Flymaster SD+ User manual

User manual
Document version:1.0
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All rights reserved. Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be
reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored in any storage medium,
for any purpose without the express prior written consent of Flymaster Avionics Lda. herein
Flymaster Avionics.
Flymaster Avionics hereby grants permission to download a copy of this manual onto a hard
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any revision hereto, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual must contain the
complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorised commercial
distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly prohibited.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Flymaster Avionics re-
serves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the content without
obligation to notify any person or organisation of such changes or improvements. Visit the
Flymaster Avionics website (www.ymaster-avionics.com) for current updates and supplemental
information concerning the use and operation of this and other Flymaster Avionics products.
Warning It is the sole responsibility of the pilot to operate the aircraft in a safe manner,
maintain full surveillance of all ying conditions at all times, and not become distracted by
the Flymaster GPS SD+ . Flymaster Avionics is not responsible for any damages resulting from
incorrect or no data provided by the Flymaster GPS SD+ . Flight safety is the sole responsibility
of the pilot.
It is unsafe to operate the Flymaster GPS SD+ while in the air. Failure by the pilot equipped
with a Flymaster GPS SD+ to pay full attention to the aircraft and ying conditions while ying
could result in accident with property damage and/or personal injury.
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Contents
Page
1 Getting Started 4
1.1 Charging the Battery .................................. 4
1.2 GPS SD+ Keys ..................................... 4
1.3 Using keys Inside Menu ................................ 5
1.4 Switching GPS SD+ On and O ........................... 5
1.5 Resetting the GPS SD+ ................................ 6
1.6 Setting the Volume ................................... 6
1.7 Flight Start and Recording .............................. 6
2 Flight Mode 7
3 GPS SD+ Elements 8
3.1 Graphical Elements ................................... 8
3.1.1 Battery ..................................... 8
3.1.2 Sound ...................................... 8
3.1.3 Mobile Operator ................................ 9
3.1.4 GPS ....................................... 9
3.1.5 Vario ...................................... 10
3.1.6 Navigation Circle ................................ 11
3.1.7 Airspaces Map ................................. 13
3.1.8 Altitude graph ................................. 14
3.1.9 Wind Arrow .................................. 15
3.1.10 Map Page .................................... 15
3.2 Data eld Elements ................................... 17
4 Menu mode 18
4.1 Waypoints and Route ................................. 19
4.1.1 Waypoints Actions Menu ........................... 20
4.1.2 RouteList .................................... 21
4.2 RouteNavigator ..................................... 22
4.3 Critical Airspaces .................................... 23
4.4 Nearby Landings .................................... 24
4.5 Flight Log ........................................ 25
4.6 Pages .......................................... 27
4.7 Settings Menu ...................................... 28
4.7.1 Set Altimeter .................................. 29
4.7.2 Time ....................................... 30
4.7.3 Vario Acoustics ................................. 30
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4.7.4 Advanced Features ............................... 31
4.7.5 Trace ...................................... 33
4.7.6 Screen ...................................... 35
4.7.7 Language/Units ................................ 36
4.7.8 Device Settings ................................. 37
4.7.9 RF Probes ................................... 37
4.7.10 Probe Alerts .................................. 38
4.7.11 Polar ....................................... 39
4.7.12 FS Keys ..................................... 39
4.7.13 Airspace settings ................................ 40
4.7.14 GSM Data ................................... 41
4.7.15 SMS Conguration ............................... 43
4.7.16 GPS status ................................... 43
5 RouteDenition 45
5.1 Route Denition .................................... 45
5.2 Setting up the route .................................. 45
6 McCready Functions 46
7 Firmware 47
8 Interfacing with GPSDump 49
8.1 Conguring GPSDump ................................. 49
8.2 Uploading Waypoints .................................. 50
8.3 Downloading tracklogs ................................. 52
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1 Getting Started
Fully charge battery before using your Flymaster for the rst time.
Figure 1.1: right view
The battery may be charged by either connecting the GPS SD+ USB connector to the wall socket charger,
or to a powered USB port using the USB cable. USB connector can be found on the right side of the GPS
SD+ (see gure 1.1).
1.1 Charging the Battery
Flymaster GPS SD+ has an advanced battery power management system, which gives the pilot accurate
information about the battery state, as well as the charging time and battery remaining time.
To charge the Flymaster GPS SD+ battery you may use the wall charger, the USB cable, or the car charger.
Original Flymaster accessories are recommended in order to avoid damage to the power management
system.
The Flymaster GPS SD+ has 2 charging modes, namely, Quick Charge and Slow charge . The charging
mode choice is automatic and based on the power source. Quick charge mode is activated when charging
with the wall charger or the car charger, while Slow Charge mode is activated when a USB cable connected
to a PC or MAC is used.
Charging, and battery status information is shown on both the power up screen and the Shutdown menu.
When the Flymaster GPS SD+ is connected to a power supply (wall charger or via USB cable), even with
the unit o, the instrument will show if it is being Slow or Fast charged. The time remaining to full charge
is also shown. This may not appear immediately when a power source is connected, since the instrument
requires some time to calculate the remaining charge time. A Slow charge is ok for topping up the battery
but not for fully charging. Use the wall or car charger to fully charge the instrument.
Note: The instrument will not charge when it is turned on and connected to a PC. The
instrument must be turned o in order to charge the battery using the PC USB port . This
behavior is deliberate to prevent overwhelming competition organizer's download hubs.
Note: Charging the instrument with high ambient temperatures should be avoided. Such
action can cause the battery to overheat and aect battery health.
1.2 GPS SD+ Keys
Four keys are used to interact with GPS SD+ (see Figure 1.2). In this manual we will call MENU key - S1,
ENTER key - S2, UP key - S3, and DOWN - S4. Each key has 2 functions depending whether the device
is in ight mode or in menu mode. Additionally the MENU key is used to power-up the GPS SD+ when
it is switched o.
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Figure 1.2: GPS SD+ keypad
Note: If the active page includes a Map (Task Map, or Airspaces Map) FS Keys denition will
be ignored. In this case S3, and S4, will zoom in and out of the map whilst the S2 will switch
page.
In menu mode all keys have xed functions shown by symbols on the keys namely S3=Move Up S4=Move
Down, S2=Enter and S1=Back(Exit).
1.3 Using keys Inside Menu
Changing parameters on the GPS SD+ can be performed through the menu. Changing a parameter
involves accessing the menu, selecting an option, and then changing a specic eld value. Accessing the
main menu can be done by pressing the MENU key in ight mode. Once in the menu, UP(S3), and
DOWN(S4) keys can be used to scroll up and down through the menu options list. During the scrolling
process the selected option is highlighted. The ENTER(S2) key should be used to access the option.
Depending on the menu option, a new menu options list, or a data elds list appears. In any time pressing
the MENU(S1) key takes you back. When accessing data elds the associated menu option becomes grayed
and the respective eld data item is highlighted. Using the UP and DOWN keys changes the value on
each eld. Pushing the ENTER key moves to the next eld, or in same cases to the next character/digit.
Conversely, pushing MENU key moves to the previous eld, or to the previews character/digit. If the
ENTER key is pushed on the last eld all the data in the selection section is stored and control returns to
the conguration menu. Inversely, if the MENU key is pushed on the rst data eld the changed settings
are ignored and control is returned to the conguration menu.
Tip: When setting a data eld that involves setting several characters, e.g. when dening
a waypoint name, after dening the desired characters, pushing the ENTER key continually
for more than 2 seconds will make the cursor jump to the next data eld, or return to the
conguration menu if no more data eld needs to be set.
1.4 Switching GPS SD+ On and O
To switch on the GPS SD+ , briey push the S1 key (Menu Key). This will display the start up screen
with a 10 second countdown . Pushing the S2 (Enter key) before the 10 seconds have elapsed will power
up the GPS SD+ . The GPS SD+ initiates in ight mode. If the S2 key is not pushed within 10 seconds
the GPS SD+ returns to sleep. To switch o the GPS SD+ , push the S1(menu key) to activate menu
mode, then use the S3 or S4 to select the Shutdown item, and nally push the S2 Key.
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1.5 Resetting the GPS SD+
The reset procedure allows the pilot to restart the GPS SD+ in the unlikely event that it freezes, or stops
responding (if this ever occur please report it to our support email). To reset the GPS SD+ push S1
(Menu) key and the S4 (Down arrow) key, simultaneously, for at least two seconds. The display will go
blank and after will return in Flight mode.
Note: Resetting the GPS SD+ will also reset ight data, e.g. task status.
1.6 Setting the Volume
The GPS SD+ sound volume can be adjust using one FS Key, or trough the Vario Accoustics option of
the Settings Menu (see Section 4.7.3). The GPS SD+ has six dierent sound levels, plus no sound . The
current volume level can be seen using the sound element (see Section 3.1.2 for more details).
Pressing the dened FS Key will scroll up the sound level until the maximum value. Pressing more will
mute the sound before start scrolling again starting from the minimum value.
Note: Changing the volume using an FS key is only valid for the current ight, and will not
override the volume level setting. Every time the instrument is turned on, if the sound is
muted, an alarm is generated in order to notify the pilot.
Note: When the instrument is turned on the sound can be muted despite the volume level
settings. This occurs due to the Auto silent mode is activated (see Section 4.7.4 for more
details)
1.7 Flight Start and Recording
Most of the GPS SD+ features are only available after the Flight Start . This procedure is taken in order
to avoid wrong calculations due to missing data. Flight starts when all of there 3 conditions are met:
1. GPS 3d x is established;
2. Speed goes over the congured Start Speed (default value is 8km/h)
3. Average vario is greater than +-0.15m/s
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2 Flight Mode
The Flymaster GPS SD+ has two main working modes, namely Flight mode, and Menu mode. Flight
mode is used during ight, and this allows the user to see information such as Altitude, Speed, or Vario.
The GPS SD+ can have up to 16 dierent pages (see Figure 2.1) in memory. Each page corresponds to a
dierent screen, which can be completely congured by the user. A set of 16 pages is called a Layout. Once
a Layout containing multiple pages has been dened, the user can congure one function key to switch
page (see Section 4.7.12 for some page examples) in Flight Mode . Pages can also be switched automatically
using triggers (see Section 4.7.6 ).
Note: If the active page includes a Map (Task Map, or Airspaces Map) S2 key will switch page.
Figure 2.1: Page examples
Screen layout can be congured by the user using a free application, called Flymaster Designer which can
be downloaded from the Flymaster website (www.ymaster.net). This intuitive tool allows the user to
create an unlimited number of layouts, which can be saved to the computer, uploaded to the instrument,
and even shared with other Flymaster users. See the Designer user manual, available on the website for
more information about the Designer tool.
Designing a Layout consists of inserting a set of objects, called Elements , in the desired position, and with
the desired dimensions, in each of the available 16 pages. The Designer works by what you see is what
you get . This means that when you insert a element in a page, and after uploading the layout to the
instrument, you will see exactly the same thing on the GPS SD+ screen.
Note: If a Layout is uploaded to the GPS SD+ the previews layout is deleted (all pages are
deleted).
There are several elements available for the GPS SD+ which are presented in the following section.
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3 GPS SD+ Elements
The main objective of an element is to provide information to the user. Elements can be Graphical, or
Data Field type. Each element has its own properties which can be changed in order to alter the element
behaviour, and/or shape.
3.1 Graphical Elements
Graphical elements are characterized by providing information in a graphical way. Most of the graphical
elements have xed dimensions, although their position can be altered.
As the GPS SD+ rmware evolves the list of Graphical Elements will likely grow. The current list includes
the following graphical elements.
3.1.1 Battery
The Battery Element provides a graphical indication of the current battery level. In Table 3.1 it is possible
to see the relationship between what is shown and the actual battery level in percentage. This element
has xed dimensions.
Table 3.1: Battery Element description
Symbol Description
Battery level above 90%
Battery level between 70% and 89%
Battery level between 50% and 69%
Battery level between 30% and 49%
Battery level between 15% and 29%
Less than 15% battery remaining
3.1.2 Sound
The Sound Element provides graphical representation on the current volume level. Table 3.2 Shows the
relationship between what is shown and the sound level. This element has xed dimensions.
Table 3.2: Sound Element description
Symbol Description
Sound Level 6 (maximum sound level)
Sound Level 5
Sound Level 4
Sound Level 3
Sound Level 2
Sound Level 1
Sound is muted (No sound)
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3.1.3 Mobile Operator
The Mobile operator Element, similarly to any mobile phone, provides an indication about the commu-
nications operator, and the GSM signal quality. Signal quality is shown graphically. The relationship
between what is shown and the signal quality can be seen in Table 3.3.
Table 3.3: GSM signal quality graphic description
Symbol Description
GSM signal level 5
GSM signal level 4
GSM signal level 3
GSM signal level 2
GSM signal level 1
Additionally, next to the symbol, a message is draw which provides information about the network provider.
The description of each message can be seen in Table 3.4.
Table 3.4: Network related messages
Symbol Description
Operator GSM Operator name.
No service The GPS SD+ has not yet, or can't connect to the GSM Operator.
No SIM Card No SIM card detected.
Disabled GSM module disabled. This can be done manually through the
Settings, or automatic if no SIM Card is detected.
3.1.4 GPS
The GPS Element provides graphical indication about the current GPS signal quality. Basically, the
lower the PDOP value (position dilution of precision), the more accurate calculations are for determining
position. Values bellow 3.0 are fairly accurate. The relationship between what is shown and the signal
quality can be seen in Table 3.5. Note that FAI rules require 3D tracklog data, which includes GPS altitude .
Table 3.5: GPS signal quality
Symbol Description
3D position with a PDOP bellow 1.5
3D position with a PDOP between than 1.5 and 2.0
3D position with a PDOP between than 2.0 and 3.0
3D position with a PDOP greater than 3.0
2D position (no altitude information)
No GPS Signal
Therefore the GPS SD+ will only start recording a tracklog when 3D information is available. The GPS
SD+ has an high sensitivity 50 channel GPS receiver which oers unmatched tracking performance in harsh
signal environments (-160 dBm sensitivity), and very short acquisition times. The GPS SD+ has a 4 Hz
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GPS update rate (most of others only provide 1Hz) which allows the GPS SD+ pilot to see very small speed
and position changes. Furthermore, the movement of the direction arrow is smoother and any position
change is shown in a quarter of the time of other devices. Note that the 4 Hz update rate requires more than
5 satellites in view. More information about GPS accuracy and also other GPS related information can be
seen in ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Error_analysis_for_the_Global_Positioning_System ).
3.1.5 Vario
The Analog Vario Elements shows information regarding the analogue instantaneous vertical speed. There
are four dierent Elements that can be used to display the vario. All of these element can be resized and
re-positioned.
Analog Vario
This Element which can be resized and repositioned, graphically represents the rate of climb, scaled from
0 m/s to +/-10 m/s depending if you are climbing or sinking Figure 3.1.
Figure 3.1: Analog Vario
When the GPS SD+ detects that the pilot is climbing, a black bar starts to grow on the left, from the
bottom of the scale to the top ,with 0.1 m/s increments. The same bar grows on the right, from the top
of the scale to the bottom, if sinking is detected.
Big Analog Vario
The Big Analog Vario element shows the instantaneous vertical speed (Figure 3.2). This element can be
resized and re-positioned.
Figure 3.2: Big Analog Vario
This Element graphically represents the rate of climb, scaled from 0 m/s to +/-10 m/s depending if you
are climbing or sinking. In this Element a black bar starts from the middle of the scale and grows at 0.1
m/s increments, up to 5 m/s at the top of the scale. When 5 m/s value is reached the black bar starts to
disappear from 0 m/s (middle of the scale) until the top of the scale. When the bar completely disappears
the climbing rate is equal, or above 10 m/s. The same process occurs when descending, but from the
middle of the scale to the bottom.
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Double Bar Analog Vario and McCready Indicator
The Double Bar Analog Vario element shows not only the instantaneous vertical speed, but also the
Average Thermal and Next Expected Thermal (McCready Indicator) (see Figure 3.3). This element can
be resized and re-positioned. The element consists of 4 columns. In the left most column a black bar is
shown which indicates the average thermal climb rate. This value is always positive. In the next column
a double arrow is shown which indicates the next expected thermal climb rate. Finally, the last columns
show 2 bars indicating the climb rate and the sink rate. See more about the McCready indicator in
Chapter 6.
Figure 3.3: Double Bar Vario and McCready Indicator
Dial Analog Vario
The Dial Analogue Vario element shows the instantaneous vertical speed (Figure 3.4). This element can
be resized and re-positioned. Climb or sink rates are shown by the position of the needle on the analogue
dial. The maximum and minimum climb rates can be set using the DESIGNER software.
Figure 3.4: Dial Vario
3.1.6 Navigation Circle
The Navigation Element is a multi-information element which shows graphically the bearing, wind direction
and thermal core. Additionally, if a destination was dened (waypoint) the navigation element will also
indicates the direction to the waypoint center, the waypoint edge and the direction to the waypoint after
the next one. This element cannot be resized but can be re-positioned. For navigation information to be
displayed the GPS SD+ the Start Fligth conditions must be met (see Section 4.7.4).
Figure 3.5: Navigation Element
Navigation information is shown within the inner most circles. The external circle contains the cardinal
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points and the Wind Flag. The current traveling direction (bearing) corresponds to the point indicated in
the top of the navigation circle. On the example shown in Figure 3.5, the bearing is approximately 80 º .
Navigation Arrows
. If no route is dened the arrow will start showing the direction to the takeo, after the takeo is detected
(TakeO is the point taken when the Flight Starts)
Figure 3.6: Route Optimisation
When a route is active the direction of next waypoint (WP1) is pointed by an arrow (larger arrow 1). If
no route is dened the arrow will start showing the direction to the takeo, after the takeo is detected
(TakeO is the point taken when the Flight Starts). Small course corrections are sometimes required and
these are shown on the GPS SD+ by a ne adjustment indicator in the form of a small arrow 4. Arrow 4
to the left means the pilot should turn slightly to the left, and inversely arrow 4 to the right indicates a
small adjustment to the right is needed.
When the course is perfect, i.e. less than 1 º o, the GPS SD+ indicates this by showing a large arrow
forward (Figure 3.7).
Figure 3.7: Perfect Heading
Thermal Core Map
Another useful feature of the Navigation Circle Element is the thermal core map. This map corresponds to
a black dot which is shown inside the inner navigation wheel (together with the navigation arrows).During
a thermal climb the GPS SD+ keeps track of the strongest climb values point for each 50m layer. The
point of strongest lift is then graphically represented by the black ball in the inner Navigation Circle,
showing where the thermal core is relative to the pilot's position. The position of the dot (thermal core)
is constantly updated as the pilot moves. When the pilot is over 300m from the thermal core the dot will
be at the edge of the circle. As the pilot moves closer to the thermal core the dot will move towards the
center.
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Figure 3.8: Thermap Core Map
In Figure 3.8 the thermal core is currently behind the pilot at a distance of approximately 150 meters
(half of 300 m wheel radius).
Wind Flag
The external circle contains a small ag which indicates the Wind Direction relative to the pilot direction
( direction the wind is coming from ). For example, if the pilot is facing the wind then the ag is on the
top of the circle. In the example of (Figure 3.5) the wind is blowing from Northeast.
3.1.7 Airspaces Map
The Airspaces Map element provides information to the user relative to specic three-dimensional objects,
previously loaded to the instrument. Each of this objects can be an airspace volume. Airspace information
can loaded to the instrument using the Flymaster Designer software (see Designer user manual for more
information). The GPS SD+ only accepts data in the OpenAir format, and it has a limitation of 12000
polygons points. (See http://www.gdal.org/ogr/drv_openair.html for more information about the
open air format).
Figure 3.9: Airspace Element
When the element of Figure 3.9 is inserted in a layout using DESIGNER, a 2D map (box) is shown on
the instrument (see Figure 3.10). On the bottom left of the map the scale is indicated in Km, and on the
centre of the map is an arrow. This arrow represents the pilot position, and its orientation indicates the
bearing of the movement. The map is always oriented North Up .
Note: When new Airspaces data is uploaded to the GPS SD+ using DESIGNER the previews
data is deleted. If a empty Airspaces data le is uploaded then all the Airspaces will be deleted.
The rst time the map is drawn, it is centred on the last GPS position the GPS SD+ has in its memory.
The map is re-centred once the ight starts i.e. when a valid gps signal exists, and the start speed (see
Section 4.7.4) is reached.
Note: After new Airspace data is uploaded to the GPS SD+ it can only be seen on the Map
after the Flight Starts .
Once the ight starts, the map is redrawn with an arrow (representing the pilot) which will move around
the map, indicating the relative position of the pilot to each of the airspace areas. If the pilot is outside
a visible airspace area then a gray line is used to draw the area, whereas if the pilot is inside the airspace
then a black line is used instead. Note that being inside a airspace area (2D) does not mean that the
airspace is being violated, since the pilot can be above, or below the dened 3D shape. In order to have
more information about possible airspaceÂs violation, some data elds should be added to the layout.
This data elds are Distance to CTR, Altitude to CTR, and CTR Status (Figure 3.10).
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The Dist. CTR data eld shows the shortest horizontal distance to the nearest airspace line. This distance
is always positive. Similarly, the Alt. To CTR shows the shortest vertical distance to nearest airspace line.
Unlike the horizontal distance, the vertical distance can be negative. A positive vertical distance indicates
that you are outside the airspace, whereas a negative distance indicates that you are inside the airspace.
Additionally, the CTR status eld will indicate if an airspace is being violated by displaying Violating .
If the pilot is not violating the airspace but it is inside a predened margin then the messages Altitude
Imminent , or Position Imminent will be shown.
Figure 3.10: Airspace Map and Associated Data Fields
When the page contains an airspace map element, the UP, and DOWN keys, can be used to change the
map scale: pressing the UP key will decrease the scale, and the DOWN key will increase the scale. The
corresponding user dened key function will be disabled.
3.1.8 Altitude graph
The Altitude graph element (Figure 3.11) corresponds to a graph of barometric altitude versus time.
Altitude is shown in the vertical axis graduated in meters with time shown on the horizontal axis graduated
in seconds.
Figure 3.11: Altitude Graph Element
The range of the horizontal axis is xed and corresponds to 240 seconds (4 minutes), while the range of the
vertical axis is automatically adjusted in order to accommodate the gained height. In reality the altitude
graph element is a plot of the absolute barometric altitude over the last 4 minutes of ight (Figure 3.12).
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Figure 3.12: Altitude Plot
3.1.9 Wind Arrow
The Wind Arrow element (Figure 3.13) is a re-sizable graphical element.
Figure 3.13: Wind Arrow Element
When used in a layout an arrow is draw showing the wind direction relative to the pilot direction ( direction
the wind is coming from ). For example, if the pilot is facing the wind then the arrow points south (bottom
of the screen). Centered over the arrow is a circle in which a number is displayed showing the wind speed
in Km/h (Figure 3.14). In the example of (Figure 3.14) the wind is blowing from East. Both, the wind
speed, and direction, value can be seen in a data elds.
Figure 3.14: Wind Arrow
Note that both wind direction, and speed, are calculated based on the GPS ground speed while the pilot
is turning, so there is no need of wind speed probe. The wind speed calculation accuracy increases with
the number of turns made.
3.1.10 Map Page
The MAP element (Figure 3.15) provides information to the user about their position relative to waypoints,
cylinder edges and the pilot's trace or track. This element can be resized and moved around the screen.
Figure 3.15: Map Element
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A typical map page in ight may look like Figure. 20. In this gure is shown the scale on the bottom left.
The scale can be manually changed by pressing the F1 button to enlarge the map and therefore reduce
the scale, and conversely by pressing the F2 button to reduce the map and therefore increase the scale.
Figure 3.16: Map Page
If ying a competition route, the optimized route is drawn between the turnpoint cylinders. The position
of the pilot is indicated by the arrow and the trace for the last approximately 4 mins of the ight is shown.
Traces older than 4 mins are erased to reduce clutter on the screen.
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3.2 Data eld Elements
Data eld elements can be used to shown numerical information like altitude, vertical speed, speed, glide
ratio, and many others.
These elements have congurable size, and position, although the text within has only 3 possible sizes.
The folowing table explains the available data elds. As the GPS SD+ rmware evolves this list will likely
grow.
Note- The GPS SD+ considers a thermal has been entered when the integrated vario value is above 0.5m/s
and considers the thermal as been exited when the integrated vario goes bellow -1.0 m/s. Once in the
thermal the Gain indicator will keep track of the maximum altitude reached in the thermal. If the altitude
is less than the the max thermal altitude then a negative number will show the dierence from the highest
point reached. If the altitude is equal or higher than the maximum reached then a positive number will
show the altitude gained since entering the thermal. The Gain indicator keeps track of how much altitude
is being gained in the thermal. When a pilot enters a thermal the GPS SD+ will reset the Gain indicator
to 0 and will start to track how much altitude the pilot has gained. At a certain point in the thermal the
lift may become weaker and inconsistent. At this point the gain indicator will show altitude loss in this
inconsistency. Once the pilot climbs in the thermal again the indicator will show the gain since entering
the thermal.
Note- All the internal GPS SD+ time calculations are based on UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). This
is also the time saved on the track-log. However, the time displayed in the time eld is calculated adding
an UTC oset to the UTC time obtained from the GPS receiver. The UTC oset should be dened in the
settings menu (see Section 4.7.2) so that the correct local time is displayed.
Note- The Altitude eld indicates the absolute height in meters or feet depending on the setting. This
altitude corresponds to the barometric altitude and thus depends totally on the QNH (absolute pressure at
a given moment and location in regards to the correspondent pressure at MSL). The altimeter cannot be
reset, but can be set using the corresponding menu option (see Section 4.7.1).
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4 Menu mode
When in ight mode, pushing the menu (S1) button accesses the menu mode. When in menu mode
pushing the menu(S1) button will go back to ight mode.
Figure 4.1: Main Menu
To access the dierent items on the menu you can use the UP(S3) and DOWN(S4) keys. Once a menu
item is selected pushing the ENTER (S2) executes the selected function. A short description of each
option can be seen in Table 4.1.
Table 4.1: Main Menu Options
Menu item Description
Waypoints/Route Accesses GPS SD+ 's waypoints and Routedenitions. (see Sec-
tion 4.1)
RouteNavigator Allows manual override of navigation.
Critical Airspaces This page constantly shows the airspaces which are closer than
the thresholds dened in the settings (see Section 4.7.13)
Near Landings Displays airelds page. This page constantly shows the glide ra-
tios, and distances to the nearest landing elds, sorted by easiest
glide. (see Section 4.4)
Flight log Accesses the stored ights list. (see Section 4.5)
Pages Accesses dierent layout pages. (see Section 4.6)
Settings Accesses the Settings sub menu. (see Section 4.7)
Shutdown Switches o the GPS SD+ , and displays detailed battery status.
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4.1 Waypoints and Route
Figure 4.2: Waypoints and RouteScreen
The Waypoints/Routepage allows the user to manage waypoints, and dene a route/task. As shown in
Figure 4.2, the page is divided into 3 areas, namely the waypoint list (WL); Routelist (TK) and selected
waypoint details/options list (DO). The DO area can change according to which submenu you are in.
Specically, it can show the selected waypoint data, or a list with possible actions for the waypoints.
Entering the page activates the WL area. At the top of the page next to the title Waypoints, is the
total number of Waypoints stored in the GPS SD+ instrument
1
. The rst waypoint on the list appears
highlighted, and the corresponding data of the selected waypoint is shown in the DO area. As the cursor is
moved to a dierent waypoint so the data changes matching the newly selected waypoint. If the waypoints
list is empty a list of available actions is shown in the DO area. Since no waypoint exists only the Insert
new Waypoint action is available.
Pushing the ENTER key when a waypoint is selected activates the waypoint actions menu (WAM). A list
with the available actions is shown in the DO area Figure 4.3.
Figure 4.3: Waypoints Action Menu
Available WAM options appear in black, otherwise in grey. For example, in Figure 4.3 the option Delete
WP is in not available because the Waypoint list is empty.
1
The GPS SD+ can store up to 442 waypoints.
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