Ian,
It does calculate the direct winds and displays on the GCD
Please see Borgelt's site and the manual for all the features:
http://www.borgeltinstruments.com/
Borgelt plans the following software upgrades:
Thermal centering algorithm for two channel audio.
Inversion of display on GCD for those who wish the controls on the
right hand side of the GCD.
Hardware upgrades: SD card reader for the GCD to allow an unlimited
turnpoint database.
The B50 was replaced to implement new manufacturing technology and to
allow the implementation of additional functions. I suspect it was
getting hard to get the older components.
I believe he wanted the flexabilty of the 4 Htz GPS to implement the
thermal centering and maybe additional features in the future. The PDA
uses the 4 Hz GPS signal for navigation, the Volkslogger is relagated
to a Logger. The WinPilot software also has an internal IGC PDA logger
and can be used for OLC, and most contests.
You are correct with what you lose with the B400. In addition the
averager display, netto or relative vario and the new function thermal
centering audio.
If using WinPilot PRO you would not get the climb maximizer The
Volkslogger is connected to the B500 system and is power by the B500
Power Supply. The PDA is also power by the same supply.
The CAI 302 has an internal IGC logger so you really can not remove the
logger.
Thanks,
Richard
www.craggyaero.com
Ian wrote:
On Thu, 28 Dec 2006 07:51:11 -0800, Richard wrote:
I sell both the LX1600 and the B500 and have flown with both. They are
both excellent systems. The B500 has a couple additional features. It
comes in both 57mm and 80mm size. It comes with a 4hz GPS but this is
not a data logger. WinPilot PRO has an internal logger that can be
used. An IGC logger can also be connected to the system (VL, colibri,
etc.) The GCD, (glare shield display) of the B500 also has a simple NAV
system seperate from the PDA system. I have found this very useful for
what ifs around a couple of turnpoints, without distrubing the task in
the PDA.
Thanks for the input. I should have mentioned that we already have
Volkslogger for "certified" logs and a Flarm that keeps un-certified
logs if we ever need a backup. I use the Volkslogger for basic navigation
but I am playing with a Palm PDA with Soaring Pilot software with a
connection to the Volkslogger.
My philosophy is that the logger should be kept separate from other
navigation equipment as by design it has to be sealed and it cannot accept
user uploaded firmware upgrades. Of course it can be used as a GPS engine.
A couple of questions regarding the Borgelt B500:
- If it is operating "stand alone", without the PDA, can it calculate a
direct wind speed indication and display it on it's own panel display, or
must this be done by the PDA.
- Why did Borgelt replace the B50 with the B500 which includes a GPS
engine and is US$300 dearer. (We already have 2 GPS engines on board, it
seems a bit of an overkill to buy a 3rd). I am sure Mike had good
motivation.
If you trade down to the B400, you lose: Speed to fly, and direct
winds. The B400 is a very nice audio TE vario with a battery backup.
I can get speed to fly indications from the PDA and the Macready ring on
our mechanical varios. (With ridge flying we "speed to fly" theory is not
really applicable anyway.) Indirect wind and final glide can be had
from a PDA/GPS combination. I am just trying to justify spending the extra
$'s.
Is there anybody out there who flies with a B50, B500, Lx1600 or
similar and can go on record and say that the GPS/airspeed based wind
speed calculations really work - particularly while ridge flying.
You should also look at the CAI 302, 303, and PDA it is a little more
expensive but is an excellent system.
How would you put together a CAI based system without a CAI secure logger?
(We already have the Volkslogger).
www.craggyaero.com
Just had a look at your website.
Thanks
Ian
PS: Is it still possible to get a Zander SR800 overhauled/repaired? If
so, where?