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1. LIGHT AILRSPORTS YVARIOMETER The LAVA Light Airsports Variometer Bluetooth barometric pressure sensor amp acoustic variometer Manual E Contents Product description Practical use notes Principles of operation Setting up connect to your PNA or similar device Setting up programmable features Pushbutton functions Closing remarks MillfenAir GLIDER SUPPLIES NOU BWN PR TATAAS LIGHT AIRSPORTS VARIOMETER 1 Product description Barometric pressure altitude data is much more reliable than GPS altitude For example when flying in the vicinity of restricted airspace the GPS altitude can show that you are still outside of the airspace but in fact you already have infringed the airspace by 100 meters So we introduce the LAVA Light Airsports Variometer a Bluetooth barometric pressure sensor with integrated acoustic variometer The LAVA has an internal Lithium battery for long fully stand alone operation It will power it for approx 8 hours when using Bluetooth and acoustic variometer and up to 18 hours when using only the acoustic variometer Charging of the battery is done via a mini USB plug also possible during normal operation The sensor is extremely accurate up to 1Pa accuracy that s only 8cm resolution The unit will work with any navigation software because it transmits both LK8EX1 as LXWPO sentences Integrated acoustic variometer The Bluetooth barometric pressure2. Baud and the terminal program must be configured to use this speed As soon as you successfully connect to the device with the correct transmission speed you will see the NMEA sentences that the device outputs with a beat of one second For example you will see SLXWPO0 N 40 55 0 08 0 02 0 04 0 21 0 04 0 09 47 SLK8EX1 100848 00 40 49 6 24 95 999 19 SLXWPO0 N 40 49 0 01 0 06 0 00 0 08 0 17 0 08 66 SLK8EX1 100843 00 40 47 2 24 97 999 1A SLXWPO0 N 40 47 0 02 0 00 0 08 0 00 0 05 0 07 61 Now to enter the configuration mode of the device send a c or C by typing this into the terminal followed by lt Enter gt Note that you will not see the character echoed on your terminal window You will then be presented with the configuration menu looking like this MillenaAir BT Altimeter Vario Ver 2 01 Current settings integration time 3 volume 9 beep sensitivity 0 sensit multiplier 4 dead zone 6 Config menu options I integration time vario volume vario beep sensitivity vario sensitivity multiplier vario beep dead zone program BT quit Ovo TATAAS LIGHT AIRSPORTS VARIOMETER The current settings are listed first followed by the menu The interaction with the menu is through single character inputs in either lower or upper case it does not matter Type the menu code followed by lt Enter gt and you enter the dialog where you specify the setting for that menu option
3. again using a single code character In all cases when you do not want to change a setting you can escape using the character q or Q for Quit If you don t interact with the menu for more than 30 seconds the configuration mode times out and returns to the normal mode of operation The menu options and their explanations follow I integration time Int time 0 1 0s 1 1 5s 2 2 0s 3 2 5s 4 3s 5 4s 6 5s 7 6s 8 7s 9 8s current setting 3 The interpretation of the integration time codes is indicated on the prompt line Use q to exit without changes V vario beep volume Vario volume 0 off l low 9 high current setting 9 The interpretation of the volume codes is indicated on the prompt line Use q to exit without changes B vario beep sensitivity Vario beep sensitivity O auto l low 9 high current setting 0 This setting influences the variation in tone depending on the rate of climb or sink and integration time As is explained in the chapter on the principles of Operation the response of the vario depends on the integration time chosen With this setting it is possible to adjust that response according to your personal preferences Because there is a lot of experimentation involved in getting this just right for your taste there is an option to do this automatically code 0 which is the default It is strongly advised to use this automatic mode The effect of using the automati
4. sensor also calculates and sends the variometer data to the navigation software for navigation purposes This module also has an optional acoustic variometer The vario is extremely accurate Sensitivity sound volume and variometer integration time are configurable via Bluetooth An easy terminal controlled setup process enables you to select your own preferences This can be done through Bluetooth or via a mini USB cable on the computer Highly recommended for paragliders and hang glider pilots for use with the Vertica V2 Summary e Integrated variometer data for navigation e Acoustic variometer option See demo video e Internal Lithium battery powers the unit for a full day of flying Fully stand alone e Very small only 64 x 43 x 25 mm and low weight ca 51 grams Easy to carry in your pocket e Mini USB connector for charging of the battery with status LED for charging e Status LED for Bluetooth e Bluetooth can be switched on and off to save power e Acoustic variometer can be easily switched on and off by holding the Bluetooth function button for 1 second e Battery life up to 18 hours or 8 hours with Bluetooth on 2 LIGHT AIRSPORTS VARIOMETER e Vario can be programmed via Bluetooth or via a mini USB cable e Variometer time constant adjustable via an easy Terminal setup program default 2 5 seconds choose between 1 1 5 2 2 5 3 4 5 6 7 or 8 seconds integration time e Variometer tone volume adjustab
5. OM port while the Terminal application remains active may cause LK8000 to be unable to access this COM port 8 Run your navigation software and enjoy flying de Connecting to a computer via USB The method for connecting the LAVA to your Bluetooth enabled PNA is usually all you would need in the field but the LAVA can also be accessed via USB Just connect to your Windows or Apple computer The appropriate USB driver must be installed on your computer first For this go to the site of FTDI http www ftdichip com Drivers VCP htm and download and install the driver Besides using this connection method to get data into your navigation program you can use a standard terminal program for PC Mac to receive the NMEA data and can access the programmable features as well See section 5 for suggested terminal programs In normal operation the USB interface will be in low power mode it will only be used for charging the battery In order to start the communication function first turn on the LAVA device and next connect the USB cable to the computer This will activate the USB communication electronics Obviously the Bluetooth function can be off at this time but there is no need to turn it off first Note that the same information and the same control sequences can be exchanged as in the Bluetooth communication mode 5 Setting up Programmable features As was explained above you will have to set up the LAVA for your intended type of
6. c mode removes much of the dependency on integration time The most straightforward method to adapt the beeper response to one s preferences is by using the M multiplier menu option described next Use q to exit without changes M vario beep sensitivity multiplier Vario beep sensitivity multiplier 0 1 3x 4 1x 9 4x current setting 4 This is a menu option to adjust the response of the vario beeper to changes in rate of climb or sink irrespective of integration time see the B menu option 9 TATAN above This is used mainly to set the device for use for the type of flying and or to one s own preferences The range of multipliers is from 1 3 4 code 0 to 1 code 4 to 4x code 9 Use q to exit without changes D vario beep dead zone Vario beep dead zone 0 9 current setting 6 The tone of the vario beeper will get lower and will sound continuously while in sink For positive rates of climb it will get progressively higher and be interrupted at increasingly shorter intervals as the rate gets higher In this way the acoustic feedback allows distinguishing between positive and negative rates of climb and the strength of the thermal This is the normal mode of operation for most acoustic variometers When flying around a zero rate of climb one gets a tone indication with small variations around zero which may be useful but can get rather annoying The dead zone functionality as explained in the chapt
7. d result in a positive response when demonstrating the device on the ground but would be of no use when in flying It is advised to use the device for the first time s with the default settings to get a feel for what you would like to change It is quite likely that you will feel the need to modify the acoustic variometer to sound just like you would prefer In that case do you want it to respond faster or slower be less or more sensitive The LAVA remembers its settings turning it on will restore the last used settings 3 Principles of operation Integration time The readout of barometric pressure is generally affected by turbulence and needs to be stabilised Likewise the variometer readings must undergo a small amount of averaging integration in order to keep the indications from changing too rapidly This device has a built in integrator with a range of integrating times that can be selected through the setup procedure The integration time for the variometer is a matter of personal preference Should not be taken too long or otherwise the region of climb may be passed through before the climb is detected and not so short that the indication varies too nervously This device provides integration times from 1 0 to 8 0 seconds A useful default of 2 5 seconds has been pre programmed but can be changed through the configuration menu Vario beep sensitivity The rate of climb or sink is calculated from repeated readings of the barome
8. e Since software version 2 10 the blue pushbutton can be used to temporarily switch off the beeper Just press the button for no longer than 1 second to turn it off and later to turn it back on Don t keep the button pressed for much longer because that will then trigger the Bluetooth on off function as described above 7 Closing remarks practical tips We aim to put the best and most versatile mini Bluetooth altimeter acoustic variometer for multiple applications on the market For this we welcome your suggestions for improvement and practical experiences Home made pressure chamber You can place your module inside a plastic box to simulate pressure changes While using the terminal application you can see the actual variometer values hear the respective acoustic variometer sounds and see the different effects on integration time changes This makes it a little easier to notice the changed settings without requiring multiple flights to get the variometer set up to your preferences Be careful with sudden pressure changes The module is extremely sensitive Damage can occur with extreme pressure changes Contact further questions For further questions you can contact us at info millenair nl More information and demo videos are also available at www MillenAir nl 11 LIGHT AIRSPORTS VARIOMETER
9. er on theory of operation allows suppressing the tone in various ways especially for sink rates Use q to exit without changes P program BT Turn BT mode off first This function is only for debugging after certain Bluetooth problems Please do not experiment with this Also this can only be done when connected via the mini USB port If problems occur please contact us and we will help you Use q to exit without changes The default settings are 3 Integration time 9 Vario volume 0 Sensitivity automatic mode 4 Multiplier 1 0x 6 Dead band from 0 0 m s to 2 5 m s 6 Pushbutton functions Bluetooth on off Please note that Bluetooth function is turned off by default on every start up This is done to save battery life for those who do not need the Bluetooth functionality To switch on Bluetooth press and hold the blue Bluetooth pushbutton for approx 4 seconds A high pitch beep will sound and a fast blinking 2 Hz blue 10 TATAAS LED will indicate that the unit is ready to connect with a device After connecting the LED will double blink at a 1 Hz rate To switch off Bluetooth press and hold the blue Bluetooth button for approx 4 seconds A low pitch beep will sound and the blue LED will turn off In this mode the vario will work for more than 18 hours on its internal battery Beeper on off We know that the sound of the beeper can be rather annoying when the LAVA is not in actual flying us
10. flight characteristics and personal preference This is mainly true for the acoustic variometer function as this is your direct feedback during flight For the basic altimeter function and NMEA source the default setting is usually ready to go L S LIGHT AIRSPORTS VARIOMETER The method to set up the device is quite straightforward The terminal interface menu that is used is simple and a minimum of interaction is required to modify settings So it is possible to change settings during flight but depending on your mode of flying in practice this may or may not be so easy to do in a safe manner Therefore a warning During flight concentrate on flying and stay fully aware of your surroundings As described earlier you will need a Terminal program on your PNA and or computer in order to see the information being sent from the device to your PNA Suggestions for different operating systems are Windows mobile Terminal http www millenair nl shop download apps terminal zip Android BlueTerm https play google com store apps details id es pymasde blueterm amp hl en Mac OSX Windows Linux CoolTerm by Roger Meier Mac OSX http www millenair nl shop download apps CoolTermMac zip Windows http www millenair nl shop download apps CoolTermWin zip Linux http www millenair nl shop download apps CoolTermLinux zip The baud rate via the Bluetooth interface as standard delivered is 38400
11. gt Device Setup 2 Set up the connections using the following parameters Device A Generic COM4 19200 internal GPS Device B LK8EX1 COM9 38400 Bluetooth connection of Message from LK8000 COM ports restarting and Using Baro Altitude Now the connections are fully set up You can modify the programmable features using the following steps Fully switch off your PNA before removing the micro SD card TATAAS LIGHT AIRSPORTS VARIOMETER Using a Terminal program to configure the module from the PNA 1 Using your computer download and unzip this file 3 8MB http www millenair nl shop download apps terminal zip 2 Copy the terminal folder to your micro SD card 3 In Windows Mobile create a new icon and set it up to launch Terminal exe and for the icon image use Terminal icon gif Run the Terminal application 4 Menu gt File gt Open gt Port COM 9 Baud Rate 38400 8 None 1 Off gt Open NMEA data should now be flowing 6 Bring up the on screen keyboard and press the character c or C Remove the on screen keyboard and press send You will now enter configuration mode Proceed with the configuration using the instructions in the next chapter Please note the configuration mode will automatically time out after 30 seconds of inactivity 7 After finishing the configuration close the COM port Menu gt File gt Close and exit the application Failure to close the C
12. le via an easy Terminal setup program e Variometer tone sensitivity adjustable via an easy Terminal setup program e Variometer dead band adjustable via an easy Terminal setup program e Variometer beeper can be switched on off using a control button e Works on any navigation software NMEA sentences LK8EX1 and LXWPO LK8000 SeeYou Mobile XCsoar etc e Bluetooth baudrate 38400 bps e Bluetooth password 0000 e Bluetooth name MillenAirBTvario xxx xxx serial number MittenAir Static port do not cover Speaker Bluetooth button ON OFF Bluetooth LED blue Bowe Charging USB port for charging LED green LED red programming and data 2 Practical use notes This device can be used in a range of applications that are quite diverse in flight characteristics Paragliders with their slow speeds and agility in manoeuvring in 3 D space Hang gliders with intermediate speeds and large ranges in glide angle Gliders with higher speeds and excellent glide angle Of course its use in a glider is limited as the unit is uncompensated 3 TATAAS LIGHT AIRSPORTS VARIOMETER To optimally use this device in the conditions that you will expose it to it is important that you understand some of its operation principles see next chapter Please note that the default settings as delivered are intended to allow using it in flight For instance the sensitivity is not set at its highest level which woul
13. tric pressure and integrated averaged over the period set by the integration time specification Both altitude and variometer data are transferred to the PNA in NMEA sentences The acoustic variometer output is directly fed to the pilot via the tone that is being generated inside the unit Internally the tone frequency is calculated from the difference in running averages over two integration times the one specified via the configuration and a faster fixed integrator This is a very versatile method with the advantage of offering flexibility in specifying the response of the beeper but with the disadvantages of needing a range of vario beep sensitivities that depend on the integration time chosen and hence the added complexity for the user This unit however offers the possibility to choose automatic beep sensitivity where the unit uses a sensitivity that is matched to the integration time selected Alternatively one may deviate from this and choose another manual sensitivity setting but only for those willing to spend time and effort to tune the response as desired TATAAS LIGHT AIRSPORTS VARIOMETER Note that the codes used for the sensitivity are in steps of V2 In the automatic mode one still has the possibility to change the sensitivity for all integration times at the same time via the Vario beep sensitivity multiplier setting see next Vario beep sensitivity multiplier In addition to the functionality of the vario beep sensiti
14. vice is as follows First connection via Bluetooth 1 Turn on the Bluetooth function Press the blue button for approx 4 seconds A high pitch beep and a fast blinking 2 Hz blue LED will confirm Bluetooth is enabled and is waiting for pairing See also section 6 in this manual In Windows Mobile go to Settings gt Connections gt Bluetooth Devices gt add new device Connect to your module named MillenAirBTvarioxxx using the standard passcode 0000 In case you ordered your LAVA with custom name and password use those Now the module is paired with your PNA Set up an outgoing COM port COM Ports gt New Outgoing Port Select your module from the list and press next Select COM9 Secure connection is not required Press finish w N O e Now the module is set up for an automatic connection on COM9 The Bluetooth connection will be established automatically when an application uses the COM9 port When connected the blue led will be double blinking at a 1 Hz rate to show that the unit is successfully paired and connected Note Vertica V2 COM 5 6 and 9 are available for Bluetooth connections COM 7 and 8 are reserved for the wired LVTTL ports on the 10 pin mini USB connector COM 4 is reserved for the internal GPS Any other PNA Consult the user manual of your device to see which COM port is available for Bluetooth connections Configuring LK8000 1 In LK8000 go to Config 2 3 gt LK8000 Setup
15. vity described above there is an overriding beep sensitivity setting the multiplier The multiplier that is specified here is applied to all beep sensitivity settings including the automatic mode It can range from 1 3 to 4 times the tone sensitivity adjustable in steps of 31 4 Default is 1x The combination of these possibilities makes the acoustic vario very versatile yet easy to adjust especially for the case of automatic sensitivity mode Vario beep dead zones The dead zone is a region in measured rate of climb or sink where the beeper is quiet Usually there is not much information in stationary beep tones around zero climb or sink so there is an option to shut up the beeper in that zone The codes available for this have the functionality as drawn below Le EEEE 5 0 For code 0 the dead zone is off in other words the beeper is always on Codes 1 to 4 are to be used where positive climb enables the beeper with an increasing degree of sink before the beeper starts making sound The same for codes 5 to 7 but here starting from zero vario Codes 8 and 9 are used for situations where more rapid rate of sink 0 5m s is standard LIGHT AIRSPORTS VARIOMETER 4 Setting up Connect to your PNA Your device will come with a pre defined Bluetooth name and passcode On request you can specify these at a small incremental cost see the website What you need to do to connect to your LAVA to a Bluetooth enabled Windows Mobile PNA de
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