LXNAV V8+ 57 mm Variometer for LX80xx/LX90xx

LXNAV V8+ – a new generation of digital variometer

A proven variometer concept. A new design and redesigned display.

The LXNAV V8+ is a new-generation digital variometer for LX80xx and LX90xx flight computer systems. It introduces a fully circular display layout, a redesigned presentation of flight information and an updated thermal assistant, while retaining the standard 57 mm instrument cut-out.

Its 2.5-inch colour display, rated at 1,200 nits, presents variometer indications, MacCready information, airspeed-related data and other configurable flight parameters.

Important: The V8+ is not a standalone navigation instrument. It operates as part of a compatible LX80xx or LX90xx system, which provides navigation and other system functions.

Who is the V8+ designed for?

Pilots using LX80xx or LX90xx systems
The V8+ provides variometer indications, flight parameters and graphical information alongside the main flight computer display.

New cockpit installations
Its standard 57 mm cut-out makes it suitable for installations where panel space is limited and a separate, compact variometer display is preferred.

Existing LXNAV system upgrades
The V8+ may be considered when upgrading an older variometer unit. Compatibility with the installed flight computer generation, firmware, wiring and available panel clearance must be checked before ordering.

New display and configurable layouts

The V8+ features a fully circular digital variometer presentation on a 2.5-inch colour display. Its layout can be configured to suit different flying styles and individual preferences.

In addition to the digital variometer scale, pilots can configure between one and four navboxes, selecting from approximately 40 available data types. Different layout presets and light or dark display themes are also available.

Display options include:

• Digital variometer pointer and scale.
• Configurable navboxes showing selected flight parameters.
• Airspeed scale.
• Flap position indication with a compatible sensor and correct system configuration.
• Pilot profiles and layout presets.
• Graphical thermal assistant.

Pilots can choose a clean, variometer-focused presentation or a more detailed layout showing additional flight information.

Pressure sensing and variometer compensation

The V8+ uses three pressure sensors for total pressure (Ptot), static pressure (Pstatic) and total energy pressure (TE). It supports both conventional TE compensation and electronic variometer compensation, depending on the pneumatic installation.

Digitally temperature-compensated pressure sensors provide the pressure information required for altitude, airspeed and variometer calculations.

An integrated inertial platform combines an accelerometer and three gyroscopes. These measurements contribute to variometer processing and wind calculations.

Correct pneumatic connections and compensation settings are important for obtaining meaningful variometer indications during changes in airspeed and manoeuvring flight.

Thermal assistant

The V8+ introduces an updated graphical thermal assistant designed to help pilots interpret measured climb information while thermalling.

During circling flight, the display can provide additional information about variations in lift and support decisions about adjusting the circling position.

The thermal assistant interprets flight measurements. It does not directly detect thermals ahead of the glider, and its indications should be considered alongside other flight information and visual observations.

Optional AHRS and HAWK

The V8+ incorporates the inertial sensors required for supported advanced functions. However, graphical AHRS presentation and HAWK functionality are optional software features rather than automatically enabled standard functions.

AHRS – attitude reference display
With the appropriate licence, the system can display an artificial horizon based on inertial measurements. This is supplementary flight information and not a replacement for required certified instruments.

HAWK – air-mass motion estimation
HAWK uses an extended Kalman filter (EKF) to estimate three-dimensional air-mass movement. These estimates provide information about wind and the vertical motion of the surrounding air mass.

The key distinction for the pilot is between the glider's actual vertical motion and the estimated vertical motion of the air mass. HAWK can help interpret lift conditions while reducing the influence of aircraft energy changes on the derived variometer information.

Which licence should you choose?
HAWK includes AHRS functionality. There is no need to purchase a separate AHRS licence when selecting HAWK. The standalone AHRS option is intended for pilots who want an attitude display without HAWK.

Activation depends on the compatibility of the specific LX80xx/LX90xx system and its software. Purchased options are tied to the relevant device and are not transferable to another device.

FLARM warnings and traffic awareness

When connected to a compatible source of FLARM traffic data, the V8+ can display traffic warnings. Its new Head-On Alert page highlights the relative position and distance of the detected threat.

Warnings can be accompanied by audio and spoken alerts through a correctly connected and configured audio system.

The V8+ does not include a FLARM receiver. Traffic information requires compatible equipment integrated with the LX80xx/LX90xx system. Collision warnings are an aid to situational awareness and do not replace visual lookout or the applicable rules of the air.

Integration with LXNAV flight computers

The V8+ operates together with a compatible LX80xx or LX90xx main unit. Navigation, task management and flight recording are functions of the main flight computer, not of the V8+ variometer unit itself.

For convenient control of the navigation system, a suitable LXNAV Remote Stick can be used. The correct LX80xx/LX90xx version must be selected.

The V8+ also supports flap position presentation when a compatible flap sensor is installed and the system has been configured accordingly.

Before upgrading an existing installation, check data connections, power supply, pneumatic lines and any connected accessories. Identical panel cut-out dimensions do not automatically guarantee electrical or software compatibility.

LXNAV V8+ technical specifications

V8+ or V80+?

Both instruments belong to the new LXNAV variometer generation. The main differences are the required panel cut-out and display size.

Choose the V8+ where a smaller instrument cut-out is preferred. The V80+ offers a larger display area. Always check the available depth behind the instrument panel before ordering.

Delivery and pre-order checks

The exact scope of supply depends on whether the variometer is ordered as a replacement unit or as part of a complete LXNAV navigation system.

Before ordering, please check:

• The model, generation and firmware of your LX80xx/LX90xx system.
• Whether the V8+ is for an existing installation or a new system.
• The 57 mm panel cut-out and clearance behind the panel.
• Data wiring, power supply and pneumatic connections.
• Any required AHRS or HAWK licence and existing activations.
• FLARM connections, flap sensors and other accessories.
• The wiring and installation hardware included with the selected package.

For a complete navigation system, consider the LXNAV LX8040. If you need a standalone variometer without an LX80xx/LX90xx flight computer, the LXNAV SxHAWK available at OskarKilo is an alternative worth considering.

Need help choosing your configuration?

Tell us your LXNAV flight computer model and generation, existing variometer and required options. We can help check V8+ compatibility and select the appropriate configuration.

Frequently asked questions

Compatibility, features and installation of the LXNAV V8+.