Downloading Flight Recorders.

The contents of this page is liable to change as Manufacturers update their software and New Recorders are approved.

This page is intended to give simple instructions for downloading IGC Flight Recorders.

DOS and Windows Software. Some IGC Flight Recorders have freeware DOS download programs (and in some cases programs for conversion to IGC Files). A further program is provided for NACs to Validate the integrity of the files.

Some Recorders are fitted with sockets for Flash Cards, which may be see as an easier option.

Others (marked ¤ in the list below) use a Windows® DLL file which will perform the same tasks in a 32-Bit Windows environment, and XP is recommended. The use of Windows 98® is not supported for all recorders. Currently, a DLL is not available for all recorders, but as they become available, they can be downloaded from http://www.fai.org/gliding/gnss/freeware.asp.

There is also available via the same link a freeware Windows® program (IGCshell.exe) which, in conjunction with a manufacturer supplied DLL, will perform Downloading and Validation. For more information about using IGCshell.exe, Load the program and click on 'Help', or click here.

Software writers may use the DLLs to simplify downloading using their own products.

The DOS programs will eventually become obsolete.

MacSoftware. There is no MacSoftware for downloading Flight Recorders available from the IGC website, however Wouter Wessels has made his GeoPS program available from his page at http://www.geops.nl/. I have not tried this software myself (I don't have a Mac) but give it a try if you have a Mac. What do you have to lose?

The information contained in these pages is believed to be correct but not guaranteed to be so.

. The following Flight Recorders are covered in this document, other will be added at a later date.

• Aircotec XC Download via IGC-ACT.DLL Only.¤
• Cambridge Models 10, 02 & 25 Requires Programs DATA-CAM & CONV-CAM.
• Cambridge Model 302 Requires DATACAM2 for Model 302.
• Data-Swan Download via IGC-DSX.DLL Only.¤
• EDIATec Download via IGC-FLA.DLL Only.§¤
• EW Models A-D Requires Program DATA-EWA & CONV-EWA.§
• Micro-Recorder Requires IGC-EWA.DLL for Validation Only¤
• Filser/Colibri/Posigraph (See text for required program). §¤
• Flarm Download via IGC-FLA.DLL Only.¤
• IMI Erixx Download via IGC-IMI.DLL Only.¤
• NT Easy Matchbox Download via IGC-NTE.DLL Only.¤
• Peschges Requires Program DATA-PES & CONV-PES. §¤
• Print Technik Requires Program DATA-PRT.
• Scheffel Themi Requires Program DATA-SCH.
• Volkslogger Requires Program DATA-GCS. §¤
• Zander Requires Program DATA-ZAN
• Garmin(Not approved)§

Legend

§ Requires Special Data Cable. In some cases this incorporates Power Leads.
Cambridge (Except Model 10), Peschges and Print Technik require separate Power Supply Leads.

¤ A windows DLL is available for this recorder.

This document is only intended to provide the basics for downloading Flight Recorders by Official Observers and Other who are not familiar with the procedures. Unfortunately, the instructions for different Flight Recorders vary.

The useful standard parameters for the DOS programs are:

At this time Cambridge, Filser, SDI (Posigraph) and Colibri have implemented these parameters, however Cambridge 10,20 & 25 are not fully compliant.

Please send any comments or suggestions on this document to: tnp@spsys.demon.co.uk

Aircotec.

This recorder is downloaded via a mini-USB cable. There is no DOS software for downloading this recorder. Instead, a file IGC-ACT.DLL file is provided as described in the introductory notes.

Cambridge (Models 10,20,25).

Connect the Cambridge to the PC using a standard 1:1 cable.

Switch on the Cambridge and load the program DATA-CAM if you are connected COM Port 1.

To use a COM Port other than 1, load the program with the command DATA-CAM -pn when n is the Port to use. e.g. DATA-CAM -p2 to use COM Port 2.

An alternative approach is to use the command DATA-CAM -pANY, which will cause the program to search for a connected Flight Recorder on any Port.

A summary of the commands available to the program can be displayed with the command DATA-CAM /?

Cambridge (Model 302).

This instrument is normally panel mounted. It connects to the PC using a standard 1:1 cable. But does require a 12 volt supply. This is provided via a 10 way plug (Weidmuller BL3.5/10). Normally this would be connected to the Aircraft supply.

Connect the Cambridge to the PC using a standard 1:1 cable.

Switch on the Cambridge and load the program DATACAM2 if you are connected COM Port 1.

To use a COM Port other than 1, load the program with the command DATACAM2 -pn when n is the Port to use. e.g. DATACAM2 -p2 to use COM Port 2.

A summary of the commands available to the program can be displayed with the command DATACAM2 /?

Notes: DATACAM2 may not download in a DOS Window. It may be necessary to restart the PC in DOS mode first, or use the Cambridge Windows utility. Alternatively, the 302 can be downloaded to a Palmtop, refer to Cambridge documentation for more details.

Data-Swan.

This recorder is downloaded via a RJ45 Cable. There is no DOS software for downloading this recorder. Instead, a file IGC-DSX.DLL file is provided as described in the introductory notes.

Note: There are two RJ45 connectors on this recorder. Download via the RJ45 Connector next to the smaller RJ10 connector.

EdIATec ECW100

This recorder is downloaded via a Special Cable. There is no DOS software for downloading this recorder. Instead, a file IGC-FLA.DLL file is provided as described in the introductory notes (The FLARM DLL is used because this unit uses FLARM Firmware).

EW (Legacy Models).

The are four models of EW Flight Recorder at present. Models A-C all look the same, and Model D is internally similar, but does not have a keypad.

Connect the EW to the PC with the cable provided. Remember that although the EW has a PC style plug, it requires a special cable, or you may damage the EW.

Load the program DATA-EWA -1. This will use COM Port 1 unless you direct it otherwise. To use COM2 enter DATA-EWA -2

The program will now wait for an EW to be detected. Switch on the EW and in the case of models A-C Press the PRT key. (Model D will search for a PC for the first 5 seconds after switch on). The download of the Menu of Flight Available should now commence.

Micro-Recorder.

This model connects to PC with USB Cable and requires no software for Downloading. When connected, the EW will appear as a Removable Disk Drive named 'EW IGC Logs' or similar. Files are copied using Windows Explorer ™. There is a RJ45 Socket but this is not used for Downloading.

Note: Supported PC Operating systems are Windows 2000, Windows XP, Mac and Linux.
There is no support for versions of windows prior to Windows 2000, e.g. Windows 98.

Validation is carried out with IGC-EWA.DLL as described in the introductory notes

Lx/Filser/Colibri/Posigraph

Windows: For LX badged products (LX50, LX5000, LX7000 but not LX20) a file IGC-LXN.DLL file is provided as described in the introductory notes.

DOS: All these Flight Recorders have firmware by the same manufacturer (LX Navigation). This means that in effect the same program can be used to download them. The programs DATA-FIL etc. are fully interchangeable with DATA-LXN and DATA-SDI, so any of these can be used for any Filser or Colibri or Posigraph (SDI) Flight Recorder and the instructions are equally valid . In the following text ??? should be replaced with FIL, LXN or SDI

Connect the Flight Recorder using the correct cable. Filser LX20 and LX21 use a standard 9 pin PC plug, but the cable is non-standard. Filser LX20-2000, Colibri and Posigraph use US Telephone style connectors and a Special Cable 2. Early Posigraph used two Subminiature Circular connectors and Special Cable 3. Filser LX20 (but not LX20-2000 or LX21) may also use this cable as an alternative.

The DX50, LX5000FAI and LX700x are normally panel mounted but if removed from the Glider can be downloaded with a Special DX50/LX5000/LX7000 FAI Cable. The LX700x can also be downloaded with a RJ45 Cable.

Load the program DATA-??? if you are connected COM Port 1. To use a COM Port other than 1, load the program with the command DATA-??? -pn when n is the Port to use. e.g. DATA-??? -p2 to use COM Port 2.

A summary of the command available to the program can be displayed with the command DATA-??? -h

Switch on the Flight Recorder. The Flight Recorder will cycle through a Start-Up sequence.

The SDI Posigraph and Colibri should start download automatically

LX21 may require prompting with the Button (there is only one) to initiate Transfer Mode.

If the LX20 (or LX20/2000) does not download after the initial start-up sequence, select FAI LOGGER menu item and press the READ or WRITE key.

For LX5000 (or LX5000/2000 or LX7000), initiate the initial transfer by using the upper right rotary knob to see SETUP MENU.Use the bottom right knob to select TRANSFER and press the ENTER button.

The program will first download a menu of Flights available for downloading. Select the correct one from the menu and commence downloading.

Note 1: On LX20 Select option 3 TP & TASK from the Main Menu with the Arrow Keys.

Note 2: On some Flight Recorders in this group it has been found that they may either fail to Download or erroneously report No Flights if a Download speed other than the default speed of 19200 baud is used. Setting the speed to 19200 in the Flight Recorder will resolve this problem.

Note 3: Version 6.0 or later of DATA-LXN/VALI-LXN must be used with the LX700x

Note 4: Colibri from Version 4 may also be downloaded using a USB A <=> USB 5-pin Mini-B cable. To do this requires Driver files to be installed (Standard Windows Drivers will not do) and suitable software, see introductory notes. These Drivers are available from the IGC web site or from the Manufacturer.

Flarm

This recorder is downloaded via a RJ45 Cable. There is no DOS software for downloading this recorder. Instead, a file IGC-FLA.DLL file is provided as described in the introductory notes.

There is also a "Red Box" variant produced by LX Navigation under license.

IMI Erixx

This recorder is downloaded via a RJ45 Cable. There is no DOS software for downloading this recorder. Instead, a file IGC-IMI.DLL file is provided as described in the introductory notes.

Easy Matchbox.

This recorder is downloaded via a RJ45 Cable. There is no DOS software for downloading this recorder. Instead, a file IGC-NTE.DLL file is provided as described in the introductory notes.

Peschges

Connect the Peschges VP8 to the PC using the special cable for VP8.

Load the program DATA-PES if you are connected COM Port 1.

To use a COM Port other than 1, load the program with the command DATA-PES -cn when n is the Port to use. e.g. DATA-PES -c2 to use COM Port 2.

Wait until the VP8 enters monitor mode (T: xxxx P: xxxx) and then press any key on the PC (except <ESC>). Downloading should now commence.

A Windows DLL for use with this recorder is available (see introductory notes).

Print-Technik

Load the program DATA-PRT. Press ALT/S (ALT key and S keys together) and connect the Flight Recorder using a 1:1 cable. Select the Setup Item 'PROGRAM' and check that the program has the correct COM Port configured.

Switch on the Flight Recorder, and wait for the Start Menu (Display should show 'TASK- ACCEPT LAST >OK).

On the PC, press ALT/G and select the item READ NEW FLIGHTS FROM GR1000. Press <RETURN>. Downloading should now commence.

Warning: There is a Y2K Problem in versions of DATA-PRT prior to Version 2.1. Be sure to use this (or later) versions. The Y2K compliant version is identified on the DATA-PRT.EXE logo screen by Version 2.1 "Y2K COMPLIANT"

Scheffel Themi

Connect the Flight Recorder using a RJ45 Cable and then within 30 seconds run the program DATA-SCH.

The Latest Flight should be downloaded and then a Menu of other flights displayed. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Volkslogger

Connect the Volkslogger to the PC using the Special Cable for Volkslogger, but do not connect to a voltage supply yet. The circular 5 pin plug used on the Volkslogger is keyed, but it is possible in insert it incorrectly, which may damage the recorder. Be Careful!

Later models use RJ45 US Telephone style connectors using RJ45 Cable.

A Windows DLL for use with this recorder is available (see introductory notes).

Alternatively, to download under DOS:

Load the program DATA-GCS if you are connected COM Port 1.

Warning: There is a Y2K Problem in versions of DATA-GCS and VALI-GCS prior to Version 4.24. Be sure to use this (or later) versions.

To use a COM Port other than 1, load the program with the command DATA-GCS -Cn when n is the Port to use. e.g. DATA-GCS -C2 to use COM Port 2.

Connect the voltage supply and Press N. This must happen in a 10 second window. Downloading of a Menu of available flights should now commence. Select the flight you wish to download and press H if this is for a Badge or Record Claim, otherwise a quicker download can be achieved by pressing T. Downloading of the selected flight should now commence.

Zander GP940 and Zander/SDI GP941

Connect the 9 pin Socket on the front plate of the Zander GP940/1 (beside the LED) to the PC using a Standard 1:1 cable

Load the program DATA-ZAN.

The default COM Port is COM1, but this can be changed to COM2 from within the Program.

The Zander GP940/1 has an internal battery for use during downloading, so just turn the Flight Recorder on and downloading should commence. If an External Battery is required, this can be connected by wiring a 9 pin Female D-connector with Pin 2 -Ve and Pin 5 +ve (12 Volts).

Although not IGC Approved, Tracklogs from Garmin Handheld GPS can be downloaded to a PC with a suitable cable. There are various sources for the cables, but try this site for plugs and cables.

The is no software on the IGC web site for downloading Garmin Tracklogs to IGC Format, but I have found gmn2igc.exe by Ian Molesworth to a good solution.

First, select GRMN/GRMN protocol on the GPS unit, then connect to COM1 or COM2. Run the program gmn2igc.exe (with a parameter of /2 if using COM2). Now just answer all the question, and the download should proceed. If you have changed the protocol, do not forget to reset it afterwards!

An alternative (Windows and CE) solution is Ron Henderson's programs G7ToWin. I have not tried this myself, but it has a following.