User-manual for the GPS-flightrecorder VP 8 from
Contents
1. is nearly impossible to have not enough recordingtime left even for long flights 2 1 4 Maunually clearing of the data memory The data memory of the VP 8 can also be cleared manually By doing so all previously recorded flightdata are deleted and the full recording capacity is available again This operation is done as described below e Be sure the VP 8 is disconnected from the power supply e Press the push button and connect the VP 8 to the power supply switch on and hold the push button pressed during the following startsequence PESCHGES Clear VP8 v2 x 2 sec 3 sec Mem If OK appears in the 2nd line release the push button Then you have to wait for the normal operationscreen This can last up to 8 10 seconds Start GPS Init dddxxccc form 1 sec 1 7 sec NAMEyzzm page 5 The data memory is cleared now and the VP 8 is waiting for the takeoff 2 1 5 Startform Optional To use the VP 8 i e with the german DMSt a decentral national championship the VP 8 gives you the possibility to enter information that have to be given before the start to validate the flight These information are then transmitted to the PC during the regular flightdata transfer These information can be entered using a special PC keyboard that is connected to the data port of the VP 8 To select the desired inputfield you must press the functionkey attached to that inputfield You can enter or change data in these inputfield only if no takeoff to2. latitude longitude and height of the turnpoint finish point with the ENTER key you can reach the next inputfield with the TAB key you can reach the next turn point In the inputfiled for the type of flight F5 the startpoint F6 and for the departure point turnpoints and finish point F8 F12 the ENTER key switches to the next inputfield page 6 The following inputformats are valid in these fields which will be checked by the software for errors Latitude GGMMSSH GG Degree MM Minutes SS Seconds H N S North South Longitude GGGMMSSH GGG Degree MM Minutes SS Seconds H E W East West You can enter up to 20 30 characters per inputtfield The keyboard have to be connected to the VP 8 when it is switched off After connecting the keyboard you switch on the VP 8 and if no takeoff took place or if the data memory has been reset cleared automatically or manually the startform will be shown All startform data are stored in non volatile memory so you often only have to change the flight specific data start departure turnpoints finish while the rest remains unchanged After entering the data you can unplug the keyboard The VP8 then switches to the recordingmode Even if you entered a new startform but did not yet start the old startform is correctly transmitted together with the old flightdata if you make a flightdata transfer 2 2 PC Mode For the transmission of the recorded flightdata including the startform
3. of the VP 8 connection cable to pin 2 3 3 Maintenance The build in GPS receiver of the VP 8 includes a real time clock that decreases the time the VP 8 needs to make a GPS fix even after longer times of non usage This clock works even if the VP 8 is not connected to a power supply and is buffered by a small accumulator To ensure the correct function of this accumulator the VP 8 should be connected to a power supply every 2 months for at least 24 hours which charges the accumulator If possible a good GPS receive should be ensured during t his time to update different GPS parameters almanach This leads to a fast and secure GPS receive 4 Technical specifications Dimensions about 64 mm x 110 mm x 46 mm B xL x H Weight about 450 g Power supply external 10 16 V DC about 130 150 mA Operating temperature 20 C 70 C Max recordingtime about 15 hours 20 minutes GPS receiver 6 channel parallel receiver Transmissionport RS232 communicationport page 9
4. to the PC the unit can be put into a communication mode To do so it must be connected to a PC with a special datacable belonging to the delivery contents the transmission software on the PC VPLOG EXE VPDOWN EXE or DATA PES EXE must be started and then the unit must be connected to the power supply switch on The following startsequence will be shown on the display PESCHGES PC Mode VP8 v2 x 2sec 3sec Ready The device is now in PC Mode Now you can start the transfer of the flightdata on the PC or a flighttask can be transmitted to from the VP8 How to do that is described in the manual of the PC program VPLOG page 7 3 Mounting installation maintenance 3 1 Mounting The VP 8 was constructed for the direct mount of the unit onto a cameraholder For that purpose a camera screw holder is build into the bottom of the unit If the mounting on a cameraholder is not possible the VP 8 can also be mounted onto the instrument panel When mounting the VP 8 it is important that the antenna on the top of the unit is not shielded by signal reducing materials it must have free sight to the sky This is important especially for CFK components of the glider because this material shields the satellite signals In gliders made of GFK a mounting behind the pilot is also possible but often a great part of the sky is shielded by the pilot 3 2 Installation For the connection of the VP 8 to the power supply and optional a mo
5. with this method one when pushing the button and one about 5 seconds later when the turnpoint changes Attention A manual switchover can not be made during the startphase Display of ST because of the double usage of the pushbutton during this phase 2 1 3 Automatic reset of the data memory To make it easier for the pilot to handle the VP 8 an automatic datamemory reset function was implemented so that a manual clearing reset of the data memory is not necessary If the recorded flightdata has been transferred to the PC the VP 8 enters the startphase again when switched on without a PC connected But until a real takeoff is made the previous recorded flightdata of the last flights can still be transferred to the PC by entering the monitormode described below and then proceed as usual Only if a takeoff is made during the startphase 2 1 1 the previous recorded data are deleted A 2nd automatic resetfunction also brings the unit into the startphase This is done if the unit was switched off for longer than 3 hours and midnight lies between off and on switching Therefore the local time is calculated from the longitude Also with this resetfunction the previous recorded old flightdata can still be transferred to the PC as long as no real takeoff takes place 2 1 1 The conclusion is that no flightdata or old inputs to the startform are lost until a new takeoff is detected by the VP 8 By these both automatic resetfunctions it
6. User manual for the GPS flightrecorder VP 8 from Peschges Variometer GmbH Version 2 0 1 Overview 1 2 Modes of operation 2 2 1 Recordingmode 2 2 1 1 Startphase 3 2 1 2 Automatic sector recognition and taskpointswitching 3 2 1 3 Automatic reset of the data memory 5 2 1 4 Maunually clearing of the data memory 5 2 1 5 Startform Optional 6 2 2 PC Mode 7 3 Mounting installation maintenance 8 3 1 Mounting 8 3 2 Installation 8 3 2 1 Connection to the power supply 8 3 2 2 Connection to a motorcontrol unit 9 3 3 Maintenance 9 4 Technical specifications 9 1 Overview The GPS flightrecorder VP 8 from Peschges Variometer GmbH is a standalone device that is intended to record GPS positiondata In addition to the positiondata the height calculated from the air pressure by using the ICAO standard atmosphere is recorded too A precision pressure altitude sensor that is temperature compensated across the complete temperature range is used for that purpose The device is constructed to be mounted onto the cameraholder in the glider For that purpose a camerascrew holder is inserted into the bottom of the unit For information of the user and for displaying different modes of operation a LC display is used A push button beside the display allows the direct control of the device in the different modes Additionally a connector for the external power supply and a connector for the data transmission to a PC are placed on the backside No in
7. ears in the display at the position of the remaining recording time and the VP 8 waits for the takeoff During this waitingtime the unit records flightdata but only the data from the last 5 minutes are stored Thereby unnecessary recording before the start is omitted If the VP 8 moves for longer than 5 seconds with a speed of 15 km h or more a takeoff is detected and it switches to the normal recording mode The remaining recordingtime is displayed starting with 15 This method needs a good GPS receive If you want to simulate the takeoff i e to make a barograph calibration or if you have no GPS receive you must press the event button for about 20 25 seconds You can recognise the simulated takeoff if below the shorthand symbol switches from ST for Start to 15 15 hours remaining time The unit then works like usual Even without GPS receive the recording of the pressure altitude is working so you can use the VP 8 only as a barograph If the event button is pressed during the first 10 seconds after the takeoff the display switches from ST to 15 the calculated altitude is displayed alternated with the GPS status This works for both takeoff methods automatic by GPS speed or manually by hand The display of the altitude can be useful for the barograph calibration if i e a calibration chart should be produced by hand without a data readout of the VP 8 The alternating display of the GPS status and the altitude stays activated until t
8. he data memory is reset or cleared by hand or automatically 2 1 2 Automatic sector recognition and taskpointswitching The VP 8 with firmware version 2 0 or higher has a build in automatic detection of reaching the sector at start and turningpoints page 3 Startpoint Sector with 3 km radius and a 90 opening angle which is directed to the elongation of the departure course through the startpoint and an additional tolerance cylinder around the startpoint with a variable radius 3 0 km 0 3 km parture course Sector 1 turnpoints Sector with 3 km radius and a 90 opening angle which is directed to the bisector of the approaching course and the departure course 180 and an additional tolerance cylinder around the turnpoint with a variable radius The sector 2 ist not recognized by the VP8 Anflugkurs 3 8 km Sector 1 Abflugkurs If the VP 8 detect the reaching of the sector of the actual turnpoint of the flighttask it switches to the next turnpoint automatically Additionally a seperate recording of the actual position is initiated so there will be almost one record in the sector page 4 The switchover to the next turnpoint can also be done manually This is necessary if the pilot can t reach the sector but wants to continue with the flighttask You can switch to the next turnpoint by pressing the event button for longer than 5 seconds Due to the double usage of the button 2 events will be recorded
9. ns gt 15 hours remaining time ST stands for waiting for the takeoff means that no memory is left for recording flightdata 3 Indicator for motor activity With the push button an additional GPS position and pressure altitude can be recorded a so called event marker This can be used to mark a special position i e the rounding of a turnpoint The event marker recording only works if the GPS receive is OK If the VP 8 is switched off and back on during the normal recording the data recorded before are retained The unit switches immediately into the recording mode without waiting for a start or to allow page 2 the editing of the startform During the data transfer to the PC the flighttraces recorded between the power off power on events are stored in separate files on the PC Example Switch on the VP 8 and clear memory and eventually edit startform record flighttrace 1 flight Switch off VP 8 Switch on VP 8 record flighttrace 2 flight no startphase Switch off VP 8 Switch on VP 8 record flighttrace 3 flight no startphase Switch off VP 8 NOOR WD With a regular currentflow of about 140 mA the unit needs the following battery capacities for the listed flighttimes e 4hr about 550 mAh e 8hr about 1100 mAh e 12hr about 1700 mAh 2 1 1 Startphase After clearing the memory or when the VP 8 is switched on and it didn t start yet the shorthand symbol for start ST app
10. ok place Therefore it is ensured that all information entered have been made before the flight To reach each field of the startform within the VP8 you use the functionkeys F1 F12 and the TAB key The TAB key is used as an additional sub switch key to have access to the data of all turnpoints Inputfields F1 pilotname complete name F2 glidertype type and wing span F3 competition class F4 glider ID F5 type of flight triangle and radius of tolerance cylinder F6 startpoint incl geographic latitude longitude and height of the startpoint F7 type of start F8 departure point 1 2 turnpoint incl geographic latitude longitude and height of departure turnpoint with the ENTER key you can reach the next inputfield with the TAB key you can reach the next turn point F9 3 5 turnpoint incl geographic latitude longitude and height of the turnpoint with the ENTER key you can reach the next inputfield with the TAB key you can reach the next turn point F10 6 8 turnpoint incl geographic latitude longitude and height of the turnpoint with the ENTER key you can reach the next inputfield with the TAB key you can reach the next turn point F11 9 11 turnpoint incl geographic latitude longitude and height of the turnpoint with the ENTER key you can reach the next inputfield with the TAB key you can reach the next turn point F12 12 14 turnpoint finish point incl geographic
11. ol from Schicke Elektronik To connect the VP 8 to this type of motorcontrol connect the MoP controlline of the VP 8 brown line of the VP 8 connection cable to pin no 7 of the DG connector and make sure that the MoP groundline thin black line is connected to the ground of the motorcontrol unit Motorcontrol by ILEC There are 2 different types of motorcontrol that are build by ILEC a Motorcontrol for non self launching gliders this is a 57mm instrument which has a output signal that is proportional to the RPM of the motor For every 1000 RPM the output voltage is increased by 1 volt 1 V 1000 RPM For this instrument the VP 8 has an analogue input which detects the motor running if the voltage rises above 2 V 2000 RPM The MoP controlline of the VP 8 brown line in the VP 8 connection cable must be connected to pin no 10 of the feature connector of the motorcontrol and the groundlines of both devices must be connected together Motorcontrol for self launching gliders this is a 80mm instrument which has an internal digital signal which indicates that the motor is running This signal is only internal at the moment but it can be made available by ILEC The connector used for that purpose has the following connections pini MoP control signal pin2 MoP control signal ground You must connect the MoP controlline of the VP 8 brown line of the VP 8 connection cable to pin 1 and the MoP signalground thin black line
12. ternal power supply is included in the VP 8 So the user has to ensure a good power supply from an external battery which should only be used for the VP 8 page 1 2 Modes of operation The flightrecorder can be operated in 2 modes The first mode is the recordingmode which is normally used during the flight the 2nd mode is the PC mode which is used for data transmission 2 1 Recordingmode If the unit is switched on by applying an external 12V DC voltage and the device is not connected to a PC it starts in the normal recordingmode The LC display shows the following startsequence PESCHGES VP8 v2 x 2 sec and after that the VP 8 switches to the normal operationscreen Start GPS Init dddxxccc form 1 sec 1 7 sec NAMEyzzm You can see the following values on the display 3 sec ddd Distance to the next taskpoint Display of the distance from the last valid GPS position to the next point of the flighttask in km if the distance is gt 1000 km 999 is displayed XX operationstatus of GPS receive ok Recording of a valid GPS position in the last recording interval no No recording of a valid GPS position possible during the last recording interval ccc Course to the next taskpoint Display of the course from the last valid GPS position to the next turnpoint of the flighttask in degree 0 359 y Shows that an Event Marker has been recorded for 3 sec ZZ Remaining recording time in hours i e 15 mea
13. torcontrol unit a connection cable is supplied together with the VP 8 On one side a connector for connecting to the VP 8 is mounted on the other side 4 single lines come out of the cable which are connected as shown red positive supplyvoltage black thick ground brown MoP control signal black thin MoP control ground The connector works with a push pull mechanism When plugging in the connector it is automatically secured This can be recognised by a click To unplug the connector the black case of the connector must be pulled in the direction of the cable 3 2 1 Connection to the power supply The VP 8 operates on an external supply voltage between 10 and 16 volts DC which is supplied by every usual 12V accumulator The following connections between the VP 8 connection cable and the power supply must be made red line to the pole of the accumulator black line to the pole of the accumulator The connection must be made with as much care as possible to prevent the system from loss of power The best solution would be a separate battery for the VP 8 only if that is absolute impossible a connection to the general power should be made page 8 3 2 2 Connection to a motorcontrol unit The VP 8 has the possibility to record motor activity by an external signal line carrying a signal from the motorcontrol unit of the glider The signal can be taken from the following systems 1 DEI motorcontr
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