|
Bicester Aviation Services |
IGC Approved Secure Flight Recorders - Part 2
This page gives a description of the the LX Colibri and the EW.
SFR1 - Introduction to SFRs
SFR 3 - Volkslogger and Cambridge GPS/NAV
SFR 4 - Peschges VP8 & Filser LX5000IGC/DX50IGC
SFR 5 - Cambridge 302/302A and LX7000 IGC Pro
SFR 6 - Comparison of current SFRs
The unit can hold data for up to 3000 airports, 600 turn points and 100 tasks, all of which can
be programmed by the user. By use of the keyboard and LCD, many different functions can be
programmed, including selection of units, en-route fixing rates, near turn point fixing rates,
selection of 'beer can' or FAI turn point sectors, entry of pilot and glider details, and task
declaration.
If a task has been entered, then the unit will display basic navigation parameters to guide the
pilot to the turn point and give a series of audio beeps when the glider is within the defined turn
point sector, either cylindrical or FAI sector depending on which has been selected. It will also
display a GPS calculated wind vector at any time by a simple button press. After flight, a wide
range of task statistics are available from the unit. The flight records can be transferred to a
computer using the supplied computer interface lead and software when it will produce the
standard secure .IGC file for task confirmation and analysis.
The Colibri is a small, well designed, cost effective unit that performs well. It is capable of
producing a wide range of flight information if required. If it is not used for navigation, then
the audio warning to denote logging in the turn point sector should be programmed to ensure that
the glider has actually entered the sector as determined by the FR.
The unit is coupled to an approved GPS by a cable (not supplied) and the GPS has to be
configured to produce a NMEA output with the WGS84 map datum set. On powering up the
unit, after an initialisation sequence, the display will show the barometric height in metres and
when the GPS is connected, the display will briefly indicate correct connection. A flashing red
LED at the side of the display indicates it is recording but there is no positive indication that it
is receiving the positional information from the GPS correctly, other that the initial short
message.
The default fixing rate is 12 seconds which can be changed during the initialisation sequence.
At fixing rates of 12 seconds and over, the fast fixing rate is every six seconds; at fixing rates
faster than 12 seconds, the fast rate is half the normal rate. When selected, the fast rate is
maintained for 2 minutes. With a fixing rate of 10 seconds selected and no use is made of the
fast fix capability, the total memory is 9 hours. When the memory is full, it automatically
deletes and overwrites previous flights but once the memory is full on the current flight,
recording will stop.
Engine operation is recorded by an external switch (not supplied) which is operated by the
engine pylon or engine door extension. A tag is placed on the trace every time the switch is
operated. If the switch is disabled or the cable is disconnected during flight, the unit will
record that the engine has been operated.
As there is no capability of loading tasks or turn points into the unit, it is
not possible to make an electronic task declaration.
The EW works well in conventional gliders providing the OTS GPS unit is a late
model Garmin. Care should be taken not to activate the fast fixing too often as
some pilots have run out of memory on long flights. When used with a motor
glider or turbo, IGC procedures require that the system is validated both before
and after flight by an OO. Furthermore, after the flight all systems must be
left running until inspected by the OO. These requirements detract from the
use of the EW in a motor glider or turbo.
After flight, the data can be transferred to a PC using the supplied cable and
a secure .IGC file produced. A trial version of analysis software, EWView,
is provided with the unit but there is an extra charge for this to be fully
implemented.
|
|
Contact: Dickie Feakes at 01869 245948 or 07710
221131. Email: - dickie@bas.uk.net |