Software Version 61.2
plus
CONGRATULATIONS
Thank you for choosing Digifly!
You have purchased a high technology instrument designed expressly for free flight. The
multiple functions and flight data it provides, effectively make it an on board computer.
Learning to use this instrument will make your flying easier in terms of performance and safety.
It will enable you to improve your flying technique and make piloting decisions more quickly
thanks to the comprehensive flight information that is provided. Another benefit is the ability to
download and analyze your flight data afterwards. Our designers can foresee future software
developments, so the software at the heart of this instrument can be updated at any time via
the Internet using the optional Digifly PC cable.
DIGIFLY INTERNATIONAL GUARANTEE
Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing this Digifly product which has been designed and manufactured to the
highest quality standards. Digifly warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for 3 years from the date of purchase.
The Digifly guarantee applies provided the product is handled properly for its intended use, in
accordance with its operating instructions and upon presentation of the original invoice or cash
receipt, indicating the date of purchase, the dealer’s name, the model and the serial number of
the instrument. The customer is however, responsible for any transportation costs. The unit
must be securely packaged for return.
The Digifly guarantee may not apply if:
- The documents have been altered in any way or made illegible.
- Repairs or product modifications and alterations have been executed by unauthorized person
or service.
- Damage is caused by accidents including but not limited to lightning, water or fire, misuse or
neglect.
Digifly assumes no responsibility for special, incidental, punitive or consequential damages, or
loss of use. If your Digifly product is not working correctly or is defective, please contact your
Digifly dealer. In order to avoid unnecessary inconvenience, we advise you to read the operating
instructions carefully before contacting your dealer.
Digifly Europe s.r.l.
Via Stradelli Guelfi 53
40138 Bologna – Italia
Tel. +39 051 533777
Internet: www.digifly.com
E-Mail: info@digifly.com
Page 2
1 INDEX
1 INDEX..................................................................................................................................... 3
2 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES .................................................................................................... 6
2.1 BASIC DISPLAY SCREEN ............................................................................................... 6
2.2 ADVANCED DISPLAY SCREEN........................................................................................ 6
2.3 NAVIGATION DISPLAY SCREEN............................................................................. 7
2.4 KEY GUIDE................................................................................................................... 7
2.4.1 NORMAL KEY PRESSURE............................................................................ 7
2.4.2 LONG KEY PRESSURE (2 seconds) ................................................................. 7
3 GETTING STARTED.................................................................................................................. 8
3.1 GUIDE TO SOCKETS...................................................................................................... 8
3.2 BATTERIES................................................................................................................... 8
3.2.1 BATTERY TYPES ...................................................................................... 8
3.2.2 BATTERY LIFE INDICATOR ........................................................................... 8
3.3 LONG OR NORMAL KEY PRESS ..................................................................................... 8
3.4 TURNING ON & OFF...................................................................................................... 8
3.5 DISPLAY CONTRAST ADJUSTMENT ................................................................................ 9
3.6 MENU NAVIGATION....................................................................................................... 9
3.7 SETTING UP YOUR VARIO .............................................................................................. 9
3.8 MULTI LANGUAGE HELP ............................................................................................... 9
3.9 RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS ...................................................................................... 9
4 DISPLAY SCREENS................................................................................................................ 10
5 BASIC FUNCTIONS ................................................................................................................ 10
5.1 ALTIMETER ................................................................................................................ 10
5.1.1 ADJUSTING ALTIMETERS A1, A2 ................................................................. 11
5.1.2 GRAPHIC ALTIMETER AND THERMAL CENTERING DISPLAY ................................... 11
5.2 VARIOMETER ............................................................................................................. 11
5.2.1 SUPERFAST INTELLIVARIO......................................................................... 11
5.2.2 VARIO REACTIVITY .................................................................................. 12
5.2.3 ANALOGUE VARIO .................................................................................. 12
5.2.4 INTEGRATED (AVERAGED) VARIO ................................................................. 12
5.2.5 ACOUSTIC VARIO ................................................................................... 12
5.2.6 VARIO SIMULATOR ................................................................................. 13
5.3 AIR SPEED (WITH OPTIONAL AIR SPEED PROBE).......................................................... 13
Page 3
5.3.1
STALL ALARM ....................................................................................... 13
5.3.2 AIR SPEED RECALIBRATION ....................................................................... 13
5.4 TEMPERATURE........................................................................................................... 14
5.5 BAROMETER .............................................................................................................. 14
5.6 TIME/CHRONOGRAPH ................................................................................................ 14
5.7 PILOT NAME............................................................................................................... 14
6 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS......................................................................................................... 15
6.1 TOTAL ENERGY COMPENSATION................................................................................. 15
6.2 THERMAL CENTERING FUNCTION ............................................................................... 15
6.3 EFFICIENCY (GLIDE RATIO).......................................................................................... 16
6.4 POLAR DATA............................................................................................................... 16
6.5 SPEED TO FLY ............................................................................................................ 17
6.6 McCREADY................................................................................................................. 18
6.7 EQUIVALENT McCREADY............................................................................................. 18
6.8 NETTO VARIO ............................................................................................................. 19
6.9 THERMAL SNIFFER..................................................................................................... 19
7 FLIGHT RECORDER ............................................................................................................... 20
7.1 ACTIVATING THE FLIGHT RECORDER ........................................................................... 20
7.1.1 AUTOMATIC START RECORD MODE .............................................................. 20
7.1.2 ALWAYS RECORD MODE........................................................................... 21
7.1.3 RECORD MODE OFF................................................................................ 21
7.2 RECORD RATE............................................................................................................ 21
7.3 LOG BOOK MANAGEMENT .......................................................................................... 22
7.4 FLIGHT PLAYBACK...................................................................................................... 23
8 PC CONNECTION AND INTERFACE ......................................................................................... 23
8.1 CONNECTING WITH THE DIGIFLY VLTOOLS SOFTWARE ................................................ 23
8.2 CONNECTING WITH COMPETITION SOFTWARE ................................................ 24
8.2.1 DOWNLOAD A SINGLE FLIGHT TO COMPETITION SOFTWARE ................................. 24
8.2.2 DOWNLOAD ALL FLIGHTS TO COMPETITION SOFTWARE....................................... 25
8.3 FIRMWARE UPGRADE................................................................................................. 25
8.3.1 UPGRADE PROCESS................................................................................ 25
8.4 PROBLEMS CONNECTING TO YOUR PC........................................................................ 26
9 DIGIFLY ACCESSORIES.......................................................................................................... 28
9.1 DIGIFLY ARCHIMEDE STANDARD ACCESSORIES .......................................................... 28
9.2 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ............................................................................................ 28
10 APPENDIX............................................................................................................................. 28
Page 4
10.1 DIGIFLY TECHNICAL FEATURES ................................................................................... 28
10.2 STANDARD FUNCTIONS .............................................................................................. 28
10.3 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS .............................................................................................. 29
10.4 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................... 29
10.5 SETUP PARAMETERS.................................................................................................. 30
10.6 ADV-SETUP (ADVANCED SETUP) PARAMETERS ............................................................ 31
10.7 RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS .................................................................................... 31
11 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE .................................................................................................... 32
BASIC DISPLAY SCREEN........................................................................................................ 32
LONG KEY PRESSURE (2seconds) ................................................................................. 32
Page 5
2 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES
2.1 BASIC DISPLAY SCREEN
Analogue vario
Integrated Vario
Efficiency - Air Speed
Pressure
Temperature
Volume
Flight rec
Battery icon
Altimeter A1
Altimeter A2 / A3
Time :
Real Time Clock
Chrono :
Flight Chrono
Menu
2.2 ADVANCED DISPLAY SCREEN
- Graphic Altimeter display /
Thermal Centering display
- Altimeter 1
- Altimeter 2 / Altimeter 3
(thermal)
- Integrated Vario
- Time / Chrono / Efficiency
and Air Speed / Temperature
/ Pressure
Page 6
2.3 NAVIGATION DISPLAY SCREEN
A
Equivalent McCready–
McCready–
- Graphic Altimeter display /
Thermal Centering display
- Altimeter 1
- Altimeter 2
2.4 KEY GUIDE
2.4.1 NORMAL KEY PRESSURE
Graphic Altimeter /
Thermal Centering
Time
- Altimeter 3 (thermal)
- Integrated Vario
- Netto Vario
- Time / Chrono
- Efficiency and Air Speed /
Temperature / Pressure
Chrono
Menu
Eff-AirSpeed / Temperature / Pressure
Volume med / high
2.4.2 LONG KEY PRESSURE (2 seconds)
Power ON / OFF (4 sec)
Volume Off
lti 2 - 3
Zero Chrono
Zero Alti 2
Pages
Page 7
3 GETTING STARTED
3.1 GUIDE TO SOCKETS
3.2 BATTERIES
3.2.1 BATTERY TYPES
The Digifly Archimede Plus is supplied with a none rechargeable 1.5V AA battery.
It also support a 1.2V AA Ni-MH rechargeable battery.
3.2.2 BATTERY LIFE INDICATOR
The battery life is up to 200 hours.
The battery level is continuously monitored by an internal voltmeter that indicates the
remaining battery life.
The battery icon starts to blink when there is less than 20 hours of battery life remaining.
The battery life can be affected by use in extreme conditions such as cold and humidity.
The battery icon only starts at 100% when using a standard alkaline AA 1.5V battery.
3.3 LONG OR NORMAL KEY PRESS
The length of time a key is pressed on your Digifly Archimede Plus influences the
functions available.
For a long key press, you must keep the button pressed down for at least 2 seconds
(green functions).
For a normal key press, you must press the button for less than a second.
When not specified, the key press is to be considered as a normal key press.
3.4 TURNING ON & OFF
To turn on your Digifly Archimede Plus, press the
key at least for 2 seconds.
To turn off your Digifly Archimede Plus, press the
key at least for 2 seconds.
After switching off your Digifly Archimede Plus, you must wait at least 5 seconds before
you can turn it on again. This prevents unwanted operation e.g. during transit in your
glider bag.
After turning your Digifly Archimede Plus on, the first screen briefly shows the vario
model, pilot name (if set), vario serial number, software version, date, time and battery
voltage.
Page 8
3.5 DISPLAY CONTRAST ADJUSTMENT
The contrast of the Digifly Archimede Plus LCD display can be adjusted to suit ambient
light conditions.
To change the contrast of the display, press the
key to go “MAIN SETUP” menu, and
go to (M-SET \ n. 1 CTRS). Edit the parameter and save by pressing the
“SAV”).
3.6 MENU NAVIGATION
To navigate the menus on your Digifly Archimede Plus, go to the
setup MENU page by pressing the
To return to the instrument’s main display, press the
key (function “MEN”).
key
(function “ESC”).
From the “MENU” page, to select the sub-menus, move up and
down using the arrow keys
and to confirm, press the
,
key (function “ENT”).
To change the selected parameter’s values, use the arrow keys
and confirm with the key (function “SAV”) or you can
,
also leave without saving your edit with the
key (function
“ESC”).
key (function
3.7 SETTING UP YOUR VARIO
To setup your Digifly Archimede Plus and adjust parameters,
press the
SET) sub-menu and press the
and down with the arrow keys
key (function “MEN”), select the “MAIN SETUP”(M-
key (function “ENT”).Move up
Press the key (function
,
“EDIT”) to go to the edit mode. To change the selected
parameter’s values, use the arrow keys
the
your edit with the
key (function “SAV”) or you can also leave without saving
key (function “ESC”).
To return to the instrument’s main display, press the
and confirm with
,
key
(function “ESC”).
3.8 MULTI LANGUAGE HELP
To help you set up your Digifly Archimede Plus, the instrument supports several help
languages. To change the help language go to (M-SET \ n.30 LANG) & select the
language of choice.
3.9 RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS
To restore the factory settings (default values for all parameters), press and hold down
the
key as you turn vario on. Keep the key pressed until a message “FACTORY
SET?” appears, then confirm with “YES” or “NO”.
Page 9
4 DISPLAY SCREENS
The are 3 main display screens on the Digifly Archimede plus:
- The Basic Display screen.
- The Advanced Display screen.
- The Navigation Display screen.
To switch between these 3 main display screens, press the
key.
BASIC DISPLAY
ADVANCED DISPLAY
NAVIGATION DISPLAY
5 BASIC FUNCTIONS
5.1 ALTIMETER
The Digifly Archimede Plus has 3 different altimeters: A1, A2, A3.
The altimeters can be shown in metric (mt) or imperial (ft) units. To change the units of
display. Press the
key, (function “ENT”) to select and then select (M-SET \ n. 26 U-
AL)” and change to “FT” or “MT”.
On the Basic Display page, the A1 (barometric altimeter) is the first altimeter shown.
Below the altimeter A1 is there the A2-A3 altimeter display . To switch between A2 or A3
press the
To zero the A2 altimeter press the
key.
key (long press).
The A3 altimeter is automatically zeroed when a thermal is found. There are 2
parameters that can be adjusted to allow the instrument to identify a thermal; the
change in height and the time over which the change in height occurs.
To set the thermal detection parameters, go to (ADVANCED SETUP \ n. 1 THEV) and
(ADVANCED SETUP \ n. 2 THET) to adjust the time over which a change in height is
required for detection of a thermal.
Page 10
5.1.1 ADJUSTING ALTIMETERS A1, A2
Go to the altimeter menu “ALTIMETER” and select which altimeter
(A1 or A2 ) you want to adjust. Move up and down using the arrow
keys
altimeter value use the arrow keys
and press the key (function “EDIT”). To adjust the
,
and confirm with the
,
key (function “SAV”) or leave without saving with the key
(function “ESC”).
To reset the A1, A2 altimeters to standard QNH (1013 mb), go to
the altimeter menu “ALTIMETER”. Press the
central key (long
press). A confirmation of “YES” or “NO” is required.
If the altimeters have been set in feet and the “ft” icon is blinking,
the altitude indication is in tens of feet.
5.1.2 GRAPHIC ALTIMETER AND THERMAL CENTERING DISPLAY
This is a live plot of your altitude (Altimeter1)
against time (highlighted here in red), it scrolls
whilst you are flying. It will help you to see how effectively you are
climbing or turning in a thermal. It is especially useful in weak
conditions.
The scales on the graphic altimeter can be changed go to (MAIN
SETUP \ n. 13 BARY and \n. 14 BARY).
To switch between the graphic altimeter and the thermal centering
display, press the
key.
GRAPHIC ALTIMETER DISPLAY THERMAL CENTERING DISPLAY
5.2 VARIOMETER
5.2.1 SUPERFAST INTELLIVARIO
The Intellivario is a revolutionary system designed by Digifly which is based on the use of
sophisticated digital filters. This results in a very sensitive vario and is immune to radio
interference. All the variometric functions are subject to these filters.
The Digifly Archimede Plus has a very fast pressure sensor and an excellent data
acquisition system that allows the instrument to perform as a very fast and accurate
vario (updated 20 times a second).
Page 11
5.2.2 VARIO REACTIVITY
To adjust the reactivity of the vario, go to (M-SET \ n. 5 RVAR).
5.2.3 ANALOGUE VARIO
The long data field on the left of the display shows the analogue vario value.
The analogue vario is an instantaneous vario reading. This information is shown on the
analogue display on the left of the screen by a bar graph, indicating lift or sink.
The scale of the analogue vario can be adjusted by setting parameter (M-SET \ n. 7
FS_V) to 1, 6, 12 m/s.
5.2.4 INTEGRATED (AVERAGED) VARIO
The integrated vario is an average vario reading. This time over which the reading is
averaged is adjustable.
You can change the integration interval by setting parameter (M-SET \ n. 6 INTE)
between “0” and “60” seconds.
It can be delayed or immediate. If you set a value that is too low, its value will be close to
the instantaneous reading. Normally this is the most common setting. It can also be
used for example to see if the rate of lift or sink is improving or getting worse. If the
integrated vario reading over a number of seconds is higher than the actual reading, it
means that you are doing worse than before.
5.2.5 ACOUSTIC VARIO
The acoustic vario represents the instantaneous values of the vario with a modulated
tone.
The volume of the tone is adjustable over three levels pressing the
key.
Important: this volume level influence all acoustic indications, but not power ON/OFF
indication.
You can set the threshold level for the Digifly Archimede to indicate lift, go to (M-SET \ n.
2 V.UP) and sink, go to (M-SET \ n. 3 V.DN).
To change the vario tone modulation, based on your personal preferences, go to (M-SET
\ n. 4 TONE), the acoustic vario tone modulation between SFT (soft), STD (standard) and
FAS (fast).
A very useful function to “hear” the vario tone modulation without flying is the Vario
Simulator function, see paragraph below.
Page 12
5.2.6 VARIO SIMULATOR
The Vario Simultator is a very useful function, that allows to simulate all the vario
instrument functions (acoustic vario, analog and integrator vario) while you are on the
ground.
To activate this function, go to (M-SET \ n. 8 SIMV), press the
key (function “EDIT”)
and select ON.
Go back to BASIC/ADVANCED/NAVIGATION display and press up and down the arrow
keys
to change the vario value.
,
Important: for your safety, this function is always reset to “OFF” when you turn the vario
on.
5.3 AIR SPEED (WITH OPTIONAL AIR SPEED PROBE)
To display your air speed, you must have an air speed probe
connected. The optional air speed probe should be plugged in to
the right hand socket on the bottom of the vario.
The air speed reading can be shown in metric (km/h) or imperial (mph) units. To change
the units of display, go to (M-SET \ n. 27 U-SP) menu & then change to “MHP” or “KMH”.
The airspeed can be shown on the BASIC/ADVANCED/NAVIGATION DISPLAY screen on
the right side of the efficiency-airspeed dual instrument display.
To display the efficiency-airspeed dual instrument press the
key.
5.3.1 STALL ALARM
To activate the stall alarm function, you must have an air speed probe connected. The
optional air speed probe should be plugged in to the right hand socket on the bottom of
the vario. It is possible to adjust the value that the acoustic stall alarm is activated. Go to
(M-SET \ n. 9 STAL). Enter the value in km/h.
5.3.2 AIR SPEED RECALIBRATION
If the air speed probe is showing inaccurate readings, it is possible to recalibrate the air
speed probe, go to (M_SET \ n. 11 KIAS). An adjustment (in %) of the air speed reading
can be made, (100% = no adjustment, 110% = increase, 90% = decrease).
Attention: incorrect re-calibration will make the air speed readings on the Digifly
Archimede Plus inaccurate.
Page 13
5.4 TEMPERATURE
The temperature can be shown on the BASIC/ADVANCED/NAVIGATION Display screen.
Press the right arrow key
to switch between the functions. In sequence the following
values are shown:
Temperature / Pressure / Air Speed
The ambient temperature reading can be shown in metric (°C) or imperial (°F) units. To
change the units of display, go to the main setup menu page by pressing the
key
(function “MEN”), select the “MAIN SETUP” menu and go (M-SET \ n. 28 U-TE).
It is possible to adjust the temperature indication, go to (MAIN SETUP \ n. 29 KTMP).
Note: temperature sensor is inside the instrument and takes several minutes to reach
the external temperature. Differences in readings of about 1° or 2° are normal.
5.5 BAROMETER
The barometer can be shown on the BASIC/ADVANCED/NAVIGATION DISPLAY screen.
To display the barometric pressure press the
key.
To recalibrate the barometer, go to (M-SET \ n. 12 KBAR)
Attention: Incorrect re-calibration makes the readings of the barometer & the altimeters
less accurate.
5.6 TIME/CHRONOGRAPH
The Time/Chronograph function can be shown on the BASIC/ADVANCED/NAVIGATION
Display.
Press the key
TIME or
CHRONO to switch between the functions.
,
To zero the chronograph, press the key (long press).
Note: The chronograph is always set at zero when flight recorder starts.
To adjust the time and date, go to (M-SET \ n. 15 HOUR), (M-SET \ n. 16 MIN), (M-SET \
n. 17 DAY), (M-SET \ n. 18 MONT), (M-SET \ n. 19 YEAR).
5.7 PILOT NAME
To set the pilot name, go to (M-SET \ n. 20 PILO).
Page 14
6 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS
6.1 TOTAL ENERGY COMPENSATION
Total energy compensation is the
rate of change of atmospheric
pressure and displays this as a
vertical speed. If you slow down in
flight, your glider will climb using the
excessive kinetic energy. A “noncompensated” vario would interpret
this as lift. Now, if you are flying
quite fast and slow down when you enter a thermal, the vario reading gets rather difficult
to interpret. Part of the lift reading is due to slowing down, and part is due to lift from the
thermal. With total energy compensation, the part of the climb due to the change in
velocity is ignored, allowing you to identify “real” thermals.
To identify the correct total energy compensation value, an air speed probe must be
connected to your vario. The optional air speed probe should be plugged in to the right
hand socket on the bottom of the vario.
To determine the correct total energy compensation value, with an air speed probe
connected, you should fly in calm air conditions and slow down as if you are entering a
thermal. If the vario shows a change in lift, you have to increase the total energy
compensation value, go to (M-SET \ n. 10 TEC). Then try again until the change in
velocity isn’t recorded as lift.
A typical value for hang gliders is 65. Setting this value to “0” deactivates the total
energy compensation function.
6.2 THERMAL CENTERING FUNCTION
This is a live plot of your vario against time, it scrolls whilst you are flying. It will help you
to see how wide the thermal is and how far you flew from the best lift you encountered. It
is especially useful in weak conditions.
To switch between the Thermal Centering Function and the Graphic Altimeter press the
key (long pressure).
The horizontal (x) scale, time (in minutes) can be changed, go to (MAIN SETUP \ n. 13
BARX).
The vertical scale (y) height (in meters) can also be adjusted, go to (MAIN SETUP \ n. 14
BARY).
Page 15
6.3 EFFICIENCY (GLIDE RATIO)
The efficiency indicates the current instant efficiency (glide ratio) related to the air.
To display your efficiency you must have an air speed probe connected. The optional air
speed probe should be plugged in to the right hand socket on the bottom of the vario.
If your Air speed drops lower than 5km/h, the display is blank.
To adjust the time over which efficiency is averaged, go to (ADV. SETUP \ n. 3 EFF).
The efficiency can be shown on the BASIC/ADVANCED/NAVIGATION DISPLAY screen on
the left side of the efficiency-airspeed dual instrument display.
To display the efficiency-airspeed dual instrument press the
key.
6.4 POLAR DATA
To utilize the polar data functions, you must
have an air speed probe connected. The
optional air speed probe should be plugged in
to the right hand socket on the bottom of the
vario.
A polar curve (shown in bold on the figure) is a
graph of your glider’s sink rate over its speed range.
The glider’s stall speed is shown by at point S and the glider’s max speed at point T on
the graph.
On the graph, you can also see three pairs of relative speed readings and sink rates. At
point A, you can see that the lowest sink rate achieved is at the top of the curve.
Therefore SinkA is the minimum sink rate and VA is the speed at which this is achieved.
The glide ratio is the ratio between the glider’s horizontal speed and the sink rate. To
find the best glide rate on the graph, a straight line is from the origin of the graph (point
O) to the tangent of the curve (point B). The speed to fly at to achieve the best glide (air
related) is therefore VB and the glide ratio is VB/SinkB.
On your instrument you can insert three different polars, go to (ADVANCED SETUP \ n.
6/14 PX-A/B/C) and choose which polar to use, go to (ADVANCED SETUP \ n. 5 POLA).
Page 16
If this parameter (ADVANCED SETUP \ n. 5 POLA) is set to “OFF”, all information relating
to McCready, McCready Equivalent, Thermal Sniffer, Netto Vario is not displayed on the
instrument, creating a cleaner display for users not needing this functionality.
There are three polars preloaded, (2 for hang gliders and 1 for a paraglider). To see the
three default polar curves and to calculate your own, use the Digifly Excel software
available from the Digifly web site (www.digifly.com).
We suggest that you insert your own polar curve data which best reflects the actual
performance of your glider.
6.5 SPEED TO FLY
To utilize the speed to fly functions you must have an air speed probe connected. The
optional air speed probe should be plugged in to the right hand socket on the bottom of
the vario.
If this parameter (ADVANCED SETUP \ n. 5 POLA) is set to “OFF”, all information relating
to McCready, McCready Equivalent, Thermal Sniffer, Netto Vario is not displayed on the
instrument, creating a cleaner display for users not needing this functionality.
The speed to fly value is the optimum flying speed to obtain the best glide ratio. This
value depends on performance of your glider as well as vertical and horizontal airflow. In
calm air, the optimum flying speed is the same as the best glide speed (point B on the
figure).
On the figure above, you can see different values of speed to fly value related to different
flight conditions.
Page 17
The X-axis shows horizontal speed, the Y-axis shows sink rate. In a head wind or sink
p
conditions, the best glide speed increases. In order to find the optimum speed to fly
value in sink, you simply add the sink of the air to the polar of your glider, drawing a new
polar and a new tangent line from the initial point of axes. The new tangent (point D)
meets the polar at the point giving a higher optimum flying speed VD.
To obtain the correct “Speed to fly”
you have to adjust your speed so
both McCready arrows are in the
Equiv. McCready
McCready
same position.
Optimal Good Bad
- S
eed to fly indications -
6.6 McCREADY
To utilize the McCready functions, you must have an air speed
McCready
probe connected. The optional air speed probe should be
plugged in to the right hand socket on the bottom of the vario.
If this parameter (ADVANCED SETUP \ n. 5 POLA) is set to “OFF”, all display
information relating to McCready, McCready Equivalent, Thermal Sniffer,
Netto Vario is not displayed on the instrument, creating a cleaner display for users not
needing this functionality.
The McCready value is the average lift value of last 10 minutes . The average time can
be adjusted , go to (ADVANCED SETUP \ n. 15 MCRA).
6.7 EQUIVALENT McCREADY
To utilize the McCready functions, you must have an air
speed probe connected. The optional air speed probe should
Equivalent
McCready
be plugged in to the right hand socket on the bottom of the vario.
Page 18
If this parameter (ADVANCED SETUP \ n. 5 POLA) is set to “OFF”, all display information
relating to McCready, McCready Equivalent, Thermal Sniffer, Netto Vario is not displayed
on the instrument, creating a cleaner display for users not needing this functionality.
This value indicates the Equivalent McCready value, using the actual air speed as the
optimal speed.
The Equivalent McCready indicator is a kind of "reverse" speed to fly calculation. It tells
you that flying at the current air speed you are assuming that the average thermal value
of the flight is the value indicated from the Equivalent McCready.
To set the average of the Equivalent McCready, go to (ADVANCED SETUP \ n. 16 MCRE).
6.8 NETTO VARIO
To utilize the netto vario function, you must have an air speed probe connected. The
optional air speed probe should be plugged in to the right
hand socket on the bottom of the vario.
If this parameter (ADVANCED SETUP \ n. 5 POLA) is set to
“OFF”, all display information relating to McCready, McCready
Equivalent, Thermal Sniffer, Netto Vario is not displayed on the instrument, creating a
cleaner display for users not needing this functionality.
The netto vario indicates the vertical speed of the rising or sinking air mass you are flying
through and is displayed with black digits with a white background ( this to be
distinguished from the standard vario that is displayed
in “reverse” mode).
To use this function, you also need to set up the polar curve of your glider.
6.9 THERMAL SNIFFER
To utilize the thermal sniffer function, you must have an air speed probe connected. The
optional air speed probe should be plugged in to the right hand socket on the bottom of
the vario.
Page 19
If this parameter (ADVANCED SETUP \ n. 5 POLA) is set to “OFF”, all display information
relating to McCready, McCready Equivalent, Thermal Sniffer , Netto Vario is not displayed
on the instrument, creating a cleaner display for users not needing this functionality.
The thermal sniffer is an innovative function that helps you to detect a thermal early.
It alerts you with a sound and the popup message “THERMAL” when you are in a thermal
but your vario is still indicating sink because your sink rate is higher than the speed of
the rising air.
This function uses two parameters, the thermal strength and the time over which the
themal must occur.
To set the thermal detection parameters, go to (ADVANCED SETUP \ n. 1 THEV) and
(ADVANCED SETUP \ n. 2 THET) to adjust the time over which a change in height is
required for detection of a thermal.
To use this function you need to set up the polar of your glider.
7 FLIGHT RECORDER
When the Digifly Archimede plus is recoding a flight, the record icon is
shown at the bottom of the screen. has been activated.
.
7.1 ACTIVATING THE FLIGHT RECORDER
The flight data recorder can operate in 3 different modes:
- “AUT” Automatic start record mode.
- “ALW” Always record mode
- “OFF” No data recording.
7.1.1 AUTOMATIC START RECORD MODE
The default record mode is automatic start record mode, “AUT”, parameter (MAIN SETUP
\ n. 21 RECM).
Page 20
In automatic start record mode, the flight recorder will start on take off, provided there is
a change in height of 2 meters.
In the automatic start record mode it is possible to change the parameters that initiates
the recording. You can adjust the change of height in meters (MAIN SETUP \ n. 22 R-DS)
and required for the instrument to automatically start recording a flight.
In order to respect the FAI rules access to the setup menu on the Digifly Archimede plus
is blocked when the flight recorder has been activated.
Once the recorder is activated, the flight recorder will only stop recording when the
instrument is turned off.
7.1.2 ALWAYS RECORD MODE
In the always record mode “ALW” (MAIN SETUP \ n. 21 RECM) the flight data recorder
starts recording 5 seconds after the instrument is turned on and stops recording when
the instrument is turned off.
In order to respect the FAI rules access to the setup menu on the Digifly Archimede plus
is blocked when the flight recorder has been activated.
7.1.3 RECORD MODE OFF
In the record mode “OFF” (MAIN SETUP \ n. 21 RECM), no data is recorded.
7.2 RECORD RATE
The recorder rate can be adjusted from 1 to 60 seconds, go to (MAIN SETUP \ n. 23
RECR).
At 1 data point per second you can record 24 hours of flight data.
At 1 data point per minute, you can record up to 1000 hours of flight data.
Up to 105,000 flight data points can be recorded from 250 flights.
When the recorder memory is full, the oldest flight is automatically deleted.
Page 21
The remaining free recorder memory is displayed shortly at the instrument power on .
If a single flight fills the whole memory the recorder is stopped and the message “MEM
FULL” is displayed ). To record a new flight is necessary to clear the whole recorder
memory : to delete all flights goto the “LOGBOOK” menu, press the
key (long press). A
confirmation of “YES” or “NO” is required.
7.3 LOG BOOK MANAGEMENT
To view saved flight data go to press the
key (function “ENT”) and select “LOGBOOK”.
A list of all recorded flights with take off date and time is shown.
To select which flight you want to view, move up and down using the arrow keys
and then press the
key (function “ENT”). The first flight listed is the last recorded
flight.
To scroll to view the others flights navigate using the arrow keys
Press the
key (function “ESC”) to return to the previous menu.
,
,
To delete all flights from the flight log, from the “LOGBOOK” menu, press the
(long press). A confirmation of “YES” or “NO” is required.
For each flight, the flight data screen includes the following information:
- Take off date and time, the duration of the flight and the total gain of altitude
attained, the minimum and maximum values of altimeter A1, the variometer
values and air speed.
key
Page 22
7.4 FLIGHT PLAYBACK
This is a special function that allows you to review (playback) on
your vario the whole flight in detail.
Moving the cursor on the graph you can read on the screen at
each data point:
- Pressure altitude, variometer, air speed, time and
chronograph values.
To activate the playback function, press the
key (function
“MOV”).
From this screen you can use these keys for the following functions:
- Press the arrow keys
- Press the arrow keys
- Press the
key (function “Tim”) to change the time display to chronograph display.
,
to zoom-in/zoom-out .
,
to move the graphic cursor to the left or to the right.
8 PC CONNECTION AND INTERFACE
To download your flight data to your PC, plug the optional PC
serial or USB cable into the middle socket on the base of your
Digifly Archimede Plus.
8.1 CONNECTING WITH THE DIGIFLY VLTOOLS SOFTWARE
The “VLTOOLS” software is a free Digifly Windows PC software that allows you to
download your recorded flights (logbook) from the Archimede Plus to a PC in Windows
Excel format and IGC format.
Connect the PC cable with both the Digifly Archimede Plus and the PC switched off.
Switch on the Digifly Archimede Plus and then the PC.
From the Digifly Archimede Plus, go to the menu “VLTOOLS”, the message “LINK” start to
flash.
From your PC, run the latest Digifly Vltools software and click the “CONNECT” button.
Page 23
A successful connection is confirmed by a message with the serial number of your
instrument.
Click the “Download Last Flight” or the “Download All Flights” button.
At the end of the download *.XLS and *.IGC files will be created in the VLTOOLS
directory.
The “Download Last Flight” button will save last flight in two different file format flight.igc
and flight.xls .
The “Download All Flights” button will save each flight in two different formats (*.igc and
*.xls) with file name 01, 02, 03 etc.
Note: these files will be always
overwritten so it's very important that you
rename them after the download.
Files *.igc can be viewed on your PC with
most IGC compatible software packages
e.g. CompeGPS, MaxPunkte, GpsDump,
Seeyou, Oziexplorer, etc.
Files *.xls can be read & edited by Excel
program.
For more info read the Digifly Vltools user
manual.
8.2
CONNECTING WITH COMPETITION SOFTWARE
The Digifly Archimede Plus instrument can communicate and downloads flights with
some of the commonly used competition software packages e.g. CompeGPS,
MaxPunkte, GpsDump.
To communicate with a PC connect the optional PC serial cable or USB cable in to the
left socket on the bottom of the vario, marked GPS.
8.2.1 DOWNLOAD A SINGLE FLIGHT TO COMPETITION SOFTWARE
To download single flights from your Digifly Archimede plus to your PC Competition
software , enter the “LOGBOOK” menu on your instrument.
With up and down arrows, highlight the desired flight (without entering in it).
From the PC Competition software (CompeGPS, MaxPunkte, GpsDump) select “download
flight track” using the protocol MLR 38400 baud.
The download can be stopped pressing the “ESC” key on the your Digifly Archimede plus.
Page 24
8.2.2 DOWNLOAD ALL FLIGHTS TO COMPETITION SOFTWARE
To download all flights from your Digifly Archimede plus to your PC Competition software,
go to the “LOGBOOK” menu (without entering in it ).
From the PC software (CompeGPS, MaxPunkte, GpsDump) select “download flight track”
using the protocol MLR 38400 baud.
The download can be stopped pressing the “ESC” key on the Digifly Archimede plus.
8.3 FIRMWARE UPGRADE
The software (firmware) on your Digifly Archimede plus can
be updated as new releases are made available from Digifly.
This will allow your instrument to be kept up to date with new
functions and improvements.
The latest Digifly software may be downloaded from the Digifly web site
(www.digifly.com) & installed using the optional PC serial or USB cable.
The optional PC serial or Digifly USB cable is connected to the middle socket on the base
of the Digifly Archimede plus. .
8.3.1 UPGRADE PROCESS
Make sure the battery on your Digifly Archimede plus is fully charged.
Turn off your Digifly Archimede plus and plug the Digifly PC serial or USB cable in to the
middle socket on the base of the Digifly Archimede plus.
Keeping the
key pressed, press the key and wait a long “beep” acoustic
confirmation. Note that the screen will not come on.
Now release the
key and then the key.
From your PC, run the “Upgrade_xx_x_Archimede plus.exe” program.
Press Start Button
Make sure you have only one version of the “Upgrade_xx_x_Archimede plus.exe”
programme open at a time.
Page 25
When the “Upgrade_xx_x_Archimede plus.exe” tools software is operating you will see a
the progress of the software.
The upgrade process take about 5 minutes and on completion, your PC will confirm with
a long “beep”.
Press the
key and disconnect the PC cable.
When you restart your Digifly Archimede plus the version number of the new software
you have just installed is briefly shown on the start up screen.
8.4 PROBLEMS CONNECTING TO YOUR PC
Problem : I attached the cable but the software do not connect
Solution :
A) Unplug the cable , download from our web site the driver installer (www.digifly.com -
>software -> " DIGIFLYNEXTGEN-USB Driver.zip” , run it on your PC than plug again the
cable.
How to Check the Driver Installation
1) Go to the Device Manager : Start -> Control Panel -> System -> Hardware -> Device
Manager
2) Click on the plus sign (+) next to "Ports."
3) If the device is installed properly, you will see "Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port.
(COMx)". Note that x is the number of the COM port assigned to the cable.
B) Look for a conflict with a another program or device and turn off firewall / antivirus
programs
Page 26
C) It is also possible that the COM port number assigned is too high or duplicated with
some other devices (Bluetooth - Irda ).
Try to reassign the COM port number :
1) Go to the Device Manager :Start ->Control Panel ->System ->Hardware ->Device
Manager
2) Click on the plus sign (+) next to "Ports."
3) Right click on the "Prolific USB to Serial Port" and click on Properties
4) Click on the "Port Settings" tab. Click the "Advanced" button.
5) Pull down the scrollbar on the bottom, left side and select COM 1, 2, 3 or 4 (NOTE:
Choose one that does not say "in use" next to it). Click "OK."
6) Click "OK" again. Notice that the device will show up as being on the same COM port
that it was before (i.e., COM5), but will show up on the new port if you close the Device
Manager and open it again.
Problem :The cable is working with the Digifly Vltools
but not with the software i'm using
Solution :Make sure that the software and the cable
are using the same COM port number (try with Digifly
Vltools program to verify the COM port number).
If you are still experiencing problems try with the
following:
- Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall
software.
Page 27
- Manually setup on your PC the communication protocol MLR 38400 baud.
- If this still fails, try adjusting the communication protocol to MLR 19200 baud.
Again :From Windows, right click on the Vltools2007 icon and tick the check box “run
this program in Windows98/WindowsMe compatible mode”.
9 DIGIFLY ACCESSORIES
9.1 DIGIFLY ARCHIMEDE STANDARD ACCESSORIES
The Digifly Archimede Plus has the following accessories provided as standard:
- Protective case.
- Leg strap.
- AA 1.5V alkaline battery.
- User manual.
9.2 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
The following optional accessories are available from Digifly:
- Digifly PC serial cable to download flight data and upload new firmware directly from
the Internet.
- Digifly PC USB cable to download flight data and upload new firmware directly from the
Internet.
- Air speed probe for hang glider.
- Air speed probe for paraglider.
- Hang gliding vario mount.
- Paragliding vario mount (vario holder)
10 APPENDIX
10.1 DIGIFLY TECHNICAL FEATURES
10.2 STANDARD FUNCTIONS
Graphic altimeter.
3 Altimeters 9,000 m (29527 ft) with adjustable pressure reference.
Super fast vario with dynamic filter ‘IntelliVario’ .
Adjustable acoustic vario reactivity
Acoustic vario with adjustable levels, volume and tone.
Analogue vario +/- 12 m/s (2400 ft/min).
Digital vario +/- 25 m/s (5000 ft/min).
Vario integrator adjustable from 0 to 60 sec.
Total energy compensation (with optional air speed probe).
Page 28
Input for optional air speed probe 150 km/h (93 mph) with user calibration.
Adjustable stall alarm visual and acoustic (with optional air speed probe).
Barometer (range 300 to 1200 mB) with user calibration.
Thermometer (range -30°C to +70°C) (range -22 °F to +158 °F).
Constant battery monitoring.
Date and time , chronometer, flight timer.
50 flights data recorder with autostart.
Adjustable units of measure.
10.3 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS
3 adjustable polar curves.
McCready and Equivalent McReady function (with optional air speed probe).
Speed To Fly (with optional air speed probe).
Efficiency related to the air (with optional air speed probe).
Netto Vario (with optional air speed probe).
Thermal sniffer (with optional air speed probe).
Thermal centering function.
Auto zero thermal altimeter.
10.4 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
High resolution graphic LCD display 128 x 64 pixels with adjustable contrast.
Upgradeable Flash memory software available from the Internet using the optional PC
cable via your PC.
PC connection.
Input for optional air speed probe.
Single AA battery required (1.2V or 1.5V).
AA 1.2V rechargeable battery compatibility.
Battery life 200 hours.
Dimensions (H x L x D) 144mm x 72mm x 25mm.
Weight (with battery) 160 g.
The Digifly Archimede Plus is supplied with leg strap, protective case , AA 1.5V battery
and user manual.
3 year warranty.
Page 29
10.5 SETUP PARAMETERS
The following is a list of parameters that can be adjusted. For each parameter you can see the
range of values, the factory setting (default) and the unit of measure.
n Name Description Range Default Units
1 CTRS display contrast setting 40 - 60 53 %
2 V.UP acoustic vario lift setting 0 - 25 0.05 m/s
3 V.DN acoustic vario sink setting 0 - 25 3.5 m/s
4 TONE acoustic vario tone modulation SFT/STD/FAS STD ---5 RVAR acoustic vario reactivity 0.1 - 3.0 0.4 sec
6 INTE vario integrator 0 - 60 1 sec
7 FS_V graphic vario scale(1,6,12 m/s) LOW/MED/HIG MED ---8 SIMV vario simulator ON/OFF OFF ---9 STAL stall alarm level 0 - 150 0 km/h
10 TEC total energy compensation 0 - 100 0 %
11 KIAS air speed calibration 50 - 200 100 %
12 KBAR barometer calibration +/- 20.0 0 mB
13 BARX graphic altimeter x scale 0.4 – 4.0 1 minute
14 BARY graphic altimeter y scale 3 - 3000 30 mt
15 HOUR time setting: hours 0 - 23 ---- hour
16 MIN time setting: minutes 0 - 59 ---- minute
17 DAY time setting: day 1 – 31 ---- day
18 MONT time setting: month 1 – 12 ---- month
19 YEAR time setting: year 0 – 99 ---- year
20 PILO pilot name 6 characters ---- ---21 RECM recorder mode AUT/ALW/OFF AUT ---22 R-DS autorecorder meter 1 - 30 2 mt
23 RECR recorder rate 1 - 60 1 sec
24 GTYP glider type 6 characters ---- ---25 GID glider id 6 characters ---- ---26 U-AL altimeter, variometer units FT/MT MT ---27 U-SP air speed units MHP/KMH KMH ---28 U-TE temperature units FAR/CEL CEL ---29 KTMP temperature calibration -20.0 +20.0 0 °C
30 LANG help language ITA/ESP/DEU/FRA/CZE/HUN/LN1/LN2 UK
Page 30
10.6 ADV-SETUP (ADVANCED SETUP) PARAMETERS
The following is a list of parameters that can be adjusted. For each parameter you can see the
range of values, the factory setting (default) and the unit of measure.
n Name Description Range Default Units
1 THEV thermal detect vario thres. 0 - 25 0.5 m/s
2 THET thermal detect time thres. 1 - 30 10 sec
3 EFF instant efficiency average 1-30 10 sec
4 TELE not used OFF OFF --5 POLA active polar OFF/P1/P2/P3 OFF ---6-8 P1-A P1-B P1-C polar 1 coeff. xxx ---9-11 P2-A P2-B P2-C polar 2 coeff. xxx ---12-14 P3-A P3-B P3-C polar 3 coeff. xxx ---15 MCRA McCready value 0.2 - 30 10 min
16 MCRE McCready equiv average time 0.1 – 3 0 sec
10.7 RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS
To restore the factory settings (default parameters) and default screen setups, press and
hold down the
key as you turn vario on. Keep the key pressed until a message
“FACTORY SET?” appears, then confirm with “YES” or “NO”.
Page 31
11 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
A
BASIC DISPLAY SCREEN
Altimeter A1
Analogue vario
Altimeter A2 / A3
Integrated Vario
Efficiency - Air Speed
Pressure
Temperature
Time :
Real Time Clock
Chrono :
Volume
Flight rec
Battery icon
Flight Chrono
Menu
NORMAL KEY PRESSURE
Graphic Altimeter /
Thermal Centering
Time
Volume med / high
LONG KEY PRESSURE (2seconds)
Power ON / OFF (4 sec)
Chrono
Menu
Eff-AirSpeed / Temperature / Pressure
Pages
lti 2 - 3
Zero Chrono
Volume Off
Zero Alti 2
Page 32
Loading...