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Home > Flight Computers
Flight Computer Comparison
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| Cambridge Aero
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This page includes an overview of soaring
flight computer systems, example systems, and
comparison table.
Overview
Flight computer systems are the ultimate stage of functionality.
They include everything you may desire for cross-country soaring flight (see
list of features below). They are designed to help you go faster and
farther than you would without a flight computer. They also reduce
your workload by presenting the information you need at a glance so you can
enjoy your flight. Safety is another important factor. A soaring
flight computer can help you decide quickly whether you can make it to your
desired destination, or that it is time to make the safe decision and land
out.
Related Pages
Improved Safety
Pilots that haven't flown with a soaring flight computer system think
that they will decrease safety because the pilot will be staring at the
computer rather than keeping their eyes out of the cockpit. It is my
opinion that soaring flight computer
systems greatly improve safety because the pilot can glance at the display
and know instantly whether he/she is within gliding distance of nearby
airports.
With or Without a PDA
Some of the systems below include a Pocket PC or Palm computer. I
like using PDAs in the cockpit because they offer a lot of power in small
package along with a color display and intuitive touchscreen user interface.
It is great to be able to glance down at the moving map on the PDA and see
reachable airports highlighted on the screen. If you want more
information you can simply touch the airport you are interested in.
However, the first time you use a PDA in sunlight you will probably be
disappointed by the brightness and contrast of the display. They
contrast is not very good in sunlight. However, many pilots have found
that the low contrast is acceptable due to the amazing features available in
the soaring flight software that runs on the PDA. Another nice feature
of PDAs is that they are small enough to be mounted closer to the pilot on a
gooseneck or articulated arm. That is nice for pilots that have a
tough time reaching the instrument panel.
Some pilots feel that PDAs do not offer
enough contrast for use in sunlight. Those pilots will prefer soaring
systems that feature navigation displays that can be built into the
instrument panel (such as the ILEC SN-10 and LX7000. The user
interface is generally not quite as intuitive on those devices, but they are
extremely easy to view in sunlight and offer all the functionality found in
the PDA soaring flight software accessible through the use of knobs and
pushbuttons.
The decision whether or not to use a PDA in
the cockpit comes down to personal preference. Hopefully future PDAs
will offer better sunlight readable displays and panel mounted instruments
may eventually feature graphical touchscreen user interfaces.
Building Blocks or Complete Solutions
Some of the systems below are popular because they can be purchased as
components and eventually assembled into the complete systems you see below.
For example, the LX1600 and Borgelt B50 are very nice Speed-to-fly
variometers that can eventually be upgraded to full featured soaring flight
computers systems by adding an IGC approved flight recorder and a PDA
running soaring flight software. Also, the LX160 can be used as a
simple speed-to-fly variometer and final glide computer with manual
"distance to go" entry and can later be upgraded to accept "distance to go"
data from a GPS and can even send flight data to a PDA for use with soaring
flight software. These "modular" or "upgradeable" systems are nice
because you can buy the components over time as you can afford them.
However, as popular as these systems are, there is a minor trade-off.
The downside to this modular upgrade approach is that the final system is
not as clean as a system that is purchased as an integrated or "all in one"
flight computer system. There are generally more cables and switches
necessary and the ultimate reliability is therefore lower because cables
fail when you don't want them to.
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What Flight Computer Systems
Can Do |
What Flight Computer Systems
Can't Do |
- Variometer with audio and
averager
- Speed-to-fly director
- Wind speed and direction
calculated using airspeed and GPS data while circling or
cruising
- Use GPS Position and Pressure
Altitude
- Moving Map with Waypoints and
SUA
- Final Glide Calculations
- Reachable Airports Highlighted
- Record IGC Approved flight logs
- OK for all contests, badges, and
records
- Tasks
- Flight Statistics
- Improved safety through quick
access to final glide data
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Please Buy from Me
I work very hard to provide detailed
product comparisons for soaring pilots. I hope you will find this web
site useful. I also offer excellent support to customers who buy from
me. The best way to thank me for the services I offer is to help
support my business by buying from me - and telling your friends about
my company.
Connecting to PCs that
Don't Have RS-232 Serial Connectors
Most flight computers and flight recorders connect to PCs using RS-232
communications. However, most new PCs do not have RS-232 serial
connectors. These are usually DB-9m (9-pin male) connectors.
There are several ways to work around that issue. My recommendation is
to use an RS-232 serial port PCMCIA Card. You can see an example here:
Socket Serial I/O PC Card Another
solution is to use a USB to serial converter. However, many of these
units to do work as well as one would expect. David Nadler has
compiled a very nice list of devices that have been tested and work well.
You can see his page here:
http://www.nadler.com/sn10/SN10_USB_Serial_Notes.html
Example Systems
Below are a few example systems. I've tried to pull together all
the components you need for a complete system.
How to Acquire These Example Systems
Not all the parts listed on this page are available from Cumulus Soaring, Inc.
I don't sell Pocket PCs because they change too rapidly so Pocket PCs and accessories are
available through alliances with PC Connection. In order to
purchase all the parts in some of the systems below, you would need to place
two orders - one with Cumulus Soaring, Inc., and one with PC Connection. I can buy them for international customers if you are also
buying other parts from me.
Example System with Butterfly Vario Only
The Butterfly vario is a powerful soaring flight instrument with
built-in speed-to-fly variometer, simple navigation, final glide
calculations, artificial horizon, fully IGC approved logger (not approved
yet), FLARM display and other features. The simple navigation features
allow selection of a waypoint from a waypoint database. Pre-entered
tasks are not supported, but you can navigate around a task by navigating
from one waypoint to the next - one at at time. The moving map screen
shows waypoints, but not terrain data or airspace. Final glide to a
single waypoint (not around multiple task waypoints) and accurate wind
information are displayed. The large LCD display is used for all data.
The vario display shows not only the current variometer reading, but also
the average (green triangle) and the airmass lift/sink rate (blue circle).
This is a complete system for simple navigation. If the display of
terrain data, rivers, lakes, cities, airspace, etc. are desired - you can
upgrade the system by adding a PDA or PNA or other navigation display in the
future.
- Butterfly Vario -
Powerful speed-to-fly variometer with simple navigation, final glide
calculations, artificial horizon, fully IGC approved logger (not
approved yet), FLARM display and other features - $3299
Total Price of all the components:
$3299
Example System with Butterfly Vario and
Naviter Oudie with SeeYou Mobile Soaring Flight Software
The Butterfly vario is a powerful soaring flight instrument with
built-in speed-to-fly variometer, simple navigation, final glide
calculations, artificial horizon, fully IGC approved logger (not approved
yet), FLARM display and other features. Final glide and accurate wind
information are displayed. The large LCD display is used for all data.
The vario display shows not only the current variometer reading, but also
the average (green triangle) and the airmass lift/sink rate (blue circle).
The Butterfly Vario is a complete system for simple navigation. By
adding the Naviter Oudie, you get a large, color navigation display with
terrain, waypoints, airspace, rivers, lakes, cities, etc. The Oudie
also supports pre-entered tasks and final glide calculations around multiple
turnpoints.
Total Price of all the components:
$4105.85
Example System with PowerFLARM, Butterfly
Vario and Naviter Oudie with SeeYou Mobile Soaring Flight Software
The Butterfly vario is a powerful soaring flight instrument with
built-in speed-to-fly variometer, simple navigation, final glide
calculations, artificial horizon, fully IGC approved logger (not approved
yet), FLARM display and other features. The Butterfly Vario's moving
map screen shows waypoints, but not terrain data or airspace. Final
glide and accurate wind information are displayed. The large LCD
display is used for all data. The vario display shows not only the
current variometer reading, but also the average (green triangle) and the
airmass lift/sink rate (blue circle). By adding the Naviter Oudie, you
get a large, color navigation display with terrain, waypoints, airspace,
rivers, lakes, cities, etc. The Oudie also supports pre-entered tasks
and final glide calculations around multiple turnpoints. By adding the
PowerFLARM, you get FLARM, ADS-B, and Mode C/S transponder traffic displayed
on the Butterfly Vario and on the Naviter Oudie. The Butterfly Vario
also offers voice alarms for FLARM traffic.
Total Price of all the components:
$5800.85
Cambridge Aero Instruments 302 with 303 LCD Navigation
Display
This system is great in regard to simplicity and ease of use. It
avoids the complexity of having a Pocket PC in the cockpit. It is
great for syndicates because data for multiple pilots can be stored and
edited using the 303. The 302 displays vario and speed-to-fly
information and the 303 is used for navigation, task editing and
declarations. It also displays final glide information. The
integral GPS and logger are IGC Approved for all types of soaring
accomplishments.
Total Price: $2,835
Cambridge Aero Instruments 302 System
with Naviter Oudie and SeeYou Mobile -
The Ultimate 302 System
This system is fantastic. The
302 displays vario and speed-to-fly information and the Pocket PC is used
for navigation, task editing and declarations. It also displays final
glide information with reachable airports highlighted on the moving map.
The integral GPS and logger are IGC Approved for all types of soaring
accomplishments.
Total Price of all the components:
$3196.85
ClearNav
The ClearNav is a large, bright, color, navigation display that runs
ClearNavigator soaring flight software. The display has a large and
extremely bright screen without the overall dimensions being too large.
I find the remote to be easy to use and the software very intuitive.
The 2 software features that impress me the most are the way area tasks are
supported, and the "Glide Amoeba" glide range rings.
- NK ClearNav,
$2950, Large, bright, color, navigation display that runs ClearNavigator
soaring flight software.
Total Price: $2950
ClearNav Flight Computer with ClearNav
Variometer
The ClearNav is a large, bright, color, navigation display that runs
ClearNavigator soaring flight software. The display has a large and
extremely bright screen without the overall dimensions being too large.
I find the remote to be easy to use and the software very intuitive.
The 2 software features that impress me the most are the way area tasks are
supported, and the "Glide Amoeba" glide range rings. It
works great with the ClearNav variometer. The ClearNav Flight Computer
and ClearNav Variometer communicate over the high-speed CANbus.
- ClearNav,
$2950, Large, bright, color, navigation display that runs ClearNavigator
soaring flight software.
- ClearNav
Variometer, $800 to $2400, Interesting new speed-to-fly variometer
Total Price: $4050
ClearNav with Cambridge 302
The ClearNav is a large, bright, color, navigation display that runs
ClearNavigator soaring flight software. The display has a large and
extremely bright screen without the overall dimensions being too large.
I find the remote to be easy to use and the software very intuitive.
The 2 software features that impress me the most are the way area tasks are
supported, and the "Glide Amoeba" glide range rings.
- ClearNav,
$2950, Large, bright, color, navigation display that runs ClearNavigator
soaring flight software.
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Cambridge 302, $2425, Extremely popular
speed-to-fly variometer with built-in IGC Approved GPS flight recorder.
Total Price: $5375
Example System with
PowerFLARM, Cambridge 302, K6 Mux, Naviter Oudie and SeeYou Mobile Soaring
Flight Software
With this unit you get not only a low cost IGC approved flight recorder,
but also a traffic and collision avoidance unit. A 3-position switch
is used to select between "flight", "communication with PowerFLARM" and
"communication with 302" modes. In flight mode the K6 Mux combines the
GPS, vario, airspeed and wind data from the 302 with FLARM traffic data from
the PowerFLARM and sends it to the Naviter Oudie. The Oudie can also
exchange MacCready data with the 302 in flight. In "communication with
PowerFLARM" mode the Oudie can send flight declarations to the PowerFLARM
and download flight logs from the PowerFLARM. In "communication with
302" mode the Oudie can send flight declarations to the 302 and download
flight logs from the 302. The K6 Mux also does baud rate conversions.
The Cambridge 302 communicates with the K6 Mux at 4800 baud. The
PowerFLARM communicates with the K6 Mux at 19200 baud. The K6 Mux
communicates with the Oudie at 19200 baud.
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Example System with
PowerFLARM, Cambridge 302, K6 Mux, Naviter Oudie and SeeYou Mobile
Soaring Flight Software |
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or
or
or
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| System
with PowerFLARM, Cambridge 302, K6 Mux and Naviter Oudie |
PowerFLARM |
Cambridge 302 |
Cable-K6Mux-FLARM-0p3
Cable for connecting a FLARM or PowerFLARM to the K6 Mux.
This cable passes 12V power from the K6 Mux to the FLARM or
PowerFLARM. |
Cable-K6Mux-GNAV-0.3
Cable for connecting a Cambridge 302 or GPS-NAV to the K6 Mux.
Power is not passed through this cable, data only. |
K6 Mux
4-port data multiplexer and baud rate
converter |
Power/data cable supplied with Oudie
The cable's RJ45 connector plugs directly into the K6 Mux
The cable is powered with 12V from the glider power system and
supplies 12V power for the K6 Mux and PowerFLARM (through the K6
Mux) and 5 V power for the Oudie. |
Naviter Oudie
with
SeeYou Mobile |
Oudie
Cradle
with
Oudie Cradle
Modification
(included in box with Oudie) |
GNeck2-Assy-Panel or
GNeck2-Assy-Side
gooseneck system,
or a
RAP-B-Arm-Std-PlBase RAM
arm,
or a
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238
RAM suction cup mount |
- PowerFLARM - IGC
Approved (not approved yet) GPS Flight Recorder and Traffic and
Collision Avoidance unit - $1695
- Cambridge Aero
Instruments 302 Vario and IGC Approved Flight Logger with GPS
Antenna - $2425
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Cable-K6Mux-FLARM-0p3,
Cable for connecting a FLARM or PowerFLARM to the K6 Mux. This
cable passes 12V power through the K6 Mux to the FLARM or PowerFLARM.
$30
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Cable-K6Mux-GNAV-0.3,
Cable for connecting a Cambridge 302 or GPS-NAV to the K6 Mux.
Power is not passed through this cable, data only. $45
- K6 Mux, 4-port data
multiplexer and baud rate converter, $175
- Setup of K6 Mux, The K6 Mux must be
configured to work with the devices as desired. You can do this
yourself, or I can do it for you for $20.
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Naviter Oudie (sunlight
readable version) - $625,
includes a suction cup mount, built-in GPS, power/data cable with
built-in 12V to 5V power converter, and SeeYou Mobile license which is
tied to the Oudie.
-
SeeYou Mobile - Included in the price of the Oudie
- Oudie Cradle with
Oudie Cradle Modification
- I can modify your Oudie cradle for use with a
RAP-B-238 diamond base (part of a RAM
arm) or RAM-GN3-238 gooseneck
adapter (part of a GNeck2 gooseneck) for $30.
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GNeck2-Assy-Panel ($55) or
GNeck2-Assy-Side ($46) gooseneck
system, or a
RAP-B-Arm-Std-PlBase
($21.85) mounting arm, or a
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238
($42.85) suction cup mount (GNeck2-Assy-Panel
used in total below).
Total Price of all the components:
$5066.85
Example System with
PowerFLARM, Cambridge 302, K6 Mux, iPAQ hx4700 and SeeYou Mobile Soaring
Flight Software
With this unit you get not only a low cost IGC approved flight recorder,
but also a traffic and collision avoidance unit. A 3-position switch
is used to select between "flight", "communication with PowerFLARM" and
"communication with 302" modes. In flight mode the K6 Mux combines the
GPS, vario, airspeed and wind data from the 302 with FLARM traffic data from
the PowerFLARM and sends it to the PDA. The PDA can also exchange
MacCready data with the 302 in flight. In "communication with
PowerFLARM" mode the PDA can send flight declarations to the PowerFLARM and
download flight logs from the PowerFLARM. In "communication with 302"
mode the PDA can send flight declarations to the 302 and download flight
logs from the 302. The K6 Mux also does baud rate conversions.
The Cambridge 302 communicates with the K6 Mux at 4800 baud. The
PowerFLARM communicates with the K6 Mux at 19200 baud. The K6 Mux
communicates with the PDA at 19200 baud. 5V power from the 302 is sent
around the K6 Mux directly to a DB-9f connector for the PDA cradle or cable.
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Example System with
PowerFLARM, Cambridge 302, K6 Mux, iPAQ hx4700 and SeeYou Mobile
Soaring Flight Software |
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PowerFLARM |
Cambridge 302 |
Cable-K6Mux-Pwr-2
Cable for bringing 12V power into the K6
Mux. The 12V power is used to power the K6 Mux and the
PowerFLARM. |
Cable-K6Mux-FLARM-0p3
Cable for connecting a FLARM or PowerFLARM to the K6 Mux.
This cable passes 12V power from the K6 Mux to the FLARM or
PowerFLARM. |
Cable-K6Mux-302-PDA-0p3
Cable for connecting a Cambridge 302 to the K6 Mux and to a PDA
cradle or cable. Data is sent from the 302 to the K6 Mux and
then on to a DB-9f connector for a PDA cradle or cable. 5V
power from the 302 is sent around the K6 Mux - directly to the DB-9f
connector for the PDA cable or cradle. |
K6 Mux
4-port data multiplexer and baud rate
converter |
Nimbus cradle or
I38C-1 cable |
iPAQ hx4700 |
SeeYou Mobile
Soaring flight software |
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238
RAM suction cup mount |
- PowerFLARM - IGC
Approved (not approved yet) GPS Flight Recorder and Traffic and
Collision Avoidance unit - $1695
- Cambridge Aero
Instruments 302 Vario and IGC Approved Flight Logger with GPS
Antenna - $2425
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Cable-K6Mux-FLARM-0p3,
Cable for connecting a FLARM or PowerFLARM to the K6 Mux. This
cable passes 12V power through the K6 Mux to the FLARM or PowerFLARM.
$30
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Cable-K6Mux-Pwr-2, Cable
for bringing 12V power into the K6 Mux. The 12V power is used to
power the K6 Mux and the PowerFLARM. $30
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Cable-K6Mux-302-PDA-0p3, Cable for connecting a Cambridge 302 to the
K6 Mux and to a PDA cradle or cable. Data is sent from the 302 to
the K6 Mux and then on to a DB-9f connector for a PDA cradle or cable.
5V power from the 302 is sent around the K6 Mux - directly to the DB-9f
connector for the PDA cable or cradle. $75
- K6 Mux, 4-port data
multiplexer and baud rate converter, $175
- Setup of K6 Mux, The K6 Mux must be
configured to work with the devices as desired. You can do this
yourself, or I can do it for you for $20.
- Nimbus Cradle,
$155, or I38C-1 cable, $55
- iPAQ hx4700 PDA - no longer available as
new, ~$200
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SeeYou Mobile - Soaring flight software, $239
-
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238
suction cup mount kit, $42.85
Total Price of all the components:
$5086.85
Optional
If you want to mount this PDA more permanently, I recommend the Nimbus
Cradle with a
GNeck2-Assy-Panel or
GNeck2-Assy-Side gooseneck
system, or a RAP-B-Arm-Std-PlBase
B-size mounting arm.
or
or
Example System with
PowerFLARM, Cambridge GPS-NAV and L-NAV, K6 Mux, iPAQ hx4700 and SeeYou
Mobile Soaring Flight Software
With this unit you get not only a low cost IGC approved flight recorder,
but also a traffic and collision avoidance unit. A 3-position switch
is used to select between "flight", "communication with PowerFLARM" and
"communication with GPS-NAV" modes. In flight mode the K6 Mux combines
the GPS, vario, airspeed and wind data from the GPS-NAV and L-NAV with FLARM
traffic data from the PowerFLARM and sends it to the PDA. The PDA can
also exchange MacCready data with the L-NAV in flight. In
"communication with PowerFLARM" mode the PDA can send flight declarations to
the PowerFLARM and download flight logs from the PowerFLARM. In
"communication with GPS-NAV" mode the PDA can send flight declarations to
the GPS-NAV and download flight logs from the GPS-NAV. The K6 Mux also
does baud rate conversions. The Cambridge GPS-NAV communicates with
the K6 Mux at 4800 baud. The PowerFLARM communicates with the K6 Mux
at 19200 baud. The K6 Mux communicates with the PDA at 19200 baud.
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Example System with
PowerFLARM, Cambridge GPS-NAV, K6 Mux, iPAQ hx4700 and SeeYou Mobile
Soaring Flight Software |
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PowerFLARM |
Cambridge GPS-NAV
and L-NAV or
S-NAV |
Cable-K6Mux-FLARM-0p3
Cable for connecting a FLARM or PowerFLARM to the K6 Mux.
This cable passes 12V power from the K6 Mux to the FLARM or
PowerFLARM. |
Cable-K6Mux-GNAV-0.3
Cable for connecting a Cambridge 302 or GPS-NAV to the K6 Mux.
Power is not passed through this cable, data only. |
K6 Mux
4-port data multiplexer and baud rate
converter |
Cable-K6Mux-PS5a-0p3
Cable for connecting a Goddard PS-5a to the K6 Mux.
|
Goddard PS-5a
12V to 5V Power Converter
The PS-5a is powered with 12V from the glider power system and
supplies 12V power for the K6 Mux and PowerFLARM (through the K6
Mux) and 5 V power for the PDA. |
Nimbus
cradle or I38C-1 cable |
iPAQ hx4700 |
SeeYou Mobile
Soaring flight software |
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238
RAM suction cup mount |
- PowerFLARM - IGC
Approved (not approved yet) GPS Flight Recorder and Traffic and
Collision Avoidance unit - $1695
- Cambridge Aero
Instruments GPS-NAV - no longer available, not included in the total
price below
-
Cable-K6Mux-FLARM-0p3,
Cable for connecting a FLARM or PowerFLARM to the K6 Mux. This
cable passes 12V power through the K6 Mux to the FLARM or PowerFLARM.
$30
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Cable-K6Mux-GNAV-0.3,
Cable for connecting a Cambridge 302 or GPS-NAV to the K6 Mux.
Power is not passed through this cable, data only. $45
- K6 Mux, 4-port data
multiplexer and baud rate converter, $175
- Setup of K6 Mux, The K6 Mux must be
configured to work with the devices as desired. You can do this
yourself, or I can do it for you for $20.
-
Cable-K6Mux-PS5a-0p3,
Cable for connecting a Goddard PS-5a to the K6 Mux. $45
- Goddard
PS-5a 12V to 5V Power Converter, $88
- Nimbus Cradle,
$155, or I38C-1 cable, $55
- iPAQ hx4700 PDA - no longer available as
new, ~$200
-
SeeYou Mobile - Soaring flight software, $239
-
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238
suction cup mount kit, $42.85
Total Price of all the components:
$2734.85 (not including GPS-NAV)
Optional
If you want to mount this PDA more permanently, I recommend the Nimbus
Cradle with a
GNeck2-Assy-Panel or
GNeck2-Assy-Side gooseneck
system, or a RAP-B-Arm-Std-PlBase
B-size mounting arm.
or
or
ILEC SN10 with Garmin GPS35-HVS
This is the basic ILEC SN-10 flight
computer system. It is very popular because the SN-10 offers a nice
graphical display that is easy to read in the cockpit. The user
defined flying screen is very well liked because you can select which
parameters you prefer to view. The unique thermal height band graph is
also very useful. This system can record flight logs but it is not IGC
approved for badges or records. This system is popular with customers
that don't want to use a PDA in the cockpit.
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ILEC SN10, $3095, Flight computer system
with graphical display
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Garmin
GPS16-HVS, $129
- Option to have Team Goddard attach the
GPS to the ILEC supplied panel cable, $39
Total Price of all the components:
$3263
LXNAV V7 Variometer with LXNAV Nano and Naviter Oudie
This is a fantastic complete flight computer system.
The Nano provides GPS data to the V7 variometer. The V7 adds vario,
airspeed and wind data and sends it all to the Oudie. The SeeYou Mobile software on
the Oudie can send an official task declaration through the V7 to the Nano. The
V7 powers the Oudie with 5V. The NanoPower cable must be powered
separately with 12V. The new sunlight readable version of the Oudie is
easy to read even in bright sunlight.
Total Price: $2801.85
LXNAV V7 Variometer with PowerFLARM and Naviter Oudie
This is a fantastic complete flight computer system.
The PowerFLARM provides GPS and FLARM traffic data to the V7 variometer.
The V7 and adds vario, airspeed and wind data and sends it all to the Oudie. The SeeYou Mobile software on
the Oudie can send an official task declaration through the V7 to the
PowerFLARM. The V7 powers the Oudie with 5V and the PowerFLARM with
12V. The V7 can display FLARM traffic on its display and output
acoustic warnings. However, a PowerFLARM display is still recommended
for displaying ADS-B and Mode C and Mode S transponder traffic.
Total Price: $3901.85
LXNAV LX8000 Flight
Computer
The LX8000 is a very powerful flight computer with graphical user
interface. The high resolution color screen looks fantastic even in
bright sunlight. It is an IGC approved flight recorder. Supports
2nd seat display and up to a total of 4 different "analog style" meters. Can store setup data for multiple pilots.
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Example System with
LX8000 |
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LX8000 |
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LX8000, $4695, Flight computer with audio variometer with averager and
speed-to-fly director.
Total Price: $4695
LXNAV LX8080 Flight
Computer
The LX8080 is a very powerful flight computer with graphical user
interface. The high resolution color screen looks fantastic even in
bright sunlight. It is an IGC approved flight recorder. Supports
2nd seat display and up to a total of 4 different "analog style" meters. Can store setup data for multiple pilots.
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Example System with
LX8000 |
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LX8080 |
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LX8080, $4595, Flight computer with audio variometer with averager and
speed-to-fly director.
Total Price: $4595
LXNAV LX9000 Flight
Computer
The LX9000 is a very powerful flight computer with graphical user
interface. The high resolution color screen looks fantastic even in
bright sunlight. It is an IGC approved flight recorder. Supports
2nd seat display and up to a total of 4 different "analog style" meters. Can store setup data for multiple pilots.
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Example System with
LX9000 |
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LX9000 |
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LX9000, $4895, Flight computer with audio variometer with averager and
speed-to-fly director.
Total Price: $4895
Comparison Table
Please note that I'm not 100% certain of all the data in the table below.
I've done my best to get complete and accurate data, but some of it is difficult to find.
If you see any errors or have any suggestions for the table below please let
me know. My goal is to make the table as accurate as possible.
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Flight Computer Comparison
Table |
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Electrical Vario with
Audio, Averager and Speed-to-Fly Director |
Photo
(click on image to view larger version) |
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| Product |
Tasman V2000
and
Tasman FP10 |
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| Price |
$640
+ $610 = $1250
(PDA and soaring software required) |
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| Type |
Pressure Transducer |
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Response Time
(seconds) |
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| Audio |
Audio |
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Averager
(seconds) |
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Speed-to-Fly Director |
STF
(PDA and soaring software required) |
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| G-
Meter |
No |
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2-Seat Repeater Option |
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Speaker |
Built-in or External |
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| Temp.
Probe |
Remote |
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Capacity Required |
No |
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| Size |
57 mm
vario readout |
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Power
(mA) |
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| Unique Features |
The Tasman
V1000 is an audio variometer with averager. When you add the
FP10 and a PDA with soaring flight software you get a complete
soaring flight computer system. The speed-to-fly information
is displayed on the PDA screen. The FP10 sends GPS data (GPS
not included), airspeed, pressure altitude and vario data to the
PDA. I neat low cost solution. Tasman V1000 owners can
upgrade to a complete soaring flight computer system for much less
money than buying the other flight computer systems on this page.
The FP10-s5V version can also provide 5V power for the PDA. |
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Electrical Vario with
Audio, Averager, Speed-to-Fly Director and Glide Computer |
Photo
(click on image to view larger version) |
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| Product |
Butterfly Vario |
Cambridge 302 |
ClearNav |
ILEC SN10 |
LXNAV V7 |
LX8000 |
LX8080 |
LX9000 |
Overview
Video |
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New
LX9000 Overview & Training Video |
| Price |
$3299 |
$2425
$2835 with 303 LCD Nav. Display |
$2950 |
$3095 |
$1495 |
$4695 |
$4595 |
$4895 |
| IGC
Approved Flight Recorder |
Yes
(not approved yet) |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Vario Type |
Pressure Transducer and Inertial Measurement Unit |
Pressure Transducer |
None |
Flow
Sensor |
Pressure Transducer |
Pressure Transducer |
Pressure Transducer |
Pressure Transducer |
Response Time
(seconds) |
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|
1 or 3 |
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| Audio |
Audio |
Audio |
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Audio |
Audio |
Audio |
Audio |
Audio |
Averager
(seconds) |
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30 |
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20 |
20 |
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Speed-to-Fly Director |
STF |
STF |
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STF |
STF |
STF |
STF |
STF |
| G-
Meter |
G |
G |
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G |
G |
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2-Seat Repeater Option |
Repeater |
Repeater |
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Repeater |
Repeater |
Repeater
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Repeater
|
Repeater |
|
Speaker |
Up to
2
external |
Internal (standard)
External (for motorglider) |
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Internal |
External |
External |
External |
External |
| Temp.
Probe |
|
Remote |
|
Remote |
Remote |
Remote |
Remote |
Remote |
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Capacity Required |
No |
No |
|
Internal capacity flask |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| Size |
Fits
in 57 mm hole |
57 mm |
4.3"w x 5.8"h x 1.1"d (109mm x
147mm x 27mm) |
57 mm
vario readout
80 mm flight computer display |
61mm
x 61mm x 95mm
(2.4 x 2.4 x 3.75 inches) |
57 mm
vario readout
3.5" diagonal flight computer display
98 x 88 x 80 mm (display unit) |
57 mm
vario readout
3.5" diagonal flight computer display
82 x 82 x 60 mm (display unit) |
57 mm
vario readout
Display Unit:
145 x 113 x 38 mm
(5.71 x 4.45 x 1.50 inches) |
Power
(mA) |
100 |
300 to
360 |
~700
mA (at 12V)
|
100 to
150 |
180 |
550 |
550 |
550 |
| Unique Features |
Powerful set of sensors, accurate wind
calculation while cruising, artificial horizon, simple navigation,
simple final glide, FLARM display |
Only 1 small hole
required, GPS flight recorder, 5V power output for Pocket PC, IGC
Approved GPS flight recorder. Sends air data to a Pocket PC
along with the GPS data. See Air Data
Transfer for more info. |
The ClearNav is a large, bright, color, navigation display that runs
ClearNavigator soaring flight software. The
display has a large and extremely bright screen without the overall
dimensions being too large. I find the remote to be easy to use and the
software very intuitive. The 2 software features that impress me the
most are the way area tasks are supported, and the
"Glide Amoeba" glide range rings. |
The user
defined flying screen is
very well liked because you can select which parameters you prefer
to view. Thermal Height Band
Graph, Optional additional vario readout. No Pocket PC
required. Reachable airports displayed on the moving map
screen. |
Awesome
color display. Speed-to-fly variometer with built-in g-meter,
FLARM display, and digital logbook. Simple final glide
computer - navigates to take-off location. 5V power output for
Pocket PC. 12V power output for GPS. Sends air data to a
Pocket PC along with the GPS data. See
Air Data Transfer for more info. |
Color, graphical
display, IGC approved flight recorder. No Pocket PC required.
Integrated FLARM. Supports 2nd seat display and up to a total of 4 different
"analog style" meters. Sends air data to a Pocket PC along with the GPS
data. See Air Data Transfer for
more info. |
Small,
color graphical
display, IGC approved flight recorder. No Pocket PC required.
Integrated FLARM. Supports 2nd seat display and up to a total of 4 different
"analog style" meters. Sends air data to a Pocket PC along with the GPS
data. See Air Data Transfer for
more info. |
Large
color graphical
display, IGC approved flight recorder. No Pocket PC required.
Integrated FLARM. Supports 2nd seat display and up to a total of 4 different
"analog style" meters. Sends air data to a Pocket PC along with the GPS
data. See Air Data Transfer for
more info. |
Air Data Transfer
Several soaring instrument systems are able to send air data (airspeed,
vario, etc.) to a Pocket PC in the data stream with the NMEA GPS data.
Software packages such as WinPilot Pro, pocket*StrePla, SeeYou Mobile and
Glide Navigator II can take advantage of the data. For example,
SeeYou Mobile and WinPilot Pro offer climb maximizers and other nice features when connected to an instrument which
sends airspeed and vario data. |
