OUDIE

[fly...@gmail.com]

Hi
The thermal-assistant in my Oudie 2 is very helpfull when thermals are weak and
disorganize. Now my Oudie 2 is not connected to my vario. But it could.
My question is would it make a difference on the thermal-assistant if I connect
the Oudie to my smart vario?
For the purist out there I know all the other information I am not getting by
not connecting the two instrument.

Thank you
Gilles

[waremark]

Yes, without connection it is only able to work from gps altitude and the gps chip is not accurate when circling tightly. Ideally it should be connected to an external gps source as well as a smart vario to get both vario and position data more accurately. I found it useless without external data. In the old days of Winpilot the thermal maximiser was only available in the pro version which required smart vario data.

[herbk...@gmail.com]

On Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 10:48:40 AM UTC-5, waremark wrote:
> Yes, without connection it is only able to work from gps altitude and the gps chip is not accurate when circling tightly. Ideally it should be connected to an external gps source as well as a smart vario to get both vario and position data more accurately. I found it useless without external data. In the old days of Winpilot the thermal maximiser was only available in the pro version which required smart vario data.

"Old days"? What Old Days? I'm still flying with WinPilot Pro and 302 and do not feel handicapped vs. the newer systems. Especially the Climb Maximizer is something of a secret weapon (don't tell anyone!).

[fly...@gmail.com]

Thank you for the information.
Will connect the two instrument this winter.
Can you explain the data transfer that benefit the thermal asssistant.
Just to expand my knowledge on the subject

Regards
Gilles

[K m]

On Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 7:24:17 AM UTC-6, herbk...@gmail.com wrote:

> "Old days"? What Old Days?

Commonly referred to as "Back in the day", "Old school", "When you were just a sparkle in your mothers eye", or for those less sophisticated, "When you were still an itch in your daddy's pants". Hope this helps.

SYM will use the GPS position from your logger and pressure altitude from your instrument. There is a partial list here http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/software-pda.htm and I believe winds and TAS can also be input to SYM from certain instruments.

[herbk...@gmail.com]

Now that was really helpful, KM, thanks so very much. My limited command of the English language is again very notable. As I understand it, WinPilot uses the very data you mention (from the 302) to determine immediate (vector) wind and precise position and pressure altitude for determining other parameters. SYM has nothing new over WinPilot.
Btw., at my younger age (and in my "old days") we made the vario tone with a recorder that we carried.

[K m]

Yea, Ive heard good things about the thermal assist on WinPilot. I used to like the thermal assist on SYM until I used the thermal assist on my S7. It is easily twice as accurate and displays the wind vector. Great for centering! What do you use to run WinPilot? I was on the WP site and they show the software for Iphone and Ipad but does anyone know if an Ipad (Or Mini)is sunlight readable?
Thanks

[6PK]

It's interesting as this topic keeps on popping up.
I too keep going back to Windows version of WinPilot.
I also am very familiar with and used frequently SYM, XCSOAR but keep going back to Win Pilot which unfortunately is no longer supported.
There are more reasons than just the Thermal Assist here,although this feature is just more straight forward.
Both with SYM and XCSOAR running the Thermal Assist requires looking at the instrument, not with WP through . I can simply rely on the chime and glance at the arrow once about every turn or so if and when using this feature.
I have WP running on the now also discontinued Vertica2 PNA, something similar to the Oudie unit.
I suppose you could also run WP on an Oudie, however I'm not sure. (I know you can run XCSOAR on it but you can say goodbye to SYM than).
Than of course there is the Win Pilot IOS version whichhe keeps on changing. I never heard of anyone running it through. It would be nice to hear feedback but after the poor customer support, I guess people avoid it like the plaque.

[Tango Eight]

I'll surely offend someone here :-).

There are better solutions out there now.

I used the 302 + WinPilot combo in 2008. It worked fine. I gave up on WP when it became clear that Jerry wasn't going to fix some issues that were truly vexing and wouldn't answer email from a paying subscriber. I did miss the thermal optimizer... I never really bonded with the 302 vario by itself.

If you are allergic to anything that smacks of commercial content, go ahead and turn the page now please...

ClearNav CNv's response is such that you probably don't need a centering tool at all. It's nearly "seat of the pants" fast, but doesn't get jittery like many electronic varios do when set to small time constants. You really have to see this in action to appreciate how good it is. If you do want/like a thermal centering device, there's one built into CNvXC that works very well indeed. WP was in my opinion "the centering tool that actually worked"... and CNvXC is better still. As with WP, there are audio cues for centering.

Ask anyone that owns one (best with most recent updates).

Evan Ludeman @ CNi

[herbk...@gmail.com]

Evan, I actually agree with my many friends and ClearNav afficionados (BB is one of them) that you have an excellent product. I sometimes get beaten by them flying the dreaded Area Task which ClearNav seems to handle beautifully, WinPilot not so much. Maybe in my next glider - but my wife thinks I'm doing just fine in the one I fly, have to land out more!
Herb

[Tango Eight]

Hi Herb,

Thanks for the kind words. Btw, just to clarify (because it'll be counter intuitive to a WP user): the thermal assistant I refer to above is part of our variometer, not the flight computer.

See you at New Castle. I'll do my best to bring some good weather.

-Evan

[Sean]

I just updated my 29 panel this spring from an SN10/Ilec vario linked to an Oudie to a new panel with a CN2 with the CN NAV vario (square with red buttons) and a LXNav S10 (new all in one, Nav, Task, Flarm, AHRS, IGC Oogger, etc) as a "backup." Backup is a silly description as the S10 is extremely capable as well in a 57mm package.

I have experience with the butterfly vario, V7, 302, XCSoar, of course the SN10 and several others not worth mentioning.

The CN "Nav" Vario (again, the square one with red buttons) is absolutely incredible. Simple to use, extremely accurate and seems very stable in bubbly, gusty, difficult thermals. I seem to be climbing better and more importantly, running much better. To me this means more accurate netto and speed to fly. It's the best vario I have ever used. I can't say exactly why I believe this, but I believe it. The S10 Vario is also very good, but I favor the cn vario as it integrates well with the CN2 and is very intuitive. I also had a small technical problem with the S10 (one of the very first delivered) that caused me to disregard it and favor the CN vario (which was flawless). So I don't have the same confidence in the LXNav S10 yet other than to say it is really cool and does anything and everything I could ever need. The thermal centering tool is incredible on the CN Vario (and the S10).

The Oudie is OK at best. It MUST be tied into a pressure sensor to be worth anything at all. I was sceptacle of these "full" soaring computers such as the LX9000 and CN2 before switching. But it has been an eye opener for me. Sure there was learning curve. In my case the CN2 is very easy to learn (unlike the LX9000...just ask anyone who uses one, they'll tell you). But once you do master these instrument/flight computers you will have a much more relaxed flight with quicker access to better information.

The SN10 is probably still the best overall simple navigation instrument for the money (I have one for sale, ;-)) although it also can be a challenge to learn and master. But it's ILEC vario (ILEC) leaves something to be desired in comparison to the CN Vario (or the LX).

Hopefully this has some value for someone out there.

Sean

[Renny]

For the record, I agree with Sean 100% on the CN LCD Vario with the thermal assistant. This is the first season I used it and I knew pretty quickly that it was going to be the BEST vario I have ever used. I have been at this sport for awhile, having owned 6 sailplanes and having experience with many varios over 4+ decades, and the CN LCD Vario has proven itself to be truly outstanding. I definitely need all the help I can get and this vario really helps me out especially on those days when those New Mexico thermals are rough and difficult to center. So, if you are in the market, you will not go wrong with this vario.
Thanks - Renny

[xcnick]

I am happy with the CNv. Flew my whole life (40,000 miles) with steam gauges so that is all I have for experience. When I bought my new glider with the 302 I always envied I thought there was something wrong with me for not liking it. I was so confused I turned it off when low. Traded in the 302 after 80 hours of frustration and am happy with the CNv XC right out of the box. I also have the oudie and xcsoar on the phone... meh. Maybe if I flew new places a map would be good.

[6PK]

Ok folks, I guess just a naïve question; If one were to consider buying the CN XC vario ( not with the full blown TV set), I know it will work and talk to the Oudie but than how about XCSoar or Top Hat? These two do not show a compability to CN however they do work well with the 302.
So my question is, did anyone tried the 302 connection through XCSoar ? (Something tells me that there is some relation between the 302 and CN?)

[Matt Johnston]

Sorry to hijack slightly but to those of you who own an Oudie would
you recommend it? I'm looking to buy one early next year as I need a
navigation unit that I can easily transfer between gliders.

[K m]

Matt,
Ive owned the Oudie since they were first sold in this country. Alot depends on what you are trying to do and what software you are running. Many people purchase the SYM lifetime license (And I think you can get a break on See You if you purchase at the same time).
The "Sunlight" Oudie is popular and works well for people who fly a number of ships.

[Dan Marotta]

On 9/16/2016 8:34 AM, 6PK wrote:
>
> Ok folks, I guess just a naïve question; If one were to consider buying the CN XC vario ( not with the full blown TV set), I know it will work and talk to the Oudie but than how about XCSoar or Top Hat? These two do not show a compability to CN however they do work well with the 302.
> So my question is, did anyone tried the 302 connection through XCSoar ? (Something tells me that there is some relation between the 302 and CN?)

I have used XCSoar for about 5 years now and am completely happy with
it. Last year I traded my 302 for a CNvXC vario. Since the CN uses an
RJ-45 connector for its serial port I needed to buy a new cable to feed
my K6BT serial to Bluetooth converter. I got that from Cumulus
Soaring. The CNvXC worked perfectly with XCSoar once I replaced the
DB-9 to K6BT cable with the RJ-45 to K6BT cable.

You'll be very happy with the combination.
--
Dan, 5J

[K m]

6PK,
If you are looking for just the Vario, Take a look at LXNav as well. http://www.lxnav.com/products/lxnav-varios.html
I went through the selection process a couple of years ago and I liked the CN computer (Except for the silly "Glide ameba") but the LX varios were vastly superior. Good luck.

[George Haeh]

I didn't find the Thermal Assistant helpful.
Instead I zoom to 1 mile radius and keep
an eye on the vario breadcrumb trail.

This also works nice in localised wave
with the advantage that wave tends to
stay put more than thermals when the
wind is blowing.

The Air Glide S shows instantaneous wind
really nicely. It would be great if it sent
wind to the Oudie so you could see wind
vectors on the Oudie track, but it looks like
you have to buy an Air Glide M or L (and
do major panel re-engineering to get it in).

[Doug C]

Problems with my IPAQ and Volkslogger led to the recent upgrade of my B50-IPAQ-Winpilot-Pro system to an LXNAV S100 coupled to an inexpensive Android tablet running XCSOAR. I endorse Sean’s comments about the broad capabilities and good value of the LXNav S10/S100 vario. An additional advantage is the built-in Bluetooth which allows simple and direct transfer of the S100 vario information to the tablet. The S100-Android coupled system works beautifully and the support provided by LXNAV has been outstanding. One disadvantage of the new system is that the learning curve for using the S100 plus XCSOAR is more challenging than the well-integrated Winpilot system. The S100 thermal centering system works very well, but I prefer the more intuitive Winpilot display, now adopted for the CN NAV vario, over the ring of colored spots used by the S100. This preference obviously reflects my prior use of Winpilot Pro for the past 16 years. I am very satisfied with my S100-XCSOAR system.

[fly...@gmail.com]

Le mardi 13 septembre 2016 11:08:24 UTC-4, fly...@gmail.com a écrit :

Hi
When I started this tread,I said I like my Oudie thermal assistant when thermal are broken or on blue days, it help make a mental picture of the situation.
I was looking for a way to improve this by connecting the Oudie to my Cleanav vario. From what I read I am not convince upgrading from CNv club to CNv x/c will improved my thermal assistant.
Thank all for responding
Gilles


help

[K m]

Gilles,
Check with CN about compatibility with SYM. An upgrade, depending on cost, could be a waste and you could put the $$$ toward a fully featured vario that is compatible. Best of luck in your search.

[HGXC]

Yes I would. I have one and like it very much. Its provides me with all the info I need, allows me to customize my screen and is very durable.

I first tried the Dell streak/XC soar but the streak is very vulnerable to breaking with that crazy 32 pin plug right at your knee.

Dennis

[resi...@sbcglobal.net]

Easy way to solve that is to configure XCSosar to use the reverse screen orientation, which essentially makes the display turn upside down. Presto - the 30 pin cable in now pointing to the outside of the cockpit and away from knees, hands, etc.

RS

[Dan Marotta]

As I've said many times before, I love my Streak/XCSoar, but I have to
second the point about the 32-pin plug. My solution to that is to mount
the Streak or Oudie or Kobo, etc. on a stalk on the panel or canopy rail
and not remove the connector from the unit. Any connector that is
repeatedly removed/reconnected will eventually fail. I've even
considered epoxying the connector to the unit but not yet... Heck, I
just got a brand new Streak for $55...

--
Dan, 5J

[resi...@sbcglobal.net]

On Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 8:54:52 AM UTC-5, Dan Marotta wrote:
> As I've said many times before, I love my Streak/XCSoar, but I have to
> second the point about the 32-pin plug. My solution to that is to mount
> the Streak or Oudie or Kobo, etc. on a stalk on the panel or canopy rail
> and not remove the connector from the unit. Any connector that is
> repeatedly removed/reconnected will eventually fail. I've even
> considered epoxying the connector to the unit but not yet... Heck, I
> just got a brand new Streak for $55...
>
> On 9/17/2016 6:53 AM, HGXC wrote:
> > On Friday, September 16, 2016 at 11:00:14 AM UTC-4, Matt Johnston wrote:
> >> Sorry to hijack slightly but to those of you who own an Oudie would
> >> you recommend it? I'm looking to buy one early next year as I need a

there is a new Dell Streak on eBay right now with a buy it now price of $31.99. What a steal!

[Dan Daly]

Hi Gilles. I have a CNv with digital display, x/c. I use an Oudie Lite running XC Soar. I connect with the Cumulus Soaring cable ( Cable-CNv-Oudie-0p1Cable - ClearNav CNv Variometer to Oudie Power/Data Cable ). With this, I gain a much better GPS to XC Soar. I also gain pressure altitude from the vario sensor, IAS (from static and pitot pressue) and OAT (I have the optional OAT sensor), which make wind calculation better (since TAS is a wind input, rather than algorithmic guess). I can't speak to SYM's thermal assistant since I don't use it (but I have found it frustrating to configure compared to XC Soar, when helping others who bought them with SYM).

I am very happy with the performance of the Oudie, connected, running XC Soar.

I'd suggest at least getting the cable and connecting the Oudie. Not expensive, and your inputs to SYM will be much better; better inputs = better wind velocity; better wind velocity will probably make SYM's TA work better. $45USD when I got mine this spring. You do need the RJ45 coupler that came in the Oudie box to connect it.

I love my CNv with digital display, and in particular, the CNv Thermal Assistant. I expect that having good wind inputs will make wave flying at Lake Placid to be somewhat easier...

Dan
2D - GGC

[fly...@gmail.com]

Le mardi 13 septembre 2016 11:08:24 UTC-4, fly...@gmail.com a écrit :
> Hi
> The thermal-assistant in my Oudie 2 is very helpfull when thermals are weak and
> disorganize. Now my Oudie 2 is not connected to my vario. But it could.
> My question is would it make a difference on the thermal-assistant if I connect
> the Oudie to my smart vario?
> For the purist out there I know all the other information I am not getting by
> not connecting the two instrument.
>
> Thank you
> Gilles

Hi Dan
I am aware of the possible solution.
I bought my CNvario before CN decided to support the digital version.
All I need is a connection to my Oudie. What the Oudie provide is good enough for me. I am looking to improve the thermal assistant.
The X/C version offer many feature like a approved logger ...etc.
I do not need a 3rd logger. Adding a digital is a solution, and now I have 3 of everything not considering the invesment in $$$.
My enthousiasm to support CN early is playing againts me.
A message to CN made it clear not to expect anything for the analog display owner.
Good wave in Lake Placid
Regards
Gilles

[Dan Daly]

Hi Gilles. I didn't say you needed the X/C version, or the digital display. You connect the Oudie power and data cable to the serial port on the Air Data Computer, with the cable. It should feed the inputs to the Oudie and SYM.

I left Placid last year just before the 3 days of wave (my turn to cook Thanksgiving dinner). Fingers crossed for this year.

Dan

[matbo...@gmail.com]

Hello all,
If Xcsoar installed on Oudie2 can use Bluetooth comunictation with other devices (vario, FLARM ect.)?
Best regards
Mateusz

[Dan Marotta]

If the Oudie2 has Bluetooth capability, it should work just fine. My
Dell Streak 5 running XCSoar can connect with multiple Bluetooth
networks simultaneously, I verified that last week.

Do you have a serial to Bluetooth converter for some of your devices? I
have one for sale in excellent condition. If you need one, please
contact me.

Good luck!

Dan

--
Dan, 5J