv2000 is not yet available, the $400 discount will be applied to the price to upgrade a CNv1000 to a CNv2000 when available.  Instead of paying $800 for the upgrade, you would pay $400.

Manuals
CNv Variometer - Installation.pdf
CNv Variometer - In Flight Guide.pdf

 
Red Needle: 3.0 knots (instantaneous)
20 second average: 3.7 knots
Thermal Average: 2.9 knots

The "0:20" on the top left indicates that the number on the top right is a short term (20 second) average. 
The lower left number "00:48" is the time in the current thermal.  The number to its right is the thermal average.


3D model with the scale faceplate and control knobs visible.  The vario is supplied with 2 versions of the faceplate - one in knots and one in m/s.  The unit can be installed without the scale faceplate if desired.



ClearNavVarioDrawings.pdf

$2000 Available
Mid 2012

Please buy
the CNv1000
version
now and
upgrade
to the
CNv2000
version
when
available

CNi-0602 ClearNav MFD - Core System Kit - Panel Mount - VGA (480 x 640 pixel) Display
The ClearNav MFD is a large, bright, color, navigation display that runs ClearNavigator soaring flight software. The system kit includes everything required for operation and mounting on the front (pilot side) of the instrument panel.

Included

  • CNi-0602-UNIT - ClearNav display unit
  • CNi-0610 - Handheld Remote Control
  • CNi-0640 - GPS antenna
  • CNi-0641 - Nexus Junction Box and hookup wires
  • "On Panel" mounting hardware and instructions - For mounting the ClearNav so it is mounted on the pilot side of the instrument panel (not recessed into the panel). 
  • CNi-0651 - Panel Mounted USB/Remote Extension
  • USB Flash Drive
  • Quick-Reference Card
  • Calibration Data Sheet

This assembly is the one most customers will order. Even if you are planning to use the RAM mounting option, you will want to buy this kit.

New ClearNav Online Manual
http://www.clearnav.net/CN_Manual/Manual/CN-Manual-Controller.html 
It can also be downloaded and unzipped and viewed on your computer.

New ClearNav Quick Reference Cards
The new Quick Reference cards are available here:
http://www.clearnav.net/main/cn-downloads.html

New ClearNav Software and Firmware
You can download the latest ClearNav software and firmware here:
http://www.clearnav.net/main/cn-downloads.html

PC Simulator
The PC ClearNav Simulator makes it possible to try out the ClearNav on your computer.  It is also a great way to "brush up" on the ClearNav software over the winter - or before a flight.  However, although the PC ClearNav Simulator is very handy, it is much easier to use the ClearNav's handheld remote (connected to a ClearNav) than it is to use your PC keyboard and the PC ClearNav Simulator.  The buttons on the handheld remote are easy to identify and use with your thumb.  I recommend printing the image at right to use as a reference when using the simulator.  To print it: right click on it and select "Print Picture".  You can download the PC Simulator here:
http://www.clearnav.net/main/cn-simulator.html 

Printable Manual
It was never quite finished, but the ClearNav Manual I wrote is still available.  I recommend that you download it and print it - and read it!  It is a very large document, but it is a handy reference and good learning tool. 
http://www.nkhome.com/support/supportfiles/ClearNavManual.pdf

Free Online Resource for Generating ClearNav .stx Waypoint Files
A year or 2 ago, Lynn Alley created his
US Aviation Information site.  It can be used to create waypoint and airspace files for any location in the U.S. It is also a fantastic resource.  He recently added to the site the ability to generate airport data files in the .stx format - as used by the NK ClearNav.  You can ask the site to generate a waypoint file centered around your favorite gliding site, and it will create a file that works great in your ClearNav.  The site also generates waypoint files in .cup (SeeYou), .ndb (ILEC SN10), .dat (Cambridge and Glide Navigator II and others) file formats.  This is fantastic news for NK ClearNav owners!  Thank you Lynn!  - http://www.xmission.com/~lalley/aviation/

Upcoming:

  • Dual-seat support
  • Condor simulator support
  • More GUI improvements

 
$2950 In Stock
CNi-0612 ClearNav Stick Mounted Remote Control
These are extremely elegant stick-mounted remote control units for use with the ClearNav.  They are made of precision carved mahogany, or cherry, or American walnut, or European walnut.  The finish is a
natural hard wax which feels good in the hand, and is easy to refinish after “lots of sweating”. The 10-button remote control panel is mounted in top of handle for comfortable, ergonomic control of the ClearNav with the flying hand.  It includes all the same buttons in the same locations as on the standard handheld remote.  It includes a PTT (push-to-talk) button and wiring.  The hole for the stick is customized to the stick diameter. 

Please specify the stick diameter when ordering.  Rather than assuming that the stick diameters below are correct - I highly recommend using a calipers to measure the exact diameter of the control stick in your sailplane.

ClearNav stocks a variety of wood types and hole diameters.  Please call for available units.

Installation Notes

Available Wood Types

  • Mahogany
  • Cherry
  • American walnut
  • European walnut

Hole Sizes

  • DG (18 mm)
  • Schleicher (18mm stick diameter, Schleicher installs a special stick handle with the usual 24mm coming up until the trim, but then it slopes down to 18mm for the top part that goes into the wooden handle. This solution is very elegant, since now the handle fairs into the 24mm tube without any change in diameter.)
  • Schempp-Hirth (19mm stick diameter)
  • Glasflügel, LS (20mm stick diameter)

 

$495 1 to 6
weeks

Call for
Available
Units

CNi-0615 ClearNav Remote Control - Stick Module (stick not included)
This module is designed for use by customers that want to build their own stick mounted remote.  The control stick is not included.  It includes leads for the push-to-talk button and the CANbus cable for connection to the ClearNav Nexus Board.  10-button remote control panel designed for comfortable, ergonomic control of ClearNav with flying hand. 
It includes all the same buttons in the same locations as on the standard handheld remote.  It includes a PTT (push-to-talk) button and wiring.

Dimensions:
Width: 37 mm
Length: 39 mm
Depth (not including the buttons): 11 mm

$135 In Stock
CNi-0630 ClearNav Through-Panel Mounting Kit
Note: This Option is Probably Going To Fade Away in Favor of the Behind Panel Mounting Kit below.

Aluminum bezel, standoffs, support bracket and template for mounting ClearNav display recessed into the panel.  The ClearNav does not sit flush with the front of the panel - it stands out about 9 mm (0.35 in).  This is the most clean and elegant way to install the ClearNav.  One subtle advantage to this mounting technique is that the unit will be underneath the instrument panel cover overhang – which will reduce glare and make the unit even easier to read in sunlight than it already is by design.

In the photos at right I used the yellow template as a stand-in for the instrument panel - to clarify which parts are on each side of the panel.

Note: The SD card reader slot is mounted on the side of the ClearNav Display and is not accessible from the pilot side of the panel when the ClearNav In-Panel Mounting Kit is used. That should not be a problem because a USB Flash Drive can be used for transferring files through the panel mounted CAN/USB Extension cable.

Dimensions
Width of black bezel: 123 mm (4.84 in)
Height of black bezel: 162 mm (6.38 in)
Thickness of black bezel: 1 mm (0.04 in)
Distance ClearNav stands out on the pilot side of the panel: 9 mm (0.35 in)
Distance from the back of the black bezel to the back of the aluminum mounting plate: 21 mm (0.83 in)
Distance (approx.) from the back of the black bezel to the back of the Nexus Wiring Board's largest connector: 54 mm (2.13 in)

$60 1 week
CNi-0632 ClearNav RAM Mount Kit
In some gliders it is preferable to mount the display on a mounting arm that is attached to the instrument panel.  This is the case when there is not enough room in the panel to mount the unit on the panel.  When mounted on a mounting arm, the unit takes-up less panel real estate.  It is sometimes acceptable to partially block some instruments.  However, I think most customers will find that mounting the ClearNav directly on the instrument panel makes for a cleaner and classier installation than the RAM arm option, but those that prefer the RAM arm option will find that it is a rugged and reliable option.

A nice feature of the RAM Mount Kit is that the panel adapter is designed to fit the screw hole pattern for a standard small 57 mm (2 1/4 inch) instrument hole.  That makes it easy to attach through existing holes in a small panel hole, or to a hole reducer in a large 80 mm (3 1/8 in) hole.

The kit includes:

  • Short RAM "B" size arm
  • RAM-B-238 metal diamond base with 1” ball for use on instrument panel
  • RAM “B” size ball mounted to a square mounting base for use on back of the ClearNav
  • Mounting screws and nuts

The standard 1.75“ (44 mm) long arm plus the bases on both ends gives a total length of about 4 inches (102 mm) from base to base. If the standard short RAM arm is not long enough, you may want to add the optional 3 inch (76 mm) RAM-B-201 or 5.25 inch (133 mm) RAM-B-201-C arm.

Required Option

  • CNi-0645 DB15 Extension Cable - Length: 2 feet

$120 In Stock
CNi-0633 ClearNav Behind Panel Mounting Kit
This kit is designed to allow you to mount the ClearNav to the back of the instrument panel - while making the smallest hole in the panel possible.  The hole in the panel is the same size as the LCD screen.  That is much smaller than the hole that would be needed for the entire body of the ClearNav.   The body of the ClearNav is concealed behind the panel.
$45 In Stock
CNi-0634 ClearNav Tunnel Mount Kit
This is an interesting and popular mounting option for the ClearNav.  A Powder-coated aluminum "tunnel" attaches to the rear of the panel to set the ClearNav unit 1.75" back from the panel surface. The cutout for this mount follows the perimeter of the ClearNav display window, and the recess allows installation of other instruments next to the panel cutout.  The additional shading provided by the recess also allows the use of a lower brightness setting, reducing power consumption.  Includes standoffs, support bracket and template.


$135 In Stock
CNi-0645 Cable, ClearNav DB15 Extension, Length: 2 feet
The ClearNav DB15 Extension cable is designed to connect a ClearNav display on a RAM mount to the Nexus Wiring Board that is installed behind the panel. The cable is a custom 14-conductor 2' cable with low-profile DB15f female connector. The cable is extremely flexible and has an abrasion resistant jacket. The cable is run through a rubber grommet which fits into a 7/16” (11 mm) hole in the panel. One end is connected to the DB-15 connector on the back of the ClearNav display and the other end connects to screw-terminals on the Nexus Board. The conductors are pre-stripped and tinned.  A rubber grommet is included on the cable for use in the panel hole.  A wiring diagram is included. 
$95 In Stock
CNi-0646 Cable, Cambridge 302 to Nexus Board
DB9/RJ22 CAN bus cable to connect a Cambridge 302 to a ClearNav Nexus Board to provide airspeed data for maximum wind accuracy.
$30 In Stock
CAI-Pnl-0.5-ClearNav-1 Cable, CAI 302 to NK ClearNav Nexus Board and Panel Connector for PC or PDA
This cable makes it easy to send Cambridge 302 data to either the NK ClearNav or a panel mounted connector for a PC or PDA.  It is used for downloading flight logs from the 302 or uploading waypoint files to the 302.  Includes 1 m cable from Cambridge 302 to NK ClearNav Nexus Board, and 0.5 m cable from 302 to DB-9f panel mounted connector for PDA or PCDB-9m connector at 302 end and RJ22 connector at NK ClearNav end, The 302 data out line is always connected to both the NK ClearNav and the panel mounted PC/PDA connector.  Includes panel mounted "PDA / ClearNav" switch for selecting whether the 302's data input line is connected to the panel connector (for PDA or PC) or the NK ClearNav. 5 v power from the 302 is made available at the panel connector at all times. Made by Goddard
$95.00 In Stock
CNi-0647 Cable, FLARM to Nexus Board
RJ22 serial cable to connect a FLARM unit to a ClearNav Nexus Board to provide FLARM data for alarms and location of alerts.
$30 In Stock
CNi-0649 Cable, Front Seat Nexus Board to 2nd Seat Nexus Board
RJ22 CANbus cable to link two ClearNav systems and permit sharing of airspeed data from a CAI 302, and FLARM data.

Second Seat Installation
The same mounting options and components are used when installing the ClearNav in the second seat in a 2 -seat glider. Two ClearNav systems installed in one glider will operate completely independently as they each contain a GPS and full functionality. If one ClearNav is connected to a Cambridge 302 for airspeed data, and/or a FLARM device for traffic data, a CANbus extension cable may be used to connect the two Nexus Boards to enable sharing of the airspeed data and/or the FLARM data. Additional data and function sharing may be available in the future.

$10 In Stock
CNi-0652 ClearNav Portable Power Adapter
The Portable Power Adapter makes it easy to play with your ClearNav at home.  Just bring the ClearNav main display unit home along with the Handheld Remote and the Portable Power Adapter can be used to connect and power them.  It includes a wall charger which accepts 100 to 240VAC (50 or 60 Hz) and outputs 12VDC/1.25A. It also includes an RJ cable that plugs into the ClearNav handheld remote and a DB-15 connector that plugs into the back of the ClearNav. (ClearNav and Handheld Remote not included.)
$65 In Stock
System Components - Individual Components that are included in Complete ClearNav Systems
CNi-0602-UNIT ClearNav Flight Computer Display Unit Only, VGA (480 x 640 pixel) Display
Display Unit with box and instructions.  No remote, antenna, Nexus Wring Board, or panel extension included. To be used as part of an "a la carte" system.

Included

  • ClearNav display unit
  • "On Panel" mounting hardware and instructions - For mounting the ClearNav so it is mounted on the pilot side of the instrument panel (not recessed into the panel).  It is different from the CNi-0630 "In Panel" kit below.  This "On Panel" kit includes only a few mounting nuts and does not increase the cost of this package.
  • Quick-Reference Card
  • USB Flash Drive
$2450 1 Week
CNi-0610 Handheld Remote Control
Handheld 9-button wired remote control with RJ-22 connector. Slim, contoured and comfortable for use in non-flying hand. Recommended for backup and out-of-cockpit use even if installing stick remote.  This item is included in the standard ClearNav system kit.
 
  $125 In Stock
CNi-0640 GPS Antenna
The ClearNav has a built-in GPS engine but an external antenna is required. It is included in the standard ClearNav kit. It consists of an amplified external GPS antenna and Dual-Lock mounting strips. The connector attaches directly to the back of the ClearNav.  This item is included in the standard ClearNav system kit.
$45 In Stock
CNi-0641 ClearNav Nexus Junction Box
Compact junction box with speaker, CAN bus connectors, RJ22 connector, screw-terminal strip and power cable. Mount directly to DB15 on rear of ClearNav, or install anywhere behind panel and connect to ClearNav using CNi-0645 DB15 Extension cable.  This item is included in the standard ClearNav system kit.

Dimensions:
Height: 110 mm
Width: 82 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
$225 In Stock
CNi-0651 Panel Mounted CAN/USB Extension
The Panel Mounted CAN/USB Extension brings USB and RJ-22 connectors out to a convenient panel mounted connector.  It fits into a 1" (25 mm) round hole in the panel. The USB connector is used as a receptacle for a USB Flash Drive for transferring flight logs from the ClearNav and uploading waypoint and airspace files and software updates to the ClearNav.  The RJ-22 connector is used by the Handheld Remote Control.  A template is included for making the required holes in the panel.  This item is included in the standard ClearNav system kit.
 
$105 In Stock


Paul E. Remde

8661 Connelly Place
Savage, Minnesota 55378
USA


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