Downloading Flight Recorders.

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 https://www.fai.org/igc-documents under the heading 'Flight Recorders'.

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'.

Note: In rare circumstances, IGCshell.exe may report the error "the specified module could not be found". This should be corrected by downloading and installing the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package, either x86 or x64 version, depending on what OS you're running:

x86: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5555
x64: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=14632

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 used 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?

Linux. There is no Linux for downloading Flight Recorders available from the IGC website, however it is reported that kflog 2.2.0 from http://www.kflog.org/kflog/download/ running with Ubuntu 8.04 will sucessfully download Volksloggers and Cambridge 302. There is also a good chance that it will work with Filser and SDI Posigraph. I have not used this software myself, but give it a try. 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.
• Clearnav ex-Nielsen Kellerman Download via USB Memory Stick or Sd Card. ¤
• Data-Swan T-Advisor & TracerDownload via IGC-DSX.DLL Only.¤
  Data-Swan SaFly Download via micro-USB or IGC-DSX.DLL¤
• EDIATec Download via IGC-FLA.DLL Only.§¤
• EW Models A-D Requires Program DATA-EWA & CONV-EWA.§ No Longer IGC Approved.
• Micro-Recorder Requires IGC-EWA.DLL for Validation Only¤
• Flarm Download via IGC-FLA.DLL Only.¤
• IMI Erixx Download via IGC-IMI.DLL Only.¤
• Lx/Filser/Colibri/Posigraph (See text for required program). §¤
• Colibri II(Download via microSD card).¤
• LxNav LX Nano, Lx9000 etc.¤
• NT Easy Matchbox Download via IGC-NTE.DLL Only.¤
• Naviter Oudie3 Download via USB2 Connection Only.¤
• Peschges Requires Program DATA-PES & CONV-PES. §¤
• Print Technik Requires Program DATA-PRT. No Longer IGC Approved.
• 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: tim@newportpeace.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,

There is Software available at https://www.cumulus-soaring.com/store/cai-downloads

Clearnav Instruments

Clearnav (ex-Nielsen Kellerman) Flight Computer

This recorder is downloaded to a USB Memory Stick or SD Card. After flight, one or the other is attached to the appropriate socket on the recorder unit. File transfer is selected on the main screen through the menu via the Keypad.

There is no DOS or Windows software for downloading this recorder.
A file IGC-NKL.DLL file is provided validation only.

Clearnav Vario-XC

File transfer is selected as follows:
Insert USB Memory Stick into slot.
On Top Left Control, rapid twist Clockwise.
On Bottom Right Control, turn Clockwise until "Tools" is shown.
On Top Left Control, Turn Clockwise until "Download Flights" is shown.
On Bottom Right Control, Turn to select Flight to Download.
On Bottom Right Control, Press Button.

A file IGC-CNI.DLL file is provided validation only.

Data-Swan. T-Advisor & Tracer

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.

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

Data-Swan. SaFly

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. It also fas a Mini-USB connector for Downloading.

Downloading using the IGC Shell program may be via the RJ45 Cable connector or the micro-USB connector. Downloading can also be through DSX software and the micro-USB 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. Do Not Plug an IGC Standard RJ45 cable into this socket. There are major differences and you are likely to damage your Recorder. To charge the internal battery, use the EW-Supplied cable or connect to your PC using a USB Cable.

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

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 was 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.

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 (excluding 7007C). The LX700x (excluding 7007C) can also be downloaded with a RJ45 Cable. The 7007C can only be downloaded to a MicroSD card.

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 (Not Colibri ii) may also be downloaded using a USB A <=> USB 5-pin Mini-B cable.

Colibri ii

The Colibri ii has a micro-SD card for Uploading Waypoint Databases and Downloading Flights.
It cannot be downloaded via the mini-USB socket to a USB Port on your PC as might be expected.

The USB connector is for Battery Charging, NMEA Data Out and connection to externals (e.g. SeeYou Mobile). The data connection is RS232 (19200 baud), not USB.

To transfer a flight onto the SD card, switch on:
Press Left Arrow twice.
This takes you to the Logbook screen, select flight with Up or Down Arrow Keys and press button.
Select 'Copy to SD' and press Button.
Wait until it finished. Simples!

LxNav

LXNav Nano.

For Version 1, downloading is to the micro-SD card holder on the end of the recorder and is automatic if an SD card is in the holder during flight. Otherwise, downloading to the micro-SD card occurs by switching on again. It can also be downloaded via the mini-USB socket.

For Version 3 downloading is via the micro-USB socket on the case, direct to a PC. The PC should recognise the Nano 3 as an extra drive and the IGC files in the Nano memory are listed ready for copying to the PC; if the most recent file is not there, disconnect from the PC and switch the Nano 3 on and off again, then connect to a PC once more.

With the Nano switched off, conect to PC via a mini-USB Cable. The Nano should be recognised as a device NANO_<serialnumber>. Navigate to the root folder of the NANO and use your preferred method of copying files.

Security of files can be verified using the Shell Program IGC-LXV.dll

The RJ45 Connector is NOT to the IGC standard for downloading. It is for PDA connection. Do NOT insert an IGC Standard download cable

LX9000

At the end of a flight, if a SD card (or USB stick) is currently inserted into the LX9000 the flight will automatically be copied to it when the 'Calculating Security' message disapears.

Downloading can be done at any time after flight by switching on and using the top right knob to select a list of flight files in the memory and then the download function displayed on the screen.

Security of files can be verified using the Shell Program IGC-LXV.dll

Note: The RJ45 Connector labeled Ethernet is NOT to used.

It is important that the LX9000 is switched off via software. Never power down the LX9000 by simply removing power.

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.

Validation under Vista.
Validation may fail under Vista. The following workarounds can be used.

Either a) Use Windows XP

Or b)
1.  In Windows explorer, find IGCSHELL.exe and right click.
2.  Click on "properties" and click on the "compatibility" tab.
3.  Check "Run in compatibility mode" and select "Windows XP (Service Pack 2)"  from the pull-down menu.
4.  At the bottom of the window, click on "Run this program as an Administrator" and then click "Apply".

Note: After step 3 above, the option to "Run this program as an Administrator" may be greyed out (eg: unavailable). In this case, every time you wish to use the IGC Shell, you will have to find IGCSHELL.exe, right click on it and select "Run this program as an Administrator."

This problem will be resolved in a future version of the NTE DLL.

Naviter Oudie 3.

This recorder is downloaded via a USB2 PC Connection. After flight, connect to a PC USB2 port (Windows 7 or later preferred, variable results achieved with Windows XP and must be a USB2 port).

After a sucessful connection, files can be found on a removable drive in a folder named "Flights".

There is no DOS or Windows software for downloading this recorder.
A file IGC-NAV.DLL file is provided validation only.

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.

The is no software on the IGC web site for downloading Garmin Tracklogs to IGC Format, but SeeYou will do this.

I have also 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.