XCSoar / LK8000

On Sunday, 10 March 2013 02:11:53 UTC, MNLou wrote:
I am about to make my first foray into the world of soaring software.



I will, most likely, be using a Naviter Oudie Lite hooked up to a Cambridge 302. My focus will be cross country flight (versus contest flying) for the foreseeable future.



I have read reviews and comments about both XCSoar and LK8000. They both appear to be fine products with excellent functionality.



I would be interested in your comments on ease of use (both on the ground and in the air), learning curve / ease of set up, and if one is better suited for cross country flying.



Thanks in advance for your help!

On the choice of hardware, between Oudie 2 and Vertica V2/GliderGuider/WingsandWheels AVier (all the same unit), there are pros and cons. The Oudie 2 uses less battery (probably c 0.2 Ah vs 0.3 Ah, in either case I suggest plugging into the glider fully charged), and has more internal memory and a faster processor which seems to give faster screen redrawing. The Vertica etc has an internal GPS which is more suitable for gliding and so is the device I would recommend if you expect to use the internal GPS rather than always rely on an external GPS source. I bought the GliderGuider to replace my original model Oudie - the GliderGuider was good value in the UK and came with excellent service. I am running SeeYou Mobile on it, which for me makes the things I do often easier than the free programs.

On Monday, March 11, 2013 6:01:31 AM UTC-7, waremark wrote:
On Sunday, 10 March 2013 02:11:53 UTC, MNLou wrote:

I am about to make my first foray into the world of soaring software.







I will, most likely, be using a Naviter Oudie Lite hooked up to a Cambridge 302. My focus will be cross country flight (versus contest flying) for the foreseeable future.







I have read reviews and comments about both XCSoar and LK8000. They both appear to be fine products with excellent functionality.







I would be interested in your comments on ease of use (both on the ground and in the air), learning curve / ease of set up, and if one is better suited for cross country flying.







Thanks in advance for your help!



On the choice of hardware, between Oudie 2 and Vertica V2/GliderGuider/WingsandWheels AVier (all the same unit), there are pros and cons. The Oudie 2 uses less battery (probably c 0.2 Ah vs 0.3 Ah, in either case I suggest plugging into the glider fully charged), and has more internal memory and a faster processor which seems to give faster screen redrawing. The Vertica etc has an internal GPS which is more suitable for gliding and so is the device I would recommend if you expect to use the internal GPS rather than always rely on an external GPS source. I bought the GliderGuider to replace my original model Oudie - the GliderGuider was good value in the UK and came with excellent service. I am running SeeYou Mobile on it, which for me makes the things I do often easier than the free programs.

Guys; are the Oudie2 Vertica2/Avier the same physical size ? Are the cables interchangeable? I'm considering to buy the Vertica2 as a backup and as a platform to try other software programs without having to change wiring and cradle. Can't really get a straight answer.
Thanks in advanced. 6PK

Oudie 2 and the others are extremely close in size, but mount differently in the brackets they come with.

The interface cables are different, mainly because the Vertica/Avier/GliderGuider has 2 serial ports sharing the same 10 pin mini-usb socket, whereas the Oudie uses a 5 pin mini USB socket. The Oudie comes with an appropriate interface cable for most connections, with the others the suppliers offer appropriate cables as extras.

All these units are excellent. The screens really are superb - nothing to choose between them.

On Tuesday, April 23, 2013 3:21:25 PM UTC-7, waremark wrote:
Oudie 2 and the others are extremely close in size, but mount differently in the brackets they come with.



The interface cables are different, mainly because the Vertica/Avier/GliderGuider has 2 serial ports sharing the same 10 pin mini-usb socket, whereas the Oudie uses a 5 pin mini USB socket. The Oudie comes with an appropriate interface cable for most connections, with the others the suppliers offer appropriate cables as extras.



All these units are excellent. The screens really are superb - nothing to choose between them.

Thank you very kindly 6PK