LXNAV LX8040 Compact Glider Flight Computer
The LXNAV LX8040 is a compact glider navigation and variometer system with a square 4-inch colour display, integrated Wi-Fi and an IGC flight recorder. It supports task navigation, final glide calculations and LXNAV Connect. A V8 variometer is included as standard, with optional V80, HAWK, AHRS and PowerFLARM configurations.
LXNAV LX8040 – compact 4-inch glider flight computer
The LXNAV LX8040 is an integrated navigation and variometer system combining moving-map navigation, task management, final glide calculations and IGC recording in a compact main unit.
Its square 4-inch display has 480 × 480 pixel resolution. Compared with larger LX90xx systems, the LX8040 requires less panel space while providing comprehensive navigation and configurable pages.
The standard package includes a V8 variometer and integrated Wi-Fi for supported LXNAV Connect services. V80, HAWK, AHRS and PowerFLARM are optional.
Who is the LX8040 for?
Compact instrument panels
The square front provides a compact alternative to larger display units. The correct panel cut-out must be checked before installation.
Cross-country and competition pilots
AAT task management, final glide, maps, airspace information and statistics remain available on the smaller display.
Upgrading older navigation systems
The LX8040 follows the LX8000 concept. Panel dimensions, existing wiring and accessory compatibility need to be assessed when upgrading.
Navigation, tasks and final glide
The moving map displays terrain, airports, waypoints and airspace boundaries. The LX8040 supports declared tasks and AAT navigation, with continuously updated task information.
Final glide calculations use the glider polar, MacCready, ballast and bugs settings. Navigation pages can be customised using LX Styler.
- Airport, waypoint and task navigation
- Assigned Area Tasks and competition timing
- Final glide and estimated arrival altitude
- Terrain and airspace maps
- CUP and CUPX files
- Flight statistics and configurable data fields
IGC flight recorder and traffic display
The integrated IGC recorder includes an ENL sensor. Flight logs can be transferred via USB or built-in Wi-Fi; SD card support requires the optional reader.
Electric and jet-powered sailplanes may require a separate MOP/MOP2 sensor for the appropriate IGC engine-operation record.
Traffic and warnings from compatible FLARM/PowerFLARM systems can be displayed. Built-in PowerFLARM and ADS-B In are optional, not standard equipment.
V8 and V80 variometers
The standard V8 fits a 57 mm instrument hole. The larger V80 is available for an 80 mm opening. Both can support HAWK when the main unit and software licence are compatible.
The shared image illustrates V8, V9 and V80 sizes. LX8040 configurations listed by LXNAV use V8 or V80.
| Specification | V8 | V80 |
|---|---|---|
| Panel cut-out | 57 mm | 80 mm |
| Front dimensions | 61 × 61 mm | 81 × 81 mm |
| Depth | 95 mm | 130 mm |
| Weight | approx. 300 g | approx. 260 g |
| Display | 2.5 in | 3.5 in |
| Resolution | 320 × 240 | 320 × 240 |
| Pointer | Digital | Digital |
| Navboxes | 4 | Up to 4 |
| HAWK | Optional* | Optional* |
Which one to choose? V8 saves panel space. V80 provides a larger variometer display if an 80 mm hole is available.
* HAWK requires compatible hardware and an active licence. Check clearance behind the panel.
Optional equipment and controls
HAWK
Extended Kalman filter-based air-mass and wind estimation, subject to compatible LX8040 hardware, V8/V80 and a licence.
AHRS
Optional attitude presentation using inertial data; not a replacement for certified flight instruments.
PowerFLARM and ADS-B In
Optional traffic reception and alerts.
Other equipment
Remote stick, rear-seat display, flap sensor, interface adapters and optional SD card reader.
LXNAV Connect – integrated Wi-Fi and online services
Unlike certain LX90xx models, the LX8040 has built-in Wi-Fi. Connect it to the internet, for example using a smartphone hotspot, to access supported LXNAV Connect services.
Dropbox, Google Drive and SeeYou Cloud
Supported tasks, waypoints, airspace files and pilot profiles can be transferred and synchronised without repeatedly copying files via USB.
SkySight and TopMeteo
Supported forecast layers can be displayed on the moving map, helping relate weather predictions to the task and the sailplane's position.
Competition and flight logs
Supported online functions include SoaringSpot task data and sending IGC files to linked services after landing.
Link third-party accounts through LXNAV Connect. Internet access is required for online functions, and certain weather services need their own subscription.
Display, installation and controls
The LX8040 features a 4-inch, 480 × 480 pixel display with manufacturer-specified 1,000 cd/m² brightness and automatic brightness control. It uses four rotary controls and six buttons.
Its square face is approximately 82 × 82 mm. Installation requires the specified panel cut-out; it is not simply a round 80 mm instrument replacement.
Technical specifications
| Display | 4.0 in, 480 × 480 px |
| Brightness | 1,000 cd/m², ALS |
| Main unit dimensions | 82 × 82 × 77 mm |
| Weight | approx. 460 g |
| Power supply | 10–16 V DC |
| GPS | Integrated 56-channel receiver |
| IGC recorder | Integrated, ENL |
| Wi-Fi | Integrated |
| Interfaces | USB, RS485, RS232; SD optional |
| Variometer | V8 standard, V80 optional |
Use the current installation drawing to confirm the cut-out and connector clearance.
What to check before ordering
- Square panel cut-out and installation depth
- V8 or V80 and any HAWK requirement
- AHRS, PowerFLARM, ADS-B In and other options
- Optional SD card reader
- Connections to radio, remote stick and existing equipment
- Standard LX8040 versus the separate Club variant
What's included?
According to the LXNAV user manual, the standard LX8040 package contains:
- LX8040 main display unit
- V8 variometer (or V80 if selected)
- Main power cable and variometer connection cable
- GPS antenna and Wi-Fi antenna
- Barograph calibration chart
- Hex key
- USB flash drive containing the manual
A FLARM antenna is included with the built-in FLARM/PowerFLARM configuration. An SD card and SD reader are not included as standard.
Not sure which configuration to choose?
Send us your glider type and a photo of the instrument panel. We can help check fitment, variometer choice and necessary connections.
Get configuration advice ↗Frequently asked questions
Does LX8040 fit a round 80 mm hole?
No. Its square housing requires the specified mounting cut-out.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Yes, Wi-Fi is integrated. Online services require internet access.
Is an SD card included?
No. SD support uses an optional reader. USB and Wi-Fi transfers are supported.
Which variometers are available?
V8 is standard; V80 is optional.
Does LX8040 support HAWK?
Yes, with compatible hardware, V8 or V80 and the appropriate software licence.
Is PowerFLARM standard?
No. Integrated PowerFLARM is optional; compatible external FLARM devices are supported.
How does LX8040 Club differ?
Club is a separate version with a different set of included and optional software functions. Check its own configuration before ordering.
Additional parameters
| Category: | Glider instruments |
|---|---|
| Warranty: | 2 years |
