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Flytec Balloon 4 User Manual

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Flytec Balloon 4 user manual
Version 1.6 (17.11.2019)

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Summary of Contents for Flytec Balloon 4

  • Page 1 Flytec Balloon 4 user manual Version 1.6 (17.11.2019)

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Contents General information Overview Batteries Keyboard First start USB connection Software updates Status bar Menu More details Flight preparation Mounting the vario Mounting the TT34 QNH and altitude adjustment Sound volume adjustment Flight Flight mode Flight recording Envelope temperature Analysis Flight log Google Earth IGC files...

  • Page 3: General Information

    General information Overview <languages/> Contents Batteries >>> The Flytec Balloon 4 at a glance Contents Batteries >>>...

  • Page 4: Batteries

    The Flytec Balloon 4 comes with four pre-charged rechargeable AA batteries, which need to be inserted on the back of the instrument before the first use. With a full charge, the Flytec Balloon 4 will run for about 35 hours. New rechargeable batteries reach their full capacity after about 3 charging cycles.
  • Page 5 Balloon 4's USB connector once the vario has been switched on. While an external power source is connected, the Flytec Balloon 4 will draw its power from that source to run, and to charge its batteries. Once the external power source is depleted, the internal batteries will be used up.

  • Page 6: Keyboard

    First start >>> Keyboard Switching on To switch your Flytec Balloon 4 on, press . Confirm the question "On?" with , or cancel with . If you do not press either within 3 seconds, the vario will turn itself off again automatically.
  • Page 7 Keyboard Switching off To switch your Flytec Balloon 4 off, press for 3 seconds. • If you are not recording a flight, confirm the question "Off?" with , or cancel with . If you do not press either within 3 seconds, the vario will go back to regular operation.
  • Page 8 • Press to change menu selection or alter setting values Text input Key tone By default, the Flytec Balloon 4 sounds a short beep every time a key is pressed. This can be turned off. <<< Batteries Contents First start >>>...

  • Page 9: First Start

    USB connection >>> First start When starting up the Flytec Balloon 4 for the very first time (or any time later after a Factory Reset) by pressing , you will be asked to select a language and the basic units group.

  • Page 10: Usb Connection

    Software updates >>> USB connection To access files stored on your Flytec Balloon 4 is very easy. When you connect it to a computer, it works like a USB memory stick and gives your direct access to all the files.

  • Page 11: Software Updates

    It is important to always upgrade to the latest firmware version. The current version of your software is indicated when starting up your Flytec Balloon 4, or in the Menu under Device-About, the number on the first line.
  • Page 12 Installing a firmware update Connect your Flytec Balloon 4 to a computer to have the FlytecBalloon drive come up. On this drive you find the program 'FB_Actualizer'. Run this program occasionally, or after receiving notice of a new version through our newsletter .
  • Page 13 The firmware file remains in the update folder after the update, but its ending changes from .upg to ._pg. If you change the ending back to .upg, your Flytec Balloon 4 will offer to re-install this version the next time you turn it on.

  • Page 14: Status Bar

    • Error 4: An error occurred in the Flytec Balloon 4's co-processor. Try again and if it keeps failing, contact our technical support • Error 5: An error occurred in the Flytec Balloon 4's main processor. Try again and if it keeps failing, contact our technical support <<<...
  • Page 15 Status bar Battery Indicates the current battery charge. • blinking: Searching for GPS signal, current position is not determined yet • solid: Receiving GPS signal, current position is determined Flight recording • off: No flight recording • on: Flight data is being recorded Audio Shows the current sound volume.

  • Page 16: Menu

    Contents More details >>> Menu overview 1. To access the Flytec Balloon 4's menu, press and hold for 3 seconds. 2. To leave the menu, press repeatedly until you are back in flight mode. Alternatively, after about 10 seconds of inactivity, the menu closes again automatically.

  • Page 17: More Details

    Maintenance The Flytec Balloon 4 is a sensitive instrument – handle it gently. Always store it in its cloth bag when not in use, and only wipe it clean with a soft, damp cloth. Never expose the Flytec Balloon 4 to extreme temperatures, water, or high mechanical forces.
  • Page 18 To ensure that we treat this correctly, include your purchase receipt or invoice when sending in your vario. Repairs Varios lead a tough life, and no matter how robust we build them, things can still break. But we designed the Flytec Balloon 4 in a way that facilitates repairs. Our repair partners world-wide will do their best to fix what can be fixed, regardless of your vario's age and warranty status.

  • Page 19: Flight Preparation

    Flight preparation Mounting the vario <languages/> <<< More details Contents Mounting the TT34 >>> Mounting the vario Fastening the attachment strap Insert the rubber ring into the groove in the bracket front...
  • Page 20 Mounting the vario Insert the screw from the bracket back Fasten the attachment strap to the vario with the screw...
  • Page 21 Mounting the vario Attaching the vario to the basket 1. Loop the vario's safety lanyard around the upright, and thread the vario through it once 2. Loop the attachment strap around the upright, loop it through the open side of the bracket, and fixate it with the velcro end 3.
  • Page 22 Mounting the TT34 Mounting the TT34 <languages/> <<< Mounting Contents QNH and altitude adjustment >>> Mounting the TT34 temperature transmitter <<< Mounting Contents QNH and altitude adjustment >>>...
  • Page 23 Automatic adjustment When you turn on your Flytec Balloon 4, as soon as GPS reception has been established, the vario determines its current GPS altitude, and uses this to automatically set QNH. In most cases, this will be sufficiently accurate. The altitude indicator blinks while this process is ongoing.

  • Page 24: Qnh And Altitude Adjustment

    QNH and altitude adjustment for three seconds. 2. Use to adjust QNH in steps of 1 hPa / 0.01 inHg, until the value matches the desired reading. 3. Notice how ALT1 is adjusted accordingly. 4. Press to confirm your setting. 2.

  • Page 25: Sound Volume Adjustment

    Contents Flight mode >>> Sound volume adjustment The Flytec Balloon 4's acoustic vario has four different sound volume levels and can additionally be muted all together. Press repeatedly to cycle through the five options: 0% - 25% - 50% - 75% - 100% - 0%...
  • Page 26 Sound volume adjustment : 100% : mute, 0% Note: If your vario acoustics mode is set to in flight only, your vario will remain quiet while on the ground in general. But after changing the audio volume, the vario beeps will be audible even before launch for 30 seconds, to allow you testing your setting.

  • Page 27: Flight

    Flight Flight mode <languages/> <<< Sound volume adjustment Contents Flight recording >>> Flight mode...
  • Page 28 Flight mode Status bar The status bar shows general information about the Flytec Balloon 4's. Indicators Graphic vario The graphic vario shows your vertical speed (climb or sink) in m/s (ranging from -10 m/s to +10 m/s) or fpm (ranging from -2000 fpm to 2000 fpm).
  • Page 29 Flight mode Graphic vario (fpm) Altitude The altitude indicator gives your altitude, either MSL (QNH) or Flight Level (QNE). Press to cycle through the three indications: m - ft - Flight Level - m - ... (if units are set to imperial: ft - m - Flight Level - ft ...) Numeric vario The numeric vario gives your vertical speed, either in m/s or fpm.
  • Page 30 Flight pages In flight, your Flytec Balloon 4 has a lot more information than can be shown all at once on the display screen. Press to flip through the different flight pages in the lower part of the screen.
  • Page 31 Flight mode TT34 Detail information on the TT34 temperature transmitter TT34: TT34 currently connected to Flytec Balloon 4 Rcptn: TT34 reception status Bat.: TT34's battery status Position Current position and satellite information N or S: Latitude E or W: Longitude Sat.: Number of satellites currently receiving...

  • Page 32: Flight Mode

    Flight mode Temperature TT34 Position Battery charging...
  • Page 33 Flight mode Flight information To access information about the ongoing flight: 1. Press the key at any time during a flight. 2. After 20 seconds the screen will return to normal, or you can immediately return to the normal display by pressing The information given on the flight information page is: •...

  • Page 34: Flight Recording

    Flight recording is indicated by the recording symbol in the status bar: Constant recording Instead of automatically starting the flight recording when launch is detected, the Flytec Balloon 4 can be set up to start the recording as soon as a first GPS fix has been acquired.
  • Page 35 <<< Flight recording Contents Flight log >>> Temperature reception The Flytec Balloon 4 receives, displays and records temperature data transmitted by the Flytec Balloon TT34 temperature transmitter , which is available separately from your Flytec Balloon dealer Prerequisites This is required to receive temperature data on the Flytec Balloon 4: 1.

  • Page 36: Envelope Temperature

    5. Here you see the ID (serial number) of the TT34 that is currently paired with your Flytec Balloon 4. Additionally, once data is received, this page also shows reception and battery status of that TT34. This information is also always given on the status bar.
  • Page 37 Pilots can activate or deactivate this alert, and set the alert threshold temperature. When that threshold is exceeded (and the alert is activated), the Flytec Balloon 4 emits a warning sound, and automatically jumps to the temperature flight page. The temperature indication blinks, to draw more attention to its high value.

  • Page 38: Analysis

    Flight log The most recent 50 flights are stored in chronological order in the Flytec Balloon 4's internal flight log. In addition to these basic log entries, the Flytec Balloon 4 also stores flights as Google Earth (KML) and IGC files for flight analysis on a computer.

  • Page 39: Flight Log

    . The export will start, counting from 1 to 100. Depending on the flight duration, this can take a few minutes. Note 1: The Flytec Balloon's internal memory is limited, so instead of the 5-second interval used for the files produced during a flight, manually exported flights will only have a datapoint every 30 seconds.
  • Page 40 <<< Envelope temperature Contents Google Earth >>> Google Earth <languages/> <<< Flight log Contents IGC files >>> Google Earth The Flytec Balloon 4 records every flight in Google Earth format (KML), ready to view on your computer right after landing.

  • Page 41: Google Earth

    Accessing the files To visualize your flight in Google Earth: 1. Connect the Flytec Balloon via USB to a computer 2. Wait until the FlytecBalloon drive appears 3. Open the flights folder 4. Either double click on the flight you want to see, or copy the file onto your computer for later analysis Note: The file names are in the format <flight date>-<pilot name>-<number if more than one flights on that...
  • Page 42 Google Earth Flight detail information <<< Flight log Contents IGC files >>> References [1] https://www.google.com/earth/versions/...

  • Page 43: Igc Files

    Contents Variometer settings >>> IGC files The Flytec Balloon 4 records every flight in IGC format, ready to view on your computer right after landing. Accessing the files 1. Connect the Flytec Balloon via USB to a computer 2. Wait until the FlytecBalloon drive appears 3.
  • Page 44 IGC files • 105: envelope temperature is 105°C <<< Google Earth Contents Variometer settings >>> References [1] https://www.fai.org/page/igc-approved-flight-recorders...

  • Page 45: Configuration

    Variometer settings <languages/> <<< IGC files Contents Temperature settings >>> Variometer settings The Flytec Balloon 4 indicates vertical speed numerically, graphically and also acoustically. This section explains how to configure both its vario acoustics, and the vario's sensitivity to vertical movement.
  • Page 46 Variometer settings Accessing vario settings Long press , then use to select Vario, press Acoustic The acoustic settings determine in which situations the vario beeps, and how those beeps sound. Inside the Vario menu, select Acoustic and press to get here. Note: As a shortcut, simply long press to quickly get to the vario acoustics settings.
  • Page 47 Variometer settings • In flight: Regardless of all other settings, the vario will only beep after a launch has been detected. To allow for testing, the vario will also beep during the first 30 seconds after adjusting the sound volume. •...
  • Page 48 Variometer settings Tone rise Determines whether and how fast the tone frequency increases or decreases with vertical speed. In the Audio general menu, select Tone rise and press to get here. Use to adjust the value. Select one with or cancel with •...
  • Page 49 Variometer settings Climb tone The climb tone is an acoustic signal that only sounds when the vario's altitude is increasing. It is a beep of varying frequency and cadence depending on vertical speed. Inside the Acoustic menu, select Climb tone and press to get here.
  • Page 50 Variometer settings Sink tone The sink tone is an acoustic signal that only sounds when the vario's altitude is decreasing. It is a beep of varying frequency and cadence depending on vertical speed. Inside the Acoustic menu, select Sink tone and press to get here.
  • Page 51 Variometer settings Sensitivity The sensitivity setting determines how finely the Flytec Balloon 4 reacts to changes in air pressure. The more sensitive it is set, the more it will also react to turbulences. Inside the Vario menu, select Sensitivity and press to get here.

  • Page 52: Variometer Settings

    <<< Variometer settings Contents Personal settings >>> Temperature settings The Flytec Balloon 4 indicates envelope temperature, as received by the Flytec Balloon TT34 temperature transmitter. This section explains how to configure temperature reception. Accessing temperature settings Long press , then use...

  • Page 53: Temperature Settings

    Note: Refer to the status bar to quickly determine whether temperature reception is active or not. Pairing a TT34 In order to receive data from a TT34, its ID (which is its serial number) must be set on the Flytec Balloon 4. There are three ways to accomplish this: •...
  • Page 54 3. Confirm with or cancel with With the ID being set to 0, the Flytec Balloon 4 will set the TT34 ID to the first ID it receives. Manual TT34 ID entry 1. In the Temperature menu, select TT34 ID and press 2.
  • Page 55 Temperature settings or cancel with Alert The Flytec Balloon can alert you if the envelope temperature exceeds a certain limit. Inside the Temperature menu, select Alert and press to get here. Active Determines whether the pilot temperature alert is active or not. The manufacturer temperature alert will sound regardless of this setting when its threshold temperature is exceeded.

  • Page 56: Personal Settings

    Default is 120°C (248°F). <<< Variometer settings Contents Personal settings >>> Personal settings <languages/> <<< Temperature settings Contents Device settings >>> Personal settings This section explains how to adjust your personal settings for the Flytec Balloon 4.
  • Page 57 Personal settings Accessing personal settings Long press , then use to select Settings, press Time zone Defines the offset from UTC as received from GPS. Inside the Settings menu, select Time zone and press to get here. Use...
  • Page 58 • French ("francais") • Italian ("italiano") Pilot name Enter your name - this will show during the Flytec Balloon's start-up sequence, as well as in all flight recording files. Inside the Settings menu, select Pilot name and press to get here.
  • Page 59 Personal settings Balloon ID Enter your balloon's ID. That can be any text, we recommend the official matriculation. This will show in all flight recording files. Inside the Settings menu, select Balloon ID and press to get here. Enter the balloon ID, using the text input mode. Units During first start-up, you selected either the metric or USA basic unit set.
  • Page 60 Personal settings or cancel with • m/s: vertical speed is shown in meter per second. • fpm: vertical speed is shown in feet per minute. The numeric vario will show 1/100*fpm. The graphical vario currently still indicates m/s, we are working on resolving that. Distance Defines how distances are indicated.
  • Page 61 Personal settings Speed Defines how horizontal speed is indicated. Inside the Units menu, select Speed and press to get here. Use to adjust the value. Select one with or cancel with • km/h: horizontal speed is shown in kilometers per hour. •...
  • Page 62 • °F: temperature is shown in degree Fahrenheit. Key tone Defines whether or not the Flytec Balloon 4 emits a short beep every time a key is pressed. Inside the Settings menu, select Key tone and press to get here. Use to adjust the value.
  • Page 63 Personal settings Contrast Defines the screen contrast. Depending on the ambient temperature, this may need to be adjusted to ensure good screen readability. Inside the Settings menu, select Contrast and press to get here. Use to adjust the value. Select one with or cancel with The contrast is set from 0 to 15, default is 6.
  • Page 64 Personal settings Recording Defines when the Flytec Balloon 4 starts recording flights. Inside the Settings menu, select Recording and press to get here. Use to adjust the value. Select one with or cancel with • In flight: Flight recording starts once launch has been detected, and includes the five minutes leading up to that moment.
  • Page 65 <languages/> <<< Personal settings Contents Device information and settings This section explains how to access device information and adjust the device settings for the Flytec Balloon 4. Accessing device information and settings Long press , then use to select Device, press...

  • Page 66: Device Information And Settings

    • PCB: The vario's internal manufacturing identification Sensor correction Over time, the pressure sensor built into the Flytec Balloon 4 may drift, which leads to erroneous altitude indications. This drift can be corrected by a maintenance or repair provider with access to a calibrated reference barometer.
  • Page 67 Device information and settings 1. Inside the Device menu, select Factory reset and press 2. Confirm factory reset by pressing , or cancel with Internal settings Internal information, mainly for development and manufacturing purposes. Inside the Device menu, select Internal settings and press to get here.

  • Page 68: Fcc Compliance

    Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Supplier's declaration of conformity 47 CFR § 2.1077 compliance information Product name: Flytec Balloon 4 Product model: FB4 Distributor: Flytec USA 27522 NW 193 Ave.

  • Page 69: Article Sources And Contributors

    Article Sources and Contributors Article Sources and Contributors Overview Source: https://manuals.volirium.com/w/index.php?oldid=8823 Contributors: Jörg Ewald Batteries Source: https://manuals.volirium.com/w/index.php?oldid=8832 Contributors: Jörg Ewald Keyboard Source: https://manuals.volirium.com/w/index.php?oldid=8854 Contributors: Jörg Ewald First start Source: https://manuals.volirium.com/w/index.php?oldid=8859 Contributors: Jörg Ewald USB connection Source: https://manuals.volirium.com/w/index.php?oldid=9127 Contributors: Jörg Ewald Software updates Source: https://manuals.volirium.com/w/index.php?oldid=9130 Contributors: Jörg Ewald Status bar Source: https://manuals.volirium.com/w/index.php?oldid=9140 Contributors: Jörg Ewald Menu Source: https://manuals.volirium.com/w/index.php?oldid=8901 Contributors: Jörg Ewald...

  • Page 70: Image Sources, Licenses And Contributors

    Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors File:overview.png Source: https://manuals.volirium.com/w/index.php?title=File:Overview.png License: unknown Contributors: Jörg Ewald File:FB4_batteries.png Source: https://manuals.volirium.com/w/index.php?title=File:FB4_batteries.png License: unknown Contributors: Jörg Ewald File:KB_function_EN.png Source: https://manuals.volirium.com/w/index.php?title=File:KB_function_EN.png License: unknown Contributors: Jörg Ewald File:KB_time.png Source: https://manuals.volirium.com/w/index.php?title=File:KB_time.png License: unknown Contributors: Jörg Ewald File:KB_ok.png Source: https://manuals.volirium.com/w/index.php?title=File:KB_ok.png License: unknown Contributors: Jörg Ewald File:KB_audio.png Source: https://manuals.volirium.com/w/index.php?title=File:KB_audio.png License: unknown Contributors: Jörg Ewald File:KB_altitude.png Source: https://manuals.volirium.com/w/index.php?title=File:KB_altitude.png License: unknown Contributors: Jörg Ewald...

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