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PostFrontal presents the Tracer DSX8001: the latest version of a flight data
recording unit based on new generation electronics, with
performance, weight and efficiency proper of a modern
system. The Tracer has been designed completely by DSX
adopting the new GPS chip Trimble Copernicus, which lends
performance a leap ahead of the previous GPS’s.
The TRACER is FAI / IGC approved for the maximum
category, “all flights”, that includes the world records.
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The TRACER
records the data in an internal memory, permanently saving the values of
position, altitude, time, pilot’s name, vehicle identification and other parameters that are useful for the validation of the data itself, with a user selectable rate up to a maximum of 1 fix per second (1 Hz).
Thanks to the presence of a USB connector and 2 serial connectors, the data can be easily downloaded to a personal computer through a USB cable direct connection (hence without the need for a USB-serial converter) and being it powered directly by PC. The data can be analyzed with software programs both freeware or commercial.
The USB memory stick option, allows to connect a memory stick to the system, to download all flight data directly to this comfortable memory device. Moreover, the TRACER can be completely configured and tasks declared, simply inserting the USB stick prior to take-off. In this way, every pilot flying a club plane can configure the system with his own data, effortlessly, inserting his stick.
Firmware updates are installed copying the firmware file into a USB stick, and inserting it in the system.
Through the USB module, the Tracer is totally independent from any PC direct connection, allowing it to be installed fixed onboard the plane.
The TRACER is already installed on many gliders and motor planes, lending it's services also in the World Championship competitions.
Thanks to the fact that the development of the system is totally done by DSX, it’s possible to customize the product to fulfil specific needs of institutional or business customers.
The recording of the flight data is performed according to the standard defined by the FAI / IGC for the use during competitions and sport performance.
The recording starts automatically when the speed of the vehicle is higher than a minimum value set and stops when it falls below another value. The data of 20
fixes before the automatic start are recorded as well.
After finishing the recording, the data file is ready for downloading.
The internal memory of the DSX8001 is of 8 MB (optionally 16 MB), which lends a recording time of more than 200 hours (400 h), with a rate of one fix every 3 seconds. Different rates change the recording time linearly.
When the internal memory is full, automatic deletion of the oldest data takes place to make room for fresh data.
The files containing the recorded data can be validated in such a way that any modification made to the file is immediately detected, guaranteeing that no
manipulation of the data can be done without noticing.
A second set of data recorded by the TRACER is a summary file for every mission. It contains the pilot’s name, aircraft identification, time and position
of engine start, take off, landing and engine shut down, hence the engine run time. Other information can be customized. These data can be downloaded by
the administration and are formatted to be imported into spreadsheets and databases for accounting purposes.
The system can also record the cases of excess of maximum structural load/inverted flight/heavy landing, to perform a survey of the flight activity, when the optional accelerometers module is present.
Display of the recorded data
All data recorded by the TRACER can be displayed on a computer and analyzed with many software programs, freeware or commercial.
This feature is ideal for the
debriefing activity. It’s also possible to visualize and replay the recorded data with Google Earth, depicting the flight path, including the altitude, on the photographs of the terrain. The downloading of the data, both of the flight data and the summary files, performed at the end of every flight or at the end of the day, may provide with the daily activity of the aircraft and an overview of its usage.
In case of accident, the data log with the recording of the flight path, ground speed, track, altitude, accelerations (with the accelerometers module installed) and time, can be useful for the reconstruction of what happened before the event, helping the investigation and the understanding of the accident dynamics.
The flight path can be displayed together with the barogram showing the altitude, and every position of the plane can be associated to the instantaneous flight parameters (ground speed, altitude, climb speed, coordinates).For the data regarding the time of the start up and turn off of the engine and take off and landing, of the peaks of accelerations, heavy landings and all these data that can be recorded with the Tracer, a file created, separated from the one with the coordinates. This second file is of limited size and in plain text, hence can be easily edited or imported into any software program for analysis (like Excel).
The TRACER has a serial port for outputting the navigation data during its operation; in this way it can be connected i.e. to a PDA running a navigation software. This feature allows to offer a service to the pilot, and not only the data recording. The flight path can be studied in relation to predefined waypoints and altitude (with some programs, different colours of the path correspond to different altitudes). Through the same data cable,
the Tracer can power the PDA with a 5V current.
Power supply
Power consumption
GPS engine
Pressure sensor
Internal memory
Recording time
Dimensions
Weight
Interfaces
Data output
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8 – 30 V
~30 mA @ 12V
Trimble Copernicus
Intersema MS5534
8 Mb (optionally 16 Mb)
>200 h (>400 h)
110 x 93 x 26 mm
150 gr + GPS antenna
USB slave (1), serial (2), USB master (1, optional)
NMEA 0183 standard RMC, GGA, VTG, RMZ navigation data (on one serial port) |
Two year international warranty.
RETURNS: The customer can return the bought items in
12 days from the shipment date with no penalty. The items must be shipped in their original state and in the original package to
DSX High Tech Sagl, via Camara 50, 6932 Breganzona (Switzerland). A mail to info@postfrontal.com has to be sent explaining the shipping info and the cause of return.
The return shipping cost will be bore by the customer, while DSX High Tech Sagl will refund the order cost of the equipment purchased.
Download the complete product brochure
