XC-Tracer Maxx User manual

User Manual XC Tracer Maxx Rev 01 23.2.2020
User Manual XC Tracer Maxx

User Manual XC Tracer Maxx Rev 01 23.2.2020
Quick Start Guide
Attach the vario to your cockpit or onto your thigh. Press and hold the red button until you hear
beep-beep, then release the button. The logo appears while the vario is searching for GPS satellites
and as soon as the logo disappears the vario is ready and you can take off. You can switch screens
with a short push on the button, and you can change the volume level by double pressing the button.
After landing, switch the vario off by pressing the button until you hear beep-beep, then release the
button.
If you want to change the settings: press the button twice in quick succession and hold it down for a
second time. In the settings move the point with a short press of the button, with a long press
select the entry. The Vario is preset to beep only when flying. But you can set this as you wish.
If you want to download the tracks or change the configuration file then connect XC Tracer Maxx to
your computer with one of the included USB cables. Now switch on the vario and the SD card of XC
Tracer Maxx will appear on the computer as a USB hard drive. Now you can download tracks,
change settings in the config file, or copy new firmware updates to the SD card. The new firmware
does get installed as soon as you switch off the vario. Please note that this can take a while when
updating firmware for Flarm or uploading a Flarm obstacle database.

User Manual XC Tracer Maxx Rev 01 23.2.2020
Introduction
XC Tracer Maxx is a high-precision GPS variometer with a perfectly readable LCD and integrated
collision warning device FLARM. XC Tracer Maxx transmits twice per second the position and also
the estimated flight path for the next 20 seconds. Other FLARM devices in the vicinity can then
draw conclusions about a possible risk of collision risk. In case of a possible collision the
corresponding FLARM device warns the pilot in the aircraft or helicopter. XC Tracer Maxx itself
does not warn of possible collisions with other aircraft.
Many pilots use XC Tracer flight instruments for long XC flights and for competitions. But also for
pilots with little flying experience an XC Tracer Variometer is the perfect choice. The lag-free
indication of lift / sink rate makes it much easier to find and core thermals than when using a
conventional variometer. All essential flight information is displayed on the LCD. In addition, data
such as airspeed, altitude, climb, course etc. can be transmitted to a mobile phone, a tablet or an e-
reader via Bluetooth Low Energy 4.2.
XC Tracer Maxx is also an IGC logger, the IGC files are approved by the FAI for paragliding
competitions. XC Tracer Maxx has a built-in lithium-polymer battery, fully charged the battery is
good for more than 60 hours of continuous operation. The battery is charged via the supplied
Micro USB cable. The device also has a Bluetooth module. Via Bluetooth Low Energy 4.2 data such
as airspeed, altitude, climb, course etc. can be transferred to a mobile phone, tablet or e-reader.
Please check www.xctracer.com to see which apps need to be configured with which BLE strings.
Mounting
XC Tracer Maxx uses data from a 9-DOF IMU (9 Degrees Of Freedom Inertial Measurement Unit),
and from a pressure sensor, to compute the real-time climb rate and altitude, avoiding the
undesired time lag that conventional variometers suffer (due to data filtering). For this reason
mount your XC Tracer Maxx in such a way that it moves as little as possible whilst you’re flying.
It is important that the XC Tracer Maxx moves as little as possible in relation to the harness during
flight. And leave some free space of 4-5cm all around your vario; otherwise the radio performance
may be compromised.
It is therefore important that the XC Tracer Maxx is firmly attached to the cockpit or thigh with the
velcro provided. Mounting on the riser is not ideal.
Switch On/Switch Off
Turn XC Tracer Maxx on by pressing and holding the red button until you hear beep-beep. Next the
battery charge status is indicated by a series of beeps (this feature is described further below). Up
to 2 minutes the system will search for a GPS fix, while only the XC Tracer logo is displayed on the
screen. After a maximum of 2 minutes, the default screen is displayed, even if no GPS fix was found.
Switching off is done in exactly the same way. Press the red button until you hear a "beep-beep",
then release the button and the XC Tracer Maxx switches off.

User Manual XC Tracer Maxx Rev 01 23.2.2020
Battery Indicator
After switching the device on the battery charge status is indicated with a sequence of short beeps:
5x Beep means that the battery is charged 95% or more.
4x Beep means that the battery is charged 75% or more.
3x Beep means that the battery is charged 55% or more.
2x Beep means that the battery is charged 35% or more.
1x Beep means that the battery is charged 15% or more.
When the battery is less than 15% charged you will hear a constant beep for one second after
switching the device on.
After indicating the battery charge the GPS now searches for a fix. A beep-beep-beeeeeep indicates
that the device is now ready for flight.
The battery charge level is also displayed on the LCD.
Adjusting The Volume
XC Tracer Maxx has 4 volume settings: Mute, gentle, medium and loud. You can change the volume
level by double pressing the red button (like a double click on the mouse of your computer), always
from mute –gentle - medium –loud –mute –gentle etc.
Energy Management
A fully charged battery from the XC Tracer Maxx is sufficient to run the vario for 60 hours, including
logging of IGC and KML files, sending and receiving of Flarm Beacons, data transfer over BLE etc.
The battery can be charged via the USB port. To do this, use the USB-C charging cable provided
and charge the XC Tracer Maxx overnight. Fully charging an empty battery takes about 5 hours.
Important: Please charge with your computer or use an original charger from a smartphone. Never
use a cheap charger; this can damage XC Tracer Maxx!
Automatic Switch-Off
Automatic switch off is disabled during the first 60 minutes after switching on XC Tracer Max,
however after that it will turn itself off if it hasn't detected lift or sink for 1 minute –ie. after you’ve
landed. In addition, low-voltage detection will switch the device off if the battery voltage drops below
3.3V. The automatic shutdown works fine if the GPS reception is good. However, this is not always
the case. Therefore it is advisable to switch off the variometer manually immediately after landing.

User Manual XC Tracer Maxx Rev 01 23.2.2020
Screens
XC Tracer Maxx can display several predefined screens:
Simple
Standard
Thermal
Buddy
Airspace (Not yet ready)
The LCD, which is perfectly readable in bright sunlight, has an update rate of 10Hz, so that a
smooth display is guaranteed. The preconfigured screens cannot be changed; only which screens
are to be displayed can be preset.
Simple Screen
This is the ideal screen if you don't want too much information displayed. The analogue vario
indicator shows you the climb/sink rate in weak thermals with a high resolution, but you can also
read the climb rate in strong thermals without any problems,
The digital vario display shows the current climb/sink rate.
Altitude is height above mean sea level.
Speed shows the speed over ground.
And the compass always shows you where north is. Please do not use this feature to fly in clouds or
in foggy conditions.

User Manual XC Tracer Maxx Rev 01 23.2.2020
Standard Screen
The standard screen will be the ideal screen for many pilots.
The displays are exactly the same as in the simple screen.
In addition to the simple screen, the standard screen also shows the glide ratio and the current
flight duration.
The wind is also displayed. As long as the wind arrow is pointing upwards and the arrow head
consists only of thin lines, the code cannot calculate the wind. As soon as the wind can be
calculated, but the calculation is still uncertain, the wind is displayed, i.e. the arrow shows where the
wind is blowing to, but the tip of the arrow still consists of thin lines.
As soon as the wind can be calculated reliably, the arrow head will be filled in black, as in the
example above.

User Manual XC Tracer Maxx Rev 01 23.2.2020
Thermal Screen
The analog vario display as well as altitude, digital vario and wind and compass show exactly the
same as on the standard screen.
On the bottom right you can see the altitude curve of the last 30 seconds. This display can be very
helpful to see at a glance whether you have gained or lost altitude. A short look at the screen is
enough to know immediately what is going on without having to read numbers or remember
numbers.
The thermal assistant displays the last 60 seconds of flight with dots. The dots show, depending on
whether they are filled or not, or whether they are large or small, how the climb / sink rate was at
that point. Large black dots indicate good climb, large circles indicate strong sinking.
This thermal assistant can be very helpful if you have fallen out of a thermal and want to find it
again. But please keep always an eye on the airspace around you and don't keep looking at the
screen, however helpful it may be. It is best to try the thermal assistant if you are flying alone in a
thermal.

User Manual XC Tracer Maxx Rev 01 23.2.2020
Buddy Screen
On the Buddy Screen you can see all paraglider and hang glider pilots who fly with a Flarm device
and have been received by the XC Tracer Maxx in the last 5 minutes. Your position is in the middle
of the circles, and from one circle to the next the distance doubles.
The dots show paragliders or hang gliders that are equipped with Flarm that are flying, and the
triangles show pilots with Flarm that have not yet taken off or landed.
In the config file you can define the Radio ID and a name for up to 8 Buddies. These buddies are
then displayed as large points or triangles. The height and climb of your buddies will be displayed. So
you always know where your buddies are.
If you have defined more than 4 Buddies, the info of the first 4 Buddies will be displayed for 10
seconds, after that the info of Buddies 5-8 will be displayed for 10 seconds, after that info of
Buddies 1-4 will be displayed again etc.
It is important to know that the position, altitude and status (flying or not) of your Buddies are
continuously stored in the vario. This can be helpful to know where to start searching for a buddy in
extreme cases. This info can be found in the settings under SAR (Search And Rescue) Buddy. More
on how to change settings or view the settings without using a computer can be found below.
Airspace Screen
The airspace screen is not yet ready.

User Manual XC Tracer Maxx Rev 01 23.2.2020
Change settings without a computer
If you want to change the settings: double click and hold the second click for one second. To go to
the desired setting press the button once briefly; with a long press to select/change the setting.
It is very easy to add a buddy at takeoff who also uses a variometer with Flarm. Switch on the XC
Tracer Maxx and the vario of your friend, and wait until both vario's have a GPS fix.
Now go to the settings of Maxx (double click and hold the second click for one second), then go to
the menu "Add Buddy" with short clicks, then select this menu with a long click. Now you will see all
the Flarm devices that are available within a radius of 50m around you. Navigate to the ID of the
buddy with short clicks, and then select this ID with a long click. The ID of the buddy is now saved,
and the radio ID will no longer get displayed.
Go back in selecting "Back", and then check under "Remove Buddy" whether the buddy has been
saved. If you want to remove a buddy you can do this here, just select the buddy you want to remove
and then delete the entry with a long click.
You can add up to 8 buddies in total. If you want to give a buddy a different name than for example
Buddy3 you can do this on the computer by changing the name of the buddy in the config file.
Below "Remove Buddy" you will find the entry "SAR Buddy". Here you can check where your buddies
have been when XC Tracer Maxx has received the last Flarm signal from them. This can be helpful
in search and rescue operations to quickly find a missing paraglider or hang glider.
The remaining entries are self-explanatory.

User Manual XC Tracer Maxx Rev 01 23.2.2020
XC Tracer Maxx Configuration File
Connect XC Tracer Maxx to a computer using a Micro USB Cable and once connected, switch the
device on by briefly pressing the red button until you hear a beep-beep-beep. XC Tracer Maxx is now
running in USB-MSD (Mass Storage Device) mode. XC Tracer Maxx’s internal Micro SD Card will
appear as an external drive in Windows Explorer or the Mac Finder. You will find a PDF copy of the
user manual on the SD card, and also the XC_Tracer_Maxx.txt configuration file. Editing this file in
Notepad (Windows) or Text Editor (Mac) allows you to adjust XC Tracer Maxx’s settings. The
various options are described below:
# XC Tracer Maxx Configuration File
serialNumber= 688D2E4C8100
Serial number of XC Tracer Maxx, is used for the IGC logger.
firmwareVersion=XC_Tracer_Maxx_R01
Indicates the device’s firmware version.
reset=no
Setting reset=yes resets XC Tracer Maxx to the factory default settings. Reset=no is the default
setting. After a reset reset=no will automatically be set in the config file.
# supported protocols are None, XCTRACER, LK8EX1, LXWP0 or LXWPW.
Select the BLE protocol her. NB. Only one protocol can be selected at once. Please check at
www.xctracer.com which protocol to choose for your app. LXWPW is like LXWPO, but with the
information of the calculated wind.
stringToSend=LXWP0
In this case the LXWPO protocol will be will be used.
# name of BLE service
bleName=XCT
A name for the BLE service can be assigned here, up to 14 numbers and letters are possible.
Please do not use a hyphen, some Android Apps have problems with it.
# logger configuration
The logger records IGC and KML files in parallel. IGC is recorded with 1Hz, KML is recorded with
5Hz. You can configure the logger as follows:
logOnlyWhenFlying=yes
When logOnlyWhenFlying=yes is set then a log file will be recorded once the GPS has recorded a
speed greater than 4m/s. The logging will get stopped when you have landed. When you make a
toplanding the log file will be stopped, and a new log file will get created when you take off again.
When logOnlyWhenFlying=no is set then a log file will be recorded as soon as you switch on XC
Tracer, and the logging will only be stopped when you switch off the device.
pilotName=Koni Schafroth

User Manual XC Tracer Maxx Rev 01 23.2.2020
Enter your name here. Please don’t use accidentally use any tabs as they will invalidate the IGC file.
Spaces are fine.
passengerName=
You can enter the name of a tandem passenger here if you like.
gliderType=Gin Explorer
Enter your glider make and model here.
gliderId=14049
Enter the immatriculation number (if you have one) of your glider here.
# screen version options
Simple
Standard
Standard & Buddy
Standard & Thermal
Standard & Thermal & Buddy
Standard & Thermal & Airspace
Standard & Thermal & Buddy & Airspace
# screen version
screenVersion=Standard & Thermal & Buddy
Here you can choose which screen combination you want to have. The screens are explained below.
Only the line screenVersion=Standard & Thermal & Buddy is interpreted by the microcontroller,
this line is used to make the settings.
# Automatic switching between standard & thermal screen
automaticSwitchScreen=yes
Here you can set whether or not you want to automatically switch from the standard screen to the
thermal screen and back. This can be useful if you want to use the thermal assistant, but prefer not
to release the brakes and press the red button to switch the screen.
# create your own vario tone settings below
beepOnlyWhenFlying=yes
When this is set XC Tracer Mini III GPS will be silent before takeoff. This is very helpful when you
have configured some kind of a thermal sniffer. With beepOnlyWhenFlying=yes the variometer will
be silent until XC Tracer Mini III GPS detects a horizontal velocity of 4m/s or more during 1-2
seconds. With beepOnlyWhenFlying=no the variometer will beep not only in flight, but also when you
walk or move.
setVolume=2
There are four volume settings, 0-3. With this option you set the volume that the vario will use for
beeping. When beepOnlyWhenFlying=yes is set then the vario will be silent until you fly. Once you’re
flying the vario will beep with the volume that you have set. Remember though, that you can change
the volume during flight with a short press of the red button.
dampingFactor=0.00

User Manual XC Tracer Maxx Rev 01 23.2.2020
Here you can set a damping factor fron 0 up to max 10. As soon as you set a damping factor then
the vario will react slower to changes in altitude.
ClimbToneOnThreshold=0.2
With this setting the vario will begin to beep when the climb rate is higher than 0.2m/s. When you
want to use a thermal sniffer then you can set ClimbToneOnThreshold=-0.5 for example. In this
case the vario will begin to beep when the sink rate is less than -0.5m/s. In this way you can adjust
the beeping tone so that you know when you’re flying in lifting air, despite the fact that you’re
actually sinking gently. This can be helpful to find and core thermals in weak conditions.
ClimbToneOffThreshold=0.1
With this setting the vario will stop beeping when the climb rate is below 0.1m/s. You can also use
negative values here, for example -0.51m/s when you use a thermal sniffer.
SinkToneOnThreshold=-3.0
The sink tone will be activated when the sink rate is below -3m/s.
SinkToneOffThreshold=-3.0
The sink tone will be deactivated when the sink rate is less than -3m/s.
tone=-10.00,200,100,100
tone=-3.00,280,100,100
tone=-0.51,300,500,100
tone=-0.50,200,800,5
tone=0.09,400,600,10
tone=0.10,400,600,50
tone=1.16,550,552,52
tone=2.67,763,483,55
tone=4.24,985,412,58
tone=6.00,1234,332,62
tone=8.00,1517,241,66
tone=10.00,1800,150,70
You must define exactly 12 tones. Additional tones will be deleted from the configuration file, and
missing tones will be complemented with values stored in the Eeprom. The tones must be defined
ascending from tone 1 of -10m/s to tone 10m/s of tone 12.
Important: Please avoid using exactly the same climb rate on adjacent tones as it will create issues.
tone=1.16,579,527,50 means that with a climb rate of 1.16m/s the vario will beep with a
frequency of 579Hz, that the complete tone interval will last 527ms, and that the tone will be
audible for 50% of the tone interval. This is a typical tone that is used when indicating climbing.

User Manual XC Tracer Maxx Rev 01 23.2.2020
tone=-3.00,280,100,100 means that with a sink rate of -3.0m/s a tone of 280Hz will be emitted.
As soon as the sink rate changes the tone frequency also changes, depending on the configuration.
This creates a nice sink tone (not that a sink tone is ever nice!)
You can create your own tone settings using the tone simulator on www.xctracer.com and then
copy and paste them to the configuration file, or you can simply copy and paste other people's tone
settings to the configuration file.
# FLARM device information
FlarmRadioID=200006
The Radio ID is transmitted with the Flarm signal. Have a look at www.glidertracker.de, here it is
possible to track your flight in real time. You can register your RadioID at ddb.glidernet.org and add
additional information. The Radio ID will also be used by the apps when it comes to knowing where
where your buddies are flying.
FlarmSerialNumber=FLATMXCTW-000006
This is the serial number of Flarm; this serial number is required when buying an obstacle database
firmwareVersion=6.67
Info über die installierte Flarm Firmware
firmwareExpirationDate=1.11.2020
Info until when the Flarm firmware is valid. After this date Flarm will not work anymore, a new Flarm
firmware should be installed before!
obstacleDatabase=ALPS20190121
Indicates if and which obstacle database is installed.
obstacleDataBaseExpirationDate=2019-03-31
This info indicates whether the obstacle database is still valid. The obstacle database will no longer
work after the expiration date.
# FLARM glider type is HANGGLIDER or PARAGLIDER
type=PARAGLIDER
Here you can enter either HANGGLIDER or PARAGLIDER.
# Add Radio ID and buddy name
Buddy1Name=
Buddy1RadioID=
Here you can add a name for your buddy and his or her radio ID. Or you can go to settings in the
vario and add a buddy with a few clicks on the red button, and then later on you can change here in
the config file the name of the buddy as you wish.

User Manual XC Tracer Maxx Rev 01 23.2.2020
You can create your own tone settings using the tone simulator on www.xctracer.com and then
copy and paste them to the configuration file, or you can simply copy and paste other people's tone
settings to the configuration file.
XC Tracer Maxx doesn't actually save the new configuration into its internal memory until it starts
up in normal flight mode. So, press the red button briefly to unmount / eject the device from your
computer, disconnect it from the USB cable, then turn XC Tracer on as normal.
Important: Always close the configuration file before you unmount / eject XC Tracer Maxx!!!
Flarm Firmware / Update
The Flarm firmware must be updated once a year. In the config file you can see which firmware
version is installed and until when this firmware is valid.
After this expiration date Flarm will not work anymore! An update must be done before this date!
Please check the homepage www.xctracer.com if a new Flarm firmware (*.fw file) is available.
These firmware updates are free of charge, the installation is easy done with drag & drop. For
instructions on how to do a firmware update see below.
Flarm Obstacle Database / Collision Warning
XC Tracer Maxx transmits your position twice per second and also your estimated trajectory for
the next 20 seconds. Any other FLARM devices in the vicinity can use this information to assess
any possible risk of collision. If another FLARM device determines that a collision is possible, it will
warn the pilot of the other aircraft. XC Tracer Maxx itself does not warn of possible collisions with
other aircraft.
XC Tracer Maxx itself does not warn of possible collisions with other aircraft!
XC Tracer Maxx can receive signals from FLARM devices on paragliders and hang-gliders and
transmit the data to a mobile phone, tablet or e-reader. Depending on the app you use, you will
know in real-time where your buddies are! During flight tests, signals were received from FLARM
devices up to 29 km away.
The FLARM obstacle database can be installed optionally. Equipped with the obstacle database, XC
Tracer Maxx reliably warns against collisions with fixed obstacles such as cables or antennas that
are recorded in the database. The database and the collision algorithm enable the processing of
complex obstacle types, comprehensively segmented and divided power lines and cable cars in 3
dimensions. The data is extensively checked and optimized using a digital elevation model in order to
largely prevent false alarms.
Various obstacle databases are available, information which version is best for you can be found
here https://flarm.com/products/product-extensions/obstacle-databases/.
A warning tone sounds approximately 10 seconds before a possible collision. The closer you fly to
the obstacle and the more likely a collision is, the more intense the warning tone will be. As soon as
you fly away from the obstacle, XC Tracer Maxx will supress this warning tone.
The obstacle database is intended as additional safety feature, but you must never rely on it alone!!!

User Manual XC Tracer Maxx Rev 01 23.2.2020
XC Tracer Maxx Firmware Update / How to read flight data
Connect XC Tracer Maxx to a computer using a Micro USB Cable and once connected, switch the
device on by briefly pressing the red button until you hear a beep-beep-beep. XC Tracer Maxx is now
running in USB-MSD (Mass Storage Device) mode. XC Tracer Maxx’s internal Micro SD Card will
appear as an external drive in Windows Explorer or the Mac Finder. Download the newest fligth
firmware for XC Tracer Maxx and the newest FLARM firmware from www.xctracer.com and copy
the new firmware using drag and drop to the SD card. Now press the red button briefly and the
new firmware will start to be installed.
When the XC Tracer Maxx firmware (*.iap file) is updated, the white LED lights up, after a short
time a few ascending beeps sound, the firmware file is deleted from the SD card and the Vario
switches off. The new firmware is now installed.
An update of the Flarm firmware takes much longer, after pressing the red button the white LED
flashes for a longer time in short intervals. After 1-5 minutes a few ascending beeps will sound, the
Flarm firmware file or obstacle database file will be deleted from the SD card and the Vario will turn
off. The new firmware is now installed.
Important: The information about the firmware version will only be updated once the device has
been started up in normal flight mode.
It’s impossible to install incorrect firmware on the XC Tracer Maxx –all that happens is that the
incompatible firmware will get deleted from the SD card.
Troubleshooting
In the rare event that XC Tracer Maxx doesn’t respond when you push the red button, you can
perform a hard-reset by pressing and holding the red button for approximately 1 minute. The
battery will then get disconnected from the electronics. After that you can restart XC Tracer Maxx
in flight mode, and the device will be functional again.
Handling
A variometer is a sensitive device, the sensors electronics and the LCD can be damaged by strong
shocks / impacts. Handle your instrument with care!!!
Please only expose the vario to the sun while flying, otherwise the vario can become very hot. This
can lead to an overheating of the battery and destroy the battery and the vario! The lcd can also get
damaged by excessive heat. The vario is not waterproof; flying in rain is not a good idea anyway.

User Manual XC Tracer Maxx Rev 01 23.2.2020
Warranty
XC Tracer grants a 24 month warranty for material and workmanship. Unsuitable or improper use
(for example strong impact, water landing, opened enclosure, software modification, ripped off USB
connector, broken lcd etc.) and normal wear and tear (scratches in the enlcosure, degradation of
the battery) are excluded from the guarantee.
Technical Specification
High-resolution B&W LCD, 536x336 pixels, perfectly readable
Hardened and glare-free glass for LCD protection
Five different screens selectable, from simple screen to air spaces
Simplest operation
Legendary sensitive vario technology, with no time lag
FLARM with transmission and reception of data
FLARM obstacle database (optional)
FLARM display of position and height of Buddies
Internal broad band antenna, works worldwide
Data transmission via BLE to mobile phone/tablet/E-reader
IGC and KML Logger, approved by the FAI for competitions
Many compatible apps for Android/iOS
Freely configurable sound settings with our tone simulator
Accelerometer/Compass/Gyro/Baro/GPS/BLE/FLARM
Running time with full battery at least 60h
Firmware update via drag & drop
Size: 92x68x18 mm
Weight 120g
CE and FCC Certification
Swiss Made
FCC Statement:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.