The Installation of XCSoar is not difficult at all, its just that the
documentation is not quite a step by step process.

The basics are that you (for a PDA or PC install):

1) Download the right version for the right device

2) Unip the download

3) Run the install

At this point it is installed and working.

4) Next steps would be to get supporting files such as Waypoints
(turnpoint exchange),
Airspace(turnpoint exchange), Polars(WinPilot), Terrain & Topology
(XCSoar site).

5) Then go through the ~14-25 setup pages and set your preferences.
Most things are good with the defaults, the most important iand only
essential page is the File section where you select your files
downloaded in step 5.

The PNA version is the same, but you load everything onto the
removable Memory Card.

Then if you reboot the PNA with the Memory card inserted you get
XCSoar, or with it out you get the OEM Navigation software the PNA
came with.

Just copy a friends Memory Chip and you are in business immediately.

The documentation is not so crystal clear but having done it a few
times its a snap now.

Ray


On Sep 16, 11:05*am, tstock wrote:
Many people will choose to buy an entire package ready to go with
instructions over locating and assembling hopefully compatible devices
themselves and struggling through the learning curve. *Interestingly
enough, my confusion over which devices and software are required to
run XCSOAR is how I ended up in this thread today in the first place.

Tom