And the best flight instrument for XC is ... ?
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- Опубликовано: 23 авг 2024
- I test the XCTRACER MAXX and SKYTRAXX 2.1. Both instruments are lightweight flight computers designed for paraglider pilots. Which one packs the greatest punch?
NOTE: Apparently the FLARM (aircraft avoidance) frequency for the Skytraxx 2.1 does not work in the USA. If FLARM is important to you, consider the XCtracer Maxx instead.
Video © Greg Hamerton
Music from AUDIIO
Jonathan Roye - Where We Come From
Edited by
Courtney Dawe
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NOTE: Apparently the FLARM (aircraft avoidance) frequency for the Skytraxx 2.1 does not work in the USA. If FLARM is important to you, consider the XCtracer Maxx instead.
From what I understood today from a Skytraxx test pilot, it's the FANET not yet working in the USA, although a software update later this year should enable this feature as well. FLARM should already be OK. Love your videos, thanks a lot !
I have the Skytraxx and really like it, it’s very light weight and clear to read, the battery lasts for ages and updating the software via wifi is very simple. The airspace warnings are really good, they’re clear to see and hear which I need in my area.
I’m a fairly low hours pilot so currently I only use (and understand) 10% of what it does but I like that, I wont need to upgrade it for a long time.
One outstanding feature of Maxx is that you can totally revamp its tone. I dropped the default settings just after buying the vario and configured my own curve which is much more precise and helps me fly with my style.
Its not fair! Jajajja Would have liked to see the just released XC Tracer against the just released Skytraxx 4
The skytraxx is 3 years old. A review of the 4.0 would be great :)
I’ve never used XC Tracer Max but I had XC tracer II (identical sound and sensitivity) with FlySkyHy and when I got Skytraxx 2.1 I kept all on a cockpit for some time to compare and I prefer more high pitch XC Tracer sound while I was looking on a screen of a Skytraxx.
But Skytraxx with thermaling assist screen was helping me so much that it’s a winner in most aspects. When as a beginner several times I was few hundred meters above the take off with only one pilot next to me and some 30 pilots as small dots below it showed me that it’s worth it.
I’m sure FlySkyHy is a great alternative on a budget, I just didn’t get to know it so well yet.
I’m new at paragliding and I am surprised how little information is available on equipment. I can find tons of reviews of a Dyson hairdryer but expensive flying tech is rare here. Even the tests in the magazines are superficial and of poor quality not even comparing but mainly rephrasing statements of the manufacturer.
What would actually interest me is a proper comparison between the Flymaster Live DS, Skytraxx 4.0 and maybe something new but a bit cheaper like the Syride Sys’Nav XL. Don’t look at tech that is 2+ years old please…
Great video ! Clear and useful. Thanks Greg!
Great video Greg - although newly CP'd last year, I bought the SkyTraxx 2.1 based on yours and others (John Rudge of FlyBoy fame) recommendations and whilst it will be no doubt very underused by me for a while (no comp or cross country aspirations until I get more time under the wing), it does everything I need and I love that you can design the screen to show what you need. Updating is simple and quick, good battery life and really clear to both hear and see.
Mine is on a leg mount (as I fly an open harness) but will easily go onto a flight deck (my next purchase) and perhaps a review video of flight decks could be a video for you to do in the future..? Especially for us in open harnesses still...?
It is also available under the EC rebate scheme so a £500+ unit cost me much less with the £250 rebate and for me, was an investment for the future. It is very much horses for courses and in the world of technology, there will always be another new product that does more / quicker / better etc etc. The risk for me as a new pilot was having too much information available and being distracted and so setting the SkyTraxx 2.1 up for basic vario and GPS and using it more as a flight log was easy and ideal. It will do more as I develop my skills and experience and so I will grow into it...
Keep the videos coming and perhaps see you on the island soon when we get some better weather..?
Gordon
Good to know you can simplify it Gordon, I’m a low airtime pilot 3 hours and researching various and flight instruments
And the best flight instrument for XC is ... The one you are used to.
Just use your mobile phone for navigation/airspace.
Another great video. Cheers for the review.
Greg, please would you possibly review the Air3 phablet as a paragliding instrument? Keen to know what you think of it.
thx Greg, this video helps a lot. 🙂
It would be nice if these Skytraxx0 were available in tbe U.S. I like the idea of being able to track the thermals. It would be a nice tbing to have if I could get one
Hi Greg, gratis video, tnx. How do you get your skytraxx to display the airspace data both horizontaly and vertically? Can't get it like that on mine... also, have you used the L/D to turnpoint option on a flightscreen? It's not realy working for me just now.
Thanks. I have the skytraxx and it's really good. Is there an instruction vid somewhere about how to set waypoints etc?
Great video Greg! I am currently looking into buying one of those. Lot's of pilots use the XC Tracer mini + cell phone combo. Wondering if the Maxx and Skytraxx can be linked with a cell via Bluetooth? Looks like that the XC Tracer products are sold out everywhere currently.
How about a review of the Skytraxx 4? Pleeeaassee 😁💪
Both units seem pretty good. WiFi update is good but how about uploading flights to the XCLeage. Seem to be a little more tricky than the XCTracer and how useful is the navigation function. Not had a chance to use either so advice would be welcome. Good to see the different screens displays. Unfortunately neither appear to be available at present due to component shortages. Good info. thanks for the vid.
The 2.1 uploads to xcontest easily on landing (provided you have turned on wifi hotspot on your phone). Just go to flight logs>submit flight.
I would like to see a comparison of Naviter Oudie vs Skytrax
Thanks Greg
I've just got the skytraxx
🎶🎶🎶
Id love to know what the benefits are of using Skytraxx over using an app based phone solution like flyskyhy or Navigator, combined with a xctracer mini or some sort of small vario only device?
+1 to that, XCTrack always wins in my books, compared to the standalone vario.
I use my XC Tracer Maxx connected over bluetooth with XCTrack on my phone. This way, I have all the benefits of both worlds, and still have a backup if one device breaks.
Much easier to read in flight. Sure the phone solution can work, but it forces you to have the phone exposed on your cockpit and leaving the screen on to get the flight data like groundspeed, thermal track dots, distance to airspace etc, and therefore have an external battery and cables. I prefer to keep my phone protected in a pocket, or if I use it, with the screen off, only activated for occasional map needs. I agree XCtrack or Navigator is great for mapping. So it depends what kind of solution you need.
I love my setup:
XC Tracer II Flarm - with the XCTrack app.
I use a Motorola g9 power phone. With it's 6000 mA battery and in comparison small processor, I can use my phone for around 13 flight hours. Internet, Bluetooth, wifi and gps activated.
The XC TRACER II Flarm has no screen but a solar panel. I have been using it for 2 years at least once a week and I never had to charge it.
It's super lightweight and small.
I carry my phone anyways.
XC TRACER brings Software updates and I have not seen a more adaptable Vario Set up than the XC Tracer app.
I think it makes sense to keep the sensor and the software separate.
well done, great video.
Hi Greg, thank you. Can you do a test with Flymaster Avionics ?
Maxx2 is currently in dev. Better gps, antena, finally Fanet, etc.
Is there already an estimated release date?
Great information
Morning , great video ! Can I use flyskyhigh with skytraxx ? Thank you xx
Really like the Skytraxx...... as long as I don't have to switch screens. How do you get on with pressing the buttons with big gloves on?
im interested in the XC tracer mini 4
I use the Skytraxx and wouldn't swap ... far more features and a more complete instrument. Whilst l don't use for navigation, for simple declared stuff it's a great backup ...it has the c record.
Physical buttons: Skytraxx has four physical buttons on the front, and the XCTracer Maxx has a single one on the side (can also get a wireless remote button). I can imagine the Skytraxx is much easier to manipulate in flight. Users of these devices, how often do you use the buttons during flight? Do you feel the buttons through gloves? Or, is there audio feedback when you press them?
I'm curious on your take on the Air3 ?
How to set vertical and horizontal airspaces? I know only the view from above (map) on my 2.1 device.
How about oudie?
1:23 how do you know that the skytraxx is correct? I mean how do you know the real direction of the wind in the hight of approx. 200m? It cann differ a lot to the direction on the ground
What would be your recommendation if I hesitate between a skytraxx and a syride xl?
And the best flight instrument for XC is ... Oudie N. Give it a try Greg, you will be mindblown.
How to buy
What are your vario settings for Skytraxx?
It's very expensive, Greg, when one already has a good vario and then also a smartphone with one of the good apps. I imagine you are trying to sell here, but is it really worth me putting in my 100s of dollars/euros/sterling? Ready to be sold, with an open mind...
What about Skytraxx 4.0?
Looks good, I don't have one yet!
Hello Greg 👋
I really did not like the tone of the Skytraxx, I found it so annoying that I had to sell it! Personal choice!!
Has anyone go views on a skybean and phone with an app?
Skytraxx clearly has lag and is not more descriptive in thermal than tracer.
Does anyone else fly without the beep? I never use it, too annoying for me.
Please videos Hindi make