syride SYS’NAV Flight Instrument User Guide

: June 10, 2024
: syride

SYS’NAV Flight Instrument

Product Information

The SYS’Nav is a lightweight instrument that comes with the latest technologies to help paragliders improve their skills and guide their progress. It comes equipped with innovative sensors that enable the development of future features. The instrument also allows users to build a detailed online flight book.

Product Usage

Installing the Syride Communication Software

To use the SYS’Nav, you need to install the Syride Communication Software on your Windows/Linux/Mac OS computer. Follow the instructions provided in the user manual to install the software.

Positioning the Instrument in Flight

The instrument can be positioned using the two Velcro straps provided. It can be positioned on a cockpit, thigh (with extension), or wrist. You can also place a cushioning material between the Velcro strap and your rope or accelerator pulley to prevent any damage.

Charging the Battery

The instrument comes with a rechargeable battery that can be charged by connecting the mini USB plug to a USB port on your computer. When charging, the battery icon shows a flashing light while it searches for GPS signals. You can interrupt the charge by pressing the center button. It takes approximately a few hours to fully charge the battery.

The SYS’Nav comes with various navigation options that can be accessed through the menu. The menu includes options such as navigating to a location, loading and removing routes, adding and removing waypoints, and configuring the instrument’s settings.

Customizing Display and Vario

You can customize the display and vario of the instrument to suit your preferences. To do this, refer to the user manual or watch the instructional video provided by Syride.

Checking Flight Data

The instrument stores flight data that can be viewed and deleted. To view your flight data, connect the instrument to your computer and access the flight book page on the Syride website. Select your flight and apply the time zone of your computer to view the data.

Tips for Usage

For any issues or further information, please refer to the user manual or contact Syride support. Do not attempt to charge the instrument with a cord other than the one provided by Syride.

Foreword

Welcome in the community of Syriders! Your SYS’NAV is an extra light instrument with the most recent technologies, which will able you to improve yourself and guide your improvements. You will also be able to build a unique and highly detailed online flight book. Your practice of paragliding is going to take a new dimension with the SYS’NAV! As a member of the community, you will become to a key pilot in the evolution and continuous improvement. The range of innovative sensors included in the SYS’NAV allows the development of future features. We encourage you to share your suggestions for your greater satisfaction.

Setup the SYS PC Tool

Download the lastest version of the SYS PC Tool by checking the following webpage :
http://www.syride.com/en/logiciel
Follow the instructions to install it on your computer.
Once installed, an icon shows in the task bar. It detects when your instrument is connected.
The software will automatically start with your operating system.

Place the instrument

Syride suggests to place your instrument on the risers. 2 velcros ables you to place it on any existing riser. Take care not to « lock » your rope or pulley accelerator.This position ables you to manipulate the instrument while flying without releasing the brakes. We recommend you to insert a protection between the velcro and your riser in order to avoid the abrasion of it.
Velcros also allow placing the instrument on a cockpit,on thigh, (with extension) or on the wrist.
You can secure your instrument by using the strap provided for this purpose.

Recharging the battery

Simply connect your instrument with the USB cable to a computer. A red led shows the right loading of the device.
Your instrument will display “Charging…” and the percentage of charge. To complete, a charge it requires 2 hours.
Disconnect USB to stop the charge. Your instrument has a Li-ion battery, which has no memory effect.
When your instrument will start the battery icon needs 10 seconds to be stable.

Information about GPS state

The GPS fix after a long period of inactivity, or after an important change in geographical position, can take up to 10 minutes. It is recommended to be outdoor to ease the first GPS adjustment. We suggest you to turn ON your instrument a few minutes before taking-off.

GPS state is shown with the bargraph on the top center of the screen : A number indicates the number of synchronized satellites
The plane icon on the top left of the screen indicates that your SYS’NAV is recording your flight. The vario automatically detects when you’re flying.

syride SYS'NAV Flight Instrument User Guide-
fig-6

VI. Flight screens

Screens #1 to #4 shows the informations you previously choosed. If your device do not receive a GPS signal strong enough, NO GPS will appear.
Pressing the central button will turn OFF and ON the sound of the vario. This is usefull when you need to concentrate on a transition or when landing.
Press the central button on the screen #6 in order to save your current GPS position. The result will show you the distance, the vertical gain from that point and a route indication to return to this saved position.
Screen #5 (MAP screen) displays on the whole LCD area. You can see :
- Your current position and heading on the middle of the screen
- The topography grayscaled (if previously uploaded to the instrument)
- Airspaces (if previously uploaded to the instrument)
- Your GPS trace for the last 10 minutes
- Waypoints and optimized navigation route (if a route is loaded)

Pressing the middle button changes the zoom level. syride SYS'NAV Flight
Instrument User Guide-fig-8

VII. Configure your device

Push the central button to start your instrument.
Go to screen #9 with left and right buttons, and confirm by clicking on central button. The number of the screen is displayed on the top right of it.
The first screen shows some informations about your instrument. A long push on the central button will trigger a manual recording of a new flight trace.
Next screen allows you to set the sound volume.
The 2 next screens allows you to set rising and falling threshold of the vario.
The next screen enables to activate the “thermal sniffer” function. The instrument will produce a specific bip when you fly in an area which do not go up (<0.1m/s) or down (>0.2m/s). This indicates that you fly either in a zone near a thermal or at the beginning of the thermal cycle.
You can turn ON or OFF the backlight of your instrument on the next screen. Warning : backlight reduces the instrument’s autonomy (-30%).
The next screen enables to turn ON or OFF the alarm when you enter in a controlled airspace.
The altitude screen enables to select either the altitude given by the GPS (by default) or a pressure altitude that will be manually settled.
Last screen is to go back to main screen (#1)

VIII. Advanced configuration

Connect your device to a computer with the SYS PC Tool, you get access to advanced setup. You can :

Change the airspace « pre-violation » warnings (HAS for Horizontal distance to AirSpace, VAS for Vertical distance to AirSpace)
Change any setup that is changeable inside the instrument,
Adjust the security alarm based on the G-meter.

An explanation of those functions is explained here: https://www.syride.com/en/support

For this :

Turn-on the instrument and connect it to your computer
From SYS PC Tool, click on “configure my instrument” icon.
Change whatever you want.
Click on Send parameters.

IX. Customize your screens and vario sound

With SYS’NAV, you can fully customize screens 1 to 4, as well your vario sound!
To customize your screen (tutorial video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3lfZWiS13M ) :

Go to : http://www.syride.com/en/ssctool/Nav
Customize your screen by selecting an item with is font size and units, and then drag and drop it to the screen.
Download the config file to your computer.
Turn-on your instrument, and connect it to your computer.
On SYS PC Tool, click on “Send a file to my Instrument” icon.
Select the config file you just downloaded before and disconnect your instrument, done.

The vario sound setup follows the same principle, follow here: https://www.syride.com/en/variosetup

X. Height above ground

The SYS’NAV is able to tell you how high from the ground you are. Thanks to topography data recorded by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission realized in 2000 by Endeavour space shuttle (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuttle_Radar_Topography_Mission ).
From the SYS’Nav v3 the worldwide topography is already embedded in the instrument.
For the older versions of the SYS’Nav, here is the process to send the topography data into your instrument :

You must go to our dedicated webpage: https://www.syride.com/en/topography
Then move the red rectangle to your selected fly area, and download the data.
Turn on and connect your SYS’NAV with the USB cable.
Then go in the SYS PC Tool, and click on the “Send a file to my instrument” icon, and select the file you previously downloaded.
Wait until the end ot the file upload and restart your instrument.

Caution, height above the ground has a precision of ±20m, plus the GPS precision (a few meters).

To display your height above ground, this information must be included in your screen configuration (see previous chapter) and you need GPS reception.

XI. Locate airspaces

To avoid an airspace violation, you can upload a database of airspaces with an OpenAir file format to your instrument.
Here are some tips regarding airspaces :

Airspaces are regularly modified (about once per month). We recommend you to check the version of file you are using and keep updated.
Knowledge of aeronautic rules as well as preparing your flight are essential for your safety, and for an easy understanding of what your instrument is showing
Temporary forbidden areas can exist. They are signaled through a NOTAM (Notice To Airmen) or Sup AIP. They’re usually available on your government website.
Each country has its own rules, especially for VFR flights. Take note of local rules before taking-off.
Even if your instrument is able to handle thousands of airspaces, we highly recommend you to fine-tune your OpenAir file. Editing the file can be done with any raw text reader software. Fine-tuning the openair file can increase your instrument’s autonomy, and can ease the reading of the MAP screen.

In order to upload airspaces to your SYS’Nav :

Go to the webpage https://www.syride.com/en/airspace
Syride’s online tool provides airspace databases in Open Air format by country. Download the file you want to your computer.
Turn on and plug your SYS’Nav into the USB port of your computer.
On the SYS PC Tool, click on the icon « send a file to my instrument ».
Select the OpenAir file you previously downloaded.

To locate airspaces, you have 2 options :

The MAP screen will show you the airspace borders
Indicators are available on the SSCTool, like name, horizontal and vertical distance to the nearest airspace.

There are 2 visual warnings with a siren that informs you are near an airspace :

Both PRE-VIOLATION and VIOLATION warnings emit a siren during a few seconds. If you loose the GPS signal, then the siren will run again when getting the GPS fix back.

To create a navigation route, the easiest way is to use our online « Route maker » tool. Simple, quick and efficient, it ables you to build a route in a few secondes.
To build a route with the « Route maker » :

Go to http://www.syride.com/en/route
Build your route in a few clicks, and then download it to your computer.
Turn-on your SYS’Nav and connect it to your computer On the SYS PC Tool, click the « Send a to my instrument » icon
Select the route file you’ve downloaded before
To activate the route in your instrument, go on the the Navigation menu in the SYS’Nav, then « Load a route ». The route will show on the MAP screen. Think about adding the indicators you wish to use (e.g. Waypoint information) to your screen configuration (cf IX. Customize your screens).
To skip a waypoint without reaching it, you can push the central button until the sound signal.

You can build a route from your instrument as well :

You first need to have some waypoints in your instrument. Create a waypoint on the SYS’Nav, with menu “Navigation” (screen 7), then “Create waypoint”. The instrument will ask for a waypoint name, GPS coordinate, and altitude (optional). If you already have a waypoint file, you can upload it to your instrument with the SYS PC Tool (« Send a file to my instrument» icon). The SYS PC Tool only accept OziExplorer file format.
Then from the SYS’Nav, go to the « Navigation » menu, then « Create route » :
- First, name your route.
- When selecting the first waypoint, you can choose between 3 modes : « Waypoint » (a simple waypoint), « START IN » and « START OUT » where a start time must be given.
- When selecting the waypoint, you can setup a radius (set to 400m by default, according to FAI rules), as well as a minimum altitude.
- Add several waypoints if needed
- You can select a « GOAL CYLINDER » or a « GOAL LINE » for the last waypoint.
- Or select « END ROUTE » if you want to end your route with a simple waypoint.

XIII. Display and delete a flight

Go to screen #8 and press the central button to enter the flights list.
You will see here every recorded flights, with some information about this flight.
To delete a flight, press the central button and confirm your action when you’re asked to.
Come back to the main flight screens by pushing on “BACK”

XIV. Warnings and reset

If this happens, be sure the instrument’s memory is not full, and check the battery is charged enough.
To protect from flights corruption, your instrument will automatically stop recording the flight if the battery is too low, or if memory is almost full. This is indicated when the plane icon on the top left of the screen is blinking with a cross over it
If the G-Meter exceeds the value selected in “Configure my instrument” menu of SYS PC TOOL (2.5g is the default value), a highly noisy sound will activate (even if the sound is turned-off).
If ever your instrument would stuck (unresponsive to buttons), plug the device to your computer with the USB cable and press the reset button with a needle in the hole on the back of the instrument (keeping the USB plugged).

XV. Transfer your flights

Be sure you’ve installed the SYS-PC-Tool software on your computer (https://www.syride.com/en/software)
Turn on and connect your instrument with the USB cable.
Click on Account configuration icon.
The IGC/GPX and KML files are systematically duplicated on your computer. To use the advanced flight analyzer on syride.com, you must enter your email and password of your Syride account (create one on http://www.syride.com) Make sure “Use the advanced logbook from Syride.com” is selected to upload your flights and click “OK”.
Press the “Download recorded flights” icon, and your flights will be sent from the instrument to your computer and the online flight book. You can have access to the files on your computer by clicking on File/open local directory.
You can modify your flight information (e.g. name, used glide, take off site and the type of flight) by clicking on the red pen and validate your modification with the green arrow.
To watch your track, click on the picture.
You can make your flight invisible for the Syride community by clicking on the eye icon on the top right. It will stay on your profile but the Syride users won’t be able to see it.
You can look at your personal evolution on the flight page through location and time. You can also compare your stats and performances to the other riders.

XVI. Parameters

Here is a list of parameters preprogrammed in your instrument in order to improve its use and autonomy:

Flights less than a minute will be automatically deleted by the SYS PC Tool.
When flying, your instrument will automatically stop recording the flight if neither a ground speed or a vario is detected.
Your instrument will automatically turn OFF if a 20 minutes inactivity is detected, unless you’re flying.
The SYS’NAV v3 is able to record 1500h of flights.
The SYS’NAV v3 is able to record 25 000 waypoints.
G-Meter alarm is set to 2.5g by default.
Time and date setup is thanks to the GPS (to get the GMT) and your computer (to apply the time zone).

XVII. Suggestion of use

We suggest you to turn-on your instrument while preparing your flight in order to be sure you get the GPS fix before starting your flight.
Use the strap to secure your instrument while flying.
Electromagnetic perturbations from VHF antennas can disturb GPS signal
If the SYS’NAV is very hot and you fly in very cold air, fog can appear on the screen. It will dissipate within minutes.
Only use the backlight if required. Otherwise the autonomy will decrease significantly (30%).
A Factory Reset from SYS PC Tool ( Configure my instrument  Repair Factory reset ) ables you to get your instrument back to default state (every recorded flight will be deleted).
When you connect your instrument to a USB charger, the battery will start charging, even if the instrument is turned-off.

Notes

Important : Safety Notices and Warnings
Precautions of use for the SYS’GPS
Never leave your SYS’GPS unattended
Take care of your equipment by cleaning with a soft cloth regularly. Do not open the product, the screws are tight with a certain degree which guarantees the seal of the unit. This action would cancel your guarantee. If water were introduced by inadvertency into your SYS, open the USB cache to air it and wait until it is dry before lighting it. Do not expose your device to too high or too low temperatures, which risk damaging it for good. Avoid leaving it in full sun as an ornament, or putting it in the freezer! The soaring in the Antarctic is not guaranteed!! Ensure that the product is well in position before taking off. Syride cannot be held responsible for the loss of the product during the flight (takeoff included). We give great importance to constantly improve the treatment results of sessions. We can provide an estimate of the indicators. If your results are not consistent with reality, please let us know so we can improve our data processing.

Battery

This product uses a LiPo battery. Do not expose to temperatures above 50 ° C (120 ° F). The SYS tells the user if it detects a temperature above 50 ° C (120 ° F) when in function. Risk of fire, explosion or burning. If leakage and contact with liquid leaking from the battery, clean thoroughly with water and seek medical advice immediately. For safety reasons and to extend battery life, charging can be done in an ambient temperature range.

Temperatures:
Standard operation: 0 ° C (32 ° F) to +45 ° C (113 ° F)
short-term storage: -20 ° C (-4 ° F) at 60 ° C (140 ° F)
Storage long term -20 ° C (-4 ° F) at 25 ° C (77 ° F).

Do not check out, or do not attempt to remove the battery, which is not user replaceable. If battery problem, please contact Syride support.

Notice to users regarding collection and disposal of batteries and electrical and electronic equipment.

LIPO BATTERY AND ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT IN THIS PRODUCT CAN NOT BE ADDED TO THE HOUSEHOLD WASTE. To allow proper recycling, please bring it to a collection point for. Directive 2002/96/EC applies within the European Union. For the procedure applicable in countries outside the European Union, please check with local authorities DO NOT ATTEMPT RECHARGING THE DEVICE WITH A DIFFERENT USB CORD THAN THE ONE PROVIDED. RATING : 5VDC 500mA.

GPS (Global positioning System).
The GPS is a Global Positioning System satellite that is controlled by the Government of the United States of America. Syride not responsible for the availability and accuracy of GPS

CE Mark
This product meets the requirements of the CE mark as part of a residential, commercial or light industrial.

About this document
The greatest care was taken in the preparation of this document. However, due to the commercial development of the product, some information may not be quite up to date. The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Syride not responsible for any omissions or technical or editorial errors in this manual, in the event of incidental or consequential damages resulting from the content or use of this document.

www.syride.com