Overview<\/strong> On startup the configuration for the logger is loaded from the SD card. All configurations must be done using a computer and be saved on the SD card. On shutdown the logger saves the track to the SD card. In case the SD card is lost or the track cannot be read from the card a backup copy of the track remains inside the logger (the last 5h of recorded track).<\/p>\n Because the Balloon Loggers are primarily designed to be used in balloon competitions many information are dedicated to officials. Usually in a balloon competition it is the event director or his staff who configures the loggers. As private owner of a logger it might also be useful to read the Official\u2019s section<\/a> of this website. For basic instructions please also see the Quick Guides<\/a> and the online tutorial<\/a>.<\/p>\n Configuration<\/strong> All configurations are done using BLM software, which can be downloaded here<\/a>. BLM runs on Windows computers only.<\/p>\n For pilot configuration select Logger->Event Configuration in the menu. <\/p>\n The file must be stored on the SD card in the root folder with the name \u201cuser.cfg<\/em>\u201d. Select the correct filename in “Write to Location” and select “Write Settings”. Insert the SD card into the logger and start the logger. On the idle screen of the logger press Info (3) and then Config (5). You can see if your configuration is loaded correctly.<\/p>\n Download Tracks<\/strong> The tracks are saved as [Logger S\/N]-[Number].igc. The number is an incremental number. The IGC files can directly be loaded by many mapping applications such as Ozi Explorer or CompeGPS. <\/p>\n If you want to read the marker drops and goal declarations use BLM (download here<\/a>) to load the track file. BLM can show all marker drops and declarations and also export them as Waypoints or convert the track file to a different file format.<\/p>\n The logger also keeps a backup copy of the last 5h in the internal memory. In case this track needs to be downloaded, please refer to this post<\/a>.<\/p>\n Charging the Logger<\/strong> The batteries can be charged using the supplied charger. See this post for details<\/a>.<\/p>\n Connect the Logger to Computer for Live Navigation<\/strong> Please see the Pilots information<\/a> for details. Also see this post<\/a> about connecting the logger to an Android device.<\/p>\n Firmware Update<\/strong> The firmware upgrade procedure is described in a separate page<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Logger\"](\"http:\/\/www.balloonloggers.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/09\/Logger-192x300.png\")
<\/a>The balloon competition logger is based on Flytec 6020 hardware, but equipped with software developed by Marc Andr\u00e9 for FAI\/CIA. The main purpose of the balloon loggers is to record the track of flight and to drop marker or accept declarations. The logger can be connected to laptops so that the laptop can show the same position as which is being recorded. <\/p>\n
\nThe configuration of the loggers is done using a SD card. The SD card can contain two configuration files. logger.cfg<\/em> is used for configuration of the loggers for a balloon event by the competition organization. user.cfg<\/em> can be used to configure pilot\/owner specific settings. In absence of the logger.cfg<\/em>, the user.cfg<\/em> can also be used to configure logging\/event settings. Thus private owners should only touch user.cfg<\/em> while officials only touch logger.cfg<\/em>.<\/p>\n![\"blm_user_cfg\"](\"http:\/\/www.balloonloggers.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/blm_user_cfg.png\")
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\nThe simplest way to download tracks is to remove the SD card when the logger is shut down and to insert the SD card into a SD card reader on your computer. <\/p>\n
\n![\"chrage_status\"](\"http:\/\/www.balloonloggers.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/chrage_status.png\")
<\/a>The logger has two banks of battery. Only one bank is active at the time. The battery status is indicated on the top right of the screen. A grayed out icon shows the in-active battery. The logger automatically switches to the other bank if one bank is empty. Fully charged batteries allow operation of approx. 15-20h.<\/p>\n
\nThe logger can be connected to a computer using USB cables. Some devices are also equipped with Bluetooth. On both interfaces NMEA data is transmitted.<\/p>\n
\nAll loggers receive free update of latest firmware version. The new versions are announced on the welcome page<\/a> and a summary of release notes can be found in Firmware release<\/a>.<\/p>\n