The artificial horizon Stratux -> VFRnav

Foreword:

We are all primarily VFR pilots and know the rules for correctly conducting a flight under visual flight conditions. We stick to them! Personally, I would never entrust my life to, for example, a GY91 chip!

Therefore, the solution presented here can only provide additional safety, but never a guarantee! Every VFRnav pilot must accept that!

Since version 4.15, a major request from many pilots who own a Stratux and fly with VFRnav has been exemplary implemented once again: the integration of an artificial horizon!

A prerequisite for this functionality, however, is that the Stratux system is equipped with the appropriate hardware! The Stratux must have a compatible chipset installed and configured. The classic example is the GY91 with three-axis gyroscope, triaxial accelerometer, triaxial magnetometer + pressure sensor. But other sensors also work.

→ …if not, it can always be retrofitted :slight_smile:

ToDo before start:

As with every classic horizon, the artificial horizon must first be “set”. That means we need to calibrate the sensor with respect to horizon position (aircraft attitude), flight direction (forward), and zero position.

In systems permanently installed in the aircraft, this process is actually only required once and occasionally to compensate for drift. In portable Stratux devices, this process is mandatory after every change of orientation. Therefore, a portable Stratux must be firmly fixed in its position (e.g. with Velcro, etc.).

The “artificial horizon” function is currently detected and enabled automatically.

Calibration:

We navigate to the menu item:

Horizont-Stratux1

Settings → External Data Source → Browse Stratux Web Interface

After clicking, the Stratux interface opens in the active browser. We are now directly on the Stratux configuration page.

Note: The default IP address of a Stratux is: 192.168.10.1. If a different IP address has been chosen for the Stratux, you can access the web interface by entering that IP address in a browser as well.

Stratux-Cal-AHRS-Orientation

Now navigate to Settings → click the Set AHRS Sensor Orientation button and confirm in the pop-up that the installation orientation in the forward flight direction is correct.

Next, go to the GPS/AHRS menu:

Stratux-Cal-AHRS-Level

Here we activate the Set Level button …depending on the chipset, calibration can take a few seconds! Neither the Stratux nor the aircraft must be moved during calibration!!!

Stratux-Cal

We then perform the same process for the zero position. To do this, we activate the Zero Drift button:

Stratux-Cal-Zero

Note: please do not change any other settings in the web interface!

That’s it for calibrating the artificial horizon. A correctly set horizon is now available in VFRnav. Close the browser window and return to VFRnav.

horizont-style

Completely free from any current political situation, you can choose the operating mode of the artificial horizon in VFRnav. Either use the classic Western style, where the horizon (or the Earth) moves and the aircraft remains stable, or choose the Russian style, where it works exactly the other way round (surely something for the old MiG pilots). Personally, I even prefer this variant.

Now we can be delighted with a free artificial horizon in VFRnav :slight_smile:

Horizontx

and, by clicking the expansion button (bottom right), change the display style as desired.

Horizontxx

Mobile Users:

Handy

Mobile users of VFRnav can activate the artificial horizon via the symbol on the MovingMap (see green arrow).

I hope I have made the topic of – artificial Stratux & artificial horizon – clear. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.

simply Fly, pilot greetings,

Karsten

Perfectly described, Karsten!! :ok_hand:

As ever! Thanks!

From me as well: Many thanks for the description :pinched_fingers:

The topic is very, very interesting.

Many thanks for that! @KBfly

Good evening,

a bit of feedback from me on the Horizont. I was able to test it in flight now - despite the weather. In the previous version I couldn’t get it to run. But with version 4.17.6 it worked immediately and without any issues.

On my phone I “only” have the choice between map and Horizont. On the tablet both are displayed side by side. That’s fine, having both at the same time is nice, but probably just not practical on the small screen (smartphone).

I didn’t understand the option to switch between the two styles at first. Seemingly nothing changed. It then took a tighter turn until I saw the difference :grinning_face: I actually find the non-western style very interesting. I haven’t really consciously seen it in this form before, but I think I like it :innocent:.

Otherwise very accurate display. For me personally a very big additional safety gain!!

The colours are debatable. That’s subjective – of course. Personally I would have preferred something more colourful – but that’s absolutely unimportant and secondary.

All in all: a very good feature and - as always - perfectly implemented. Many thanks Hermann

Uli

Hello Uli,

Personally, I not only like the “non-Western depiction” better, but also find it more realistic. In reality, it’s the aeroplane that rotates, not the globe. That will please the ex-MiG pilots.

Kind regards,
Karsten

Hello Uli,

Thank you very much for your detailed feedback.

Pilot’s greetings

Hermann