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Warning. This page is a work in progress. All files are used at your own risk. Never depend solely on GPS or computer data when flying. Always exercise due caution and leave appropriate margins for error.
LK8000 is soaring computer software which can be installed on a number of devices. It is an offshoot of X-C Soar and is an Open Source product. There is no cost for the software and the hardware upon which it runs is inexpensive. The least expensive solution is to purchase a supported car navigation unit (PNA) which integrates a touch-screen display, GPS, processor and memory into a compact yet functional form factor.
This page is not the definitive source of information on LK8000. The main site is http://www.lk8000.it/ and the support forum is located at http://www.postfrontal.com/forum/default.asp?CAT_ID=11
Safety
It is very important to understand the safety factors settings and to chose appropriate values. When flying in our local region, safety altitude mode should be set to Landables and Turnpoints. LK8000 will then consistently predict your arrival height relative to the Safety Altitude no matter which waypoint type you are flying to.
Safety Macready should never be left at zero. Low MC values are aggressive and mean that you are relying on close to the theoretical maximum performance of your glider. High values are more conservative because the prediction is based on the higher sink rates encountered at higher speeds - the pilot has the option of flying more slowly during the glide to reduce the altitude loss enroute if sink is expected or encountered.
Local maps and terrain
Configure the Site page with the following map and terrain files
Local airspace files
pndltn03.txt One definition of the airspace around Ottawa.
hwksbr7a.txt The airspace files used for the Canadian Nationals at Hawkesbury, 2007.
YUL_YOW_Airspace_20110803.txt Airspace based on Designated Airspace Handbook, Issue 223.
Do not load a second airspace file to LK8000 if it overlaps with the primary loaded airspace.
Local waypoint files
kars20110125.cup Useful for RVSS, GGC and MSC
mayfly20110525.cup Updated after 2011 MayFly to include ultralight strip at Curran.
Mio M400 and M401 (Canada)
The Mio is a popular unit for running LK8000 and is well supported by the chief software author. Its display is good in a bright cockpit and it has an accessible reset switch which could be used if ever required. It does not have an SD card so all data transfer is via USB cable. The positive side of that is that you cannot misplace an essential hardware piece that would prevent you from operating the unit. The Mio has an onboard serial port and a custom cable can be used to interface LK8000 with a number of supported external instruments. You should not expect the device to run for more than 90 minutes on its internal battery; an external power source must be considered. The M400 and M401 are mostly available reconditioned or used on eBay although they are occasionally for sale brand new at Future Shop or Best Buy if you are lucky.
Until more concise instructions are integrated with this page, please see this installation guide.
Insignia NAV01c PNA
The NAV01 and NAV01c (Canadian version) is Best Buy's house-brand automotive GPS, although it appears to be on the verge of being discontinued. The units are readily available from a number of sources including eBay. The device has a bright screen and an SD card slot which can be a handy way to retrieve the .igc log file after a flight. You should not expect the device to run for more than 120 minutes on its internal battery; an external power source must be considered.
Download and unzip this file to the Insignia's SD card to install LK8000 version 2.2. LK8000 will start automatically at power-up.
Detailed instructions
- Insert a blank SD card into your computer.
- Extract the contents of the .zip archive (above) to a folder on your PC.
- Copy the two folders (WLNANavi480_272, LK8000) to the root level of your SD card.
- Remove the SD card and insert into the Insignia PNA.
- Power on Insignia NAV01c and confirm proper operation. LK8000 should start automatically after ~15 seconds.
- Configure LK8000 as required.
- When finished, select Exit softkey, and unit will shut down automatically.
External power
To overcome the limitation of the internal PNA battery, an external power supply can be fed to the mini-USB port. If the power comes from the glider's 12v battery, a device to reduce the voltage to 5v must be installed between the battery and the PNA. The male cigarette adapter which comes with the PNA might be used for this purpose.
For portability and simplicity, a USB battery box (shown above) containing 4AA cells is an option.
Sun shade
You will notice that your PNA is sometimes difficult to read in the cockpit where the ambient light is very bright and especially when the sun is reflecting from the screen. You can improve readability by installing a manufactured or home-made shade.
http://www.glarestomper.com/ Use coupon code RMNOT15 for a 15% discount when ordering. This glare shield is mailed directly to you and arrives in approximately one week.
Adirondacks
The annual Fall wave camp is held at Lake Placid, New York. The information and files in this section are for use when flying at that location.
It is advisable to set the safety altitude mode as follows when flying in the mountains.
Waypoints
adirondacks20101111.cup For the fall Lake Placid wave camp
Map data
You need both of these files.