LX Era 80 vs S80/S100

I am puzzled by your complaint, however. Do you prefer the LXNav vario, and are
just disappointed it might cost more at some unknown time in future to change to
different vario of the same brand?

AFAICT, LX Nav makes quality hardware which suits the needs of a wide range of pilots. However, it has made a decision which negatively and needlessly impacts a subset of those pilots. Consumers in 2020 expect that when they change their hardware they take their paid software with them.

If you are an instrument pilot and like to have an AHRS in your plane, then this impacts the value proposition for LX Nav. LX Navigation makes a portable AHRS system, which enhances its value relative to LX Nav.

I don't think there's a lot to read into this. Possibly, as krasw points out, the subset of pilot is no larger than a handful of people. Still, it was useful to me to know about the AHRS decision *before* purchasing an LX9000.. Now I can more fully consider my options and better understand the true cost of ownership. I imagine this information will be useful to other AHRS clients as well.

Hi,

The LXNAV S8, S80, S10 and S100 variometers are the best varios available. They are well designed and more reliable than any other currently available variometer. The built-in AHRS hardware makes them easy to install and reliable. LXNAV developed the AHRS hardware - they didn't tack-on an external AHRS unit. The varios fully replace older vario systems like the Cambridge 302/303 system, ILEC SN10, etc. They are available in either 57mm or 80mm sizes with exactly the same functionality in either size. And they use a single instrument hole instead of 2. They offer excellent variometer functions as well as waypoint and task navigation, FLARM and ADS-B traffic display and warnings, and final glide calculations. They also have built-in g-meters as standard. Also, with the current exchange rates, you can get an S8-Club speed-to-fly variometer for $870. That is much lower cost than previous speed-to-fly variometers. I also like that you can buy a "club" version with the same hardware and add software features easily at any time in the future. Also, the AHRS enable is a software enable that can be done easily at any time. They work great with FLARM units and Naviter Oudie units too. I very highly recommend them. I do sell them, but I also fly with them.

S8, S80, S8-Club, S80-Club
https://www.cumulus-soaring.com/stor...product_id=777

S10, S100
https://www.cumulus-soaring.com/stor...product_id=105

Best Regards,

Paul Remde
Cumulus Soaring, Inc.

On Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 3:02:28 AM UTC-5, Kenz Dale wrote:
On Friday, October 4, 2019 at 9:17:12 AM UTC-4, Turkey Vulture wrote:
I have actually used the s100 in my DG 100 for 1 season. I popped for the AHRS as well. 80mm is the way to go.

This is a huge difference between the two brands. LX Nav does not let you revoke the AHRS key, which translated into normal human speak means that you can't take your AHRS with you. So if you sell your unit to someone else because you want LX Nav's latest and greatest, or just your unit conks out, you're SOL for the $$$ you spent. Every time you get a new model you have to spend $800.

LX Navigation has a separate AHRS module which is portable to new installations.

Frankly, and this is speaking as an embedded guy who's been doing drone autopilot firmware since 2010, LX Nav has destroyed a lot of the value of their product for peeps who want an AHRS. Unless their internal software is a dumpster fire, which is its own problem, fixing this lack of portability is a perfect first task for an intern/junior engineer.