LXNAV S20 / S200 Digital Variometers
A Giant Leap in Every Direction.
Standalone variometer with a round colour display, terrain-map navigation, final glide calculations and an IGC flight recorder. Choose the S20 for a 57 mm cutout or the S200 for an 80 mm cutout. Built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LXNAV Connect and backup battery. Optional HAWK including AHRS, or AHRS alone.
LXNAV S20 / S200 – variometer, navigation and IGC flight recorder
The LXNAV S20 and S200 combine an electronic variometer, final glide calculator, terrain-map navigation and an IGC flight recorder in one standalone instrument. This generation introduces a round colour display, a redesigned interface, Wi-Fi and LXNAV Connect integration.
The S20 fits a 57 mm panel cutout; the S200 fits an 80 mm cutout. Their core functions are the same, so the main choice is instrument and display size. Both versions include GPS, Bluetooth and a backup battery.
Who is the S20 / S200 for?
- Cross-country and competition pilots: variometer information, speed-to-fly, final glide and task navigation, including AATs.
- Panel upgrades: a choice of two sizes, terrain mapping and connections for compatible cockpit equipment.
- Club and privately owned gliders: pilot profiles and configurable pages accommodate different pilots and individual display preferences.
Variometer and cruise information
Pressure and inertial sensors supply data to the variometer and flight computer. Available functions include conventional vario, netto and relative vario, configurable audio, MacCready, ballast and bugs settings. Total Energy compensation can use a pneumatic TE probe or electronic compensation.
Speed-to-fly and final glide calculations use the selected polar and flight data to help you choose your cruise speed and assess arrival height. Correct glider, weight and compensation settings are an essential part of the installation.
Navigation, terrain and configurable pages
- Moving map with terrain, airspace and waypoints.
- Waypoint, racing task and AAT navigation; CUP file support.
- Glider Range Area displaying the calculated reachable area.
- Airspace, altitude and sunset warnings.
- One to four rows of navboxes, nearly 100 data types, pilot profiles and colour themes.
Two rotary knobs with push-button functions provide page selection and value adjustment. The instrument can be installed with the controls on the right, at the bottom or on the left. Display brightness adjusts to ambient light.
Thermal Assistant: where to adjust your circle
The new Thermal Assistant combines seven analysis methods and displays the distribution of measured lift around your circle. Its colour-coded trace and strongest-lift marker help you identify which part of the circle offers better lift.
This helps you decide which direction to shift your circle to centre the thermal. The display is based on measurements already taken; it does not detect thermals ahead of the glider. An audio thermal assistant is also available.
GPS, flight recording and wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS and an integrated IGC flight recorder provide navigation and flight logging without an external navigation device. The integrated ENL sensor records engine noise. Detection of electric or jet propulsion can be added using an appropriate external MOP module.
Wi-Fi and LXNAV Connect support the transfer of flights, files and settings, as well as software and database downloads. Online transfers require an internet connection; supported third-party services may require a separate account or subscription.
Bluetooth provides data exchange with compatible iOS and Android devices and applications. PDA and GPS/FLARM ports provide wired connections, and a USB-C port is also available.
Optional software and external equipment
HAWK, including AHRS
HAWK combines sensor and GPS data using an extended Kalman filter to estimate air-mass movement in three dimensions. It provides continuous wind and netto information and helps reduce misleading indications caused by horizontal gusts. With HAWK active, the Energy Arrow points towards more favourable energy, helping you decide how to adjust your flight path.
AHRS as a separate option
The AHRS licence enables the artificial-horizon display. AHRS and HAWK are optional software features; HAWK already includes AHRS, so there is no need to purchase both licences.
FLARM / PowerFLARM
A compatible external device supplies traffic information for the display and its visual, audio and voice alerts, including head-on warnings. ADS-B and PCAS display depends on data supplied by the connected equipment. There is no built-in FLARM receiver.
Remote Stick and second seat
The optional CAN Remote Stick for the S-series provides control from the stick. A separately powered S20D or S200D repeater can be added via CAN for a two-seat glider. The instrument can also be operated using its own controls.
Flap sensor
A compatible external flap sensor enables current and recommended flap-position indication. The sensor version and required interface must match the specific installation.
External compass
The S20 and S200 support the LXNAV Certified Compass module. This is separate external equipment; connections and installation requirements need to be checked for the specific setup.
S20 and S200 – specifications and equipment comparison
| Specification / feature | S20 | S200 |
|---|---|---|
| Panel cutout | 57 mm | 80 mm |
| Round colour display | 2.5″ | 3.5″ |
| Controls and orientation | 2 rotary push knobs; right / bottom / left | 2 rotary push knobs; right / bottom / left |
| Variometer and TE compensation | Pressure and inertial sensors; pneumatic / electronic | Pressure and inertial sensors; pneumatic / electronic |
| Speed-to-fly and final glide | Yes | Yes |
| Map, terrain and airspace | Yes | Yes |
| Waypoints, tasks and AATs | Yes; CUP files | Yes; CUP files |
| Thermal Assistant | Visual and audio | Visual and audio |
| GPS, IGC flight recorder and ENL | Integrated | Integrated |
| Wi-Fi and LXNAV Connect | Integrated | Integrated |
| Bluetooth | Integrated; iOS / Android | Integrated; iOS / Android |
| Wired interfaces | PDA, GPS/FLARM, USB-C | PDA, GPS/FLARM, USB-C |
| CAN expansion | Remote Stick, second-seat repeater | Remote Stick, second-seat repeater |
| Backup battery | Built in | Built in |
| AHRS display | Optional licence | Optional licence |
| HAWK | Optional licence, including AHRS | Optional licence, including AHRS |
| FLARM and other traffic | From compatible external equipment | From compatible external equipment |
| External compass | LXNAV Certified Compass support | LXNAV Certified Compass support |
Delivery and checks before ordering
The basic delivery includes the selected instrument, main power wiring with a CAN terminator, speaker, GPS antenna, Bluetooth antenna and barogram calibration chart. Software licences and external equipment depend on the selected configuration.
- Select S20 – 57 mm or S200 – 80 mm in the configurator.
- Check space behind the panel, including connectors, power supply and pneumatic connections.
- Choose the base version, AHRS alone or HAWK including AHRS according to your requirements.
- For FLARM, an external navigation device or other equipment, check the exact cable, connectors and pin assignments.
- For Remote Stick, select the S-series version and the correct stick diameter; plan the CAN connection for a second-seat repeater.
You can also compare the LXNAV S10, LXNAV S100 or SxHAWK. These are alternative instruments with different design concepts, rather than accessories for the S20 / S200.
Need help choosing your configuration?
Tell us your glider type, panel cutout size and existing equipment. We will help you choose the S20 or S200, suitable software options and the connections you need.
Get configuration adviceThe contact page opens in a new tab.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the S20 and S200?
The S20 fits a 57 mm cutout and has a 2.5″ display. The S200 fits an 80 mm cutout and has a 3.5″ display. Their core variometer, navigation, flight-recording and connectivity functions are the same.
Can I fly without a separate navigation device?
Yes. Both versions include GPS, terrain-map navigation, waypoint and task navigation, and final glide calculations. An external navigation device is optional.
What does the Thermal Assistant show?
It displays measured lift around your circle, helping you identify the stronger part of a thermal and decide where to shift your circle. It does not detect unmeasured thermals ahead of the glider.
Are HAWK and AHRS included as standard?
No. They are optional software licences selected in the configurator. HAWK already includes AHRS. The Energy Arrow requires an active HAWK option. Licences are tied to the individual instrument.
Is there a built-in FLARM receiver?
No. Traffic display and collision warnings require a compatible external FLARM or PowerFLARM device. ADS-B and PCAS availability depends on the connected equipment.
Do I need an internet connection in flight?
Basic variometer functions, GPS navigation using stored data and flight recording work without internet access. A connection is required for online LXNAV Connect transfers and for downloading updates or additional data.
Do I need Remote Stick, and can I add a second-seat display?
Remote Stick is optional; the instrument has its own rotary controls. An S20D or S200D repeater can be added via CAN for a two-seat glider. Remote Stick must be the S-series CAN version.
How does the backup battery work?
It allows the instrument to continue operating if external power is lost. Check its charge and condition before flight. Actual endurance depends on operating conditions and battery health.
Additional parameters
| Category: | Variometers |
|---|---|
| Warranty: | 2 years |
