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ILEC Industrie und Luftfarhtelektronik GmbH
Bayreuth, Germany

Overview
ILEC is best know for their popular SN10 flight computer and vario system.  However, they also offer some very nice variometers and total energy probes.

Links
Garmin | Garrecht Volkslogger

Screen Images from SN-10
Click on the images to view larger versions.
Thermal Height Band Graph
Shows climb rate vs. altitude
Alternate
Landing Sites
Area Task Airspace Flight Screen Simple Final Glide

SN-10B Demo Software
If you are a potential SN-10 customer, or you are a new SN-10B owner, or you want a refresher course on how to use your SN-10B you will want to try the SN-10B Demo for PCs.  This new version shows how reachable airports are displayed on the map screen in versions 2.30 and 2.31.
Demo Software Install

New SN-10 Software Version 2.32 - May, 2008
There is a new version of the SN-10 software available now - free of charge.  The new version includes the new features listed below.  All SN10 units shipped from Cumulus Soaring, Inc. since May of 2008 have been upgraded with this new software.

  • Added DBC32 (supports long file names, unlike DBC)
  • airparse+dbc sparc versions for John Leibacher (gcc, byte-flips, etc), for better world-wide turnpoint exchange support of ILEC SN10.
  • airparse updates to accept TNP format changes
  • AAT: Stop annoying repetitive "You have entered AAT area" message when you drag the current turnpoint after flying into an AAT area.
  • Deprecate support for Rudi#4, add experimental#5 support (Hobbs 2006)
  • Additional Polars: Antares 20E, Antares 18, and ASG-29/18
  • BugFix: Task statistics are now correct when you "Go Direct" to an alternate during a task and later resume your task.
  • SL/SL32 now auto-starts software load for SN10s running v2.32 or later
  • improved internal diagnostics, ParLoc60

The software upgrade is available here: http://www.ilec-gmbh.com/software.htm

See the SN-10 in Action
The excellent soaring film A Fine Week of Soaring features many in flight views of the SN-10 in use in a soaring contest.  You can order it here: A Fine Week of Soaring

SN-10B Upgrades
It is possible to upgrade an SN-10 to an SN-10B.  The SN10B is just like an SN10, but with a new LCD screen: Higher-resolution, higher-contrast, and less reflective. When they're turned off, you couldn't tell them apart except for the label.  The document below describes how to get your SN-10 upgraded to an SN-10B for about $350.  You'll find that the upgrade is worth the money.  The new display looks great!
SN-10B Upgrade.pdf

SN-10 Compatibility with GPS Flight Recorders
The SN-10 does not include an integral GPS.  It does include a flight recorder, but it is not IGC approved for validation of any flights.  The SN-10 will work with just about any flight recorder, but can send task declarations to the Volkslogger, so the combination of VL and SN-10 is quite common.  The low cost (non-IGC approved) option would be to use a Garmin GPS 16-HVS.

How to Create an SN-10b Waypoint and SUA data file
StrePla now makes it easy to export files which include waypoints and airspace for downloading to the SN10.  Below are the steps I used recently.  Several files are created.  One includes the waypoints only.  Another includes the airspace only.  But the largest file includes both waypoints and airspace - that is the one to use. 

  1. Adjust the view in StrePla to show the area you want to export.
  2. Go to the File menu and select Export / Airspace
  3. Select the desired region using the box and select SN10 as the output format
  4. Save the file into the C:\SN10 directory
  5. Edit the header line of the waypoint file with text similar to that shown below.
    H "Stanton MSC Home Grass Field Rny NS/EW 122.8",Timezone -5:00,Magvar -3,Home "Stanton"

Using a Pocket PC for SN-10 Waypoint Database and Fight Log Transfers
It is possible to send waypoint files to the SN-10 from a Pocket PC.  You can also download flight logs from the SN-10 to the Pocket PC.  That way you don't need to bring a PC to the airport.  A utility called PocketDOS can be used to run the ILEC SN-10 utility on the Pocket PC.  The process is described here: SN10 Transfer with PocketDOS.pdf

For a description of the cables required, please see Data Cables - For Data Transfer Only below.

Note: The procedure above has been tested a few times using an iPAQ 3970.  It worked perfectly with a medium sized flight log.  At least one person has mentioned difficulty getting the procedure to work with his older Pocket PC.  Please let me know if you have any problems getting this to work.  Please also let me know if it works well for you.  You can expect very long delays of several minutes at certain points in the flight log download process.

Data Cables - For Data Transfer Only
Any Pocket PC cable such as the I38C-x that would connect the Pocket PC or cradle to the PS-5a can be connected through an ILEC "PC" cable to the instrument panel connector and through the ILEC "Cockpit Panel Cable" (or a custom cable like the SN10b-Pnl-Vb-1) to the SN-10.  Below is a text overview of the connection.  Do not forget to use the ILEC "PC" cable between the Pocket PC cable and the instrument panel connector because it is wired to put the SN-10 into PC communication mode.

SN10 <-> ILEC Cockpit Panel Cable (or similar Goddard cable) <-> ILEC PC Cable <-> Pocket PC Cable (I38C-x or similar)
or

Data Cables - For use in Flight
The SN-10 is delivered with basic cables that can be used to connect to most any GPS - but some soldering is required.  Optional custom cables from Goddard are available for connecting the SN-10 to a variety of GPS and GPS flight recorder units.  These cables greatly simplify installation and they are very reliable and robust.  All you need to do is screw them together and you are ready to fly - no soldering required.  Please use the handy Cable Selection Guide to find the cables you need.  For connecting the SN-10 to a GPS only (no Pocket PC) look for the SN-10 at the top right corner of the table and then find the desired GPS in the left-hand column. For connecting the SN-10 to a GPS and a Pocket PC, look for the SN-10 and GPS pair in the left-hand column and then look across the top of the table for the desired PDA.  The table recommends cable options for use in flight.  For cables for use in transferring files while on the ground see the paragraph above.  When ordering the SN-10 you have the option to have the ILEC supplied panel cable modified for connection to a Volkslogger, Colibri or Cambridge GPS-NAV, 302 or 302A for $39 (includes labor and shipping to Goddard and back).  Or you can order the option to have a Garmin GPS 16-HVS GPS attached to the ILEC supplied panel cable for $188 (includes $129 for the GPS and a $59 charge for labor, quick-disconnect connectors, and shipping to Goddard and back).

Connecting to PCs that Don't Have RS-232 Serial Connectors
Most flight computers and flight recorders connect to PCs using RS-232 communications.  However, most new PCs do not have RS-232 serial connectors.  These are usually DB-9m (9-pin male) connectors.  There are several ways to work around that issue.  My recommendation is to use an RS-232 serial port PCMCIA Card.  You can see an example here: Socket Serial I/O PC Card   Another solution is to use a USB to serial converter.  However, many of these units to do work as well as one would expect.  David Nadler has compiled a very nice list of devices that have been tested and work well.  You can see his page here: http://www.nadler.com/sn10/SN10_USB_Serial_Notes.html

SN-10 Cable Photos
Click on the images to view larger versions.
Cables for file transfer from SN10 to PDA
using included ILEC Cockpit Panel Cable
Cables for file transfer from SN10 to PDA
using Goddard Cables
Cables for use in flight Cables for File transfer from Volkslogger to PDA

 

SN-10 Photos
Click on the images to view larger versions.
Included Parts 2-Seater Assembly

Currency Issues
Since the products below are from Germany, the prices are subject to change with fluctuations in exchange rates.

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Part # Description Photo
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Price

Lead-time

AirFilter Air Filter/Water Trap
For use with instrument tubing.  Used to protect variometers and other instruments from contamination from dust and other particles.  The factory highly recommends the use of these filters in the pitot line.  They are also useful in the static and TE lines as well.  They will not affect the operation of the TE probe.  Length: 103 mm (4.05 in), Diameter: 35 mm (1.38 in), For use with 3/16 inch or 5 mm I.D. instrument tubing.
$4.95 In Stock
SB-9 SB-9 Variometer with back-up battery
This is a unique variometer because it has a built-in back-up battery that can power the unit for up to 10 hours if input power is lost.  That means it can function like a back-up variometer with a major advantage over mechanical back-up varios - it has an audio output.  It fits in a small 57 mm (2 1/4") panel hole.  It does not offer an averager but has 2 different speed settings.  This variometer uses a small capacity flask which is included.
Brochure
Manual
$910 4 weeks
SC-7 SC-7 Variometer with Audio and Averager
Fits in an 80 mm (3 1/8") instrument hole, Type: Thermal flow measurement with thermistors at constant temperature, For 2-seat glider installations a RAZ meter can be used as a repeater for the 2nd seat.  This variometer does not require a capacity flask.  Small LED numeric display normally displays the average climb in the thermal but at the press of a toggle switch it can display battery voltage (in percent) or temperature.  The design of the vario face allows the use of a custom MacCready ring.  See the SC-7-MC below.  It is the only electric vario with averager that can also use a MacCready Ring.
Brochure
Manual
$910 4 weeks
SC-7-MC MacCready Ring for SC-7 Variometer
Snaps onto the front of the SC-7 variometer's meter, blank, You can mark it to match your glider.
$29.95 In Stock
SN10 SN-10B Flight Computer with vario meter
This is an extremely nice flight computer system.  The display is very bright and easy to read even in bright sunlight.  The thermal height band graph is unique and very useful. 

SN-10 Compatibility with GPS Flight Recorders
The SN-10 does not include an integral GPS.  It does include a flight recorder, but it is not IGC approved for validation of any flights.  The SN-10 will work with just about any flight recorder, but can send task declarations to the Volkslogger, so the combination of VL and SN-10 is quite common.  The low cost (non-IGC approved) option would be to use a Garmin GPS35. It will also work well with a Colibri, Cambridge 302A or most Garmin GPSs.

New SN-10 Software Version
There is a new option to show reachable airports on the map screen.  Details and free upgrade files are available here.

Custom Cables
The SN-10 is delivered with basic cables that can be used to connect to most any GPS - but some soldering is required.  Optional custom cables are available for connecting the SN-10 to a variety of GPS and GPS flight recorder units.  These cables greatly simplify installation.  All you need to do is screw them together and you are ready to fly - no soldering required.  Please use the handy Cable and Cradle Selection Guide to find the cables you need.  For connecting the SN-10 to a GPS only (no Pocket PC) look for the SN-10 at the top right corner of the table and then find the desired GPS in the left-hand column. For connecting the SN-10 to a GPS and a Pocket PC, look for the SN-10 and GPS pair in the left-hand column and then look across the top of the table for the desired PDA.

Ordering Options
When ordering the SN-10 you have the option to have the ILEC supplied panel cable modified for connection to a Garmin GPS, Volkslogger, Colibri or Cambridge GPS-NAV, 302 or 302A for $39 to $59 (includes labor and shipping to Goddard and back).  Or you can order the option to have a Garmin GPS 16-HVS GPS attached to the SN10's panel cable for $188 (includes $129 for the GPS and a $59 charge for labor, quick-disconnect connectors, and shipping to Goddard and back).

Using a Pocket PC for SN-10 Waypoint Database and Fight Log Transfers
It is possible to send waypoint files to the SN-10 from a Pocket PC.  You can also download flight logs from the SN-10 to the Pocket PC.  That way you don't need to bring a PC to the airport.  Details are available here.

How to Create an SN-10b Waypoint and SUA data file
The process of creating a waypoint and SUA data file for the SN-10b is a bit complicated.  The process I use is described here.

Demo Software for PCs: Software
Brochures

Manuals
Software (firmware) upgrades: Software
Don Malin's SN10 Site Manager

$3655 In Stock
SN10-2 SN10-2 repeater for 2-seat gliders with vario display
This "repeater" display offers the same controls found on the master SN-10.  This unit does not operate independently from the master - the same data is displayed on both units at all times.  That is useful when training others on how to use the system and when you want to show the other pilot some data on their display.
 
$1495 In Stock
SN10-R SN10-R Remote Control
Duplicates the knobs and push-buttons of the SN-10 in a remote unit that can be mounted at your fingertips.
 
$195 In Stock
SN10-Knob Knob for SN-10
Replacement knob for the SN-10.  Available with light grey or red cap.
$4.95 In Stock
SN10-PC-Cable Cable, PC to SN-10 Instrument Panel Connector (SN-10 SN >= 100)
This cable is used to connect a PC to the instrument panel connector for the SN-10.  It includes a jumper that puts the SN-10 into PC communication mode.  It works only with SN-10 units with serial numbers of 100 or higher.  This cable is included as a standard accessory with the SN-10.
$42 In Stock
SN10-Panel-Cable Cable, SN-10 to Instrument Panel Connector (SN-10 SN >= 100), Grey
Cable from the SN-10 to the instrument panel.  It has 2 wires for GPS data exiting the panel connector.  It works only with SN-10 units with serial numbers of 100 or higher.  This cable is included as a standard accessory with the SN-10.
GPS Wire Connections
 - Green, SN-10 RS-232 receive, connect to GPS transmit
 - Yellow, SN-10 RS-232 transmit, connect to GPS receive
$63 In Stock
SN10-Panel-Cable-Old Cable, SN-10 to Instrument Panel Connector (SN-10 SN < 100), Black
Cable from the SN-10 to the instrument panel.  It has 4 wires for GPS data exiting the panel connector.  It works only with SN-10 units with serial numbers of 99 or lower.  This cable was included as a standard accessory with the SN-10.
GPS Wire Connections
 - Green, SN-10 RS-232 receive, connect to GPS transmit
 - Yellow, SN-10 RS-232 transmit, connect to GPS receive
 - Red, +12V power supply for Garmin GPS 35-HVS
 - Blue, Common for 12V power supply for Garmin GPS 35-HVS
$63 In Stock
SN10-Temp-Probe Temperature Probe for SN-10
The SN-10 must be recalibrated when a new temperature probe is installed.  The probe itself is only $10 but installation and calibration are required.  I can do the installation and calibration for an additional $39.  The factory says that calibration cannot be done by customers.  The total for the probe, installation and calibration is $49.  You will need to ship the SN-10 to me.  Shipping back to the customer is an additional charge.
 
$49 In Stock
RAZ RAZ Vario Meter
Available in knots or m/s. Fits in a 57 mm instrument hole.  This is not a stand-alone instrument.  It is to be used with either  the SC-7 or SN-10.  The SN-10 and SN10-2 repeater each come with a single RAZ meter.  Additional meters may be added if you would like to display multiple types of variometer information at the same time.
$175 In Stock
TE-Fuselage Total Energy Probe, Fuselage Mount, 8mm
Total energy probe to be mounted to the fuselage pointing up.  This TE probe mounting method is not as accurate as mounting the probe on the vertical stabilizer.  Diameter: 8 mm, Length: 330 mm (13")
Brochure and Installation Instructions
$90 In Stock
TE-Tail Total Energy Probe, Tail Mount, 8mm
Total energy probe to be mounted to tail of the glider pointing forward.  This is the standard ILEC TE Probe. It is very popular.  Diameter: 8 mm, Length: 550 mm (21.65")
Brochure and Installation Instructions
   $90 In Stock
TE-Tail-6mm Total Energy Probe, Tail Mount, 6mm
Total energy probe to be mounted to tail of the glider pointing forward.  For use on LS (Rolladen Schneider) gliders only due to smaller than standard 6 mm diameter connection.  Diameter: 6 mm, Length: 550 mm (21.65")
Brochure and Installation Instructions
   $90 In Stock
TL Total Energy Probe, Long, Tail Mount
Total energy probe to be mounted to tail of the glider pointing forward.  Diameter: 8 mm, Length: 900 mm (35.4")

Assembly note included with the TE Probe
"For easier transport, extended probes are sent in two parts, and must be assembled by the customer, by bonding.  Put a thin coat of epoxy adhesive (araldite or equivalent), or cyanoacrylate on the end of the this tube.  Mate it with the extender tube, and push them together.  Wait for curing.  Ready.  Attention, do not clog the tube by using too much adhesive.  Bonding surfaces must be clean.  In necessary, clean with organic solvent (Tetra, Tri, or equivalent).  WARNING! Experience shows that with tubes which have not been bonded, the front tube will come loose mostly during takeoff under the influence of shocks to the tail.  Consequently it will be lost here, or during the flight.  This is not only regrettable but may be dangerous.  Where - for any reason whatsoever - the tubes are not being bonded, a wide and tough adhesive tape must be wound around the joint, as a minimum, for safety."

Brochure and Installation Instructions

Note from Cumulus Soaring
The use of tape as a back-up is a good idea if the glue bond is not good for safety purposes of course, but the use of tape alone will probably not provide an adequate seal for good performance of the TE probe.  Small leaks are a big problem with TE systems.


$115 In Stock
TE-Mount Mount for Total Energy Probe
Works with all models of ILEC TE probes that have an 8 mm outer diameter.  This item is to be mounted permanently in the glider.  The TE probes listed above (except the TE-Tai-6mm) will plug into this receptacle. The mount is 90 mm (3.54 in) long and has an internal diameter of 8 mm.
Brochure and Installation Instructions
$37 In Stock
TE-O-Ring O-Ring for ILEC Total Energy Probe
Works with all models of ILEC TE probes.  O-rings are included with the TE probe.  I am listing these here so that you will know you can get more if you ever need them. 2 are used on each TE probe.  The price at right is for each ring.
$0.80 In Stock
 


Paul E. Remde

8661 Connelly Place
Savage, Minnesota 55378
USA


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