LXNAV V7 User manual

V7
Digital speed to fly variometer and final glide calculator
Version 1.96
LXNAV d.o.o. • Kidričeva 24a, 3000 Celje, Slovenia • tel [phone] fax [phone]
[email protected] • www.lxnav.com

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1Important Notices 5
1.1 Limited Warranty 5
2Packing Lists 6
3Basics 7
3.1 LXNAV V7 at a Glance 7
3.1.1 LXNAV V7 Features 7
3.1.2 Interfaces 8
3.1.3 Options 8
3.1.3.1 External Options 8
3.1.4 Technical Data 8
4System Description 9
4.1.1 Push Button 9
4.1.1.1 Power Button 9
4.2 Rotary Switch 9
4.3 Switching on the Unit 10
4.4 User Input 10
4.4.1 Text Edit Control 10
4.4.2 “Spin” Control 11
4.4.3 Selection Control 11
4.4.4 Checkbox and Checkbox List 11
4.4.5 Slider selector 11
4.5 Switching off 12
5Operating Modes 13
5.1 Main screen and needle 13
5.1.1 Flarm Warning 14
5.1.2 Direct link between PDA and GPS 14
5.2 Quick access menu 15
5.3 Settings Mode 15
5.3.1 Navigate 16
5.3.2 Logbook 17
5.3.3 QNH and RES 17
5.3.3.1 QNH 17
5.3.3.2 Safety Altitude 17
5.3.4 Vario Parameters 18
5.3.4.1 Vario needle filter 18
5.3.4.2 Vario sound filter 18
5.3.4.3 Smart filter 18
5.3.4.4 Vario range 18
5.3.4.5 SC tab 18
5.3.4.6 Auto SC 18
5.3.4.7 SC switch 19
5.3.4.8 Integrator time 19
5.3.4.9 Auto reset integrator 19
5.3.4.10 TE compensation 19
5.3.4.11 Temperature Offset 20
5.3.5 Sounds 20
5.3.5.1 Vario Volume 20
5.3.5.2 Vario Audio mode 21
5.3.5.3 SC Audio mode 21
5.3.5.4 Audio frequencies 21
5.3.5.5 Flarm Volume 21

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5.3.5.6 Flarm warnings 21
5.3.6 Units 21
5.3.7 Display 23
5.3.8 Communication 24
5.3.9 Polar and Glider 24
5.3.10 Flarm 25
5.3.11 Password 25
5.3.12 Reset of accelerometer (g-meter) 26
5.3.13 About 26
6Variometer and Altimeter 27
Altimeter 27
6.1 Speed Command 27
7Flying with the LXNAV V7 28
7.1 On the Ground 28
7.1.1 Power on Procedure 28
7.1.2 Set Elevation and QNH 28
7.1.3 28
7.1.4 Pre-flight Check 29
8Installation 30
8.1 Installing the LXNAV V7 31
8.2 Installation of Options 32
8.2.1 Ports and Wiring 32
8.2.1.1 LXNAV V7 ports 32
8.2.1.2 LXNAV V7 wiring 34
9Firmware Update 35
9.1 Updating LXNAV V7 firmware 35
10 Options 38
10.1 Rear Seat Device (LXNAV V7D) 38
10.1.1 Data Exchange 38
10.1.2 Available cables for GPS and PDA ports 38
10.1.3 Cable Wiring (LXNAV V7D) 38
11 Revision History 39

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1Important Notices
The LXNAV V7 system is designed for VFR use only as an aid to prudent navigation. All
information is presented for reference only. Terrain, airports and airspace data are provided
only as an aid to situation awareness.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. LXNAV reserves the right
to change or improve their products and to make changes in the content of this material
without obligation to notify any person or organisation of such changes or improvements.
A Yellow triangle is shown for parts of the manual which should be read carefully
and are important for operating the LXNAV V7 system.
Notes with a red triangle describe procedures that are critical and may result in
loss of data or any other critical situation.
A bulb icon is shown when a useful hint is provided to the reader.
1.1 Limited Warranty
This LXNAV V7 product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for
two years from the date of purchase. Within this period, LXNAV will, at its sole option, repair
or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made
at no charge to the customer for parts andlabor, the customer shall be responsible for any
transportation cost. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident, or
unauthorised alterations or repairs.
THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY
LIABILITY ARISING UNDER ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU
SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL LXNAV BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE, OR
INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. Some states do
not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may
not apply to you. LXNAV retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the unit or software,
or to offer a full refund of the purchase price, at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL
BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.
To obtain warranty service, contact your local LXNAV dealer or contact LXNAV directly.
January 2012 © 2012 LXNAV. All rights reserved.

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2Packing Lists
LXNAV V7 (in Metric or Imperial units as specified)
Main power cable for V7 + CAN terminator
Speaker
PDA cable –generic RS232
GPS cable –generic RS232

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3Basics
3.1 LXNAV V7 at a Glance
LXNAV V7 is standalone digital vario meter and final glide calculator with GPS and PDA/PNA
inputs/outputs. The unit has standard dimensions to fit into a glider panel - 57 mm diameter
(2¼"). It is also able to supply PDA/PNA with power (5VDC/1A). The unit has integrated
high precision digital pressure sensors, which are sampled more than 100 times per second.
Data is indicated with needle driven with stepper motor and displayed on 320*240 pixel,
two-inch, high brightness colour display. To adjust values and settings, LXNAV V7 has one
rotary knob combined with a push button.
LXNAV V7 can be expanded through CAN bus to one or more repeaters (LXNAV V7D). Both
pilots can have equal control of all functions from front or rear seat.
3.1.1 LXNAV V7 Features
Extremely bright 2" (5 cm) colour display readable in all sunlight conditions with the
ability to adjust the backlight .
One rotary switch (knob) with push button function is used for input.
Pre-loaded polar database for almost all gliders.
GPS and PDA inputs/outputs
Flarm Indication, if Flarm is connected to the GPS port
Mechanical needle driven by stepper motor indicating various data such as netto
vertical speed, relative (super netto) and vertical speed.
240x320 pixels colour screen for additional information such as average, thermal
vario, time, speed etc…
Many custom audio settings
100Hz sampling rate for very fast response.

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Speed to fly indication.
TE compensation can be selected to be either pneumatic TE probe or electronic TE.
3.1.2 Interfaces
GPS port input/output on RS232 level (Standard IGC RJ11 connector)
PDA port input/output on RS232 or TTL level for PNA devices (RJ45 connector)
Audio port (Standard 3mm phono jack)
1Mbit CAN bus for extension to V7D repeater
3.1.3 Options
3.1.3.1 External Options
By using a CAN bus system a second seat device can be connected. The unit installed in the
rear seat of the glider is independently powered and receives all necessary data from the
main unit. The communication between both units is exclusively via the CAN bus system.
3.1.4 Technical Data
Power input 10-16 V DC
Consumption of LXNAV V7 at 12 V:
o120 mA - minimum brightness without audio.
o180 mA - maximum brightness without audio.
Consumption of LXNAV V7D at 12 V:
o90 mA - maximum brightness without audio.
57 mm (2¼") standard aircraft cut-out for the LXNAV V7 vario unit; length 95 mm (not
including connector).
Weight 330 g

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4System Description
4.1.1 Push Button
The Rotary switch also has a push button function. LXNAV V7 can detect short or long press
of push button, in most cases short press confirms action, long press cancels action or exits
from the menu Short press means just a click, long press means pushing button for more
than one second.
4.1.1.1 Power Button
The system is powered up using push button. A long press system will turn the V7 off.
4.2 Rotary Switch
The one rotary switch/knob with integrated pushbutton function can control all functions on
LXNAV V7. The rotary switch moves up or down through the menus. Variables can also be
changed using the switch. Pushing the button at the same time as rotating will step the
values in larger increments.
Example 1:
Set elevation menu; normally, values are with step 1m. If you push button in and rotate at
same time, the step will be 10m.
Example 2:
Entering password; Up/Down the numbers are changed. If you press and rotate, the cursor
will move left or right. Short press will move cursor one step right.
Rotary switch with
push button

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4.3 Switching on the Unit
A short press of the button with turn on the V7. The first LXNAV welcome screen will
appear with some system information (Device name, Version, Serial number...)
When the boot procedure is completed, setup elevation dialogue is shown.
Push button also has power ON and OFF functions.
4.4 User Input
The LXNAV V7 user interface consists of many dialogues which have different input controls.
They are designed to make input of names, parameters, etc., as easy as possible. Input
controls can be summarised as:
Text editor
Spin controls (Selection control)
Checkboxes
Slider control
To move the function from one control to another, rotate the rotary knob up or down as
follows:
Clockwise rotation will select the next control.
Counterclockwise rotation will select the previous control. PUSH button enters the
selected feature.
4.4.1 Text Edit Control
The Text Editor is used to input an alphanumeric string; the picture below shows typical
options when editing text. Use the knob to change the value at the current cursor position.
Push button will move cursor right. Holding push button and rotationg knob, will move
cursor left or right. At last character position, push button will confirm edited value, long
press will cancel editing and exit that control.

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4.4.2 “Spin”Control
“Spin”controls are designed for numeric parameters. Rotate the knob to increase/decrease
the selected value. Combination of push button and knob rotation will change the value with
a larger step. .
4.4.3 Selection Control
Selection boxes, also known as combo boxes are used to select a value from a list of
predefined values. Use the page selector to scroll through the list.
4.4.4 Checkbox and Checkbox List
A checkbox enables or disables a particular parameter. Press push button to toggle the
value. If an option is enabled a check mark will be shown, otherwise an empty rectangle will
be displayed.
4.4.5 Slider selector
Some values like volume and brightness are displayed as a slider
With push button you can activate slider control, then with rotation of the knob you can
select the preferred value and confirm it with the push button.

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4.5 Switching off
By pressing the push button for app. 5 seconds, LXNAV V7 will turn off.
All settings are saved in the power off procedure. We strongly recommend
switching off the unit using push button and not use a separate master switch..
If the system is powered off by a master switch changed data will not be saved.
Flight parameters at takeoff like target altitude and position will remain in stored
memory so your final glide calculations are not affected.

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5Operating Modes
LXNAV V7 has three operating modes. A pilot has access to all of them using rotary knob
and push button. The diagram below shows the mode structure of the LXNAV V7.
Main screen, all navigation and flight parameters defined by pilot
Quick access, MacCready, Ballast, Bugs, Distance (in manual navigation without GPS)
and Wind component (in manual navigation).
Settings, setup of the whole system
5.1 Main screen and needle
The man screen has a mechanical needle and a 320x240 color display with user selected
data.
Description of LXNAV V7 is shown on next picture.
Mechanical needle displays vario, netto, relative or speed to fly value. It can be setup
separately for climb mode or cruising mode. Printed scale can be chosen (when ordered) in
the range of -5 to 5 or from -10 to 10. Within the software the range can be set to 2.5, 5,
10m/s or 5, 10, 20kts or 500, 1000, 2000fpm.
Mechanical needle
Average/G-force
/
Mechanical needle
vario symbol
GPS status
Range
Upper number
Climb/cruise symbol
Speed to fly symbol
Battery
B
Needle type
Speed to fly bar
Lower number
B
Thermal average
Mechanical needle
vario symbol
MacCready symbol
Mechanical needle
vario symbol
Rotary knob & push
button
Mechanical needle
vario symbol
Accelerometer bar
A

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Upper number can be configured as average vario, time, flight time, task remaining time,
netto value, outside temperature or thermal average, steering course. It can be setup
separately for climb mode or cruising mode.
Lower number shows current altitude, distance to goal, arrival altitude, true airspeed, Last
60 minutes speed, altitude in feet or flight levels.
Speed to fly bar symbol is indicating which speed you have to fly according to current
MacCready setting, sink rate and speed. One arrow means 10units of speed faster or slower.
Up red arrows mean fly slower and down blue arrows mean fly faster.
Red diamond symbol shows average vertical speed.
Blue arrow symbol shows current MacCready value.
Green T symbol represents last thermal average value.
White bar, which is not shown on the picture above, displays arc between minimum and
maximum vertical speed value in last 20 seconds.
In LXNAV V7 there is an integrated 3 axis +-6g accelerometer. All accelerations can be
recorded and indicated with accelerometer red bar. Red bar, which is not shown on picture
above, displays maximum negative and positive acceleration in g.
5.1.1 Flarm Warning
If Flarm warnings are enabled the following is a typical screen display:
The screen indicates relative position of threat. In the first image two gliders are
approaching inbound below, the second screen two gliders are approaching inbound, one on
left side and another the right .
5.1.2 Direct link between PDA and GPS
LXNAV V7 is able to make direct link connection between PDA and GPS. Normally GPS and
PDA communicate with LXNAV V7. In the direct link mode the user can transfer data from
PDA to GPS (Flight recorder) or the opposite way (read the flight). The direct link is
normally initiated by software such as SeeYou Mobile or ConectMe.
The picture above indicates a direct link. l This happens automatically when PDA send a
request for direct communication with flight recorder.
See tutorial on: http://youtu.be/nMZI7cJ_qjQ

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5.2 Quick access menu
A short press of the push button activates the quick access menus. If “use GPS
navigation” is checked, only three Mc, Bugs and Bal are available. If “use GPS
navigation” is disabled two additional settings are available (Wind component and
distance).
5.3 Settings Mode
In the setup menu users can configure the LXNAV V7. Turn the knob to select the
appropriate setup item. Press the PUSH button to enter a menu. A dialogue or sub-menu
will open.

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Navigate
In this menu navigation settings can be configured.
If Navigate to home is enabled, LXNAV V7 will navigate back to the takeoff point. This
position has been stored in memory just before takeoff but only if GPS OK status is showing.
Navigate to home will not work if “use GPS data” is not checked.
Use GPS data, enables the V 7 to receive GPS data on GPS port. If Use GPS data is
disabled manual navigation will be active, in that case GPS icon on main screen will not be
displayed. It means that pilot must manually enter distance and wind component (See
Chapter 5.2). If GPS is transmitting RMB sentences, LXNAV V7 will automatically calculate
final glide to that point. On picture below LXNAV V7 navigates to waypoint “Line 11”.
Be sure that you set correct target elevation. If target elevation is not set, LXNAV
V7, will not show Arrival altitude, but Required altitude. Required altitude is
the altitude that will be lost for the required distance.
GPS data will be receved only if baudrate on GPS side is set at the same value as
set on LXNAV V7 in Comm. Menu. (See Chapter 5.3.7 )
Target elevation set to elevation of your departure. It can be adjusted any time.

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5.3.1 Logbook
Each flight is stored in logbook.
If GPS data is present the logbook will show present date and time of departure. Manual
navigation (without GPS) will show duration and departure time will be marked with
question marks.
5.3.2 QNH and RES
Turn the knob to select the required entry field. Press the PUSH button and start editing
the value.
5.3.2.1 QNH
This feature may be used to offset the altitude datum as the result of pressure changes
during the flight. Since changing the QNH influences the indicated altitude, care should be
taken when changing the value as an incorrect setting could upset the final glide calculation.
5.3.2.2 Safety Altitude
This setting is the altitude reserve or safety altitude and is the height that the instrument
adds to the final glide altitude required so the glider arrives over the final glide destination at
the selected safety altitude. Once the safety altitude has been specified, the pilot has to
keep the final glide indicator on 0 to arrive at the safety altitude.

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5.3.3 Vario Parameters
This option is used to set the following parameters:
5.3.3.1 Vario needle filter
Sets a time constant of the vario needle. The value can be adjusted between 0.1 and 5 s
with step 1.0 s or 0.1 s. Default value is 1.5 s.
5.3.3.2 Vario sound filter
Sets a time constant of vario sound. The value can be adjusted between 0.1 and 5 s with
step 1.0 s or 0.1 s. Default value is 1.5 s.
5.3.3.3 Smart filter
The Smart Filter allows additional filtering of the vertical speed. It defines the difference
between increasing vertical speed versus decreasing vertical speed. (E.g: If the vario filter
is set to 1s and the Smart Filter set to 4s, the filtering for increasing vario would be 1s and
for decreasing vario would be 2s. This will produce an effect similar to a Sage Variometer.
5.3.3.4 Vario range
Sets full scale range of the vario (2.5 m/s, 5 m/s or 10 m/s). Default value is 5 m/s (10 kts).
5.3.3.5 SC tab
Defines the width of the audio dead band in speed to fly mode. Default value is ±1 m/s.
5.3.3.6 Auto SC
Defines the conditions when the instrument will switch automatically between vario and
speed to fly mode.
FILTER
0.5 to 5
Smart Vario
FILTER
1 to 8 or OFF
RAW
VARIO
FILTERED
VARIO
VARIO
INDICATOR

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OFF: Switching is exclusively by an external switch connected to the V5 vario unit.
GPS: When the GPS detects that the glider is circling an automatic change over to vario
will happen after approximately 10 seconds. Detection of straight flight will cause a
changeover to speed command.
TAS: When the TAS exceeds a pre-set value. The TAS at which switching occurs can be
selected in 5 km/h steps from 100 up to 160 km/h (or the equivalent in knots or mph).
The external switch wired to the LXNAV V7 has absolute priority and will override
all other switching methods.
5.3.3.7 SC switch
The LXNAV V7 has an input for an external speed command switch. Using the external
switch it is possible to switch between SC and Vario manually. Setting the SC switch to ON
means that closing the switch will cause the instrument to enter SC mode and setting SC
switch to OFF means that closing the switch will select Vario mode. There is a third option
by setting SC INPUT to TASTER and connecting a push button to the input; each key press
will toggle between SC and Vario (mandatory setting for LX Remote).
There is another input called VARIO PRIORITY. When this input is activated by
grounding the appropriate wire the unit will change over to Vario immediately.
This input wire is set open (not grounded) as a factory default on delivery.
5.3.3.8 Integrator time
Defines the integration period for the average vario in seconds. The default is 20 seconds.
5.3.3.9 Auto reset integrator
Resets the integrator to zero when the V7 vario unit switches from SC to VARIO mode. If
this item is not checked the integrator will not be reset to zero.
5.3.3.10 TE compensation
The LXNAV V7 offers two methods of vario Electronic Total Energy Compensation:
TE Pitot tube
Electronic TE compensation
It is important to note that the method of TE compensation is set up when the
instrument is installed by virtue of the pneumatic connections made to the TE and
static ports. Changing the compensation type in the setup screen below WILL
NOT change the method of compensation - the pneumatic plumbing has to be
changed first.
If the TE pitot tube has been connected TE compensation should be set to 0%.
There is no further adjustment of TE compensation possible. Quality of the TE
tube is the one and only factor.
If the electronic TE option has been installed TE compensation should be set to
100%.

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The electronic TE compensation can be fine-tuned during flight using the following
procedure: it is essential that this is only done in smooth air; it is not possible to tune the
TE accurately in turbulent air.
Set TE compensation to 100%. Accelerate up to approximately 160 km/h (75 kts) and keep
the speed stable for a few seconds. Gently reduce the speed to 80 km/h (45 kts). Observe
the vario indicator during the manoeuvre. At 160 km/h the vario will indicate about –2 m/s
(-4 kts). During the speed reduction the vario should move towards zero and should never
exceed zero (slightly positive indications are acceptable). If the vario shows a climb the
compensation is too low; increase the TE%; and vice versa. Try another “zoom” to assess
the change and make further adjustments if necessary.
Electronic TE compensation is only effective when the pitot tube and static sources are co-
located and the pneumatic lines to the instrument are approximately the same length. The
best sensor to use is the combined pitot/static Prandtl tube. If problems are experienced
with the electronic TE compensation the most likely cause is the glider's static source. The
static source can be checked by plumbing the pneumatic tubes for electronic compensation
and then setting the TE: to 0%. In still air accelerate to approximately 160 km/h and slowly
reduce the speed. Observe the vario indicator. If the static source is good the vario should
immediately start to move to show a climb. If the needle firstly shows increased sink and
then moves to a climb, the static source of the glider is unsuitable and there is no way to
provide successful TE compensation electronically. The use of a dedicated and accurate fin-
mounted pitot/static source such as a Prandtl tube might help.
5.3.3.11 Temperature Offset
The LXNAV V7 is supplied with an external outside air temperature (OAT) sensor. With the
offset setting it will correct static errors of temperature measurement.
5.3.4 Sounds
In the Sounds setup menu audio settings for the LXNAV V7 and alarms settings can be
modified.
5.3.4.1 Vario Volume
The sounds slider changes the audio volume.