On Jul 12, 10:33*pm, Ben C wrote:
Hi all,

I am looking at replacing my L-nav with either an LX1606 or Borgelt B500 (B800 if released). *It will be used with a PNA running XCSoar for glide calculations. *I would appreciate peoples opinions on the various merits (or otherwise) of these two instruments.

Regards, Ben Coleman

I am a dealer for and have used all three varios in my glider a Ventus
b.

CAI 302
PROS: Inlcudes Logger, easy wiring and power to PDA
CONS: some software and hardware issues but overall still a good
solution.

B500
PROS: Smoothe vario, GPS included
CONS: complicated wiring, Power Converter required for PDA,
complicated switching scheme to download flights, software update
tedious, same with turnpoints, no logger.

LX1606
PROS: Extremely smoothe and effective vario, easily customized by
SeeYou Mobile 2 pages, (not sure about XC Soar Pages), nice stepper
motor needle, and color display, can us with any GPS, great SC and
Vario display. Easy connection to and powers PDA.
CONS: need to connect a GPS, no logger

Currently I am flying with the LX1606 connected to my Ultimate Le
Display. The Ultimate Le will run SeeYou PNA, LK8000, StrePla,
WinPilot. Plans are to feed the LX1606 with PowerFlarm. Most other
PowerFlarm solutions at this time will require a multiplexer, to get
the correct signals to the PDA.
I also have a CAI 302, 303 as a backup vario and system. I perfer
the 1606 Vario/SC display over the CAI 302.

Richard
www.craggyaero.com