| Newsletter
March
2005 |
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| 1. Version number 1.40 |
| This version of the Navigator
would deserve the version number 2.00, but some time ago I promised that
all updates will be free until release of the version with support for color maps. Now that the version is out I can tell that all updates
until year 2006 will be free and than I will reconsider again the
upgrade policy (most likely there will be no big changes). |
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| In the summer of 2004 I
spent quite some time testing the program on the ground and also in the
air. After the first test I decided to improve the program, but not with
new features which would look OK on my feature list (if you would like
to compare them with the competition), but with features that are
interesting for most pilots. I am proud to say that I still have simple
program with features that are interesting and useful form majority
of glider pilots. |
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| 2. Color elevation maps |
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Program can display color maps in two modes -
elevation or differential map. I first mode the color of the map
reflects the altitude of the terrain. In second mode program
with different colors terrain that is higher than our current
altitude. At present time terrain is not displayed at track up
screen orientation. Maybe this is the feature for one of the
next versions. The main reason for that this decision was that
map rotation is not quick enough.
Navigator is not the
tool for IFR navigation and because of that you should be careful when
using differential map display for navigation (altitude is not
accurate enough and map is interpolated from 1km x 1km raster
map).
In the future more accurate map will be available, but
warning will stay the same. With the program distribution you
receive map for Alps called Alps.fdt. For other maps please
visit Maps & Data web page. |
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| 3. Support for new VGA
Pocket PC devices - user interface update |
| Pocket PC 2003 Second edition
was the first version of Pocket PC operating system that supported the
displays with VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels). New version of the
Navigator will automatically adjust the screen resolution. You
will also notice that some other user interface features were updated
with new version. You should also check the new Settings options. In
new version more map display options are available. You can select the
font of them map texts at different zoom levels. You can also select
which numbers is displayed beside reachable waypoints (arrival altitude
or required glide rate).
New is also alternative unit altitude MapText, where the altitude
displayed is indifferent unit as default unit setting (in meters if you
have set up the feet or in feet if meter is selected as default). By
pressing on the MapText you toggle between alternative unit altitude and
flight level. |
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| 4. Thermal statistics |
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|
Thermal statistics was added to
the second window parameter window. Last 4 lifts are displayed on the
screen together with the average lift value for those 4 lifts. You can
use this value as the MC setting. Last 10 lifts are also
displayed on the map together with the lift average. On the map
they are displayed as blue arrow and the number beside the
symbol is the average vario value for that lift. |
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| 5. Task declaration for
different devices |
| Now you can send task
declaration to the LX Navigation flight recorders (Colibri, LX20,
LX5000, LX7000, Posigraph). Task declaration is simple. Enter task in
Navigator and then select Settings in the task window and press Declare
button. Task will be transferred to the flight recorder. This feature
also works if you are using LX1600 and flight recorder (Colibri or LX20)
is connected to LX1600. |
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| 6.New MC/BAL window |
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|
If you press on the MC, Ballast or Volume (for
LX16000) new MC/BAL window is displayed. On this window you can
change following settings:
- MC setting
- ballast setting
- volume setting
- screen orientation
- map zoom factor
- switch the display of airspaces on and off
- switch the display of map on and off
You can also assign this window to the hardware key in the
Settings - Keys dialog window.
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| 7. More parameters displayed
in Goto window |
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If you select the row and than use the left and
right cursors, you can see other final glide parameters:
- distance to waypoint
- arrival altitude
- required glide ratio
- course
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| 8. Support for new hardware |
| Westerboer VW921 and VW922
instruments are now supported. |
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| 9. New free version of
Navigator |
| From version 1.40 you can use
the unregistered version of Navigator (with NMEA GPS source and not only
in simulator mode). Program has some limitations that are described on
the following page. If you are looking for
a simple moving map solution that the Navigator Free is the right
program for you. |
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| Back to flyWithCE home
page. |
