LXNAV LX8000, LX8080, LX8080D User Manual

LX8000

(Including the LX8080

and LX8000D, LX8080D Rear-Seat Device)

Variometer and GPS-Navigation System

Version 2.6

LXNAV d.o.o. • Kidričeva 24a, 3000 Celje, Slovenia • tel [phone] fax [phone]

[e-mail] • www.lxnav.com

LX8000 (LX8080) Version 2.6 September 2011

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1 Important Notices 7

1.1 Limited Warranty 7

2 Packing Lists 8

2.1 LX8000 with Flarm Option 8

2.2 LX8000 without Flarm Option 8

2.3 LX8000D 8

3 Basics 9

3.1 The LX8000 at a Glance 9

3.1.1 Display Unit Features 9

3.1.2 Vario Unit Features 10

3.1.3 Interfaces 10

3.1.4 Options 11

3.1.4.1 Internal Options 11

3.1.4.2 External Options 11

3.1.4.3 Simulator 11

3.1.5 Technical Data 12

3.1.6 Weight 12

4 System Description 13

4.1 Rotary Switches and Buttons 13

4.1.1 Buttons 14

4.1.1.1 Power Button 14

4.1.2 Rotary Switches (Knobs) 14

4.2 Switching on the Unit 14

4.3 User Input 15

4.3.1 Text Edit Control 15

4.3.2 Masked Text Edit Control 15

4.3.3 Spin Control 16

4.3.4 Selection Control 16

4.3.5 Checkbox and Checkbox List 16

4.3.6 Colour Selector 16

4.3.7 Font Selector 17

4.4 Switching off 18

5 Operating Modes 19

5.1 Setup Mode 20

5.1.1 QNH and RES 20

5.1.1.1 QNH* 20

5.1.1.2 Safety Altitude 20

5.1.1.3 Magnetic Variation 20

5.1.1.4 ETA/ETE Calculation 20

5.1.1.5 Soaring Start* 21

5.1.2 Flight Recorder 21

5.1.3 Vario Parameters* 22

5.1.4 Display 23

5.1.5 Files and Transfers 23

5.1.5.1 Uploading User Airspace and Way Points 23

5.1.5.2 Uploading Airspace and Airports Database 24

5.1.5.3 Managing Airspace 24

5.1.5.4 Managing Way Points 25

5.1.5.5 Managing Airports 26

5.1.5.6 Managing Airports Using the LXe Program 26

5.1.5.7 Managing Flights 27

5.1.5.8 Flight Declaration 27

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5.1.5.9 Formatting a SD Card 28

5.1.6 Graphics 28

5.1.6.1 Terrain and Map 28

5.1.6.2 Airspace 29

5.1.6.3 Way Points and Airports 30

5.1.6.4 Glider and Track 30

5.1.6.5 Optimization 31

5.1.6.6 Task 32

5.1.6.7 Flarm 32

5.1.7 Sounds* 33

5.1.7.1 Audio Settings* 34

5.1.7.2 Voice* 35

5.1.7.3 Alarms* 35

5.1.8 Observation Zones 35

5.1.9 Optimization 37

5.1.10 Warnings 37

5.1.10.1 Airspace Warnings 37

5.1.10.2 Altitude Warning 38

5.1.10.3 Flarm Warnings 39

5.1.11 Units 39

5.1.12 Hardware* 40

5.1.12.1 Vario Settings* 40

5.1.12.2 Vario Indicator Setup* 42

5.1.12.3 Flarm* 45

5.1.12.4 Compass* 46

5.1.12.5 Rear Seat or Front Seat 46

5.1.12.6 NMEA Output* 47

5.1.12.7 Engine Noise* 48

5.1.13 Polar and Glider* 48

5.1.14 Profiles and Pilots 49

5.1.15 Language 51

5.1.16 Passwords 51

5.2 Information Mode 52

5.2.1 GPS Status Page 52

5.2.2 Position Report 52

5.2.3 Satellite Sky View 53

5.3 Near Mode 53

5.4 Statistics Mode 54

5.4.1 Logbook 54

5.4.2 Statistics during Flight 54

5.5 Airport Mode 55

5.5.1 Initial Navigation Page 55

5.5.1.1 Final Glide Symbol 56

5.5.1.2 Thermal Assistant 56

5.5.2 Second Navigation Page 57

5.5.3 Third Navigation Page 57

5.5.4 Fourth Navigation Page 57

5.5.5 Button Actions 58

5.5.5.1 Select an Airport 59

5.5.5.2 MacCready, Ballast and Bugs Settings 60

5.5.5.3 Map Settings 61

5.5.5.4 Wind 62

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5.5.5.5 Airspace 63

5.5.5.6 Mark 63

5.5.5.7 Flarm 63

5.5.5.8 Rotate FAI Area 64

5.6 Way Point Mode 65

5.6.1 Editing Way Points 66

5.6.2 New Way Point 67

5.7 Task Mode 68

5.7.1 Task Edit 70

5.7.2 Task Creation 70

5.7.3 Modifying Zones 71

5.7.4 Task Options 72

5.7.4.1 Gate Time 73

5.7.4.2 Below Altitude Start Procedure 73

5.7.4.3 Maximum Start Speed and/or Maximum Start Altitude 73

5.7.5 Saving a Task 74

5.7.6 Loading a Task 74

5.7.7 Moving a Task Point 75

6 Variometer and Altimeter 76

6.1 Smart Vario Description 76

6.2 Altimeter 77

6.2.1 IGC Barograph Recalibration Procedure 77

6.3 Speed Command 77

7 Flying with the LX8000 78

7.1 On the Ground 78

7.1.1 Power on Procedure 78

7.1.2 Profile Selection 78

7.1.3 Set Elevation and QNH 79

7.1.4 Pre-flight Check 79

7.1.5 Preparing a Task 80

7.1.5.1 Assigned Area Tasks (AAT) 80

7.2 Flying a Task 82

7.2.1 Starting a Task 82

7.2.2 Restarting Task 83

7.2.3 Over Turn Point 83

7.2.4 Entering Assigned Area 84

7.2.5 Moving Point Inside Assigned Area 84

7.2.6 Task Finish 85

7.3 Procedure after Landing 85

8 Installation 86

8.1 Installing the LX8000 87

8.2 Installation of Options 88

8.3 Ports and Wiring 90

9 Firmware Update 93
10 Options 95

10.1 Flarm 95

10.1.1 Flarm External LED Display 95

10.1.1.1 Obstacles 96

10.1.1.2 Settings for the LX Flarm LED Display 96

10.1.2 Installation 97

10.1.2.1 Functional Check After Installation 97

10.1.3 Flarm Update Procedure 98

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10.1.4 Uploading Obstacles 98

10.1.5 Uploading FlarmNet Files 98

10.2 ADSB-Receiver (TRX-1090) 99

10.2.1 Installation 99

10.3 Rear Seat Device (LX8000D) 101

10.3.1 Data Exchange 101

10.3.2 Cable Wiring 102

10.4 Compass Module 103

10.4.1 Installation of the Compass Module 105

10.4.2 First Test After Installation 105

10.4.3 Adjusting the Compass Module 106

10.4.4 Final Check 107

10.4.5 Input of Local Magnetic Variation 107

10.5 Remote Control 107

10.6 Secondary Vario Indicators 108

11 Revision History 109

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1 Important Notices

The LX8000 (LX8080) system is designed for VFR use only as an aid to prudent navigation.
All information is presented for reference only. Terrain, airports and airspace data are
provided only as an aid to situation awareness.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. LXNAV reserves the right
to change or improve their products and to make changes in the content of this material
without obligation to notify any person or organisation of such changes or improvements.

A Yellow triangle is shown for parts of the manual which should be read very
carefully and are important for operating the LX8000 (LX8080) system.

Notes with a red triangle describe procedures which are critical and may result in
loss of data or any other critical situation.

A bulb icon is shown when a useful hint is provided to the reader.

1.1 Limited Warranty

This LX8000 (LX8080) product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or
workmanship for two years from the date of purchase. Within this period, LXNAV will, at its
sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or
replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts and labour, provided that
the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost. This warranty does not cover
failures due to abuse, misuse, accident, or unauthorised alterations or repairs.

THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY
LIABILITY ARISING UNDER ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU
SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

IN NO EVENT SHALL LXNAV BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE, OR
INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. Some states do
not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may
not apply to you. LXNAV retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the unit or software,
or to offer a full refund of the purchase price, at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL
BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.

To obtain warranty service, contact your local LXNAV dealer or contact LXNAV directly.

September 2011 © 2011 LXNAV. All rights reserved.

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2 Packing Lists

2.1 LX8000 (LX8080) with Flarm Option

• LX8000 (LX8080) digital unit

• LXNAV V5 vario unit

• Main power cable for digital unit

• Cable for vario unit

• SD card

• Barogram calibration chart

• IGC cable (only with LX8000)

• GPS antenna

• Flarm Antenna

• Hex key “Inbus”

2.2 LX8000 (LX8080) without Flarm Option

• LX8000 (LX8080) digital unit

• LXNAV V5 vario unit

• Main power cable for digital unit

• Cable for vario unit

• SD card

• Barograph calibration chart

• IGC cable (only with LX8000)

• GPS antenna

• Hex key “Inbus”

2.3 LX8000D (LX8080D)

• LX8000D (LX8080D)

• Main power cable

• RS485 cable – 4 meter

• RS485 splitting unit

• V5 Vario indicator with cable

• SD card

• Hex key “Inbus”

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3 Basics

3.1 The LX8000 orLX8080 at a Glance

The instrument consists of two units; the LX8000 digital unit (LX8080 digital unit) and the
LXNAV V5 vario unit. Within the LX8000 (LX8080) digital unit an integral 16-channel GPS
receiver and a high brightness colour display with 320 x 240 pixels are fitted. An integrated
SD card or USB interface is used for user friendly data exchange. The LX8000 is equipped
with a built-in flight recorder according to the most recent IGC specification for all flights.
Optionally the FLARM collision avoidance system can be integrated into the LX8000 digital
unit.

The 57 mm diameter (2¼") LXNAV V5 vario unit is a modern designed variometer with its
own processor. It features an mechanical needle with colour display for additional data.
The unit communicates with the LX8000 digital unit over the RS485 system bus. Optionally
additional Vario indicators and a wide range of interface devices can be daisy-chained using
the RS485 bus.

3.1.1 LX8000 Display Unit Features

• Extremely bright 3.5" (8.9 cm) colour display readable in all sunlight conditions with

backlight automatically adapted using an ambient light sensor (ALS).

• Using Linux operating system (not CE Windows) ensures fast and stable operation of the

firmware.

• 6 push buttons and 4 rotary switches (knobs) are used for input, which comprise the

well-known LX user interface. Optionally a remote stick is available for more comfort.

• Pre-loaded with worldwide terrain maps, airspace and airport databases.

• Unlimited number of way points.

• Unlimited number of tasks (with assigned area support).

• Comprehensive flight and task statistics.

• Display of nearest airports and out-landing fields.

• Unlimited number of pilots/profiles.

• Integrated flight recorder according to high-level IGC specification.

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• Real-time flight optimisation according to FAI and OLC rules.

• Flights stored in IGC format are downloadable using the integrated SD Card.

• Flight recorder functions include an integral pressure transducer based on 1013 mbar

level for altitude recording, engine noise level sensor, memory to store more than 1000
hours of flights and digital and mechanically security devices to ensure high level of
security.

• Integrated FLARM collision avoidance system with graphic, sound and voice (optional)

presentation.

3.1.2 LX8080 Display Unit Features

Compared to LX8000, LX8080 is having all the features of LX8000 except the screen size is
smaller. It features extremely bright 2.8" (7.1 cm) colour display readable in all sunlight
conditions with backlight automatically adapted using an ambient light sensor (ALS).

Because of similarity in operation and design of LX8000 and LX8080 we will refer
only to LX8000 in manual.

3.1.3 Vario Unit Features

• Mechanical needle driven by stepper motor indicating various data such as netto vertical

speed, relative (super netto) and vertical speed.

• 240x320 pixels colour screen for additional information such as average, thermal vario,

time, speed etc…

• Integrated voice module

• Many custom audio settings

• 100Hz sampling rate for very fast response.

• Speed to fly indication.

• TE compensation can be selected to be either pneumatic TE probe or electronic TE.

3.1.4 Interfaces

• The RS232 interface has NMEA output for external devices.

• An SD Card interface.

• A USB slot for data transfer using USB memory stick.

• An IGC interface to connect and power Colibri or LX20 devices. The connector pin-out

corresponds to the IGC standard. (only on LX8000)

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3.1.5 Options

3.1.5.1 Internal Options

Integrated Flarm electronics can be built into the LX8000 digital unit. All necessary
connectors are available on the rear side of the unit (Flarm external indicator, Flarm
antenna), which guaranties the same comfort as with the original Flarm devices. It is very
important to point out that the whole system uses only one GPS receiver and therefore
offers a low power solution. One bicolour LED Flarm External display is included in the
delivery; extension to a second seat is possible.

3.1.5.2 External Options

By using a RS485 bus system a wide range of optional interfaces can be easily connected to
the basic configuration with minimal installation work. The LX8000 bus system can be
extended easily by use of RS485 splitting units, which allow plug and play connection of
optional devices. The following units can be connected to the LX8000 bus system:

• Second Seat Device (LX9000D, LX8000D or LX8080D): The unit installed in the

rear seat of the glider is powered and receives all necessary data from the main unit.
The communication between both units is exclusively via the RS485 bus system.

• Remote Control: An extremely ergonomic leather-coated handle which includes 8

push buttons to operate the LX8000 and also two additional buttons with open wires.
These two buttons can be used for instance as PTT for radio and SC/Vario changeover
command.

• Electrical Compass Device

• Secondary Vario Indicators

AHRS module can also be used as an external option. However it is connected to USB
interface.

3.1.5.3 Simulator

There are two options to stay in condition and familiar with your LX8000.
LXSim is free of charge program, which you can download from www.lxnav.com.
Or data from the Condor PC flight simulator (www.condorsoaring.com) can be received via
the RS232 port after entering suitable passwords (see Chapter 5.1.15).
These features are extremely useful for pilots who want to learn about the LX8000 and also
wish to refresh their knowledge after a winter break. Please note that altitude data will be
sent from the simulator which means that real final glide training will be possible.

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3.1.6 Technical Data

3.1.6.1 LX8000

• Power input 10-16 V DC

• Consumption at 12 V:

o 290 mA - minimum brightness without audio and options.
o 300 mA - minimum brightness without audio and with Flarm.
o 380 mA - maximum brightness without audio and options.
o 390 mA - maximum brightness without audio and with Flarm.
o 160 mA – additional for V5 vario unit

• Cut-out dimensions of the LX8000 digital unit are 93.5 x 81.5 mm; outline dimensions:

98 x 88 x 115 mm exclusive connector.

• 57 mm (2¼") standard aircraft cut-out for the V5 vario unit; length 92 mm (exclusive

connector).

3.1.6.2 LX8080

• Power input 10-16 V DC

• Consumption at 12 V:

o 160mA at 50% LCD brightness (600nits still readable under sunlight)
o 260mA with integrated Flarm at 100% LCD brightness (1200nits)
o 160 mA – additional for V5 vario unit

• Cut-out dimension of the LX8080 digital unit is 80 mm (3") standard aircraft cut-out;

outline dimensions are 81mm x 81mm x 65mm exclusive connector.

• 57 mm (2¼") standard aircraft cut-out for the V5 vario unit; length 92 mm (exclusive

connector).

3.1.7 Weight

• LX8000 digital unit: 580 g

• LX8080 digital unit: 400 g

• V5 vario unit: 300 g

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4 System Description

4.1 Rotary Switches and Buttons

The following controls are mounted on the front face of the LX8000 digital unit:

• Four rotary selector knobs

• Six push-buttons

• SD card reader

The V5 vario unit is an indicator only and has no controls. Information displayed
is controlled by the LX8000 (LX8080) digital unit.

VOLUME selector

MODE selector

POWER

button

ZOOM selector

PAGE selector

SD Card reader

Ambient light

sensor

VOLUME selector

MODE selector

POWER button

ZOOM selector PAGE selector

SD Card reader

Ambient light

sensor

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4.1.1 Buttons

All buttons have a dynamic function; the first time one presses each button, it displays its
function without executing any action. Not all buttons have a function on every page. In
some cases buttons have a long press function.

4.1.1.1 Power Button

The power button is the top-left button with the ON/OFF symbol on left side. It has multiple
functions. Primarily it is used to switch the LX8000 system on and off.

4.1.2 Rotary Switches (Knobs)

The LX8000 has four rotary knobs. Each has a single function with the exception of the
zoom knob which has, in some cases, a function other than zoom. With the upper-left rotary
knob the volume can be adjusted. The upper-right rotary switch is the mode selector (it
changes the mode of the operation). At the lower-right is the up/down rotary switch which
is used for selecting sub-pages, sub-menus and editing menus. At the lower-left is the zoom
knob which is multifunctional. While its main function is to change the zoom level within
graphic mode, it can also be used if an error is made during editing; it is possible to move
the cursor back by rotating this knob. However this can only be done if 'editing' is active
which is shown by the cursor blinking.

4.2 Switching on the Unit

After a short press of the power-on button the LX8000 and vario unit will turn on. A few
seconds later the LX8000 digital unit welcome screen will appear. The first screen shows the
version of the boot loader followed by the version of the Linux kernel screen and then the
file system screen.

The boot procedure normally takes 15 seconds but in the case of a firmware update or
system check it can take more time. The final boot screen displays information about the
LX8000 firmware and the IGC serial number.

When the boot procedure is completed the profile selection dialogue is shown. Please refer
to Chapter 7.1 for more details about starting up the LX8000.

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4.3 User Input

The LX8000 user interface consists of many dialogues which have different input controls.
They are designed to make input of names, parameters, etc., as easy as possible. Input
controls can be summarised as:

• Text editor

• Masked text editor

• Spin controls

• Selection control

• Checkboxes

• Colour selector

• Line width selector

To move the function from one control to another, rotate the lower-right knob (page
selector) as follows:

• Clockwise rotation will select the next control.

• Anticlockwise rotation will select the previous control. Press the SELECT button (usually

lower-right) to enter control input.

4.3.1 Text Edit Control

The Text Editor is used to input an alphanumeric string of arbitrary length; the picture below
shows typical options when editing text. Use the bottom-right knob to change the value at
the current cursor position.

Press the CHAR>> button to advance the cursor to the next position. The cursor can also
be moved to next position using the bottom-left knob. Rotate it clockwise to move forward.
The Abc button is a toggle button and will change the letter case. Press it to toggle modes.

• Abc mode will start every new word with a capital letter; subsequent letters will be

lower case.

• ABC mode will enter only upper case letters.

• abc mode will enter only lower case letters.

Pressing the DELETE button will delete the character at current cursor position. Continually
press the DELETE button to delete all characters after the current cursor position.
Press OK to confirm changes and leave control. Press CANCEL to abandon changes and
revert back to the values before entering this screen.

4.3.2 Masked Text Edit Control

The masked editor is a similar control to the text editor but only limited characters can be
entered at any particular position. It is designed to enter latitude, longitude and passwords.

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4.3.3 Spin Control

Spin controls are designed for numeric parameters. Rotate the bottom-right knob (page
selector) to increase/decrease the selected value. The bottom-left (zoom) knob will
increase/decrease the value with a different step compared to the page selector.

4.3.4 Selection Control

Selection boxes, also known as combo boxes on Windows operating system, are used to
select a value from list of predefined values. Use the page selector to scroll through the list.

4.3.5 Checkbox and Checkbox List

A checkbox enables or disables a particular parameter. Press SELECT to toggle the value.
If an option is enabled a check mark will be shown, otherwise an empty rectangle will be
displayed.

Use page selector to scroll through the checkbox list. Press the ALL to enable all options.

4.3.6 Colour Selector

Colours and fills are set via the colour selector control. Rotate the page selector to change a
colour.

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Rotating the zoom selector changes colour transparency. Transparency is very important for
fill colours which are used for airspace zones, observation zones and FAI area. If a fill colour
is not transparent (0%), all other map items will not be seen through it. If a fill colour is
100% only the solid border will be drawn.

4.3.7 Font Selector

Using the font selector it is possible to define a font colour and style for a selected item.

Turn the lower-right knob (page-selector) to change the font style. Text is also rendered in
the selected font style. Turn the lower-left knob (zoom-selector) to change the font colour.

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4.4 Switching off

Please use one of the following recommended methods for shutting down the LX8000:

Method 1

Press the button with the OFF label which is displayed in navigational modes. See Chapter

5.5 for more details. A message to confirm shutdown will be shown.

Method 2

Press the button with the OFF symbol for approximately 4 seconds. The OFF message will
be displayed and the instrument will shut down. When the message appears you must
release the power button.

Method 3

When the button with the OFF symbol is pressed for more than 8 seconds the LX80000 will
perform an unconditional shutdown. This method is recommended only in case that the
LX8000 program hangs and it is not possible to shutdown with methods 1 or 2.

If you are using method 2 to switch off the LX8000 it is necessary to release the
button when you see the shutting down message. If you continue to press the off
button the LX8000 may shut down by method 3.

If the request for OFF is made during flight the instrument will ask for confirmation so that
the LX8000 cannot be switched off by mistake.

It is important that the LX8000 is switched off via software. Never power down
the LX8000 using the main power switch. The LX8000 is running the Linux
operating system and sudden power loss may corrupt the file system.

If main power is lost for a few seconds during flight the flight recorder will not
produce two flights. The most important flight parameter (altitude) will remain
which means that the final glide calculations are not affected.

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5 Operating Modes

The LX8000 has seven modes or main menus. All of them are selectable by rotating the
upper-right knob which is also called MODE selector. The diagram below shows the mode
structure of the LX8000.

• Airport Mode, navigation and selection airports.

• Way Point Mode, navigation, selection and editing way points.

• Task Mode, Navigation, selection and editing task.

• Statistics Mode shows statistical data for flight in progress or logbook.

• Setup mode is used to configure the LX8000.

• Information Mode displays GPS status, altitude, flight level and height, sunrise and

sunset or position report to selectable point or satellite sky view.

• Near Mode displays a list of all landable way points and airports.

The Navigation modes and statistics mode have additional pages which are accessible by
rotating the bottom-right knob also called the PAGE selector.
Three main navigational modes airport, waypoint and task mode are selected by rotating
the upper-right knob. All three options are similar and have similar basic navigation data
screens accessed by rotating the bottom-right knob.

It is possible to fully customise all three main navigational pages using the
program LXStyler. This program can be downloaded from our webpage

www.lxnav.com. Refer to Chapter 5.1.14 for more details.

In airport navigation mode the user can navigate only to airports stored in LXNAV's Airports
database. This database cannot be edited and is available at no charge on our web pages.
See Chapter 5.1.5.2 for more details how to obtain the latest databases.
In way point navigation mode the user is navigating to way points that were previously
loaded and selected in the Files and Transfer menu (see Chapter 5.1.5.4).
Task navigation mode is used for task creation and manipulation. Navigation in this page is
exclusively to task points.

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5.1 Setup Mode

In the setup menu users can configure the LX8000. Turn the bottom-right knob or press the
UP/DOWN arrow on the remote stick to select the appropriate setup item. Press the
SELECT button or CHECK button on the remote stick to enter a menu. A dialogue or sub­menu will open.

The setup menu is slightly different on the rear seat device as not all options are applicable.
Items which are marked with an asterisk (*) are available only in the front seat setup menu.

5.1.1 QNH and RES

Turn the bottom-right knob to select the required entry field. Press the EDIT button and
start editing the value.

5.1.1.1 QNH*

Using this feature it is possible to offset the altitude datum which could have changed due to
pressure changes during the flight. Since changing the QNH influences the indicated
altitude, care should be taken when changing the value as an incorrect setting can upset the
final glide calculation.

5.1.1.2 Safety Altitude

This setting is the altitude reserve or safety altitude and is the height that the instrument
adds to the final glide altitude required so that the glider arrives over the final glide
destination at the selected safety altitude. Once the safety altitude has been specified, the
pilot has to keep the final glide indicator on 0 to arrive at the safety altitude.

5.1.1.3 Magnetic Variation

The LX8000 has a built-in Earth magnetic field model. If Auto variation is checked the
magnetic variation is derived from this model, otherwise the user can enter a custom value.

5.1.1.4 ETA/ETE Calculation

In changing this value you may choose from four different methods to calculate the
estimated time of arrival to the navigational point. Calculation is always divided into straight
flight and climb time calculations.

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• MacCready uses the Polar data and MacCready setting to calculate speed to fly and

climb rate.

• Vario uses the last four thermals average to compute climb rate and uses this value to

calculate speed to fly.

• Avg.Speed & Vario uses the average ground speed over the last 5 minutes for

distance and Vario statistics for climb rate.

• Avg.Speed & MC uses the average ground speed over the last 5 minutes for distance

and MacCready.
All four methods of calculating ETA and ETE (Estimate Time of Arrival & Estimate Time
Elapsed) take into account glider altitude, wind and safety (arrival) altitude thus ensuring
that the calculation made is the best possible.

Suggested methods for competition pilots are Avg.Speed & Vario or

Avg.Speed & Mc.

5.1.1.5 Soaring Start*

Soaring start is the time when the glider starts soaring (released from tow, engine switched
off). A soaring start time is needed to start the flight optimization.

5.1.2 Flight Recorder

The LX8000 digital unit has a built-in flight recorder fully approved by the IGC (a sub­committee of the FAI) and will produce secure flight records that are acceptable for all FAI
requirements including world records.

Select the recording interval and enter the pilot name. Pilot weight is important if ballast is
specified in kilograms of water (see Chapter 5.1.11). If the LX8000 is used in two-seat
aircraft the name of the copilot may also be entered.

There is no setup for glider type. Glider type is defined in the Polar and Glider
setup (see Chapter 5.1.13).

Compared to previous LX instruments (LX20, LX5000 and LX7007) there are less
settings for the flight recorder. This is because the LX8000 will record all
additional data such as wind, speed and vertical speed by default.

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If a new pilot is entered, upon exiting the dialogue the message

“Do you want to create new

profile with this pilot?”

will be asked. Answer YES if you want to quickly add a new profile.

For more information about profiles see Chapter 5.1.12.

5.1.3 Vario Parameters*

This option is used to set the following parameters:

On this page the following parameters are set:
Vario needle filter sets a time constant of the vario needle. The value can be adjusted
between 0.1 and 5 s with step 1.0 s or 0.1 s. Default value is 1.5 s.
Vario sound filter sets a time constant of vario sound. The value can be adjusted between

0.1 and 5 s with step 1.0 s or 0.1 s. Default value is 1.5 s.
Vario range sets full scale range of the vario (2.5 m/s, 5 m/s or 10 m/s). Default value is
5 m/s (10 kts).
SC tab defines the width of the audio dead band in speed to fly mode. Default value is
±1 m/s.
Integrator time defines the integration period for the average vario in seconds. The
default is 20 seconds.
Auto SC defines the conditions when the instrument is switched automatically between
vario and speed command.

• OFF: Switching is exclusively by an external switch connected to the V5 vario unit.

• GPS: When the GPS detects that the glider is circling an automatic change over to vario

will happen after approximately 10 seconds. Detection of straight flight will cause a
changeover to speed command.

• TAS: When the TAS exceeds a pre-set value. The TAS at which switching occurs can be

selected in 5 km/h steps from 100 up to 160 km/h (or the equivalent in knots or mph).

Using Smart vario filter, vertical speed can be further filtered. Behaviour of filter is
different for types of attached variometer:
On V5 variometer smart vario filter defines how much filter is different for increasing vertical
speed versus decreasing vertical speed. (E.g.: If vario filter is set to 1s and Smart vario filter
is set to 4, then filter for increasing vario be 1s and for decreasing vario it will be 2s). This
will produce an effect like on Sage variometer.
On older models of variometer smart filter value gives us four levels of dynamic damping of
the vario.
Auto reset integrator resets the integrator to zero when the V5 vario unit switches from
SC to VARIO mode. If this item is not checked the integrator will not be reset to zero.

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The external switch wired to the vario unit has absolute priority and will override
all other switching methods.

5.1.4 Display

The display menu controls screen brightness. The LX8000 has an ambient light sensor which
detects ambient light and automatically increases or reduces the brightness of the screen.

If the Automatic brightness checkbox is selected, the instrument will automatically adjust
brightness according to current light conditions. Minimum and Maximum brightness
items control value limits. Use time values to setup how fast adaptation to brighter
conditions or darker conditions will occur. Default values are tuned to human eyes and do
not require change.
Night mode brightness defines maximum brightness when instrument is operating in
night mode. In night mode, brightness is reduced to very low value to reduce difference
between ambient light and device backlit.
If you want to set the brightness manually uncheck the Automatic brightness control and
set the brightness manually.

It is recommended that the automatic brightness control is always enabled.
Reducing brightness will also reduce power consumption. See technical data for
more details (Chapter 3.1.6).

5.1.5 Files and Transfers

The Files and transfer menu is used to manage the way point, airspace and airport
databases.

5.1.5.1 Uploading User Airspace and Way Points

Databases can be loaded from a SD card or USB stick. Select the type of database you wish
to upload and press the LOAD button.

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In next step the data source must be selected. A dialogue with a list of all available files will
be opened. Press the COPY button to copy the selected file to the LX8000. The LX8000 will
accept the following file formats:

• Waypoints file: SeeYou CUP files, DA4 files and Cambridge/Winpilot DAT files. When

selecting DA4 or DAT files, way points will be converted to CUP format which is the
format used for internal storage of points. There is no limitation for the number of way
points in a file and/or name length.

• Airspace file: All types of CUB files are accepted.

5.1.5.2 Uploading Airspace and Airports Database

LXNAV distributes free of charge airport and airspace database for the whole world. The
airport and airspace database is regularly maintained by LXNAV. The latest version of the
database can be found on our webpage www.lxnav.com.
The database is distributed as single file with .asapt extension. Copy this file to a SD Card
or USB stick. Plug the SD card or USB stick into the LX8000 and select the Update
database menu item. If multiple ASAPT files are found on a SD card a dialogue to select
the appropriate one will be shown.

Databases are updated automatically and progress of the update will be shown on the
screen.

5.1.5.3 Managing Airspace

Select the Airspace menu item and press the SELECT button. A list of all available airspace
databases/files will be shown on screen. The distributed airspace databases are shown first
followed by user airspace files.

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Select the required airspace and press SELECT. If a check mark is shown in front of an
airspace item, this airspace file will be shown in the graphics and used for proximity
calculation, when enabled.
To delete airspace file select the airspace item and press the DELETE button. Delete action
must be confirmed. Only user airspace files can be removed.
It is also possible to edit an airspace file. Select an airspace item and press the EDIT
button. A list of all airspace zones in this database/file will be shown. Use the page selector
to scroll through the items one by one or the zoom selector to move up or down for a whole
page.

Pressing the VIEW button will toggle different views of the zone list.
Using the STATUS button the selected zone can be disabled for proximity warnings.
Repeated presses will toggle the following options:

• OFF always: proximity warning is switched off for all the time.

• OFF today: proximity warning is switched off for today only.

• OFF hh:mm: proximity warning is switched off for 10 minutes.

• If no label is shown airspace is enabled for proximity warnings.

Press EDIT to edit data for the selected zone. Airspace type, class and altitude borders can
be modified in this dialogue.

5.1.5.4 Managing Way Points

Select the Waypoints menu item and press the SELECT button. A list of all available way
point files will be shown on the screen.

Multiple files can be selected. All checked files will be shown on the graphics page and used
in the near mode calculation, if the way point is of the proper type (airport or outlanding

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place). However, only one file can be the active file. The active file is used for task
creation.
Press the ACTIVE button to mark the selected file as active.
Press the DELETE button to remove the selected file from the LX8000.
Press the SAVE button to save way points to the SD Card or USB stick. The save dialogue
will be opened.

Change the filename if required. Press TO USB for saving to the USB stick or press TO SD
for saving to the SD card. When the compatibility mode flag is checked the file will be saved
in DA4 format, which can be used with older LX devices (LX20, Colibri, LX5000, and LX7000).

CUP and DA4 also stores tasks. Tasks will also be uploaded to the LX8000. This
feature is very useful, if you wish to prepare tasks on a computer using SeeYou or
a similar program. You can subsequently easily select a task via the
Task->Edit->Load option. See Chapter 5.7.6 for more details.

5.1.5.5 Managing Airports

Select the Airports menu item and press the SELECT button. A list of all available airport
databases will be shown. Only distributed airport databases are shown in this menu; the
user cannot modify contents of a database within the LX8000. If an error is suspected in our
database please notify us.
If you wish to add additional airports to the LX8000 an ordinary way point file should be
created and uploaded as a way point file or use the LXe program to modify the airport
database.

5.1.5.6 Managing Airports Using the LXe Program

With LXe program version 3.4 or higher it is possible to edit airport data. A new feature,
which applies only to the LX8000, is that each airport entry has a field called “description” in
which comments or notes of up to 250 characters can be added.
Modified airport data can readily be exported to the LX8000 as a (asapt) file and imported to
the LX8000 using the standard procedure for database updates (see Chapter 5.1.5.2). User
modified databases will be assigned as “user modified” with a version of the database and
date of export (modification) executed using LXe.
The picture below shows airports that have not been modified (as distributed in initial
delivery):

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The next picture shows that the European airports database has been modified by the user:

The original database can be restored only via the update database procedure using the
original database file. All databases are published on www.lxnav.com .

5.1.5.7 Managing Flights

Select the Flights menu item and press the SELECT button. A list of all stored flights will
be shown. The LX8000 is capable of storing more than 1000 hours of flight logs.

If a SD card or USB stick is inserted into the LX8000, flights can be copied to it when the
corresponded button is pressed. Flights can be removed from the LX8000 using the

DELETE button.

5.1.5.8 Flight Declaration

The Flight Declaration is composed from pilot data and declared task. Use this option if you
wish to load or save a flight declaration from a file. The flight declaration is saved to the LX
Navigation HDR file.

On the screen pilot, glider and task information are shown. Press the SAVE button to save
the declaration onto a SD card or USB stick. Press the LOAD button for loading.

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Please note that not all data from the HDR file will be loaded. Glider type and
class must be changed via the Polar and Glider menu (Chapter 5.1.13) as also
final glide calculations are linked to this setting.

HDR files do not include information about observation zone and turn point
elevation. Observation zones will be set to default values (Chapter 5.1.8) and the
elevation will be defined by the digital elevation model built into the instrument.

5.1.5.9 Formatting a SD Card

Use this option if the LX8000 cannot read your card. The LX8000 uses the same card format
as used by the MS-Windows operating system (FAT). However sometimes Windows does
not format the SD card properly or a new card may not be formatted properly.
It is recommended to format new SD cards before using with the LX8000; the LX8000 can
do this for you.

Formatting a SD Card will erase the entire contents of the SD card.

5.1.6 Graphics

This dialogue allows the user to define the appearance of the map in navigational mode.
Select the Graphics menu item and press the SELECT button. A submenu will open.

5.1.6.1 Terrain and Map

The LX8000 is pre-loaded with terrain for the entire world. The database includes: elevation
contour lines, water bodies, roads, highways, railways, big cities and a digital elevation
model. The database is derived from the VMAP0 free database and some data may be
obsolete. The database cannot be modified by the user.

Check the Show map item to enable map displays in the navigational pages. If this item is
unchecked no map will be displayed. Check Shadows, if you terrain to be shaded. The
Label zoom value defines up to which scale of zoom city names are visible. 100km means
the whole width of the screen represents 100 km. The user can also modify size, font style

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and colour via the Font style and colour item. Use the lower-left knob to modify the
colour and the lower-right knob to modify the style.
Terrain can be rendered in three different levels. A higher level means more details. The
LX8000 is optimised to work with high terrain quality. If the value off is selected no terrain
will be shown; only water bodies, roads, railways and cities.
The background colour is defined by the Background item. The default background is
black.
Colours of terrain can be changed using different terrain colour schemes. The following
colour schemes are available:

• Mountain is default setting with colours from green to white at 2000 m.

• Flatland is setting where colours are changing up to 1000 m.

• Low contrast: same as Mountain but colours are not so intensive.

• High contrast: same as Mountain but colours are more intensive and from 0-100 m,

white colour is used.

• Zebra alternating colours are used.

• Zebra 2, less intensive alternating colours are used.

• ICAO colouring is similar to ICAO maps.

• Cliffs colours emphasis slopes and is similar to Google maps display

• Atlas colour scheme is approximation of Imhof colouring widely used in map books.

• Grayscale.

In the Elements group land features are setup separately. Zoom defines up to which zoom
level a selected land feature is visible. Also line width and colour can be setup.
Press the DEFAULT button to reset these settings back to default.

5.1.6.2 Airspace

In this dialogue you can define the airspace map presentation. Check the Show airspace
item to enable airspace displays in navigational pages. If this item is unchecked no airspace
will be displayed.

In the Type panel you can specify how each airspace type is displayed. You should define
each type of airspace zone separately. First choose an airspace type from the list. Zoom
value defines to which zoom level this type is going to be visible. The Colour item specifies
airspace zone colour. You can also modify transparency of the selected type. Turn the
lower-left knob to change the transparency value. 100% means completely transparent and
only the airspace zone outline will be shown. 0% means completely solid (not
recommended). If the Show inactive zones option is checked then airspace zones with
proximity warning switched off will be shown. Use Show only airspace below to
eliminate airspace which is going to be too high for the day. For example, if the forecasted
cloud base is to be 1500 m, set this value to 1600 m and your screen will be much more
readable.
Press the DEFAULT button to reset these settings back to default.

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5.1.6.3 Way Points and Airports
The way point and airport look and feel is defined in this dialogue. Check the show

waypoints item to enable way points and airports display in navigational pages. If this item

is unchecked no way points will be displayed.

The Max.visible item defines how long way point labels and detailed symbols are shown. If
the maximum number of way points on the current screen is more than the defined value
only small blue dots will be shown for way points and no labels will be drawn.
Font style, colour and size can be defined using the Font style and colour item and the
Font size item. When editing style, turning the lower-left knob will change the font colour.
Way point labels can be setup to give even more detail. Label details can be defined for
each individual way point type.
A label consists of two selectable values: upper label and lower label. If you prefer to have
labels in single line, the single label checkbox should be checked. A label can also be
coloured. Check the Colorize label item. Coloured labels are drawn with a green
background when the way point is within range with the current MacCready settings and
with a yellow background when way point is within reach with MacCready setting zero. No
background is shown if the way point is not reachable.
The label is selected from following options:

• Name: way point name is shown. The name length item controls how the name is

displayed.

• Code: will display the ICAO code or short name.

• Elevation: shows way point elevation.

• Arrival altitude shows arrival altitude taking into account current MacCready setting,

safety altitude and current wind. Due to complexity of the calculation it will not take the
wind profile into account.

• Required altitude shows how much height is needed to reach the point. Required

altitude takes into account current MacCready setting, safety altitude and current wind.
Due to complexity of the calculation it will not take the wind profile into account.

• Required Mc gives an estimate of the maximum MacCready value which we can use to

reach the point.

• Required L/D shows the required glide ratio to the point taking into account the safety

altitude.

• Frequency will display the point frequency, if available.

Press the DEFAULT button to reset these settings back to default.

5.1.6.4 Glider and Track

The LX8000 can show the coloured path flown, current track vector and target vector with
terrain collision warning.