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Triadis Altair Manual

Xcsoar-a-en
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Manual (Altair version)
Document name:
XCSoar-A-EN
Document version:
1.8
Release date:
03/07/2008
triadis engineering GmbH – Eichholzstrasse 7 – Postfach – CH-3254 Messen
Phone: +41 (0)31 768 15 15 – Fax: +41 (0)31 768 15 16 – Internet: www.triadis.ch – E-Mail: admin@triadis.ch

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Summary of Contents for Triadis Altair

  • Page 1 Manual (Altair version) Document name: XCSoar-A-EN Document version: Release date: 03/07/2008 triadis engineering GmbH – Eichholzstrasse 7 – Postfach – CH-3254 Messen Phone: +41 (0)31 768 15 15 – Fax: +41 (0)31 768 15 16 – Internet: www.triadis.ch – E-Mail: admin@triadis.ch...
  • Page 2 Notes • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 3 German translation 03/07/2008 released D.Wettstein New features, XCSoar Altair ver- sion 5.2 This manual applies to XCSoar version 5.2. The authors reserve the right to update this manual as enhancements are made throughout the life of this product. Warnings and precautions IT IS THE USER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO USE THIS SOFTWARE PRUDENTLY.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    2.3.13 Configuration ....... . . 2.3.14 Altair Flight Recorder Setup ......
  • Page 5 Thermal locator ....... . . Convection forecast ....... • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 6 Airspace ........• XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 7 Credits ........GNU General Public License • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 8: Introduction

    1 INTRODUCTION 1 Introduction This document is a pilot’s manual that describes the functionality of XCSoar when used with Altair. XCSoar is an open source glide navigation system for portable devices. The audience is assumed to have a sound knowledge of the fundamental theory of flight for gliders, and at least a basic working knowledge of cross-country soaring.
  • Page 9 Powering on Press and hold the PWR/ESC button for one second. The LED in the button will light up, and XCSoar will start after Altair has booted. • Powering off Press and hold the PWR/ESC button for approx. two seconds. Altair will switch off. •...

  • Page 10: Through-Life Support

    . This is transferred to the ‘FromAltair’ directory by AltairSync if a USB drive is plugged in when Altair is first switched on. It can then be sent to the XCSoar developers to help determine the cause if the program crashes at startup.

  • Page 11: Using Xcsoar Safely

    (or other XCSoar users) if the software can be made to do these interactions for you. 1.6 Graphical elements in this document The following elements are used in this document to simplify understanding: • Onscreen menus • Dialogs • Buttons • Warnings • Remarks • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 12: User Interface

    Button labels and menus These buttons are drawn in black (resp. grey) text on a green back- ground. • Status messages Text is displayed over the map area in status message boxes. This text is used to present detailed information to the pilot when certain events occur. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 13: Button Labels And Menus

    A wide variety of functions can be assigned to these inputs. For Altair, there are four major menus, activated by pressing one of the vertical strip of hardware buttons on the left of the display. When a menu is activated, a strip of onscreen buttons appear along the bottom of the display.

  • Page 14: Nav Menu

    This section describes the default layout of the menu system. The functions performed by each button are explained more in detail in the following sections. The primary menu buttons are activated by each of the vertical strip of buttons on Altair, from top to bottom:...

  • Page 15: Disp Menu

    Pan Off Turns pan mode off. • Zoom In Zooms in the map display. • Zoom Out Zooms out the map display. • Nearest Waypoint Opens Waypoint Browser . See 4.4 for more details. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 16: Conf Menu

    • Setup System Opens the XCSoar configuration dialog. See 11 for more details. • Setup Logger Opens Altair Flight Recorder Setup . See 4.8 for more details. 2.1.5 INFO Menu • Waypoint Details Opens Waypoint Info for the active task waypoint. See 4.2 for more details.
  • Page 17 Outer knob clockwise (No function assigned) • Knob button press Clear status message or acknowledge airspace warning In dialog forms, the rotary knob in Altair performs the role of the cursor and enter keys: • Outer knob counterclockwise Up cursor •...

  • Page 18: Infoboxes

    A cursor shows the active button, tab or data field. This cursor appears as a highlighted area with black borders around the corners. When rotating the outer knob (up/down) on Altair, the cursor cycles through the next or previous elements (buttons, menus, fields, etc). When rotating the inner knob (left/right), the value of the element under the cursor can be modified.

  • Page 19: Waypoint Select

    2.3.5 Team Code Access: NAV Team Code Description: Setting team codes and showing team mates’ positions. For more details see 7.10. 2.3.6 Setup Display Access: DISP Setup Display Description: Settings of the map display. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 20: Screen Brightness

    Description: MacCready settings. For more details see 5.2. 2.3.9 Basic Settings Access: CONF Setup Basic Description: Basic settings. For more details see 5.4. 2.3.10 Wind Settings Access: CONF Setup Wind Description: Wind settings. For more details see 6.5. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 21: Airspace Browser

    Description: XCSoar configuration settings. For more details see 11. 2.3.14 Altair Flight Recorder Setup Access: CONF Setup Logger Description: Altair Flight Recorder Setup. For more details see 4.8. 2.3.15 Waypoint Info Access: INFO Waypoint Details Description: Shows informations about the selected waypoint. For more details see 4.5.

  • Page 22: Checklist

    Additional user buttons may be assigned to a status message repeat function. 2.5 Status dialog Status shows general information about different topics and can be opened at any time. It contains several pages with specific content and serves as general status overview. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 23 • Longitude Aircraft’s longitude • Latitude Aircraft’s latitude • Altitude Aircraft’s altitude • Max height gain xxxxxxx • Near Nearest waypoint • Bearing Bearing to nearest waypoint • Distance Distance to nearest waypoint System • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 24 Estimated task time Estimated task time with current MacCready settings. • Remaining time Remaining time to final task point. • Task distance Task distance. • Remaining distance Distance to final task point. • Speed estimated xxxxxxxx • Speed average Average speed so far. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 25 Start time Start time • Start alt Start altitude • Start point Start task point • Start speed Start speed • Finish alt min Minimum finish altitude • Valid finish Whether a valid Finish was recognized Times • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 26: Text Entry

    Last Declaration Time and date of last declaration 2.6 Text entry When needed, text can be entered over a virtual keyboard. This keyboard can be opened by pressing the button on the appropriated fields. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 27: Sounds

    The control of the screen hardware brightness can be controlled from Screen Brightness acces- sible from DISP Bright Adjust . Refer to the Altair User’s Manual for details on Screen Brightness . 2.9 Help system A help system now provides descriptive text for properties in most dialogs. When a property is selected, press and hold the enter button for two seconds, then release.

  • Page 28: Display Elements

    Here is how the pan mode can be used: 1. Enable pan mode by pressing DISP Pan On 2. The map can then be panned with the inner/outer rotary knob. To zoom in/out, you can use the F6/F7 buttons in Pan mode. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 29: Glider Symbol

    Nearest Waypoint Waypoint Browser shows the nearest waypoints to your position. Access: INFO Nearest Waypoint Status Aircraft The ‘Aircraft’ page of Status shows the exact position of the glider. Access: INFO Status Show • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 30: Trail

    Enabling trail drift compensation is performed through the configuration settings. The compensa- tion is only performed whilst in circling mode; the display of the trail in cruise mode is unaffected. This can also be performed from the wind settings dialog: • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 31: Glide Range

    The final glide path is checked for whether the glider clears terrain by the terrain clearance height. If clearance is not attained, a red cross appears on the map at the point where the violation occurs. No icon is drawn if there is no task defined. 3.6 Map elements • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 32 Waypoints are displayed with different symbols depending on the waypoint type; the major distinc- tion being landable and non-landable waypoints. triadis engineering GmbH recommends the option ‘Alternative’ for waypoint display (see 11.11). With this option, the waypoint symbols are drawn as shown below: Non-landable waypoints: small black hollow circles.

  • Page 33: Markers

    The start and finish taskpoint show circles or lines representing the start and finish zones or lines. Task observation sectors are drawn as segments. Assigned area tasks also show the task sectors or areas as a shaded region. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 34: Thermal Profile

    As the arrow approaches the bottom of the band, then the glider is nearing the break-off height and the pilot should consider taking even a weak thermal. 3.10 Other The following symbols display different informations concerning flight mode and GPS: • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 35 3 DISPLAY ELEMENTS GPS not connected GPS waiting for fix Cruise Climb Final glide • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 36: Cross Country Tasks

    Change .. With these buttons, the current task, landing or waypoint can be changed at any time. These buttons are only available for the current mode. This means that for example a landing point can only be changed in ‘LandingPoint’ mode. • .. TaskPt Opens the following dialog: • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 37 Final Force Forces final glide. For more details, see 5.1. • Team Code Opens Team Code . For more details, see 7.10. • AAT Target Allows the setting of individual target options for AAT task points. The following dialog is opened: • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 38: Task Editor

    file as long as it is not deliber- ately saved with the same filename and therefore overwritten. • Save / Declare With this button, tasks can be saved and/or declared to a logger. When pressed, the following dialog appears: • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 39 New Cleans out the current waypoint list and sets the homebase as start and finish waypoint. If a task is already loaded, the following message appears: Make sure the current task was saved (if necessary) before pressing New . • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 40 Distance Task distance • Enroute Time Estimated task time Below these fields, the task points are listed (S: Start, F: Finish). On the bottom of the page, comments about this task may be displayed. Page: Options • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 41 AAT Min time (Only AAT) Sets the minimum AAT time. If during the flight the computer notes that the estimated task time is shorter than the minimum AAT time, a status message is issued. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 42 100km. All waypoints within this distance are displayed in the list. • Ahead Sets the field ‘Direction’ to HDG(360 ). All waypoints within a certain angle (30 ) on both sides of the aircrafts heading direction are displayed. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 43 Select Waypoint Opens Waypoint Select to replace the current taskpoint with a new one. • Edit Waypoint Allows editing of the taskpoint’s properties. These modifications of a task point only affect the task point for the current task; the original waypoint in the database is not modified. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 44 Classic Conforms to OLC classic rules. Up to seven points including start and finish, finish height must not be lower than start height less 1000 meters. Points awarded 80% on second last leg and 60% on last leg. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 45: Task Calculator

    Estimated task time Estimated task time at current MacCready. • Task distance Remaining distance to finish task point. • Set MacCready Allows modification of MacCready and shows the influence of these modifica- tions on the estimated task time. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 46: Waypoint Browser

    Filters (name, distance, direction, type) on the left side make this search easier. Distance and direction are always relative to the aircraft. On the bottom of the page, five buttons have preset filter functions: • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 47: Waypoint Info

    These show the additional altitudes which are needed to reach the waypoint above the required safety height from the current gliders position. The first value is referred to MacCready = 0, the second to the current MacCready. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 48: Aat

    The effect of this is to allow pilots to choose to enter an AAT sector in a different direction or offset from the direct line from the previous target to the current target. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 49: Online Contest

    When flying OLC, either AAT or non-AAT tasks may still be used to manage the flight navigation. During flight, if the ‘Optimise’ button in the OLC page of the analysis dialog is pressed, the computer will optimise the current flight with respect to the selected OLC rules. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 50: Logger

    A software-based logger. All versions of XCSoar have this functionality. The logger con- forms to the IGC standard but is not certified. • The PRO version of Altair has an internal IGC certified logger device. XCSoar communi- cates with the logger as if it were an external serial device. •...
  • Page 51 4 CROSS COUNTRY TASKS CONF Setup Logger XXXXXXXX –¿ 1zu1 bernehmen aus Altair maintenance?! • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 52: Glide Computer

    flight mode. This is useful if the pilot has information he wants to be able to view no matter what mode the computer is in. There are two ways to choose the display mode: • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 53: Maccready Settings

    When above final glide altitude, the MacCready ring setting may be increased, resulting in a higher speed to be commanded. Because the ring setting has increased, this also increases the minimum strength of the thermal that would be efficient to stop and circle in. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 54: Glide Polar

    However, for most accurate results, it is advisable to use the correct glide polar for your particular aircraft type. The glide polar is adjusted in flight by XCSoar to account for degraded performance due to bugs and ballast. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 55: Basic Settings

    On system startup, after the GPS has acquired lock, and if a barometric altitude source is connected (e.g. Vega, Altair Pro, FLARM), the QNH is automatically adjusted. This adjust- ment sets the QNH such that the barometric altitude equals the terrain altitude.

  • Page 56: Speed To Fly

    fly is used. The InfoBox ‘V Opt’ shows the optimum speed according to whichever mode is selected. When connected to the Vega intelligent variometer, the speed command sounds are based on this optimum speed value. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 57: Safety Heights

    A value of is recommended. 5.6 Safety heights Three safety heights are defined to provide a degree of safety margin in glide computer calcula- tions. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 58 ), adjusted for wind. At all times, if the final glide through terrain marker (a red cross) is displayed on the screen, then the glider must climb in order to safely reach the destination. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 59: Final Glide Calculator

    This compensation is most accurate when airspeed data is available to XCSoar, otherwise the true airspeed is estimated from the wind speed and ground speed. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 60: Display Of Altitude Required

    Here the display shows that at the current MacCready setting, the aircraft is below final glide (filled red arrow). The hollow green arrow shows that at Mc , the aircraft is above final glide. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 61: Task Speed Estimation

    Task speed average This is the task speed to date compensated for altitude required to com- plete the task. • Task speed achieved This is the task speed to date, compensated for altitude differences from the task start altitude. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 62: Optimal Cruise Track

    The optimal cruise track is displayed on the map area as a large blue arrow, and it recommends the glider steers so that the glider’s track is lined up with the blue arrow during cruise such that • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 63: Analysis Dialog: Glide Polar

    flight, when connected to a supported intelligent variometer (e.g. Vega). This facility allows pilots to perform test flights in stable atmospheric conditions, such as on calm days with no wind, and inspect the measured glide polar. By comparing the measured glide polar with the model • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 64: Flight Notifications

    (see 12.15). Note that local terrain and atmospheric conditions may result in poor visibility before the displayed sunset time. If the expected arrival time at the final waypoint in the task is past sunset, a status message warning is issued. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 65: Atmosphere And Instruments

    MacCready setting on one device should be kept in sync with the other, by the software and to not require additional input from the pilot. Currently XCSoar supports the triadis Engineering Vega intelligent variometer, the Cambridge 302 DDV, Borgelt B50/B500, LX Navigation LX1600 variometers, Zander, and Tasman Instruments variometer.

  • Page 66: Air Data Inputs

    Statistics are gathered so that winds are recorded at different heights and times. When the glider’s altitude changes significantly, the statistics are consulted to determine the best estimate of the wind based on previous measurements. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 67: Wind Settings Dialog

    6.5 Wind settings dialog Wind Settings allows the initial estimate of the wind speed and direction to be entered, usually prior to flight. It is accessed via the menu under: CONF Setup Wind • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 68: Thermal Locator

    If the wind changes and the thermal source is still active, its position on the map reflects the wind change; that is, the thermal at altitude will be projected downwind at the new wind estimate. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 69: Convection Forecast

    Several pages are of interest: • Wind at altitude This shows a graph of the wind speed versus height, and shows the wind vector at several heights. Set wind opens Wind Settings (e.g. to manually set the wind). • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 70 The current MacCready setting is drawn on the bar chart as a thick red dashed line, and the climb rate trend is drawn on the chart as a blue line. Task calc opens the Task calculator . • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 71 6 ATMOSPHERE AND INSTRUMENTS • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 72: Airspace, Traffic And Team Flying

    Both the display and warning of airspace classes can be individually enabled or disabled by the user as described in subsection 7.7. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 73: Incursion Events

    Whenever the warning level increases (above level 0) for any airspace, the airspace warning dialog appears, accompanied by a system beep. When there are no more airspace regions at warning levels above 0, the dialog disappears automatically. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 74: Airspace Warning Dialog

    C) with a base of FL 100 (3047m ASL) and a ceiling at FL 195 (5943m ASL). All airspace warnings as well as a list of all airspaces can be found in Airspace Info (see below). • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 75: Airspace Warning Acknowlegement

    If you want acknowledged airspace warnings to not be repeated, set a very large value for the configuration setting ‘Acknowledge time’. 7.6 Airspace Info dialog Airspace Info shows Informations about all airspaces. It can be accessed over: INFO Nearest Airspace • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 76: Airspace Browser Dialog

    Filter combinations are possible 7.7 Airspace Browser dialog Display and warning settings of airspaces or airspace classes can be set in Airspace Browser . It can be accessed over the following menu: CONF Settings Airspace • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 77 Enter. The following dialog shows up: You can now modify the settings (warnings, visibility) for the selected airspace. To modify the settings for a whole class, press Classes (F9). The following dialog shows up: • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 78: Analysis Dialog: Airspace

    The display shows along the horizontal direction, the distance from the glider out to 50 km in the direction of the glider’s track; along the vertical direction is height. The height of the glider is indicated by a white arrow. This page is useful to help visualise complex layering of airspace. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 79: Flarm Traffic Display

    first is 500 meters, the second is 1000 meters and the third is 2000 meters. Traffic further away than 2000 meters is drawn at the 2000 meter ring. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 80 This is done to make it easier to see at a glance which direction the target is relative to the glider, since when a collision warning is active, typically the target will be close to the glider. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 81: Team Flying

    When the pilot hears a code report from a team mate, he can enter the mate’s code in the field ‘Partner Code’ in order to see bearing and distance of the partner. InfoBoxes are available to give the relative range, bearing and relative bearing to the team mate. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 82: Avionics And Airframe

    WGS84 ellipsoid. XCSoar detects when this occurs and applies the ellipsoid to geoid offset according to an internal tabulated data at two degree spacing. This is not required for FLARM units or Altair Pro, which correctly output MSL altitude. 8.2 Switch inputs...

  • Page 83: Switch Status

    flies into controlled airspace or enters an airfield’s advisory/mandatory broadcast traffic zone. 8.5 Supported variometers XCSoar supports inputs from triadis Engineering’s Vega variometer and TR-DVS digital voice system, Cambridge Aero Instruments 302 DDV and GPSNav, Borgelt B50/B500, LX Navigation LX1600 variometers, Zander variometers, and Tasman Instruments variometer.

  • Page 84: Other Avionics Devices

    (as well as outgoing data) will be sent to the slave. In the slave, the first COM device can then be set to “Vega” or “Altair Pro” and this system receives all data as if it came from the Master’s GPS and connected instruments (Vega, FLARM etc).

  • Page 85: Quickstart

    • Status , page ‘Task’, shows the elapsed flight time. • Analysis can be used to analyse or review the flight. These actions may be performed after turning the device off and on again. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 86: Fai Task

    Optionally set MacCready to ‘AUTO’. If the MacCready mode was set to ‘Final Glide’ or ‘Both’, then the system will command the optimal speed to return home; and the MacCready value will be set to the minimum climb rate at which it is beneficial to continue to climb. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 87: Fai Task, Manual Start

    In this example, we assume there are not alternate start points and Auto Advance mode is set to ‘Arm’. • Adjust AAT sector parameters for the waypoints by clicking Enter on the selected waypoint. • The AAT task is now entered. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 88 This allows the pilot to effectively increase or decrease the task distance. The figure below shows the course around the targets at range set to The figure below shows the course around the targets at range set to • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 89 ‘Both’, then the system will command the optimal speed to return home; and the MacCready value will be set to the minimum climb rate at which it is beneficial to continue to climb. After landing As described in subsection 9.1. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 90: Task With Alternate Start Sectors

    Prior to entering the start sector, when the pilot is ready to start the task, press Arm Advance • In order to re-start from any start sector, the pilot needs to press Arm Advance again prior to flying through any of the start sectors again. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 91: Infobox Reference

    True bearing of the next waypoint. For AAT tasks, this is the true bearing to the target within the AAT sector. Speed ground Ground speed measured by the GPS. If this InfoBox is active in simulation mode, pressing the up and down arrows adjusts the speed. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 92: Glide Ratio

    The required glide ratio to finish the task, given by the distance to go divided by the height required to arrive at the safety arrival altitude. Negative values indicate a climb is necessary to finish. If the height required is close to zero, the displayed value is ’–’. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 93: Variometer

    Total altitude gain/loss in the last thermal. Last Thermal Time Time spent circling in the last thermal. Thermal Average Altitude gained/lost in the current thermal, divided by time spent thermaling. Thermal Gain The altitude gained/lost in the current thermal. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 94: Atmosphere

    (Touchscreen/PC only) Pressing the up/down cursor keys adjusts this forecast temperature. 10.6 MacCready MacCready Setting The current MacCready setting. This InfoBox also shows whether MacCready is manual or auto. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 95: Navigation

    Altitude required to reach the next turn point. Final Altitude Difference Arrival altitude at the final task turn point relative to the safety arrival altitude. Final Altitude Required Altitude required to finish the task. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 96 Assigned Area Task average speed achievable if flying maximum possible dis- tance remaining in minimum AAT time. AA Speed Min Assigned Area Task average speed achievable if flying minimum possible dis- tance remaining in minimum AAT time. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 97: Waypoint

    Time elapsed since takeoff was detected. Time local GPS time expressed in local time zone. Time UTC GPS time expressed in UTC. Task Time To Go Estimated time required to complete task, assuming performance of ideal MacCready cruise/climb cycle. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 98: Team Code

    The bearing to the team aircraft location at the last team code report. Team Bearing Diff The relative bearing to the team aircraft location at the last reported team code. Team range The range to the team aircraft location at the last reported team code. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 99: Configuration

    A safety feature is available to prevent settings being modified in flight. This optionally prevents the configuration settings dialog from starting if the aircraft is in flight. This can be set on page ‘Interface’ in field ‘Safety lock’. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 100 Therefore, if an error was found in a file, the user must re-enter that file in the configuration settings after remedying the situation. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 101: Site

    • Airspace 2 File name of the secondary airspace file. Intended especially for NOTAMs. • Airfields file The airfields file may contain extracts from Enroute Supplements or other con- tributed information about individual airfields. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 102: Airspace

    Warning time This is the time before an incursion is estimated at which the system will warn the pilot. • Acknowledge time This is the time period in which an acknowledged airspace warning will not be repeated. • Use black outline Draws a black outline around each airspace. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 103 When pressed, the following dialog is opened: First select the airspace type you wish to change. Then press Enter and select the colour and pattern you wish it to be drawn in. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 104: Map Display

    • Track up The moving map display will be rotated so the glider’s track is oriented up. • North up when circling This is equivalent to track-up in cruise and north-up when cir- cling. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 105 • Wind arrow Determines the way the wind arrow is drawn on the map. • Arrow head Draws an arrow head only • Full arrow Draws an arrow head with a dashed arrow line • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 106: Terrain Display

    Terrain colors Defines the color ramp used in terrain rendering. Various schemes are available, which works best for you will depend on how mountainous your region is. The available terrain color schemes are illustrated in the table below. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 107 11 CONFIGURATION Colour schemes • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 108: Glide Computer

    Auto Force Final Glide This option enables automatic forcing of final glide mode if the aircraft is above final glide prior to reaching the penultimate waypoint. Forcing final glide early can also be performed manually from the task menu. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 109 STF risk factor The STF risk factor reduces the MacCready setting used to calculate speed to fly as the glider gets low, in order to compensate for risk. Set to 0.0 for no compensation, 1.0 scales Mc linearly with height. See 5.5 for more details. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 110: Safety Factors

    Abort use current Mc When enabled, the current MacCready setting is used for determining arrival altitude during task abort mode. • Safety Mc The MacCready setting used in task abort mode and for determining arrival altitude at airfields. See 5.6 for more details on safety heights. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 111: Polar

    • V rough air The maximum manoeuvring speed can be entered on this page to prevent the glide computer from commanding unrealistic cruise speeds. • Handicap The handicap factor used for OnLine Contest scoring. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 112: Devices

    The ‘Use GPS time’ option, if enabled sets the clock of the computer to the GPS time once a fix is set. This is only necessary if your computer does not have a real-time clock with battery backup or your computer frequently runs out of battery power or otherwise loses time. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 113: Units

    The ‘UTC offset’ field allows the UTC local time offset to be specified. The local time is displayed below in order to make it easier to verify the correct offset has been entered. Offsets to the half-hour may be set. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 114: Interface

    • Animation Determines whether to draw window animations when dialogs open and close. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 115: Appearance

    FLARM display This enables the display of FLARM traffic on the map window as well as the pop-up radar-like display. • OFF FLARM radar and map display disabled • ON/Fixed FLARM radar enabled, map display enabled with fixed scale. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 116 • Bearing The track bearing of the target relative to the track bearing of the aircraft is displayed as an arrow head. In all modes, the color of the target indicates the threat level. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 117: Infobox

    Show gross Whether to show the gross vario value • Averager needle If true, the vario gauge will display a hollow averager needle. During cruise, this needle displays the average netto value. During circling, this needle displays the aver- age gross value. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 118: Data Files

    XCSoar uses waypoint files written in the format designed by Cambridge Aero Instruments for their C302 instrument. The file extension should be .dat Files are available from the Soaring Turn-points section of the Soaring Server http://soaringweb. org/TP • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 119: Airspace

    Users are free to edit these files to add their own notes for airfields that may not otherwise be included in the Enroute Supplement sources. An example (extract from the Australian airfields file): [BENALLA] RUNWAYS: • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 120: Glide Polar

    Sink rate in m/s for second measurement point • Speed in km/h for third measurement point, (usually max manoeuvring speed) • Sink rate in m/s for third measurement point An example, for the LS-3 glider, is given below: • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 121 *Speed2, Sink2, Speed3, Sink3 373,121,74.1,-0.65,102.0,-0.67,167.0,-1.85 Don’t be too optimistic when entering your polar data. It is all too easy to set your LD too high and you will rapidly see yourself undershooting on final glide. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 122 12 DATA FILES • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 123 12 DATA FILES • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 124 12 DATA FILES • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 125: Profiles

    XCSoar or XCSoarPC. However they are transferable between devices. Work is under way to produce a text format that will make it easier for users to edit the files or to export/import them for use with other programs. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 126: Flight Logs

    Several language files are available from the XCSoar website. Upon startup, if the language file “default.xcl” is present and no language file is specified in the configuration settings, then this file will be loaded. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 127: Status

    Users may want to edit these files, or use replacements prepared by others, in order to change the layout of dialogs to suit their preferences. In particular, it is possible to hide configuration settings or other data fields that the user is not interested in. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 128: About Xcsoar

    fixes; and a new method for handling dialogs based on XML files. In September 2006, Version 5.0 was released on all platforms, Altair, PC, PDA. This version con- tains many improvements and new features and is based on extensive testing in flight and in sim- ulation.

  • Page 129: Open Source Philosophy

    This has placed a very high emphasis on developers to perform a great deal of testing before releasing changes to the public. The software developers all keep in contact with each other through the SourceForge developer’s mailing list • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 130: User Base

    Ephemeris Jarmo Lammi • Shapelib Frank Warmerdam • Least squares Curtis Olson http://www.flightgear.org/ ˜ curt • Aviation Formulary Ed Williams • JasPer • KFlog Volkslogger code by Heiner Lamprecht • Volkslogger support Garrecht Ingenieurgesellschaft • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 131 13 ABOUT XCSOAR • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

  • Page 132: Agnu General Public License

    To prevent this, we have made it clear that any patent must be licensed for everyone’s free use or not licensed at all. The precise terms and conditions for copying, distribution and modification follow. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 133 License, and its terms, do not apply to those sections when you distribute them as separate works. But when you distribute the same sections as part of a whole which is a work based on the Program, the distribution of the • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 134 6. You are not required to accept this License, since you have not signed it. However, nothing else grants you permission to modify or distribute the Program or its derivative works. These actions are prohibited by law if you do not accept this License. Therefore, by modifying or • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 135 License, you may choose any version ever published by the Free Software Foundation. 11. If you wish to incorporate parts of the Program into other free programs whose distribution conditions are different, write to the author to ask for permission. For software which is • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...
  • Page 136 TO LOSS OF DATA OR DATA BEING RENDERED INACCURATE OR LOSSES SUSTAINED BY YOU OR THIRD PARTIES OR A FAILURE OF THE PROGRAM TO OPERATE WITH ANY OTHER PROGRAMS), EVEN IF SUCH HOLDER OR OTHER PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POS- SIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. • XCSoar Manual (Altair version) XCSoar-A-EN...

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