LX navigation Colibri II Flight recorder User manual

Colibri II

Flight recorder and navigation instrument

Manual version: 1.1

LX navigation d.o.o., Tkalska 10 SLO 3000 Celje, tel: + 386 3 490 46 70, fax: + 386 3 490 46 71 [email protected]

, http://www.lxnavigation.si

Contents

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 4

GPS receiver .............................................................................................................................................. 4

Power supply ............................................................................................................................................. 4

Controls ..................................................................................................................................................... 5

Connectors ................................................................................................................................................ 5

SD card reader........................................................................................................................................... 5

Main page ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

Thermal assistant ...................................................................................................................................... 6

TP Navigation page ....................................................................................................................................... 7

TSK Navigation page ..................................................................................................................................... 7

Task TP navigation selection ..................................................................................................................... 8

Task TP edit ............................................................................................................................................... 8

GPS information page ................................................................................................................................... 9

Logbook/statistic page .................................................................................................................................. 9

Flight options .......................................................................................................................................... 10

Setup page .................................................................................................................................................. 10

Qhn/alt .................................................................................................................................................... 10

Vario ........................................................................................................................................................ 11

Units ........................................................................................................................................................ 11

SD Card .................................................................................................................................................... 11

Logger...................................................................................................................................................... 12

I-record ................................................................................................................................................ 12

Event ................................................................................................................................................... 12

Warnings ................................................................................................................................................. 13

Enl ........................................................................................................................................................... 13

Display ..................................................................................................................................................... 13

NMEA ...................................................................................................................................................... 14

Password ................................................................................................................................................. 14

Info .......................................................................................................................................................... 14

Battery information and power management ............................................................................................ 15

Flight Recorder Management ..................................................................................................................... 16

Colibri II – Flight recorder and navigation instrument Page 2

Start and Stop of flight recording ........................................................................................................... 16

Flight evaluation...................................................................................................................................... 16

IGC file structure ..................................................................................................................................... 17

Baro trace check (calibration) ................................................................................................................. 18

Cooperation with other units ..................................................................................................................... 18

Data exchange with 3 rd

party units ......................................................................................................... 18

Installation .................................................................................................................................................. 19

How to power on and off ........................................................................................................................ 19

External power supply ............................................................................................................................ 19

Pin out of USB mini B connector ............................................................................................................. 19

Flying with Colibri II ..................................................................................................................................... 20

List of standard parts and options .............................................................................................................. 21

Options .................................................................................................................................................... 21

Colibri II power and data interface ..................................................................................................... 21

Optional mounting frame ................................................................................................................... 21

Revision history ........................................................................................................................................... 22

Colibri II – Flight recorder and navigation instrument Page 3

Introduction

The unit’s main function is flight data recording and generating of files which meets IGC regulations. Due to excellent HW configuration, which most important feature is a sunshine readable colour display, many supplemental navigation functions are offered to the pilot. Unique is for sure vario meter function which offers audio and also needle presentation.

Key features are:

-Extremely small outline: 40 x 62 x 22 mm

-Completely new design approach

-Sunshine readable color display as a central part of the system

-Simple manipulation via one multifunctional switch

-Built in GPS receiver and GPS antenna

-NMEA output

-Internal battery ensures up to 10 hours of autonomy

-Built in battery charger (5V via USB cable)

-External power input

-SD card as a data transfer medium (micro version)

-Vario meter with audio as a standard solution

-Basic navigation

-Flight recorder

GPS receiver

A high sensitive GPS receiver is as an integral part of the unit, also GPS antenna is a part of GPS receiver, so external antenna connection isn’t any more necessary. Due to integral antenna solution vertical and also horizontal installations are possible. By horizontal installation solution keep display up.

Power supply

The unit contains a battery (accumulator) which is capable to run the unit for up to 10 flying hours, external power supply is also foreseen via a converter which converts board power to 5V. External power supply module can be ordered as an option.

The accumulator can be recharged via USB port of a PC with a suitable cable which is part of delivery, also wall adapter (220V to 5V) is a part of delivery.

Charging time is typically 3 hours. The accumulator is also recharged during external power presence. When battery is charging, you can see a “plug” symbol in top right of main page.

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Controls

There is only one device which makes possible to control the unit. A so called navigation switch which includes five independent switches and those switches realizes following functions:

- Up and down command

- Left and right command

- Push button after vertical press

Connectors

An USB Mini B type plug is situated on the right bottom side of the unit and is used for external power supply of the unit and for communication via Colibri II power and data interface.

Note!

There is no USB port carried out, that means no direct communication Colibri II – PC via USB. Via USB connector only power can be supplied (5V max) and NMEA data to external units is sent.

SD card reader

The unit has an integral micro SD card reader positioned on the left side of the unit.

SD card is used for:

-Uploading TP (CUP format)

-Downloading flights from internal memory (IGC format)

-Uploading of flight declaration in LX format (.HDR )

Note!

Flight data is stored into internal memory, so SD card is not required to be inserted during flight.

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Main page

The main page consists of basic flight parameters. In the left upper corner you find ground speed information. Close to ground speed display, you see GPS signal status (green bars), where 1 bar represent 3 satellites and 5 bars for more than 6 satellites and the battery indicator. When the internal charger is charging the battery status indicator is replaced with the charging “plug” symbol. The main part of this screen is the vario indicator with yellow needle and numeric average indicator in middle. The analog needle deflection is ±4m/s

(±8knots) but the numerical indication is not limited.

Wind indicator in the central left part of the display shows wind direction and speed. An arrow shows wind regarding to your track. The first result will appear after 2 full turns.

Lower part of page is reserved for QNH altitude indication and vario volume indicator.

Note!

Altitude reading doesn’t correspond to IGC recorded altitude, if QNH setting is different than 1013.

Buttons:

Left -> setup page

Right -> TP navigation page

Up, down -> vario volume change

Enter -> thermal assistant

Thermal assistant

Pressing enter button in main page will activate thermal assistant. An automatic switch from main into thermal assistant page is possible after Thermal assistant item is checked in setup/vario. On this page you can see thermal profile in colors. Red marked dots represent 70% or more, yellow represent 50-70% and blue less than 50% of maximal vario in last circle. No dot means negative vario and white dot shows maximum. On top right corner you get vario termal information which is average climbing from the start of thermaling until the end of thremalling (total average). In the bottom right corner altitude gain of the thermal is shown. Numeric figures inside the circle show current vario and the arrow shows wind direction.

Buttons:

Left -> setup page

Right -> TP navigation page

Up, down -> no effect

Enter -> main page

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TP Navigation page

On this page pilot will find basic information about navigation and also any TP stored in the unit TP data base can be selected. In the top left corner TP name is displayed, followed by the distance. Yellow arrow is North indicator. In the central upper position you will find steering information. On the bottom of the display there are two navigation boxes which informs about track and bearing.

Navigation is always track up.

Pressing enter button, you can start selection procedure for any TP which is stored in the unit internal memory. It is suggested to use filter (replacing of stars with letters or numbers) to reduce the bid. To look for the point of interest, use Up/Down buttons.

After the TP of interest is found, press enter button and the turn point will be selected. The unit will change over into navigation page.

Note!

TP files can be loaded into internal exclusively after using of SD card, use menu SD Card of Setup.

Buttons:

Left -> main page

Right -> TSK navigation page

Up, down -> changes TP

Enter -> TP select with filter

TSK Navigation page

Task is a complex navigation procedure which will guide the pilot from start point over Turn points until finish line. All points of a task should be included into unit TP memory. On this page pilot will find basic information how to approach towards selected TP from a task. In top left corner TP name is displayed, followed with the distance which is visualized in the right top corner.

Yellow arrow is showing to the north. In top center position you will find steering information. On bottom of the display you will find track and bearing information. Navigation is always track up orientated.

TP zone is yellow. Green line shows towards next TP of the task.

Pressing up, down button you will be able to change the zoom. After pressing on Enter task edit function will be offered.

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If auto next mode is selected for task TP then switch to next TP will be automatically. If not (AAT) then you must manually select new TP you wish to navigate (refer to Task TP navigation selection).

Buttons:

Left -> TSK navigation page

Right -> GPS info page

Up, down -> changes zoom

Enter -> Task edit menu

Task TP navigation selection

To select TP from task points which you wish to navigate to, press enter on TSK page and you will get TASK EDIT menu. Use up/down button to select point you wish to navigate to. When you have white frame pointing to TP press right or left button and navigation will be to this TP.

Task TP edit

With pressing enter on selected TP, you will be able to edit it. Use select to select a new turn point, the new point will replace existing point of the task.

Insert will insert a new turn point one position higher. Delete will delete existing point. Function ZONE makes possible to crate sector geometry under task sheet requirements. Every sector consists of two angels and two radiuses. Further inputs are zone orientation and change over logic inside sector.

Possible settings:

-A1 (angle 1)

-R1 (radius 1)

-A2 (angle 2)

-R2 (radius 2)

-A12 T (angle 12 type)

-A12 A (angle 12)

-Auto next option

Note!

Task input is also possible after header transfer. That means task preparation on PC and transfer of .hdr file via SD card.

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GPS information page

The GPS page shows basic GPS receiver information. First line shows status of received satellites. When receiving no satellites “LAST FIX/0” message is shown which means that coordinates shown, (latitude and longitude), are from last known position. When a good signal with a good position fix is detected “3D” text will appear, followed by the number of received satellites.

Second and third line shows latitude and longitude information.

Below coordinates is UTC time corrected by local UTC offset set in setup/units menu. Last bottom information on this page is internal battery voltage.

Note!

Pressing Enter on this screen will activate so called “PEV” markers. After PEV is activated more frequent recording will start for a limited period.

Buttons:

Left -> TSK navigation page

Right -> logbook/statistic page

Enter -> triggers event

Up, down -> no effect

Logbook/statistic page

While flying this page provides statistic information to pilot such as flight time, maximum IGC altitude reached in flight and maximum climbing and sinking speeds

Buttons:

Left -> GPS information page

Right -> Setup page

Up, down, enter -> no effect

After flight, statistic information will be replaced with logbook showing date of flight, takeoff time, landing time and flight time.

Buttons:

Left -> GPS information page

Right -> setup page

Up, down -> moving up and down over logbook

Enter -> flight options

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Flight options

Pressing enter on any flight of the logbook will enable Copy to SD and View

Info function. Copy to SD will copy flight of interest to SD card. View Info will show pilot and glider data.

Setup page

Qhn/alt

QNH and altitude setting will update both QNH and altitude reading, doesn’t matter which one will be changed. So the pilot has a choice to use actual QNH data or elevation data. In fact the pilot should input airfield elevation before takeoff if altitude option is actual. In both cases after correct input the Colibri II altimeter will show NN altitude (above sea level).

Important!

Adjusting of QNH or input of field elevation will not affect flight recorder altitude reading, the altitude stored in flight will remain based on QNH 1013

Setup page offers a wide range of system inputs. Select input of interest and press enter.

Yellow colored frame shows ready for edit status, so you can immediately start alternating data with

Up/Down key. To close press enter and the frame will become not active (white colored frame). To leave the menu use left or right arrow.

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Vario

Audio mute: if selected vario audio will be mute and no volume control will be possible.

Filter: you can set vario filter here. Lower the number means faster vario response.

Thermal Assistance: if checked, an automatic switch to thermal assistant in the main page will follow while circling and vice versa.

Units

Under this sub setup page you can set units for vario

(m/s, knots), altitude (m, ft), distance (km, nm, mi), speed (km/h, mph, kts), UTC offset to local time and format for GPS coordinates.

SD Card

SD card is a data transfer medium which makes possible to arrange input of data (turn points, flight info) and to export flight data which are stored in flight recorder. The flights are written to the card in .IGC format that means immediately ready for flight evaluation.

LOAD TP: Transfers turn point data from SD to device. Pressing enter button will show list of all *.cup formatted files in LX/TP directory. Select file of interest and start transfer with enter.

LOAD INFO: Transfers header files from uSD to device. Pressing enter button will show list of all *.hdr formatted files in LX/FLINFO directory. Select file from which you wish to transfer declaration header.

SD INIT: Creates all needed directories on SD card. (LX/TP, LX/FLINFO,

LX/FLIGHTS)

Important!

If TP file has more than 500 points only first 500 will be transferred, rest will be cut off.

Colibri II – Flight recorder and navigation instrument Page 11

Logger

This sub-setting page allows the user to set the recording interval for logger and some basic information about the pilot and glider (the pilot and copilot name and surname, reg. number, competition ID, glider name, and class). This basic information will be recorded as part of the flight record.

To change text string, press enter button and cursor will appear. With up and down button you can change letters, while left and right buttons will allow you to change cursor position in string. Entered string will end behind cursor when “enter” button is pressed.

I-record

Pilot can select which additional data will be recorded in IGC log. ENL and FXA cannot be unselected and are always recorded active (IGC regulation).

Event

After pilot decided to enable some additionally records, he has to activate so called Event function (PEV marked records in flight recorder). Parameters interval and number of fixes defines situation after PEV has been activated.

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Warnings

Colibri II will alert you with acoustic when preset altitude will be reached! Also a warning message will be shown on the screen and the pilot is be obliged to quit the warning with enter.

Enl

Every unit has a built in Engine Noise level Sensor which detects engine noise after engine is running. The value varies from 0 until 100% and typical values by running engine are around 90%. This page doesn’t make possible of any input, but serves as an ENL indicator. ENL is also stored in IGC file.

Display

If you activate screensaver, then after screensaver timeout, LCD backlight goes off. Every 10s a message “Screensaver is active!” will appear for one second, to show that the unit is functioning. Pressing any key will deactivate screensaver and will also reset its timeout. If you intend to use the unit only as a flight recorder, then using of screensaver function can extend endurance up to 3 hours (total endurance will be 10h).

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NMEA

The Colibri II can be used as GPS signal source for other navigation devices. Here you can select which NMEA data strings would you like to be sent out. The

NMEA data is available on USB type connector of the unit.

Note!

NMEA data sent out of Colibri II doesn’t match RS 232 standard. So a level

Converter should be used. It is suggested to use original LX Navigation power and data adapter.

Password

To access some special functions of the Colibri II unit you must enter different passwords.

99999: Will erase all stored flights!

46486: All settings will have factory default values.

76253: Snake game will be activated.

Info

On this page you will found some information about software version, serial number etc …

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Battery information and power management

Colibri II is powered by a rechargeable battery. The battery can be charged and discharged hundreds of cycles. Only use approved wall charger (is a part of delivery) or PC USB port to recharge the battery.

Do not leave a fully charged battery connected to a charger for a longer time, as overcharging may shorten its life time. If left unused a fully charged battery will lose its charge over time.

Battery endurance after using of display is typically 7 hours. If screen saver is used, duration can be extended for additional 3 hours.

If Colibri II power and data interface is used, battery will recharge itself and then use glider battery for

Colibri II operation.

Note!

Always charge device when you will not use it for longer time and periodically check battery status if recharge is needed.

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Flight Recorder Management

The flight recorder doesn’t need any special care as all works nearly automatic way, without pilot assistance. All what the pilot should do is to adapt logger settings, see capture Setup page / Logger.

Start and Stop of flight recording

The unit will start recording immediately after start conditions will be fulfilled. Start conditions are connected with ground speed and altitude change, so even if gps status is bad during takeoff, the unit will start recording.

It is recommended to switch the unit on a few minutes before takeoff. This will ensure a straight base line of baro trace (IGC regulation). Running time before takeoff will not reduce memory space of the flight recorder, due to circular recording before takeoff.

After landing the unit will close the flight after approximately 10 minutes in standstill, so it is recommended to keep the unit under power by GPS OK until very typical information Calculating

Security will appear on the display. A very significant signal that the flight recorder has closed the flight is presence of Logbook. During run time there is a statistic page.

Flight evaluation

To check the flight data integrity use IGC shell programs. IGC shell is an IGC freeware program specially designed for flight integrity check. Use latest LXN.dll file to validate Colibri II flights.

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IGC file structure

IGC flight record file is text file, that means the data are simple readable by any text editor.

Example of an IGC flight is printed below:

ALXNG88FLIGHT:1

Recorder Sn.

and flight number

HFDTE110509

HFFXA015

HFPLTPILOT:CRT.ROJNIK

HFGTYGLIDERTYPE:LAK19-15

HFDTM100GPSDATUM:WGS-1984

HFRFWFIRMWAREVERSION:1.0

HFRHWHARDWAREVERSION:1.0

HFFTYFRTYPE:LXNAVIGATION,COLIBRI II

Date of the flight

HFGPS:uBLOXf_TIM-LP,16,max9000m

HFPRSPRESSALTSENSOR:INTERSEMA,MS5534A,max8000m

I023638FXA3941ENL

C110509143109110509000100

ENL enabled

C4619767N02003217ESZATYMAZ

C4622930N02015629ETSKSTART

Flight declaration data as C record

C4619767N02003217ESZATYMAZ

C4619767N02003217ESZATYMAZ

F0931560231110413071732232025

LLXNORIGIN0926594619153N02003303E

B0926594619153N02003303EA0006900091007000

B0927054619153N02003303EA0006800091007000

B0927114619153N02003303EA0006800091007000

B0927174619153N02003303EA0006900093007000

B0927234619153N02003303EA0006800093007000

B0927294619153N02003304EA0006900093007000

B0927354619153N02003304EA0007000093007000

B0927414619153N02003304EA0007000093007000

B0927474619152N02003304EA0007000091007000

B0927534619153N02003304EA0006900091007000

B0927594619152N02003304EA0006800091007000

B records as position records

G record is a digital signature, ensures data integrity and is always the last record of the flight.

B0928054619152N02003304EA0006800091007000

B0928114619152N02003304EA0006800093007000

B0928174619153N02003304EA0006800091007000

G33069178E3C800E8CE815DD7F0D6968983E2BC0F44C3DC20645F06CC9F78E84

GAF5B28F33E76C8DC5C105CB2B168472106BA50860B3DC93F72D9439C9B371975

G43221B

Colibri II – Flight recorder and navigation instrument Page 17

Baro trace check (calibration)

Each flight recorder should be periodically checked to show that built-in pressure sensor is still in limits.

The procedure is extremely simple and needs some minutes to finish it. The most important action is setting of Rec. interval in Logger Setup to 1 second, otherwise the trace will not be uniform. The procedure should go on as follows.

-Put the unit into the pressure chamber

-Set QNH 1013 conditions.

-Apply a pressure jump to start recording.

-Climb apr. 4m/s and make a stop for apr. 30 seconds every 1000 m.

-After reaching 8000m sink apr. 4 m/s and make stops after every 1000m.

-After reaching zero open the chamber and wait for 1 min. After 1 min switch off the unit and confirm that you wish to end flight.

-Switch on the unit and download the “flight” from logbook.

-Return Rec. Interval setting to previous value.

-Print baro trace after using of convenient PC program, for instance LXe.

Cooperation with other units

The unit can be used as a GPS and pressure/altitude source for many navigation systems. The selected

NMEA data is sent at 19200 bps. The same is valid for additionally data in so called LXWP format.

Data exchange with 3

rd

party units

Colibri II is capable to communicate with units (programs) which are listed below. It is necessary to arrange suitable cable connections.

Unit

LX 7007

SeeYou Mob.

Oudie

ConnectMe

LX 166*

LX 1606*

LX Mini Map*

Declaration TP data Flight download

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

*depends on program which is running on PDA

Remarks

Colibri II – Flight recorder and navigation instrument Page 18

Installation

The installation works are extensive due to Colibri II HW configuration. If the unit will be used as a standalone flight recorder (using of internal battery only) no installation works will be necessary. In fact the unit may be kept in the pocket or put anywhere in the cockpit. Due to low weight some provisionally installation methods can be used as for instance adhesive types.

How to power on and off

A longer press (approximately 2 second) on push button of navigation switch will power on the unit, the first signal that the power has been applied is presence of LX Navigation logo. After you see logo, release push button. If press is too long, unit will switch off due to some kind of safety procedure, to filter out undesired turns on.

To switch off simple apply a longer press on the push button until the unit will go off. If flight is still detected, you will be asked if you wish to finish flight or not.

External power supply

If external power supply is needed, use a special Colibri II power and data interface, which converts glider 12V to requested 5V for Colibri II unit.

Important!

Never apply 12 V to the unit. The unit will be seriously damaged if 12V will be applied directly!

Pin out of USB mini B connector

The Colibri II uses USB mini B connector for charging and data exchange.

Pin out of this connector is:

Pin number Description

1

2

3

4

5

+5V input

Data in – input (TTL)

Data out –output (TTL)

Not used

GND

Pin number: 1 2 3 4 5

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Flying with Colibri II

To get the best out of the Colibri II, it is important that some preparation is done prior to the flight – trying to configure the instrument or set up a task while flying the glider may spoil your whole day! Preflight preparation will ensure that the flight will be both successful and enjoyable.

After turning on the unit you will get main page with vario indicator. Check if units and vario filter is set correctly under setup menu. Also check if automatic for thermal assistant is on or off (like you wish) so you will not be disturbed in flight when thermaling.

Check internal battery voltage and if needed recharge it.

Under setup/logger double check, if inserted pilot and glider information is correct. Check seting of logging interval (mostly used is 6 -10 sec). Any new or corrected data under this settings, will automatically fix flight declaration .

On TP navigation screen you can check if TPs of interst are preloaded. If not, you can upload them after using of SD card under setup/sd card/load tp.

Check task for navigation if it is ok in Tsk navigation page. If you change or edit any point in task setup, it will automatically declare new task in flight header. You can set task manually or transfer it with *.hdr file from setup/sd card/load info.

Check if screen saver is on or off. If you wish to have the Colibri II only as a logger then screen saver will extend battery duration for 3 hours.

Colibri II – Flight recorder and navigation instrument Page 20

List of standard parts and options

-Colibri II unit with built in battery

-USB Mini B to USB A cable

-Wall charger (220V to 5V)

-Manual

Options

Colibri II power and data interface

Colibri II power and data interface is a special unit which coverts 12V to 5V power supply for Colibri II. It also converts TTL levels of serial communication to RS232 levels. Maximum input voltage is 24V.

Unit has two plugs. On one side there is a standard USB A connector.

Use included USB cable to connect Colibri II on this side. On the other side is RJ45 plug. This plug is a standard IGC 6-pin connector.

Pin out of RJ45 6-pin connector:

Pin number Description

1

2,3

4

5

6

+12V (red external wire)

Not used

Data out – output (RS232)

Data in – input (RS 232)

GND (blue external wire)

Pin number: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Optional mounting frame

A suitable mounting frame with snap in effect can be delivered as an option, using of this option makes installation of Colibri II easy.

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Revision history

January 2012 Initial release of owner manual

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