Skytraxx

SKYTRAXX Operating Manual
Operating Manual
BLANKFORM Im Bildst�ckle 5 79822 Titisee-Neustadt

info@flugvario.de www.flugvario.de Tel.: 07651-3732
SKYTRAXX rev 2.2

Congratulations to purchasing SKYTRAXX.
We wish to thank you for your confidence in our product. This

flight instrument consists of most sophisticated components and
has been especially adjusted to the requirements of paragliding.
Please enjoy your flights using SKYTRAXX.
2
Control Panel
Menu (1) Back (2) Forward (3) Enter (4)

Display
There are four keys on the front panel of your SKYTRAXX.
The menu key always navigates to a selection. The minus key
diminishes a chosen value or returns to a selection in the menu.
The plus key increases a chosen value or selects the next entry
in a menu.
Pushing the generally OK key confirms an entry.
The OK key is also used to browse through further views.
Switching on and off
Pushing the menu key and consequently pushing the OK key

switches the device on. On accidently pushing the menu key
without confirmation by pushing ok will result in the device to
switch off automatically.
Switching off is done by long (3sec.) pushing the menu key
followed by pushing the OK key.
Switching off is deactivated while the power adapter is
connected. In case the power adapter is connected to the
switched off device, the SKYTRAXX automatically goes into
charging mode.
3
Navigation through the menu
After switching on, SKYTRAXX will display the main screen.

By pushing the menu key a selection menu is displayed.
TRAXX
GOTO
WAYPOINT
ROUTE
AIRSPACES
PARAMETER
SYSTEM
SIMULATOR
The arrow left to the menu indicates the currently chosen menu point.
The plus/minus keys navigate the arrow up or down.
Pushing the OK key confirms the selection.
Pushing the menu key navigates back to the main screen. Selecting
TRAXX allows uploading flight data to a PC.
Also detailed flight analysis can be retrieved under TRAXX using the
OK key.
Selecting �Parameter� allows modifying the device settings.
The selection of �System� navigates to a further submenu.
Selecting �Reset BT� lets you re-configure the Bluetooth module and
choose a Bluetooth device name.
Selecting �Firmware� displays the currently installed firmware version.
4
Main screen
10:35
1078
1.5
N
O
S
W
32
3D
16
9.6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
910
1112
1
2
3
4
5
6
Integralvario Digital
Time
Altitude
Wind speed
Glide ratio
Analogue vario
9
10
11
12
8
7
Wind direction
Logging switched on
Ground speed
Heading to last thermal
GPS status
Heading
5
Altitude calibration
Invalid values are displayed in flashing mode.

The display stops flashing as soon as valid GPS coordinates have
been received. The altitude is then being calibrated.
The altitude display flashes until logging starts.
GPS altitude features a tolerance of approx. +-30m, in conditions of
weak signal reception greater tolerances can occur. Therefore
manual altitude calibration is feasible.
After switching on you are at page 1 and the plus and minus keys
can be used to manually adjust the altitude.
In case you wait until 3D GPS reception is achieved, the altitude is
aligned with the received GPS altitude. However, manually adjusting
the altitude is still possible. The displayed altitude will be stored
during logging.
GPS altitude is displayed on page 3.

Once logging has been activated, the altitude can no longer be
adjusted.
Altitude calibration has been extended by a new function.

In case a take-off place has been stored as a waypoint, SKYTRAXX
checks on switching on, if one is in a surrounding circle of 100m
diameter. In case this is true, SKYTRAXX uses the known altitude of
this waypoint. This way the take-off altitude for stored take-off places
remains always the same.
Thermal- and wind indication
The direction towards the last thermal is being derived from the last,
greatest climbing.
The wind direction is displayed when a change of direction is being
flown. Optimal results are being generated by flying a full circle.
6
Magnified View
872
36 km/h
You are navigated to page 2 by pushing OK.
The altitude is displayed in extra large letters on this page.
By pushing the OK key for at least 3 seconds a relative altitude
can be calibrated.
Long pushing OK again toggles back to absolute
altitude. In the lower part of the display the ground speed and the
flight direction is indicated.
At active GOTO an additional arrow is displayed on the left side of
the velocity display, which indicates the direction to the pursued
waypoint.
The flight is being logged in the background and the vario sound is
being played as usual.
7
Status screen
16. JUN. 2007 16:24

N 47�50.2264 829m
E 08�07.1052 18�C
Applying the OK key one more time navigates to the status screen. At
reception of satellites the current date and day time is displayed.
The current GPS position can be read in the middle, left aligned and to
the right the GPS altitude and the temperature.
In the lowest line the current number of received satellites is displayed.
Filled Circles = Number of satellites in Use.

Not filled circles = Number of satellites in View.
The example display means: 9 satellites in view and 6 satellites in use.
1 satellite: Day-time is received.
3 satellites = 2D Fix ..
coordinates and ground speed.
from 4 satellites on = 3D Fix ..
Altitude, coordinates and ground speed.
In the lower right corner a pictogram displays the battery status.
8
Peak values
Flightdur....�: 01:20:15
Maxheight�..: 1850
Maxclimb��: 4.8
Maxsink�.�.: -2.4
With logging active, using the plus und minus keys displays subpages
with current max-values from the status page.
For the altitudes also the cumulated altitude is displayed.
At start of logging the values are automatically zeroed.

The OK key switches one page further.
9
Setup, page 1
Sinkingtone
Climbingtone
Timeoffset
Trackintervall
Adjusting the parameters is effected by selecting a value using
the plus and minus keys. Entries are confirmed by pushing the
OK key.
The menu key concludes entry of parameters and navigates back to
the main menu
10
Setup, page 2
Volume
Pitch
Bluetooth
Sprache/Language
The volume can be adjusted in 4 steps.
Volume 0 switches the sound off. Volume 3 offers the highest
volume.
Tone pitch may be varied in halftone steps.
With Bluetooth switched on, GPS-data may be transferred to an

external device.
Using a PDA, navigation software or flight software can be operated.
For retrieving flight data, Bluetooth also needs to be activated.
The Language can be set to German, English, French, Dutch or

Polish.
Under Integralvario the digital vario value can be can be averaged

between 1 and 8 seconds.
11
Battery
This device features a high-grade Lithium-ion accumulator of the

latest generation.
The battery may only be charged using the provided charger
No memory effect will occur with this battery.
In case the SKYTRAXX will not be used for a longer period of time it
is best to keep it at a charge rate of 30 %.
WARNING!
Under no circumstance may the battery or device be
exposed to fire or excessive heat.
Battery charge status display
When the power adapter is connected a charge status will be

displayed in the upper right corner of the main screen.
When the battery is completely charged, a full battery icon will be
displayed.
Is the device switched off and the the power adapter connected,
SKYTRAXX switches into charging mode. All functions are
deactivated and only the charge status will be displayed.
12
Bluetooth
In order to transmit data from the SKYTRAXX to a computer or vice

versa, the SKYTRAXX features an integrated Bluetooth interface.
In case your computer is also equipped with a Bluetooth interface, it
should automatically recognise the SKYTRAXX. Make sure the
SKYTRAXX is powered on and choose �Parameter� under the menu
entry "Bluetooth"-"Bluetooth ON�. This is the factory setting. You
may assign a name to your SKYTRAXX. Choose "Reset BT� under
menu entry "System�.
Activate Bluetooth on your computer and choose Add/Search new
device. The SKYTRAXX should now be recognised. On request,
please enter �0000� as pairing key.
In case your computer has no Bluetooth interface, you can purchase
a USB-Bluetooth-stick as an accessory for your SKYTRAXX.
Please take a note of the comport number for future data
transmissions.
This COM-interface has to be chosen for transmission of data with

max points, GPSVAR or Paraflightbook etc.
13
Exchanging data with a PC
In the menu item TRAXX, the flights, which shall be retrieved, can be
selected using the plus and minus key.
In order transfer flight data, the SKYTRAXX needs to be connected via
Bluetooth.
The program Maxpunkte, GPSVAR or Paraflightbook are very much

suitable to retrieve flight data from the Skytraxx.
The program Maxpunkte can be downloaded for free under
www.maxpunkte.de/competition.html
For Apple Macintosh the application SkyKick can be used.
www.skywind.eu
Start Maxpunkte on your PC and choose the menu item

memory export on your SKYTRAXX. The SKYTRAXX has to display
Traxx export.
The transfer screen opens up, and the Com-port can be selected.
Then click on S-Nr. auslesen. The serial number of the SKYTRAXX
will be retrieved.
The track can now be exported and used for further processing.
14
Installing firmware updates
The firmware of your SKYTRAXX can be updated.

This way you can always benefit from the latest functions and
extensions on your SKYTRAXX.
You can download the update program in the download area of our web
pages.
The program can be started after installation. Clicking on �Aktuelle
Version vom Internet downloaden� the latest version of the program will
be downloaded. Please follow the program�s directions
In case this process fails, the update can be effected differently:

The SKYTRAXX has to be switched off.
Keep the OK key pushed and also push the menu key.
Three dots will appear in the middle of the display.
Now establish a Bluetooth connection and execute the update program
as usual.
15
GPS � functions
Ground Speed (velocity over ground)
Displaying 0-300km/h.
Glide ratio and direction
Glide ratio and flight direction are being displayed.
Display of current coordinates
In the status screen the current coordinates are being

displayed.
Flight recording (Logging mode) and flight analysis
Flight recording will automatically be activated by reaching

speed in excess of 8 km/h for at least 3 seconds or climbing or
sinking of more than 0.5m/s.
Day time and date
Day time and date can be read on the status screen.
Flight time
The flight time can be read in the peak values.
Factory settings
The default parameter values are:
Sinking tune: -2.5 pitch: 660 Hz

Climbing tune: 0.3 Bluetooth: ON
Time offset: 0 Integralvario: 3 Sec
Track interval: 5 Volume: 1
16
WAYPOINT / GOTO / ROUTE
In the menu item GOTO the list of waypoints is sorted according to
the respective distance.

Using the plus/minus keys a waypoint can be chosen and confirmed
By pushing the OK key. The waypoint is now selected and a new
Screen display appears in the main menu level.
N
O
S
W
3D952 m
160 m
43 km/h
6 / 8
KANDEL 21.4 km
6
5
4
3
2
1
1
2
3
Altitude
Required glide ratio to
waypoint / current glide ratio
Altitude over waypoint
Name of and distance
to waypoint
Speed over ground
Direction to waypoint
4
5
6
17
WAYPOINT/ GOTO / ROUTE
Under menu item WAYPOINT there are further submenu items
New waypoint
A new waypoint can be inserted here.
IND WP80
LAT N 47�54`59``
LON E 008�50`56``
ALT 1240 m
The cursor blinks at INDication.
Using the plus/minus keys a row can be selected, which shall be
edited. Pushing the OK key confirms editing. The cursor now moves
to the line to be edited.
The plus/minus keys move the cursor to the place to be edited.
OK confirms.
Now the value can be changed using the plus/minus key.
The menu key navigates on level up. This way every value can be
modified.
As soon as all values are adjusted as desired, the menu key exits
into an upper level.
The new waypoint can now be saved using the OK key. Saving the
Waypoint can be cancelled using the menu key.
It is also possible to save the waypoint without editing any value.
18
WAYPOINTS / GOTO / ROUTE

Editing a Waypoint
Waypoints are displayed in alphabetical order.

Using the plus- and minus key, choose a waypoint and confirm
using the OK key.
The procedure for editing is as outlined before.
Importing Waypoints
When the menu item has been chosen, the number of existing
waypoints is displayed.
I.e. GPSDump imports waypoints from a PC. Maxpunkte performs

the same from version 6 on.
Connect Bluetooth and import waypoints.
Exporting Waypoints
All waypoints are being exported.
Deleting Waypoints
A waypoint can be selected and then deleted by pushing the OK

key. No confirmation will be asked.
Deleting all Waypoints
Here all waypoints can be deleted in one go.
Hint
During flights waypoints can be added for the current position
by pushing the plus key once.
19
WAYPOINTS / GOTO / ROUTE
At active GOTO the next or previous waypoint can be selected using

plus/minus.
Routes
A maximum of 15 routes of each 30 waypoints can be stored.

Waypoints are automatically progressed at reaching a cylinder.
By pushing the plus key manual forwarding to the next waypoint is
feasible.
At reaching an waypoint this point is being logged independently
from the logging interval.
Exporting and importing of waypoints via i.e. the program GPSVAR.

His can also be used to export TRAXX.
GPSVAR also features a nice flightbook function.
Via GPSVAR all flights in memory can be exported in one go.
Competition
Under the menu item competition various cylinder types in different

sizes can be defined.
Start cylinder
Waypoint cylinder
Target cylinder
Competition mode can be chosen and activated under menu item

modus.
Modus ENTER: Fly into the start cylinder to start competition.
Modus EXIT: Start competition on exiting the start cylinder.
20
Competition mode: ENTER
Pilot 1 gains altitude

outside of the start
cylinder and can, on
reaching the start time
start his competition
on entering the start
cylinder.
Pilot 2 is flying within the

start cylinder and has to
leave the start cylinder
after reaching start time.
His competition only starts
on re-entrance into the
start cylinder.
WP1
WP2
Target
cylinder
21
Competition mode: EXIT
Pilot 1 can, at reaching

start time, immediately
head for the next
After reaching start
waypoint.
time Pilot 2 has to fly

into the start cylinder to
start his competition
Competition starts at
reaching time from within the
start cylinder.
WP1
WP2
Target cylinder
22
Extended functions
After switching SKYTRAXX on, the main screen is displayed

As soon as 3D GPS reception has been achieved, logging can be
started manually from the main page by long pushing the OK key.
Long pushing OK again, finalizes logging.
The selection menu -> system -> firmware displays the firmware�s
version number.
Pushing the OK key for around 5 seconds while displaying the
firmware's version number will reformat the systems memory and all
flights will be deleted.
All flight data is hereby irrevocably deleted!
The function is not required for normal operation

Formatting takes approximately 1 minute.
Pushing the OK key for 3 seconds in magnified view screen

toggles to barometric altitude, which can also be calibrated.
Pushing OK again for 3 seconds toggles back to GPS altitude.
At menu item �TRAXX export� max values for all flights are now
retrievable.
When pushing the OK key after selecting a flight date, the
analysis data of the flight appears. The plus/minus keys browse
through the single pages.
23
Extended flight analysis
On selecting TRAXX all flights are being displayed as usual.

Using the plus and minus keys, the requested flight can be selected.
The OK key opens the flight analysis for the selected flight.
There are five further pages displaying the respective flight data.
The plus and minus keys browse through the pages.
There is also an an altitude graph and a track trail graph
altitude progression graph track trail graph
24
Airspaces
Up to 250 zones can be uploaded to the device

Using the programs Maxpunkte, Paraflightbook or GPSVAR makes
uploading of airspaces very easy.
In the menu item AIRSPACES all uploaded zones can be browsed

using the plus/minus keys.
Use the OK key to activate / deactivate a zone.
The menu item �Delete� all zones are deleted from the device.
Is the alert distance for a zone approached, the SKYTRAXX toggles
to a new view. Instead of the day time, the flight direction is
displayed.
The airspace along with the own position are graphically displayed.
An audio alert indicated approaching the airspace.
NW
1078
1.5
STUTTGART
HD: 900m
Vert. In
25
Airspaces
The closest airspace nearby cane easily be displayed: On the main

screen with logging activated using the plus/minus keys.
This way foresighted flight planning to fly-around an airspace is
possible.
When approaching the alert distance of an airspace, the airspace is

displayed graphically. Pushing the minus key deactivates the alert
for 60 seconds.
In order to permanently deactivate the alert for this airspace, the

minus key can be pushed for more than 3 seconds
Alerts for airspaces can be re-activated in the menu �Display
airspaces� using the OK key.
26
Airspaces
Retrieval of airspaces can be conducted using the program

Maxpunkte, Paraflightbook or GPSVAR.
For Maxpunkte:
Select an airspace file under Options. Now the zones are displayed
for a loaded flight.
When right-clicking on a zone, the zone can be transfered using

menu item �upload highlighted airspace�
A Bluetooth connection with the SKYTRAXX has to be established

Now choose the Comport and select SKYTRAXX.
In the SKYTRAXX browse to menu item CTR IMPORT and push

OK. Then choose �Send� in Maxpunkte and the airspace will be
transferred.
Is now a zone being transferred, the display on the SKYTRAXX

displays the number of loaded zones.
With a little experience, proprietary zones, such as preserved areas

or high voltage power lines etc. can be filed.
27
Airspaces/no-fly-zone
AIRSPACE / CTR
The vertical distance to an airspace is displayed as shown in
the graphic.
Behind Higher, Above, Lower and Below the vertical distance
to the CTR is displayed in meters.
Vert - H 120 means to be situated 120m vertical from the
airspace, measured on its top edge.
Vert - L 100 means to be situated 100m vertical from the
airspace measured from the lower edge.
At approaching alert distance and during flying in and out of an
airspace audio alert is returned.
Higher Above
Lower Below
V � L 100
V � H 120
28
Technical data
Vario:
Measuring interval climb & sink: � 30 m/s digital
Altitude variance resolution: 0,1 m/s digital
Acoustics: volume 3-fold adjustable
Measuring interval altitude: -400m - 9999 m
Display: 4-digit
Position resolution: 1 meter
Miscellaneous:
Daytime and date via GPS
Temperature
Wind direction and wind speed
Direction indicator for last thermal
Speed over Ground resolution 1 km/h

Memory capable of holding up to 60.000 track points
150 waypoints
15 routes with each up to 30 waypoints
250 no-fly-areas
Flight values of all flights
These value can be retrieved under �analysis for current flight� or

under menu item �Traxx export� and the OK-key.
Flight time, date, max climb, max sink, max speed, flight track, start
time, landing time, start altitude, landing altitude, altitude gain and
max altitude.
General:
Power supply: Lithium Ion Accumulator 3,7 V

Dimensions: 136 x 100 x 22 mm
Weight: 260 gram
A charging devices is included in the scope of delivery.

Warranty: 24 months
29
Leg straps
Pic 1 The Velcro strap faces upwards. Pic 2 Thread the strap in as illustrated.
Hooks facing up
Bild 3 Bild 4
Adjustment loop
End
clip
In Picture 3 the strap is readily threaded. Now place the vario on your thigh.
Loop the strap around the thigh and finally fix the strap by pulling it through the
clip on the Velcro-strap.

Repeat this with the second strap.
30
Water landing
In case you have had a water landing with your SKYTRAXX and
water has penetrated the device, it should be thoroughly dried
using a hairdryer.
In any case please send the device to Blankform GmbH for

Inspection.
Improper use, i.e. water landings will void the warranty.
Warranty and liability limitation
In rare occasions the flight instrument may deliver no or faulty data.

Blankform will refuse any liability which is or may be caused by
malfunction of your device.
Safe conduct of flights is the pilots sole responsibility.
We grant a 24 month warranty on our devices starting on the day

of purchase.
Mechanical damage, like broken cases or broken glass are not
covered by this warranty.
31
Disposal
In many countries you are as an end user obliged to return all used
up batteries and accumulators to your retailer or the manufacturer.
Disposing batteries into domestic waste is prohibited! Batteries/
Accumulators containing pollutants are labelled with the symbol
shown below. The label indicates the prohibition to dispose the item
into domestic waste.
Your municipality will inform you about how to best dispose your
batteries.
Please do not dispose this device, but send it back to the
manufacturer. Hereby proper disposal is guaranteed.
You will receive a refund of 25�.
Please obey your local laws and protect your environment.
WEEE-Reg.-Nr. DE 76592335
32
Liability and safety precautions
Using your SKYTRAXX is at your own risk.

For damages and data loss, which may be caused by using the
supplied PC software, no liability can be will be assumed by the
manufacturer.
Furthermore the manufacturer does not assume any liability for

possible dangerous flight situations or successes of those caused
by failure to display correct altitude, position or speed
Reading the instrument�s display may only occur, when the current
flight situation allows watching the display.
Audi information has to suffice in situations, where visually
monitoring the surrounding airspace is indispensable.
We wish you lots of pleasant flights using your new SKYTRAXX.
33

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SKYTRAXX Operating Manual

BLANKFORM Im Bildst�ckle 5 79822 Titisee-Neustadt

SKYTRAXX rev 2.2

Congratulations to purchasing SKYTRAXX.

We wish to thank you for your confidence in our product. This

Menu (1) Back (2) Forward (3) Enter (4)

The OK key is also used to browse through further views.

Switching on and off

Pushing the menu key and consequently pushing the OK key

Navigation through the menu

After switching on, SKYTRAXX will display the main screen.

Invalid values are displayed in flashing mode.

GPS altitude is displayed on page 3.

Altitude calibration has been extended by a new function.

Thermal- and wind indication

16. JUN. 2007 16:24

Filled Circles = Number of satellites in Use.

At start of logging the values are automatically zeroed.

Tone pitch may be varied in halftone steps.

With Bluetooth switched on, GPS-data may be transferred to an

The Language can be set to German, English, French, Dutch or

Under Integralvario the digital vario value can be can be averaged

This device features a high-grade Lithium-ion accumulator of the

Battery charge status display

When the power adapter is connected a charge status will be

In order to transmit data from the SKYTRAXX to a computer or vice

This COM-interface has to be chosen for transmission of data with

Exchanging data with a PC

The program Maxpunkte, GPSVAR or Paraflightbook are very much

For Apple Macintosh the application SkyKick can be used.

Start Maxpunkte on your PC and choose the menu item

Installing firmware updates

The firmware of your SKYTRAXX can be updated.

In case this process fails, the update can be effected differently:

Ground Speed (velocity over ground)

Glide ratio and direction

Glide ratio and flight direction are being displayed.

Display of current coordinates

In the status screen the current coordinates are being

Flight recording (Logging mode) and flight analysis

Flight recording will automatically be activated by reaching

Day time and date

Day time and date can be read on the status screen.

The flight time can be read in the peak values.

The default parameter values are:

Sinking tune: -2.5 pitch: 660 Hz

WAYPOINT / GOTO / ROUTE

In the menu item GOTO the list of waypoints is sorted according to

the respective distance.

WAYPOINT/ GOTO / ROUTE

Under menu item WAYPOINT there are further submenu items

A new waypoint can be inserted here.

WAYPOINTS / GOTO / ROUTE

Waypoints are displayed in alphabetical order.

I.e. GPSDump imports waypoints from a PC. Maxpunkte performs

All waypoints are being exported.

A waypoint can be selected and then deleted by pushing the OK

Deleting all Waypoints

Here all waypoints can be deleted in one go.

WAYPOINTS / GOTO / ROUTE

At active GOTO the next or previous waypoint can be selected using

A maximum of 15 routes of each 30 waypoints can be stored.