Colibri igc flight recorder User manual

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Colibri
IGC FLIGHT RECORDER
Please read this manual before operating the unit
Version 3.0 Feb. 2001

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CONTENTS
1 GENERAL INFORMATION:............................................................................................................................................2
2 CONTROL KEYS................................................................................................................................................................3
3 GPS STATUS MENU..........................................................................................................................................................4
4 NAVIGATION MENUS.....................................................................................................................................................5
4.1 TP (TURNING POINTS) NAVIGATION MENU ..................................................................................................................6
4.1.1 ENTERING A NEW TURNPOINT- from the airport data base....................................................................6
4.1.2 ENTERING a NEW TURNPOINT.....................................................................................................................7
4.1.3 EDITING AN EXISTING TURNPOINT.............................................................................................................7
4.1.4 DELETING A TURNPOINT................................................................................................................................7
4.1.5 EDITING A TASK ................................................................................................................................................8
4.1.6 EVENT BUTTON.................................................................................................................................................8
4.2 TSK NAVIGATION MENU ........................................................................................................................................9
4.3 APT NAVIGATION MENU .......................................................................................................................................10
5 SETUP MENU....................................................................................................................................................................10
5.1 LOGGER SETUP ........................................................................................................................................................10
5.1.1 RECORD INTERVAL........................................................................................................................................11
5.1.2 OBSERVATION ZONE.....................................................................................................................................11
5.1.3 OBSERVATION ZONE BEEP.........................................................................................................................16
5.1.4 I-RECORD DATA..............................................................................................................................................16
5.1.5 J-RECORD.........................................................................................................................................................16
5.1.6 FLIGHT INFO.....................................................................................................................................................16
5.2 TIME ZONE ................................................................................................................................................................16
5.3 UNITS SETUP.............................................................................................................................................................17
5.4 NMEA OUTPUT .........................................................................................................................................................17
5.5 COMM SPEED............................................................................................................................................................17
5.6 PASSWORD................................................................................................................................................................17
6 VIEW LOGGER................................................................................................................................................................17
7 PRE-FLIGHT PROCEDURES ........................................................................................................................................20
8 PC CONNECTION............................................................................................................................................................20
8.1 PROCEDURE FOR PC CONNECTION:....................................................................................................................20
9 WIRING DETAILS AND POWER SUPPLY CONNECTION.....................................................................................21
10 COLIBRI - MENU STRUCTURE ...............................................................................................................................22
11 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.................................................................................................................................23
11.1 A LOW BATTERY WARNING IS DISPLAYED WHEN THE BATTERY VOLTAGE DROPS TO 10.0V REGARDLESS OF WHICH
SCREEN YOU ARE USING AT THE TIME. PRESS THE ENTER BUTTON TO RESUME CONTROL OF THE COLIBRI’S FUNCTIONS.
LOGGING DOES NOT STOP DURING THIS TIME. THE UNIT WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE DOWN THE 9.0V. WHEN THE BATTERY IS
EXHAUSTED THE COLIBRI WILL BEEP CONTINUOUSLY, AND LOGGING WILL CEASE. THE BATTERY VOLTAGE IS
CONTINUOUSLY DISPLAYED ON A PAGE IN THE GPS STATUS MENU IF YOU WISH TO CHECK THE CURRENT STATE OF YOUR
BATTERY’S VOLTAGE...............................................................................................................................................................23
12 IMPORTANT NOTES ..................................................................................................................................................23
13 GLOSSARY....................................................................................................................................................................24
1GENERAL INFORMATION:
Thank you for purchasing the LX Colibri Data Logger. You will find the unit an accurate, reliable and a
valuable aid to your gliding pursuits. The LX Colibri Logger is an FAI approved flight logger/recorder. The
unit is extremely small and practical (55x100x32mm). The Colibri is operated via seven keys identified by
symbols. All the data and flight information is displayed on a 2x8 character LCD matrix display. A BNC

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connector is used to connect the GPS antenna to the unit. The instrument is turned on by inserting the
power lead (telephone type connector) into the appropriate socket on the Colibri.
Technical data:
- Power Supply…………………………….. 10-15 V DC
- Current consumption…………………….. 100 mA / 12 V
- 16 channel GPS receiver
- NMEA and Winpilot output
- Dimensions………………………………. 55x100x32mm
- Weight…………………………………… 220 g
- Engine noise sensor is standard equipment
- Zoom feature
- Data Retention…………………………… Internal Lithium Battery
2CONTROL KEYS
All necessary data input and manipulation can be done using the seven keys as shown below:
•DOWN arrow
•UP arrow
•RIGHT arrow
•LEFT arrow
•ENTER
•ESCAPE
•EVENT
The unit has four main menus. On power up
the GPS STATUS page is displayed. Pressing
consecutively the right arrow key displays the
NAVIGATION page, then the SETUP menu
and finally the VIEW LOGGER menu. Pressing
the left arrow returns to the previous menu.
When power is applied the Colibri will display the program version followed by the serial number of the
unit and the owner/pilots name for 20 seconds.
GPS STATUS menu - After the initial start up procedure the logger automatically switches to this menu
and commences acquiring satellite fixes. If the aerial is not connected or the aerial is covered by
obstacles, such as buildings, then GPS BAD, SAT = 0 will be displayed. Satellite acquisition time from a
cold start is under 60 seconds. A warm start is typically 30-seconds.
3 NAVIGATION menus – From the GPS STATUS menu pressing the right arrow brings up the 3
NAVIGATION menus ( TP, TSK and APT). This shows bearing, track, distance and the first four letters
of the selected turnpoint or airport. Pressing ESCAPE will cause the glider’s ground speed to be
displayed in place of the turnpoint’s name. Turnpoints, which are stored in the database can be selected
and also edited as required from this screen. Pressing the right arrow again takes you to the;
SETUP menu- This page is not used during flight. It is normally used prior to the flight to define the
logger and task parameters. All pilot and glider data are defined in this menu. From this menu pressing
the LEFT arrow will return to the Navigation screen or the RIGHT arrow will lead to the VIEW LOGGER
menu.
VIEW LOGGER menu – This is selected for flight analysis after landing. Flights made with the logger are
stored in the unit (up to 100hrs depending on logging parameters) and the information is retained even
when the power is switched off.Flights can be analysed via the Colibri’s screen (after landing) without
the need to transfer flight data to a PC. This menu will not be displayed if there are no flights stored in
the logger.
ESC ENTER
EVENT

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All four main menus have sub-menus . To enter a sub menu use the vertical arrows. A detailed
description of the sub-menus is contained further on in the manual. It is recommended you read this
manual whilst referring to the menu structure diagram at the back of this manual.
The ENTER key always starts the edit procedure and confirms options selected or the data entered.
The ESCAPE key has two functions; go back a step in the menu and to accept the whole row in the
editing procedure. Also the ESCAPE key cycles between the three navigation screens in the navigation
menu. During flight this key starts the wind calculation procedure when pressed in the navigation page.
3GPS STATUS menu
This menu is active when the instrument is switched on. There is no edit function, as this menu contains
no user definable data. This means the data can only be read from the display. By using the UP and
DOWN arrows the following pages of the GPS STATUS menu are displayed:
GPS OK
SAT=6
GPS status and number of satellites acquired
LAT N 45
00.12
LON E016
45.15
Coordinates of your current position
ALTITUDE
230m
Altitude referenced to the ISA 1013 Hpa pressure level
12:13:44
12.05.98
Current Time/Date
BAT=12.1
DOP =3.3
Battery voltage and DOP (Dilution of Position. Which is a measure
of the accuracy of the GPS position. The lower the number the better)
LOG:STOP
Mem89.6h
Recording status; STOP or RUN is displayed and the Logger Recording Capacity in hours.
Do not switch off the logger at the end of a flight until LOG:STOP is displayed.
NOTE: The logger capacity figure displayed on the above screen doesn’t indicate the remaining portion
of unused memory ! It displays the total memory available for flight recording, which depends upon the
logging time interval and additional data options selected for recording. As old data is automatically
overwritten by new data (ie. the current flight) you don’t need to clear the memory prior to flight.
Hence, after a flight you will find the logger memory number displayed has remained unchanged.
However, changing the recording interval or selecting additional data recording options (see section
5.1.d of the manual) will change the amount of memory available and change the value displayed.

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4NAVIGATION MENUS
There are 3 navigation menus available; Turnpoint, Task, and Airport (TP,TSK and APT) which allow in-
flight navigation to the selected turnpoint or airfield. Each menu is explained below. Also editing of the
turnpoint and task data is possible. The navigation screen in each of the three menus looks like this;
123°t CUND
126°b235km
123°
°°
°is the current track of the aircraft, 126°is the bearing to the TP, 235km is the distance to the TP
and CUND is the first four letters of the turnpoint (designator). The Colibri counts down the distance to a
TP in 1km increments, except when within 10km of the TP. Then the Colibri displays the distance to the
TP in 100 metre increments. This is very useful as you approach the turnpoint and often loose sight of it
under the nose of the aircraft. To select the navigation menus use ‘left/right’ arrow keys. From the Status
Menu, pressing the ‘Right’ arrow brings up the Turnpoint navigation screen. Pressing the ‘Right’ arrow
again brings the Task Navigation menu, ‘Right’ arrow again to the Airport menu.
For Turnpoints for Task for Airport
When you have reached the menu you require, wait 2 seconds, the Colibri will display the following data,
as per figure 1.
From the above screen, press the ‘ESC’ key to replace the TP name with the aircraft’s groundspeed,
‘ESC’ again to display the wind calculation. ‘ESC’ again to return to the beginning.
‘ESC’
The wind calculation is active only during thermalling. After two turns the wind direction and speed will be
presented. The wind calculation is based upon ground speed changes during the climb. It is
recommended that you keep the aircraft’s speed constant whilst thermalling to ensure the most accurate
wind measurement possible.
TP :
AACHEN M TSK : TKF
CELJE A/D APT: MUENCHEN
230°t AACH
123° b 129 kh
239° t 134 kh
123° b 23 km Wind
234 ° 24 kh

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4.1 TP (Turning points) Navigation menu
To select a turnpoint from the Colibri’s turnpoint database, use the ‘up’ and ‘down’ arrows, the turnpoints
are sorted alphabetically, holding down the ‘Up/Down’ key will increase the scrolling speed through the
TP database. When the desired TP is displayed release the arrow key, and after a short pause, the
navigation data, i.e. track, bearing and distance to the selected TP will be displayed. The navigation
display will be shown as above (fig 1.).
If required TP data, i.e. coordinates and name can be edited any time. The procedure is started by
pressing ‘ENTER’, whilst in the TP navigation screen. The screen will display;
Using the ‘Up/Down’ arrow keys, the pilot can select from the following options; NEW POINT, EDIT
TPOINT, DELETE TPOINT and EDIT TASK.
The turning point capacity of Colibri is 600 turning points in the well-known DA.4 format. This is fully
compatible with LX 5000, LX 20 and other LX instruments.
4.1.1 ENTERING A NEW TURNPOINT- from the airport data base.
Press ‘Enter’ when ‘NEW TPOINT’ is displayed on the screen, ‘Copy APT’ is shown, press the ‘Down’
arrow, to select ‘Y’ for yes, then press ‘Enter’. The copying procedure will follow. The Colibri has its own
airport database and additional turnpoints can be copied from this database. Replace the four stars with
country designator you require, ICAO airport code (up /down arrows and Enter).
Confirm by pressing ‘Enter’ and a new turnpoint will be added to the TP database for further use. With an
unknown ICAO code, simply press ‘Escape’ and select the country.
Replace the four stars with the first four letters of the airport’s name. You can enter less letters, say the
first letter only, then press ESCAPE. Now the display will jump to the first airport whose name starts with
that letter (use the UP or DOWN arrows to make your selection).
TP !
!!
!
MENU "
""
"
NEW
POINT Copy APT Data ? N
APT ****
APT EDDM
MUNICH
APT ****
GERMANY
APT ****
MUEN_

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Confirmation with all four stars with the ‘Escape’ key, which will show you all the airports of the selected
country (or State.). After pressing ‘Enter’ the airfield will be definitively be copied to the TP database and
ready for navigation. NOTE an APT database has not yet been compiled for Australia.
4.1.2 ENTERING a NEW TURNPOINT
Manual entry of a new Turnpoints data is possible, select the ‘N’ option from the Copy APT menu.
Input a maximum of 8 Characters for the turnpoint’s name. After the input of all the characters, the
coordinates (LAT, LON) and the altitude the following message appears.
Select ‘Y’ using the UP or Down arrows if the data is correct. If you select ’N’ the input procedure will
recommence.
4.1.3 EDITING AN EXISTING TURNPOINT
Select the ‘EDIT TPOINT’ option and press ‘ENTER’,
Enter
Select the TP by entering the first four letters of the TP’s name and change the data as required. You
can cycle alphabetically through the TP’s using the ‘Up/ Down’ keys by entering just the first letter (or
none). Use the ‘Up/Down’ keys to enter a character where the cursor is flashing and use the ‘right’ arrow
key to move across to the next character. Four presses of the ‘Right’ arrow key will bring you to the start
of the TP database, i.e. the first turnpoint.
4.1.4 DELETING A TURNPOINT
Select the TP and confirm the delete procedure with ‘Y’.
DATA
OK Y
NAME
********
EDIT
TPOINT
TP
NAME

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4.1.5 EDITING A TASK
Up to 100 tasks can be stored into the Colibri’s memory. To edit a stored task use this menu.
With ‘EDIT TASK’ displayed press the ‘Enter’ key and the task database is accessed. The first stored
task, Task 00 displayed. Using the vertical arrows you cycle through the tasks numerically, stop when
the TSK you wish to edit is shown. Press the ‘Enter’ key. Note; The task is designated with numbers (0-
99), the number of turning points in the task (max. 10) and the distance. See figure below,
If no tasks are stored in the Colibri, the message ‘NOT PROG’ will appear, however, the task can be
programmed as per editing a stored task.
Press ‘Enter’ again to display the first TP of the task, TP0, which is the start point. You can use the
‘Up/Down’ arrow keys to cycle through the turnpoints of the task. Press ‘Enter’ when the desired TP is
reached. You then have three options. With the ‘ INSERT POINT’ option an additional TP one position
lower than the one selected will be entered. The ‘DELETE POINT’ option will delete the selected
turnpoint and hence reduce the number of Turnpoints of the task. The ‘SELECT POINT’ option will
overwrite (replace) the selected turnpoint with a new one. The turnpoint selection procedure is the same
as described above, i.e. replacing stars with characters. To close the procedure press ‘ESC’ until you
reach navigation menu.
NOTE; The tasks from this menu can be transferred to your PC, however it is much easier to compile
tasks on your PC first then upload them to your Colibri, as per turnpoints
4.1.6 EVENT BUTTON
This special key has two functions during the flight. A quick press will activate the event function which
changes the sampling rate interval briefly as defined in the Logger Setup menu. After a longer press of
the event button the following will appear on the display:
TP-QUICK
AP: 19:43
‘AP’ stands for actual position, and means your current position is stored as a turnpoint with the following
name ‘AP:19:43’. 19:43 is the time you marked the position, which allows you to distinguish several
EVENT marked positions from one another in the TP database. The names of these ‘AP’ turnpoints can
be changed using the edit function if required. This feature can be used to mark thermals, an outlanded
glider (hopefully as you fly over it!) etc. As the marked position is stored in the turnpoint database, you
can select one of the marked points in the NAVIGATION screen and fly to it later if required.
TSK 00
5pt 376 km

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4.2 TSK NAVIGATION MENU
This menu has two important functions.
1. Navigation - It allows in-flight navigation using only the turnpoints of the task. This prevents
manually cycling through the entire TP database when on a task. Please note after the task has started,
i.e. you have entered the start point cylinder or sector, there is an automatic change over to the next
Turnpoint of the task after rounding the current TP.
2. Task declaration for the logger - after take off the selected task is written into the logger
and will remain there till landing. The selected task is automatically declared after take off.
Only one TSK can be memorized in this menu. To input a task in to this menu use one of two methods:
Press the ‘Enter’ key and the ‘EDIT TASK’ option is displayed, Press ‘Enter’ again and you can cycle
through the TP’s of the task, changing the TP’s as required. That is, press ‘Enter’ when the old TP is
displayed and you then have the SELECT, INSERT,DELETE TPOINT options.
OR
Press the ‘Enter’ key and the ‘EDIT TASK’ option is displayed, press the ‘Down’ arrow key and the
‘COPY TASK’ option is displayed. Press ‘Enter’ again and the 100 (0-99) task database stored in the
Colibri is accessed. Use the ‘Up/Down’ keys to copy the task you desire.
NOTE: - Editing task in this menu will not change the task as stored in the task library (0-99).
How to fly the TSK
Prepare the task using copy or edit method as described above. The task stored into the IGC logger
must have following structure:
-TAKE OFF
-START POINT
-TURNPOINTS
-FINISH POINT
-LANDING
TAKE OFF and LANDING are classed as turnpoints as well. Which means they should be entered using
the TP library. The stored tasks in the TP library don’t have take off and landing points. So after having
copied a task from the library, you will find the TAKE OFF point = START point and the FINISH point =
LANDING point. Using EDIT procedure it is possible to change these two points so the task matches the
FAI structure shown above. TASK declaration is easier to do using the LXFAI program and uploading the
task via the ‘WRITE FLIGHT INFO’ menu option.
IN FLIGHT
Immediately after take off the TASK navigation screen will change automatically from the TAKE OFF
point to the START POINT (TSK:STA). That is the navigation screen will automatically display data to
guide you to the start point of the task.
Once you reach the START point (photosector, cylinder …) an acoustic alarm is activated and a manual
change-over to the first turning point is necessary (use the ‘Down’ arrow key). Often you fly through the
start point sector many times before actually commencing your task (i.e. in competitions). You must
manually select the first Turnpoint of the task to tell the Colibri you have actually started the task.

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When you reach the first TP of the task, the Colibri will automatically changeover to the next turnpoint
of the task and display navigation data to this turnpoint. No manipulation is necessary.
Important Note;
Task editing during the flight is possible without any limitations (i.e. for POST), but the task as declared
in the logger will remain unchanged. Therefore there is no chance you can destroy the FAI
deceleration in the logger during the flight.
It is highly recommended that you check the task (declaration) before take off. Do it simply by pressing
the ‘Down’ arrow key when in the Task Navigation screen. The Takeoff, Start, Turnpoints, Finish and
Landing points will be displayed in order. Flying out of this menu has no influence on the FAI declaration.
To jump over a TP not reached in flight use the ‘Down’ arrow key or edit the task as described above.
4.3 APT NAVIGATION MENU
The Colibri is able to memorize approx. 5000 airfield points. From this Colibri database it is possible to
select airports and navigate to them. Additionally, the airports are separated by distance, building an
near airport table. The selection of an airport is completely the same as coping them into TPs.
The near function is active permanently, the nearest airport is to be found by pressing the ‘up’ arrow.
5SETUP MENU
All the important logger parameters are defined in this menu. Press the ‘Right’ arrow key from the APT
navigation screen to display the SETUP MENU.
Using the ‘Up/Down’ arrows the following sub menus can be selected.
LOGGER TIME UNITS NMEA COM PASSWORD
SETUP ZONE SETUP OUTPUT SPEED
5.1 LOGGER SETUP
All important logger parameters are defined in this menu. With ‘LOGGER SETUP’ displayed press
‘ENTER’ and the RECORD INTERVAL menu option will be displayed. From the RECORD INTERVAL
menu the ‘Down’ arrow will display in order additional menus, they are; OBSERV. ZONE, OBS. ZONE
BEEP, I-RECORD DATA, J-RECORD DATA, FLIGHT INFO. Press the ‘Enter’ key to select the
displayed menu. Various settings can be altered as required and detailed below.
SETUP !
!!
!
MENU "
""
"

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5.1.1 RECORD INTERVAL
NORMAL: After pressing ‘ENTER’ the cursor is activated, the recording (logging) interval is set .
12s Shorter recording intervals reduce recording memory. This is shown in the GPS STATUS menu.
NEAR TP: This sets the recording (logging) interval, which is used as the glider nears the Turnpoint.
2s
Inside this radius around the TP, the logging interval (as set above) is used. Radius can be from
NEAR RAD: 0.1 – 2 km.
1.0km Dimensions can be set by the user.
PEV INT: This setting defines the logging interval which is used after the EVENT key is pressed.
2s
PEV FIX: This determines the number of fixes stored after the EVENT key is pressed.
30.
For example: If PEV INT 2s, PEV FIX 30 is set, then after the EVENT key is pressed 30 fixes, 2-
seconds apart will be recorded.
5.1.2 OBSERVATION ZONE
Using the Colibri, the pilot is able to define practically all known start, turning point and finish procedures
as set by the FAI or competition directors. That is the Colibri has programmable sectors, cylinders, or
arcs around a particular coordinate. The Colibri will ‘Beep’ when the glider has entered the sector that
has been defined. After pressing ‘ENTER’ in the OBSERV. ZONE menu, the following sub menus will be
available. Use the ‘Up/Down’ arrows to cycle through the menu list.
OBS. ZONE TEMPLATE - turnpoint rounding confirmation selection
This option allows you to select quickly and easily either the 500m cylinder or FAI Photo-sector
confirmation for start, finish and turnpoint rounding. Press ‘Enter’ with OBS.ZONE TEMPLATE displayed
on the screen, ‘TEMPLATE PHOTO’ will then be seen with a flashing cursor next to ‘PHOTO’, press
‘Enter’ again to select the FAI photo-sector option, or press the ‘Down’ arrow key. ‘Cylinder’ will now be
displayed, press ‘Enter’ to select the cylinder method of turnpoint rounding confirmation. Please note,
any previously programmed start, finish or turnpoint sector settings will be lost and overwritten with either
photo sector or 500m cylinder templates.
OBS.ZONE
TEMPLATE START ZONE POINT ZONE FINISH ZONE

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START ZONE
From the OBS.ZONE TEMPLATE menu, press the ‘Down’ arrow key to reach the ‘START ZONE’. Press
‘Enter’, which will open up this menu option and allow the pilot to program the start zone as required. A
number of variables can be set, and the meaning of each explained below. Start zone defines the start
procedure by departure. The zone consists of two angles( A1,A2) two radii (R1 and R2) and the zones
direction of symmetry(a12). The first setting to appear, defines the orientation, this is the ‘HDG’ setting.
•HDG: Means orientation of the symmetry axis of the sector.
•A21: Direction of the symmetry axis (in most of the cases AUTO)
•R1: Radius of the sector, e.g. 3km for the FAI photo sector.
•A2: Like A1, used for creating combined sectors.
•R2: Like R1, also used for combined sectors
The figure below shows the settings for an FAI photosector start zone. NOTE: This is set automatically if
you select the ‘PHOTO’ template as described in the paragraph above. It is shown hear for explanatory
purposes.
The three start zone orientation (HDG) options are;
•START Hdg=NEXT - defines a start orientation directed to the next turning point. That is the
symmetry axis is directed to the next turn point. This option was meant for Cats Craddle.
•START Hdg=1TPR - defines a circular segment (arc) from first turning point through the start point.
Turn point radius (TPR) zone.
•START Hdg=FIX - defines a fixed value set by the pilot. The symmetry axis can be adjusted to
any direction. This is the only option for which A21 is not set to AUTO.
NOTE: - If NEXT and 1TPR are selected, then a12 setting is set to auto, and cannot be changed by the
pilot.
At first, this sounds very complicated, but a few examples will help you to understand the meaning of
these settings.
Example 1:
As stated above, the default setting of 90°-FAI photo sector sets a start zone as shown below. The HDG
is set to “TO NEXT POINT”. Therefore the start zone is symmetrical around the bearing to the next turn
point.
A21 is set to AUTO, which is clear because the direction of the symmetry axis of the start zone is
identical to the bearing to the first turn point. If A21 is set to AUTO, it’s impossible to select this item and
change its value.

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A1 is 45°, because the half angle is entered.
R1 is 3km.
A2 and R2 are both set to 0, i.e. not programmed.
Example 2:
A 180°-start zone with 20km diameter is programmed the following way:
Note:
According to the IGC competition rules of May 2000 the start sector for international championships is
the classical start line. Because the Colibri can`t deal with a simple start line but needs a start sector,
you use the 180
°
-sector. The only disadvantage: with the Colibri it’s sufficient to fly at least once into the
sector so that the device accepts your start as valid. It makes no difference in which direction you leave
the sector, but for the sports committee, it does! You definitely need to cross the line to get a valid start!
(see picture below)
INVALID START
VALID START
Example 3



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The picture below shows the settings for a combination of 900photosector (3 km radius) and cylinder (1
km). The input of angles from the symmetrical axis should always be ½ of the real angle ie 2x 45° = 90°.
Example 4 – Radius Start Zone
The above shows a start zone using Hdg=1TPR which define a circular segment (10 km long) and 2
km deep. The centre of the radius for the arc is taken from the first turnpoint. Both angle values are
not important. This sort of start sector was used for the world gliding championships 1999 in
Bayreuth. A radius is drawn around the first turnpoint through the start point and a radial segment of
a certain length is cut out symmetrically around the start point. The advantage of this system is that
a pilot starting far outside at the end of that line has to fly the same distance to the first turnpoint as
a pilot starting in the "middle". This is contrary to the classical start line where the distance to the first
turnpoint is increasing the more one starts at the edges of that line.
TURNPOINT ZONES
The basic principles of programming the turnpoint zones are the same as for the Start Zone, with a few
additional options available. Now select the item POINT ZONE from the OBS. ZONE menu. You will get
basically the same options as for the START ZONE. The only difference is that you get more options for
the settings of HDG. These are shown below;
•POINT Hdg=SYMM Symmetrical between incoming and outgoing bearings
•POINT Hdg=PREV orientation to the previous TP
•POINT Hdg=NEXT orientation to the next TP
•POINT Hdg=STR. always orientated to start point
•POINT Hdg=FIX defined by pilot
The definitions of A1,A2,R1,R2 and A12 are the same as used in defining the start zone.

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Example 5:
We want to adjust the currently valid sector 900 photo-sector for the German de-centralised gliding
competition rules(DMSt). This is the 90°-photo sector combined with a 500m-cylinder:
Note:
1. The combined photo sectors have to be programmed with the smaller radius for A2 and R2
(R1>R2!!). It’s therefore impossible to program the example above in the reverse order.
2. For record flights, FAI badges, 1000/2000km-diploma and for the Barron-Hilton-Cup only the 90
°
-
photo sector is valid, not the 500m-cylinder!!
FINISH ZONE
The finish zone is simpler and has fewer variables. Select the item FINISH ZONE from the OBS.ZONE
menu confirm with ‘ENTER’. You get principally the same screen as for the previous items. But there are
only two options for HDG here:
•FINISH Hdg=LAST axis of symmetry 90° to the last leg
•FINISH Hdg=FIX fix value defined by the pilot andset to any direction (see example below).
A suggested setting for the finish would be:
Hdg LAST, A1 45°, R1 500m
Example 6:
In a competition the finish line has to be orientated rectangular to the runway’s direction, independent
from the bearing to the last turnpoint. The airfield’s runway has the direction 06/24.
We select HDG: “FIXED VALUE” and can enter either 060°or 240°for A21, depending on the direction
of the final glide. E.g. for a final glide in the direction 270°we have to enter A21: 060°. Now the “flat side”
of the sector is directed back to the last leg (see picture), the glider will enter the sector crossing the line.
Note: please be aware that all the examples above are intended to explain the programming procedures
and therefore cannot claim absolute accuracy and completeness. For every kind of competition there are
different types of sectors and rules for the correct documentation of these sectors. In case of doubt, the

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rules are defined in the FAI Sporting Code section 3. E.g. For most of the national decentralised
championships the start sector consists of the 900-fotosector combined with the 500m-cylinder, for FAI-
badges, 1000/2000km-diplomas and Barron-Hilton-Cup only the 900-fotorsector is allowed. For record
flights a 1000m startline is used for taking the start time.
5.1.3 OBSERVATION ZONE BEEP
After the glider has reached the observation zone an acoustic alarm will be activated to inform the pilot.
Three parameters can be defined; time (duration of the alarm), interval and period. The interval and
period define the wave pattern of the alarm. After setting, it is recommended to use “BEEPER TEST”
option to listen to the alarm.
5.1.4 I-RECORD DATA
Additional data recording options are available with the Colibri if required. This menu extends logging
data if the yes ‘Y’ option is selected. These settings are not essential for flight recording but if used they
will reduce the memory capacity available for flight recording. The memory available for flight recording
will be displayed on the GPS STATUS menu screen after selecting the options required. See section 3.
GSP ground speed
TRM magnetic track
TRT true track
TEN total energy
WDI wind direction
WVE wind velocity
ENL engine noise level obligatory Y by motor gliders
5.1.5 J-RECORD
The ‘J-Record’ has the same optional settings as the ‘I-Record’ and again are non-essential. It will
reduce the memory capacity available if used.
5.1.6 FLIGHT INFO
Information about the pilot, glider and observer are entered using this menu. This can be done on a PC
running LXFAI, the flight (task) can be declared at the same time.
PILOT: - Pilot’s name
GLIDER: - aircraft type, eg Nimbus 3
REG.NUM: - Registration number of the aircraft
CMP.NUM: - Competition number
CMP.CLS: - Competition class
OBSERVER: - Name of official observer
5.2 TIME ZONE
The Universal Time (Greenwich Mean Time-GMT) to local time offset is entered in this menu. For
Eastern Standard Time in Australia the offset is +10hrs (+11hrs during daylight saving).

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5.3 UNITS SETUP
The preferred units of distance, height and speed are selected in this menu.
5.4 NMEA OUTPUT
The Colibri can transmit GPS data to a final glide/flight computer or palmtop computer via the NMEA
0183 protocol. Obviously the flight computer must have the facility to accept GPS input. The NMEA
output data strings transmitted by the Colibri are selected in this menu. The sentences you select for
transmission will depend upon the requirements of your flight computer, and you are referred to your
flight computer’s manual for guidance. The wiring details for NMEA output are contained at the end of
this manual. Pay particular attention to the wiring details when making this connection yourself. You will
have to connect the appropriate plug for the flight computer to the Colibri’s power cable. Your dealer can
help you with this. If you do not connect the Colibri to a flight computer then you can ignore this menu.
Note; When using the Colibri with the Winpilot application use the NMEA sentence LXWPx =Y.
To connect Colibri with LX 5000, LX 6000 and LX 20 special cables are available and use the NMEA
COM speed of 4800.
5.5 COMM SPEED
The baud rate or communication speed with which the Colibri sends and receives data is set in this
menu. For reliable and fast transfer of data to and from your PC set this speed to 19200. The new
Windows PC program Lxe is able to adapt the comm. speed automatically to that of the Colibri.
5.6 PASSWORD
Setting the password to 99999 in this menu clears all the flight recorded data in the Colibri’s memory.
6VIEW LOGGER
All flights stored in the instrument can be evaluated using this menu. Downloading flight data to a PC will
not delete the flight from memory. If the memory is full, the oldest flights will be lost, that means an
automatic overwrite procedure is used. Hence you will never run out of memory for the flight in progress.
Only entering 99999 in the Password menu will delete all flights stored in the Colibri’s memory. To
evaluate a particular flight in the memory, select the VIEW LOGGER menu: Note, this menu will not be
accessible if there are no flights stored in the logger.

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Use arrows (up, down) to select the flight which you want to analyze.
Flt.: 2
30.07.98
E.g. this is the second flight recorded and was flown on 30.07.98. Press ENTER and the statistics will be
displayed TAKE OFF
12:33:55
LANDING
15:45:11
DURATION
03:12:00
DATE
30.07.98
If the flight was not declared this ends the display flight statistics by the Colibri.
Flying a declared task, then additional task statistics will be present.
TASK
STAT.
Pressing ENTER in this page will start the task statistics calculation (If task was declared)
WAIT
23%
Colibri calculates flight statistics for the declared task. Time to complete the job depends upon flight length
TSK.dist
530 .5 km
Task distance
FINISH !
v= 88.1 k/h
Task finished successfully, task average speed = 88.1km/h
Vario :
1.3m/s 22%
Vario average, percentage of time spent climbing
Track d.
580,6 km
Flown Distance
VIEW !
!!
!
LOGGER "

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To start the leg statistics press the right arrow.
Leg 1 / 2
56.7 km
Using the down arrow more information is displayed
From:
CELJE AD
500m
12:33:55
To:
BRIDGE
500m
17:14.22
Duration:
2:44:45
Speed
78.5 kh
XC speed
79.8 kh
XC speed is the corrected speed on this leg, where both altitudes (overhead TP) are considered.
Vario:
4.5 m/s 18%
Average climb rate and percentage of time spent climbing
Track d.
79km
Flown distance
Using the right arrow will allow the next leg of the task to be evaluated. Note, comprehensive flight
statistics will only be displayed by the Colibri if the task was declared before flight and actually flown as
declared. If the flight was not declared then comprehensive flight statistics can only be viewed after
downloading the flight data to a PC and entering the actual task flown using the PC’s turnpoint database.
For a non-declared flight only the take-off time, landing time, flight duration, and date of the flight will be
displayed on the Colibri’s screen.

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7PRE-FLIGHT PROCEDURES
The Colibri is ready to be used as a flight recorder as soon as the GPS OK message appears. For flight
data logging only, it is not necessary to declare a task. With flights for badges and records it is essential
to declare the task, and enter the pilot information etc. in the SETUP menu before take off.
The procedure is as follows:
Define departure, TP and finish procedures
Declare the task on the ground
Switch the Colibri ON approx. 5 minutes before take off (this will not reduce the memory).
After landing DO NOT switch off the instrument immediately. Wait until the message ‘security
check’ appears, or LOG:STOP appears in the GPS STATUS menu. Now you can switch off the
unit.
Flight recording (logging) automatically starts when the aircraft’s ground speed exceeds
20 km/h and logging will automatically cease approximately 40 seconds after the glider
has stopped moving (ie landed ). A short power brake during the flight will not produce
two flights.
8PC CONNECTION
The Colibri communicates with a PC via the RS232 port and the cable supplied. Data can then be
transferred between the PC and the Colibri. The following functions are available when the unit is linked
to a PC.
•Read logger
•Write TP and TSK (DA4)
•Read TP and TSK (DA4)
•Write APT (database update possible only after input of update code)
•Read Flight info
•Write Flight info
•Read Logger settings
•Write Logger settings
.
8.1 PROCEDURE FOR PC CONNECTION:
Install the LXFAI program onto your PC using the supplied CD. Run the LXFAI program. The Colibri will
connect automatically giving an acoustic signal and a message CONNECT will be shown on the display.
The connect message is present as long as the Colibri and PC are connected. All commands are sent
from the PC, that means the Colibri is a slave unit.