XC Guide APP - English
XC Guide is designed to help XC pilots and retrieve drivers follow their flying friends using various live tracking systems.
XC Guide works on most android phones and only requires a GPS and mobile data service or WiFi.
These live tracking services are supported;
Open Glider Network (OGN)
FANET
FLARM
SafeSky
ADS-B via OpenSky, SkyEcho2 or RadarBox USB
Telegram
Livetrack24
Garmin inReach
SPOT
SkyLines
FlyMaster
AirWhere
XC Globe
Loctome
SportsTrackLive
Volandoo
Automatic email
App Buttons:-
1) Settings button
Opens all App settings and options.
2) Help button
The green ? button opens your flight logbook and flight replay options, file management, user guides and support links.
3) App Status button
The blue i button displays the App Status pop-up window.
This pop-up shows what the App is doing and the state of your live-tracking systems.
4) Fn user-defined custom button
The Fn button can be user-defined for both single and double clicks.
A long-press on the Fn button opens the action settings for Fn.
5) Layout Slider
Swiping the layout slider steps forward and back through the layouts.
A double click on the layout slider takes you back to your startup layout.
A long-press on the layout slider brings up layout settings.
Screen Layouts:-
0) Flight Computer and Pilot List
1) Flight Computer and Map
2) Pilot List (full screen)
3) Map (full screen)
4) Pilot List and Map (split-screen)
The Navigation Bar is shown at the top of the Pilot List.
This manages your Waypoints, Navigation and Competition Tasks.
The Flight Computer
The Flight Computer comprises 8 boxes showing;
1) Altitude: AMSL Geoid (QNH), baro (QNE) or above ground AGL (QFE).
2) Ground speed, G-force.
3) Heading, cardinal and degrees.
4) Climb/sink rate and glide angle.
5) Local time, network and battery.
6) Wind estimate or paramotor fuel guage.
7) Flight duration and location mode.
8) Direction and distance from takeoff.
The Flight Computer boxes are also buttons.
A long-press gives the following functions:-
1) AGL=0 (QFE) calibration for GPS or barometric altitude.
2) Metric / Imperial settings
3) Flight Computer settings.
4) Thermal assistant: On | Auto | Off.
5) Flight Computer settings.
6) Flight Computer settings.
7) Force Automatic Take-off.
8) Flight Computer settings.
The Pilot List
Each tracker that matches your filters, will appear in the Pilot List.
On the left is a thumbnail or aircraft type. A photo can be provided by your contacts book.
Next to the photo is a coloured arrow which shows the direction to the other pilot from your current location.
The colour of the arrow indicates how old this fix was;
Green < 10 mins ago (configurable)
Yellow: < 1 hour ago
Orange: < 12 hours ago
Red: > 12 hours ago
Next is the tracker name, which can have the following colours;
White: Normal, flying
Green: Pilot has landed
Red: SOS message
Blue: Recent 'Need Retrieve' message
If you want to use a nickname for a pilot, then just add a 'Phonetic Name' to the local phone contact, and the APP will show that instead. Spaces and full stops in names are removed, to make it easier to add them to your phone contacts.
As well as the pilots name, the direction to them is shown, plus distance and any altitude difference.
If the pilot has sent a message, an envelope icon is shown.
An activity icon indicates if the pilot is moving.
If a tracker name or Phonetic name starts with "Bus" or "Retrieve" then a bus icon is used instead.
A click on the Pilot List gives you these options;
1) Show the pilot on the map
2) Navigate to a pilot
3) See a tracker status / message (& copy to clipboard)
4) Send a message to this pilot
5) Call this pilot
6) Add or edit this tracker in your contacts
The footer of the Pilot List shows how many trackers are visible versus the total received.
Click on the footer to see which trackers have been excluded by your filters.
The Map
Pilot Markers can have the following colours;
Black Normal, flying
Orange: Pilot sent a message
Red SOS message
Blue Needs Retrieve
Green Pilot has landed
Range circles can be drawn on the map around your location.
1km circles are red,
10km circles are blue and
100km circles are cyan.
A cursor can be shown on the map with the co-ordinates of the map centre.
The Follow button at the top left of the map makes the map follow you.
The Follow button has 3 modes, Course up, Course right or North up.
The Frame button, to the right of the Follow button zooms the map to include all trackers.
A long-press makes Frame button stay active (orange), so it auto-zooms the map to include all trackers.
The Map layer button cycles between Terrain, Road and Satellite views with each click.
Waypoints, Navigation and Tasks
The Navigation Bar gives these options;
Goto a waypoint.
Cancel Goto
Zoom to a Waypoint.
Create a new Waypoint.
Edit a waypoint.
Show weather forecast at a waypoint.
Driving directions to a waypoint.
Manage Tasks
Navigation Settings
When navigating, an arrow points towards the next waypoint and the direction and distance are given.
If the waypoint altitude is known, the glide angle and time to reach the waypoint can also be shown.
The following navigation modes are supported, in priority order;
1) Competition Race Tasks
2) Club Waypoint Challenge
3) Station Finder (points to nearest station)
4) GOTO a Waypoint
5) EZ GOTO a Waypoint (long-press on map)
As well as user-defined waypoints, several other waypoint file formats are supported:
Compe GPS .WPT format
See you .CUP format
Basic .TXT format (name lat long alt)
The .GPX format e.g from Paragliding Earth
Waypoints files are saved in /indysoft.xc_guide/files/Waypoints/
Competition Tasks
The PG-Race.aero service has been provided to design, edit, share, activate and automatically score Competition Tasks.
XC Guide and PG-Race have been designed to work together and complement each other.
Competition Tasks can also be designed and edited in XC Guide using the task editor wizard.
Tasks are saved in the /indysoft.xc_guide/files/Tasks/ folder and must be in '*.xctsk' format.
Tasks can be loaded from your clipboard or by scanning a QR code with the camera.
Tasks can also be loaded directly from PG-Race.aero.
Waypoint collections can be loaded directly from Taskvault.net.
Tasks can also be loaded from XContest cloud with a four-digit code.
Tasks can also be loaded from flyxc.app from a URL.
Once a Task is active, these additional Navigation menu options appear;
9) Step one Turnpoint back / choose Start Gate
10) Step one Turnpoint forward
11) Show the Task as text
12) Show the QR code for this Task
13) Clear the Task
When a Task is active, the Navigation Bar shows;
An arrow pointing towards the optimised point on the next Turnpoint.
The order and name of the next Turnpoint
A Turnpoint icon showing whether to enter, leave or wait at a Turnpoint
Distance to the closest point on the next Turnpoint
Altitude above Turnpoint centre
Arrival height above Turnpoint centre at current (8s average) glide angle
Also, when a Task is active, a text box appears in the bottom right of the map showing Task & Goal information;
Speed to fly to the optimised point on SSS Cylinder (only visible for start gate)
Distance to Goal via optimised route
Altitude above Goal now
Glide ratio required to Goal via optimised route
Arrival altitude over goal at current (8s average) glide angle
Time before / after Start of Speed Section (SSS) opens
Time before / after Land by Time closes
Special alarm sounds are played during a Competition Task;
10-minute warning buzzer before SSS opens
5-minute warning before SSS opens
SSS open bell
30-minute buzzer before Land by time
10-minute buzzer before Land by time
SSS Turnpoint cylinder success trumpet (race start)
Turnpoint cylinder crossing success trumpet
Goal LINE or CYLINDER crossing success trumpet
Airspace
Note: Use at your own risk!
Airspace files in the OpenAIR standard format (*.txt) can be downloaded from:
https://airspace.xcontest.org/
Airspace files are saved in /indysoft.xc_guide/files/Airspace/.
The APP will show airspace from new files automatically.
Flight Level (FL) airspace altitudes are automatically calculated if the App has access to a barometric altitude reading (via BLE vario or internal sensor).
Altitude above Ground level (AGL) airspace altitudes are automatically calculated if the Terrain option is enabled in Flight Computer Settings.
Airspace Proximity warnings
An airspace proximity warning window can be shown on the map.
This shows class of airspace and the name of the closest ATZ (airspace circle) or closest Zone to you.
Your distance and direction to the airspace are shown if you are outside it.
If you are inside horizontally, the nearest exit point is shown instead and the arrow has a base.
Dotted lines from your position also show the nearest airspace on the map.
If you are below or above airspace, an arrow points up or down accordingly.
If your altitude is within the range of the airspace then an arrow with a base shows how far inside you are from the base or from the top.
You can select a 'Proximity' warning distance and height around airspace.
Before you penetrate the actual airspace, but go into your set proximity limit, the text turns yellow and a buzzer sounds twice.
If you then proceed and penetrate the airspace the text turns orange and the buzzer sounds three times.
When you exit the proximity zone the buzzer sounds once.
Airspace actions
Click the airspace proximity warning window to:
1) Open airspace settings
2) Download airspace from XContest
3) Exclude the closest zone or ATZ.
4) Exclude the whole class of closest zone or ATZ
5) Include airspace, by individual zone or by class.
6) Show or hide the airspace Elevation view.
7) Toggle between high or low altitude Elevation view.
The Airspace Elevation view is a cross-section of airspace along your path which also shows ground level.
The Elevation view range is set by your map zoom.
The Elevation view direction is set by your bearing when you are flying.
When stationary, you can twist the map with two fingers and the Elevation direction follows this.
Thermal Hotspots
Hotspot files in .CSV format can be downloaded from:
http://thermal.kk7.ch
Save the required hotspot CSV files to your /indysoft.xc_guide/files/Hotspots/ directory and when the APP starts, it will load them automatically.
Thermal hotspots are shown around you, the guide, or around a selected marker as red dots.
After you takeoff, hot spots are automatically shown around your position.
FANET, FLARM, and ADS-B
The Flying Ad-hoc NETwork (FANET) is accessed using a GXAirCom LoRa module or an AIR3 tablet 7.3+
FLARM is accessed using an XC-Tracer vario, an AIR3 tablet 7.3+ or a GXAirCom LoRa module.
Telegram groups can be tracked with XC Guide when using the XCView.net service.
The ADS-B transponder SkyEcho2 is also supported with a GDL 90 interface via Wifi.
Other commercial ADS-B traffic can be viewed on the map using the OpenSky service.
Settings
A press on the configuration icon brings up the settings view.
Hitting the 'back' button exits settings.
All your settings can be exported and imported via buttons in the App Status view.
Hit the blue (i) button (Beware, this also exports your passwords and user IDs).
App Settings
Screen and User Interface
All four possible screen orientations are available;
Portrait
Portrait - Reverse
Landscape
Landscape - Reverse
This is to help when using an external USB battery for long flights.
The orientation is only changed once the APP is re-started.
You can choose to start XC Guide with one of the five screen layouts.
The layout slider in the bottom corner of the screen cycles between these layouts.
The next option allows you to choose between short or long clicks for the APP buttons.
This requires the APP to be re-started.
The next checkbox enables button click sounds.
The next settings are for font size and icon size used in the App.
The next setting allows XC Guide to dim the screen after x seconds.
This saves battery, reduces OLED burn-in but keeps XC Guide in the foreground.
A bright screen consumes most of the phone's power.
So it is beneficial to enable this option.
Use this option with the "Keep screen on" option below
The next tick-box makes the screen stay on when XC Guide is running.
This stops the system screensaver timeout.
The next tick-box makes the App full-screen.
The next tick-box is for E-ink screens.
Flight Computer and Vario
Select the internal or external pressure sensor (if present), as your barometric vario.
You can set climb / sink thresholds for the vario sounds, vario damping, tone pitch and tone duration.
You can also choose which audio file to use for the vario.
User-provided audio files can be used in the vario. They must be in '*.ogg' format.
Audio files are picked from the /indysoft.xc_guide/files/Vario/ directory
These settings can be tested at any time in the App Status window, by manually sliding the climb rate up & down with a finger.
Next you can set a fixed offset, plus or minus, to adjust your GPS Altitude (in Metres). The adjusted altitude is not used for your IGC file.
Next you can disable the Auto-takeoff & landing detection. A landing, when detected, plays a sound and saves the KML and IGC track.
The next checkbox enables takeoff and landing sounds.
The next option group selects Imperial or Metric units;
Next, you can show altitude above ground level (AGL) in the Flight Computer box 1.
This option automatically downloads .HGT files from https://pg-race.aero/agl/
and saves them to the /indysoft.xc_guide/files/Terrain/ directory.
When needed, these files are cached by the App in memory for a fast lookup.
You can limit how many .HGT files can be cached in memory, as they are very large.
Faint dotted boxes appear on the map to show which terrain files are cached and can show AGL values.
Finally you can enable the G-meter. The G-force is shown in Fight Computer box 2.
The maximum G-force is recorded for each flight, and saved in the flight logbook 'Logbook.CSV'.
Connected devices
The Bluetooth settings allow you to connect to:-
XC-Tracer
BlueFly
MipBip+
SkyDrop
Generic vario
GxAirCom FANET module
iTag button or
other Bluetooth buttons.
When a scan finds your vario, FANET module or iTag, the MAC address is remembered, so only this device will connect next time.
To save power, Bluetooth BLE scanning lasts 2 minutes.
At any time the App loses the BLE link to a device, re-connection is automatic.
FANET and FLARM settings
The App automatically scans for a GXAirCom module and saves the MAC address here.
If you manually delete this MAC address, the App will scan for any GxAirCom module on the next scan.
Next you can chose three FANET GPS options;
1) Ignore the FANET GPS.
2) Use the FANET GPS from a Lilygo T-Beam.
3) Send GPS position to a Heltec FANET module.
You can specify your FANET name which will appear to everyone within range.
You can specify your FANET aircraft type.
You can allow message alert pop-ups when receiving a FANET message.
You can limit FANET broadcast messages to trackers in your Pilot List.
You can specify your FANET transmit power.
You can keep the FANET module in 'flying' mode.
Otherwise if speed < 15kph module is in 'landed' mode.
FANET aircraft type is only sent in 'flying' mode
Ground status is only sent in 'landed' mode
FLARM transmission and reception can be disabled or enabled.
You can show FANET weather reports and thermals on the Google map.
A paramotor fuel gauge can be shown in the Flight Computer Box 6.
Attach an analogue level input to the FANET module ADC i/p ADC1_3 GPI39 which is HELTEC Pin 39 or LILYGO T-beam Pin 'SVN'.
The analogue voltage range is 0v to max 3.3v.
To calibrate and scale the input, enter ADC volts empty, volts full and tank capacity (litres or gallons).
Separate by comma or space e.g 0.0,3.3,10.0
If you have an AIR3 tablet (version 7.3+) you can enable the internal FANET / FLARM module.
XC Tracer settings
In your XC Tracer, use the default setting which is "stringToSend=XCTRACER".
In the Flight Computer, the climb rate box turns blue and an icon appears, to show a Bluetooth Vario is being used.
The first setting allows you to enter a specific, named XC-Tracer.
Set this the same as your XC-Tracer # name of BLE service
e.g. bleName=XCT
The App automatically scans for an XC-Tracer and saves the MAC address here.
If you delete this MAC address, the App will scan for any XC-Tracer on the next scan.
You can also enable FLARM warning sounds if a collision is predicted by your XC-Tracer FLARM receiver.
When connected to a Maxx2, using the XCTRACER buttton in the App Status Popup, you can copy the IGC name configuration to or from the App.
You can also download the last 5 IGC files and upload new Maxx2 firmware.
BlueFly settings
The App automatically scans for a BlueFly and saves the MAC address here.
If you delete this MAC address, the App will scan for any BlueFly on the next scan.
In your BlueFly set Mode = 5 and outputFrequency = 10, i.e. 5 readings per second. The default Mode = 0 also works.
MipBip+ settings
The App automatically scans for a MipBip+ and saves the MAC address here.
If you delete this MAC address, the App will scan for any MipBip+ on the next scan.
SkyDrop settings
The App automatically scans for a SkyDrop and saves the MAC address here.
If you delete this MAC address, the App will scan for any SkyDrop on the next scan.
Generic vario settings
When enabled, the App scans for any BLE device and presents a list.
Select the Generic vario from the list.
The BLE name and MAC address will be saved.
The GPS fix from your vario can be used as the location source by the App.
Button Customisation
A variety of App functions can be initiated by a single or double click of the Fn button or an iTag.
The same functions can be used for the F1 and F2 buttons on the Air3.
The App automatically scans for an iTag and saves the MAC address here.
If you manually delete this MAC address, the App will scan for any iTag on the next scan.
SkyEcho2 or USB RadarBox dongle
The last setting enables the use of a SkyEcho2 ADS-B transponder or a USB RadarBox dongle.
Both SkyEcho2 and RadarBox ADSB receiver use the GDL 90 UDP protocol.
Connect to the SkyEcho2 via Wifi.
When using SkyEcho2, all other livetracking requests, and Google map data etc. are automatically bound to the mobile data network.
Connect the RadarBox via USB and include a USB OTG power splitter, as the USB dongle requires quite a lot of power.
Use the Avare ADSB App with a USB RadarBox, to share the GDL-90 UDP protocol via localhost, which XC Guide will listen for.
Live Tracking settings
Livetracking update rate
Choose an update (query) rate for Livetrack24, SkyLines, FlyMaster, AirWhere, OGN and XC Globe.
This setting, 'Livetracking update rate' determines how often these systems are queried and how often you are tracked into them.
All pilots being tracked appear in the Pilot List, subject to Pilot List filter settings.
Livetrack24 settings
Here, save your Livetrack24 username, Livetrack24 password and a list of Livetrack24 user names you specifically want to track.
Multiple Livetrack24 users can be tracked, but must be separated with a single comma or space e.g: name1,name2,name3
Next is the option to track any Livetrack24 pilot within X km of you.
Track points < 24 hours old inside the selected radius are shown.
To reduce server loading, these 'radar' radius queries will only update once per minute.
To track yourself on Livetrack24 simply select an option from the tracking menu.
Choose PG/HG and public/private/friends.
After takeoff, this tracking type should not be changed.
Next, you can set high-resolution tracking at 2 or 5 second intervals.
The overall Live Tracking update (query) rate must be set to 10 seconds for high-resolution tracking.
Next decide when you want to be tracked:
1) Track me only whilst flying, from takeoff to landing.
2) Track me continuously. Hike and Fly mode
3) Track me from App start until first landing.
The last checkbox allows you to include a safety / retrieve message when you land.
This will show as an envelope if your Livetrack24 username is tracked by other pilots using XC Guide.
The messages can be customised in /indysoft.xc_guide/files/Livetrack24_messages.txt.
Only the message # is sent, so both sender and receiver must use identical message files.
To send a single tracking point and a new status, after landing, use the Livetrack24 button in the App Status Window.
SkyLines settings
First, register on SkyLines at https://skylines.aero. Use your Tracking Key here, which is is 8 hex digits.
The 3 SkyLines tracking modes are:
Don't track into SkyLines
Track into SkyLines after takeoff
Track into SkyLines continuously
Other Skylines pilots nearby can be tracked.
Other named Skylines pilots can be tracked, by name or ID.
Finally, specified Skylines pilots can also be ignored, by name or ID.
FlyMaster settings
Enter your FlyMaster Group IDs (4-digit numbers)
separated with a single comma or a single space e.g:
1111,2222,3333 or 1111 2222 3333
It may be required in future to include the FlyMaster username and password with each Group ID.
In which case enter the credentials in the settings window, one Group ID per line;
GroupdID,username,password
The FlyMaster password becomes encrypted as soon as it is saved.
AirWhere settings
To show AirWhere pilots nearby in the Pilot List, select a radius from the list.
Set your 6-digit hex AirWhere PilotID.
Choose your AirWhere aircraft type.
Next, set if you want to be tracked into AirWhere. This is only possible if your PilotID and registration code are correct.
Open Glider Network (OGN)
Registering on OGN
In the App Status popup window ('i' button), first click the New ID button.
This searches the online OGN database, finds the first available ID, and saves it in your Settings.
Then, with the Reg button, go to https://ddb.glidernet.org/ and enter your new ID.
On the OGN registration page, select 'Device type' as 'OGN'.
You must register with same the 3-digit Competition Number (CN) provided by XCGuide in the App Status window.
(This step is necessary to ensure you are the owner of the OGN Device ID.)
Finally, once the Device ID is registered on OGN, click the Verify button.
When successful, a drum sounds and your Device ID is verified on XCGuide.
If you subsequently change your Device ID in settings, you must re-register it and re-verify.
OGN settings
To see any unspecified OGN pilots within a range of your position, simply select a range from the list.
You do not have to be registered on OGN for this query.
To include OGN Device IDs currently offline, showing their last known position, tick the 'offline' box.
You can choose to include your own OGN tracker in the list.
Next, the OGN live tracking mode can be set.
Next you can set your aircraft type.
If you want to track specific OGN Device IDs, your 'Buddies', enter each Device ID in the box called 'Show specific OGN Device IDs'. Separate each Device ID with a '/'.
For example XCG640000/XCG640001. You can also use a wildcard. For example to see all XCGuide users, at any distance, simply enter XCG*.
These specific OGN Device IDs are shown with a green 'B' on the OGN icon in the Pilot List to indicate they are your Buddies.
Next, specific OGN Device IDs can be ignored, and filtered out.
Finally to access a different APRS server, enter your APRS URL or public static IP address in the 'Alternate APRS Server' box.
When being tracked into OGN you will appear on the following live websites:-
https://live.glidernet.org/
https://glidertracker.org/
https://planefinder.net/
XC Globe settings
Set your XC Globe username and password.
First register at
https://xcglobe.com/register
Choose your XC Globe glider type.
To see any unspecified XC Globe pilots in the Pilot List, within a range of your position, simply select a range from the list.
Next, you can set a list of XC Globe pilot names, within the radius already set, that you only want to track.
If you want to see yourself as well, add your name to this list.
Finally tick the 'track and query' box to enable XC Globe tracking.
SafeSky settings
To see SafeSky traffic, using ADS-B and other sources, and before tracking is possible, you will need to accept SafeSky terms and conditions.
Enter an email address and preferred callsign.
When these are provided, XC Guide will automatically register you and create a SafeSky ID (6 hex digits).
Select your tracking mode: only whilst flying, or continuous tracking.
Tracking into SafeSky is always at 10s intervals.
You can set an altitude limit (filter) for SafeSky traffic to be shown.
SafeSky traffic up to 100km around you may be shown.
Set a list of SafeSky 'buddies' who will appear in your Pilot List, rather than as orange traffic icons.
(SafeSky buddies are subject to the altitude filter.)
OpenSky ADS-B traffic
To see air traffic using ADS-B, select a distance range.
You can set an altitude ceiling for ADS-B to be shown.
Without an account you can only get 100 queries per day.
With an OpenSky username and password you get 1000/day
Register for free at https://opensky-network.org/
FANET tracking
To see any unspecified FANET pilots in the Pilot List, within range of your FANET modem, simply select a range filter from the list.
Next, you can set a list of FANET IDs, that you want to track at any distance.
Next, you can set a list of FANET IDs that you want to exclude from the Pilot List.
FLARM tracking
Set this option to see all FLARM transmitters on the Pilot List and Map.
FLARM can be received directly by radio via XC-Tracer or GxAirCom FANET modules.
Satellite trackers
SPOT and Garmin inReach
The text window is where to paste your SPOT Feed IDs and inReach URLs.
Put each SPOT or inReach URL on a new line.
Your SPOT feed ID is a random sequence of 33 digits which you can obtain from your 'findmespot' web link.
See example highlighted below;
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0f7sgdCjsgzlh65RvPhbbrCOXiSr8e123
Each 33-digit SPOT feed ID should be preceded with a pilot name and a colon e.g. "IndysSPOT:" on the same single line, as per the example below:
IndysSPOT:0f7sgdCjsgzlh65RvPhbbrCOXiSr8e123
However, if all your SPOTs are on a shared group feed ID, then you only need to save one SPOT feed ID.
To include Garmin inReach live tracking, just paste in a list of URLs you want to track, see examples below.
https://username:password@share.delorme.com/feed/share/mapshare_name
https://username:password@share.garmin.com/feed/share/mapshare_name
https://username:password@inreach.garmin.com/feed/share/mapshare_name
https://username:password@eur.inreach.garmin.com/feed/share/mapshare_name
https://username:password@explore.garmin.com/feed/share/mapshare_name
If the user has not set a password, leave out the username:password@
Telegram
XC Guide works with the XCView.net service to allow private Telegram groups to share their locations.
The XCView.net 'bot' needs to be added to the group and started with a /start command.
Put your group name e.g. "g/our_group" into XC Guide settings and add your name.
The App can livetrack you into XCView.net so you appear on the same map with other Telegram group members.
XCView.net accepts the following safety commands:
/sos - triggers SOS alert popup and warning siren
/retrieve - triggers driver alert popup and car horn
/ok - cancels either the above messages
Other commands can be seen at https://xcview.net/#commands
Loctome
XC Guide can track you into Loctome.
Simply save your Loctome username and password and set which tracking mode to use.
When tracking you will appear on https://loctome.com/u/<username>
SportsTrackLive
XC Guide can track you into SportsTrackLive.
Save your SportsTrackLive username and password and set which tracking mode to use.
Register and see your tracks at
https://www.sportstracklive.com/
Volandoo
XC Guide can track pilots using Volandoo.
Register for the service at https://volandoo.com/
XC Guide can show any unknown pilots using Volandoo within x km and / or a list of your named Volandoo buddies.
What3Words
Next the What3Words service can be used to provide an alternative location method for emergency services.
SOS and Retrieve alerts
Allow SOS messages to cause an alarm, if < 12 hours old.
Allow Retrieve messages to open an alert, if < 4 hours old.
Automatic email alerts
Automatic emails for takeoff and landing can be set up here.
Google Map options
Select how long you want tracker trails lines to be.
Trail lines can be shown for all types of trackers, with a unique colour.
The 'Follow me' button (blue arrow top left of map) has 3 modes:
1) Course up
2) Course right
3) North up
Next you can choose what colour marker to mark your position on the map.
With a long-press, the Autozoom frame button turns orange, and will then zoom in or out to include all preferred markers every 60 seconds.
You can enable range circles around your position or a selected marker.
A cross-hair can be shown at the centre of the map.
The co-ordinates of the centre cross can be shown as;
Lat/Long DDD.DDDDD
DD:MM.MMMMM
DD:MM:SS.SS
UTM
MGRS
OSGB (UK only)
The next option is for small markers. This can be useful when tracking large numbers of trackers. E.g in a competition.
The next Map option lets you set how may characters from a tracker name go into each Map Marker.
The next Map option lets you set the marker font size.
The next setting is the range to plot nearby thermal hotspots on the map as red dots.
The map detail settings contains:
Highlight busy traffic / congested roads on the map
"Airtime saver mode". This limits Internet use to livetracking only.
In "Airtime saver mode" no Google map data or JPEG files are downloaded.
'Points of interest' on the road map can be hidden.
Pilot List options
With the first option, you can choose how recent a tracker fix must be, to appear in the list.
You can hide all pilot positions more than X minutes or hours old.
The sorting order of the Pilot List can be chosen from:
1) Distance. Closest pilots at the top
2) FlyMaster status: SOS at top, then still flying, then others.
3) FlyMaster status: SOS at top, then Retrieve, then others.
4) Tracker fix age, newest at the top
5) No sorting.
6) Sort alphabetically, incl. Comp IDs
7) FlyMaster status: SOS, Retrieve, Landed. Still flying are grey.
Next you can set the fix age limit for the green arrow status. Default is 10 mins.
You can set the height and width of the Pilot List in Portrait and Landscape modes.
You can also set the height of the Pilot List rows, and hide the thumbnail pictures.
Next, the averaged climb/sink rate can be shown for each tracker.
The next checkbox shows your glide angle to another pilot
The next checkbox removes accents from characters in tracker names.
The next option sets the Pilot List text font size
The Pilot List tracker limit sets how long the Pilot List can be.
If trackers are filtered out, this is shown in the Pilot List footer.
Airspace options
The Airspace selector allows you to show airspace below a set altitude
The Airspace range selector lets you decide how far around you to plot airspace.
As there are many 1000's of cables (KABELs) in some airspace files, the next two settings allow you to filter and load only those inside a circle of interest. Set the radius and centre of this area of interest. Cables, wires and chair lifts that have been loaded, subject to the filter above, can be plotted in an area around you as you fly. Set the area radius here.
The next check box shows the Airspace Proximity window on the map.
You can set a proximity warning at a certain distance away from airspace horizontally and vertically.
The warning text turns yellow inside this proximity zone.
Next, you can set the size of the airspace warning text according to your tablet screen size.
Next, you can set the max number of characters to be shown for the airspace zone name.
The next check box turns on the audible buzzer sound when you enter or exit airspace or the Proximity zone around it.
The next window contains a list of airspace zones you want to ignore (exclude).
Click one of the airspace warning windows, in the map, to add to or clear this list.
The next check box turns on the Airspace Elevation View.
Next you can set the height in pixels of the Airspace Elevation View.
Finally you can make airspaces clickable on the map.
Three actions are available:-
1) Show this airspace name, class and altitudes.
2) Offer to exclude this Zone / ATZ or this whole class.
3) Prepare the VHF CTAF phraseology for traffic broadcast (ATZ circles only).
Note: In the App Status Window, a button next to the list of loaded airspace files can create a Google Earth KML file of each airspace file.
These are saved in your /indysoft.xc_guide/files/Tracks folder.
Waypoints, Navigation and Tasks
Individual waypoint files can be selected and made active in the App.
Task Settings
A single waypoint file can be selected as your Turnpoint challenge.
The default turnpoint radius can also be set here.
A single waypoint file can be selected as your Station Finder list.
Task sounds can be enabled here.
The next check box shows task flags on the map.
Turnpoints within Tasks can be turned into Waypoint files automatically.
Choose which format you prefer, CUP or TXT.
Turnpoint tolerance adjustment makes turnpoint cylinders larger or smaller.
Least conservative means they are set larger to enter and smaller to leave.
More conservative means they are set larger to leave and smaller to enter.
QR codes can be encoded in a compact version 2 or verbose Version 1.
QR Code scanning either by a built-in library or external 3rd party QR scanning App.
The last setting optimises the route either to goal or to End of Speed Section (ESS).
Optimising to ESS only makes a difference if ESS is not the last turnpoint.
User-defined waypoints is a text window where you can edit your own list of waypoints.
Add one waypoint on each line, in the order: name latitude longitude altitude.
Separate with a single space or comma. (Format ddd.ddddd)
Altitude (in metres AMSL) is optional.
Custom waypoints uses a text window where you can provide a list of waypoint names and their map marker text.
This can be an emoji for example. Entries in this list appear instead of the default yellow bulls-eye.
The EZ GOTO function can be enabled.
EZ GOTO allows a long-press anywhere on the map to create an instant GOTO waypoint.
EZ GOTO is not remembered when the App quits
The font size for custom waypoints can be set.
The next check box includes the glide angle and time to reach the waypoint in the navigation bar.
When presenting a list of waypoints, the App can filter those close to you, or sort them alphabetically.
The last check box enables the Navigation bar.
Flight Logging
IGC flight logs from XCGuide are accepted by XContest and CIVL / FAI and CAT 1 events.
They can be verified online at:-
http://vali.fai-civl.org/validation.html
A flight logbook is kept in /indysoft.xc_guide/files/Logbook.CSV
The logbook can be seen with the '?' help button.
Click on a flight to see the track on the map.
Flight Logging settings
The first check box saves a KML file of each flight into the folder
/indysoft.xc_guide/files/Tracks/ directory
The next check box saves an IGC file of your flight into the folder
/indysoft.xc_guide/files/Tracks/ directory
The next check box sets 'Hike and Fly' mode.
KML and IGC logging occurs all the time the App is running.
The last option allows you to filter out short flights from the logbook.
Meteo and Rain radar
The forecast service is provided by OpenWeather Ltd and the rain radar by Rainviewer.com.
Click the raindrop on the map to show the Rain radar view.
Your position in the rain radar view is shown by your coloured arrow at the centre.
The size and position of the transparent radar view can be adjusted.
The approximate radar range of the radar view in km, can be set.
You can also choose to see rain, cloud cover or the radar availability coverage mask.
Next you can choose the rain colour scheme.
Next select the number of meteo forecast days.
The forecasts are every 3 hours, up to a maximum of 5 days (40).
Next choose the icon size
Next set the font size used in the forecast list
Next, supply your own OpenWeather API key (optional)
Next, choose JPG or PNG format for shared forecasts.
PNG format is higher quality.
Forecasts are saved in /indysoft.xc_guide/files/Meteo/
Thermal Assistant
Touching the climb / sink indicator (box 4) in the Flight Computer, enables the Thermal Assistant.
The three states are: on, auto, off.
The update frequency, Thermal Assistant location, size and other parameters can be set.
System options
The Profile option lets you choose which of 3 user Profiles you wish to use.
Each Profile has completely different settings.
The App will close when a new profile is requested.
Here you can set up a Localhost server to feed tracking information to XCTrack, XCSoar, LK8000 or other systems.
Two formats are supported: FLARM and CSV.
The FLARM format is different between XCTrack, XCSoar / LK8000 and is limited to a 100km range.
The localhost feature is easy to check with a TELNET client.
TELNET can be used either on the same Android mobile or on a PC on the same network.
The IP address to use as well as the Localhost server status are shown in the App Status pop window.
You can also set which LAN ports to use for each, FLARM and CSV.
Diagnostic mode saves a log file to your /indysoft.xc_guide/files/DiagLogs/ directory which is useful for trouble-shooting.
The next tickbox deletes all cached files, when the APP quits, from the following directories;
/indysoft.xc_guide/files/DiagLogs/ diagnostic logs
/indysoft.xc_guide/files/Feeds/ server feed data and thumbnails
/indysoft.xc_guide/files/Meteo/ meteo forecasts
The next settings allow the user to set a test GPS Latitude and Longitude, altitude, speed and bearing.
This is useful for testing airspace warnings and navigation.
No IGC flight logs are saved when test positions are used.
Live-tracking will not allow test locations.
Note: Info boxes text turn blue to show you are using a test location, speed or altitude.
The next checkbox uses Android Location API, not GPS NMEA for fixes. Only use this if GPS NMEA does not work on your mobile. This makes IGC files non-FAI compliant.
The next two checkboxes allow the App to start up automatically when the mobile is booted and to be pushed into the background.
This is useful for when XC Guide is running in localhost mode, sending live-tracking data to other Apps such as XCSoar, LK8000 or XCTrack.
For feedback or support, contact indyflyersoft@gmail.com
Safe flying !
Updates
The latest version of the XCGuide APP is available at
https://pg-race.aero/xcguide/
Acknowledgments:-
Thanks to Tristan Fily at
https://www.safesky.app/
Thanks to Pedro Enrique
https://volandoo.com/
Thanks to Foram Pandya at
https://www.thesky.studio/
Thanks to Cedric at
www.sportstracklive.com
Thanks to Claudio at
loctome.com
Thanks to Urban Mäder, Michael Moratti, Thomas Kaufmann and Tom Payne
of the FLARM Horizon team.
Thanks to Bertrand Fontaine at
www.fly-air3.com
Thanks to Mihai Cornea at
mipfly.com
Thanks to Gerald Eichler & Daniel Vélez Bravo
https://github.com/gereic/GXAirCom
Thanks to Alistair Dickie
blueflyvario.com
Thanks to Koni at XC-Tracer
www.xctracer.com
Thanks to Tobias at
skylines.aero
Thanks to Angel, Pawel and Sebastien from the Open Glider Net project
www.glidernet.org
Thanks to Jocky and the Escape team
www.jockysanderson.com
Thanks to Manolis at Livetrack24
www.livetrack24.com
Thanks to Cristiano at FlyMaster
www.flymaster.net
Thanks to Brett Janaway at
airtribune.com
Thanks to Bernie Hertz at
www.burnair.ch
Thanks to Phil Colbert at
airwhere.co.uk
This SOFTWARE PRODUCT is provided by THE PROVIDER "as is" and "with all faults." THE PROVIDER makes no representations or warranties of any kind concerning the safety, suitability, lack of viruses, inaccuracies, typographical errors, or other harmful components of this SOFTWARE PRODUCT. There are inherent dangers in the use of any software, and you are solely responsible for determining whether this SOFTWARE PRODUCT is compatible with your equipment and other software installed on your equipment. You are also solely responsible for the protection of your equipment and backup of your data, and THE PROVIDER will not be liable for any damages you may suffer in connection with using, modifying, or distributing this SOFTWARE PRODUCT.