Depending the operating system you use there may be diferent solutions:

Windows – XP/7/8/10

• If when connecting our alfapilot the system does not show any message or recognize it, we can try another micro-USB cable. We can see when the is connected, the green charging LED should also light up, located to the right of the power button.
• If when connecting our alfapilot the system shows an unknown device message, or requires us to install drivers, we will proceed to download the drivers and install them in the system. Once installed, we must restart the system so that our alfapilot is recognized.

MAC and Linux Systems

• For these operating systems it is necessary to configure our alfapilot in USB Mass Storage mode, for this from the first screen we will access “Applications -> Settings -> General” and click on the option USB connection mode to select Mass Storage.
• If when connecting our Alfapilot and having it in Mass Storage mode is not recognized by the system, we can try another micro-USB cable, we can see that when the cable is connected, the green charging led, located to the right of the power button.

• The simplest option is to keep pressing the power button for at least 10 to 15 seconds, this will force the shutdown of our alfapilot. If later we want to turn it on, we will proceed as usual, pressing the power button for 3 to 5 seconds.

To reset:

• In all cases we recommend restarting our alfapilot by using the force shutdown method, but in order to perform this operation we need a clip, which we insert into the small circular slot located to the right of the micro-USB connector. Once pressed we remove the clip and the device will proceed to restart.

• In some cases it may be that the battery has run out, to check it we can connect our alfapilot to a micro-USB charger, if after a few seconds it is turned on, once the system has been started we will look at the battery charge level. If when disconnecting it from the charger, it is turned off again, this is an indication that the battery is drained.

It may be because the system is blocked:

• In this case, we will proceed to follow the steps of “How can I restart or force the shutdown of my alfapilot ?“.

It may be due to damage on the screen:

• In some cases there may be a strike or break in the screen, when this happens the image on the screen remains static or just refreshes an area of the screen. An indication of a screen damaged is to see random lines on the screen, in horizontally and vertically oriented.

Yes, this noise sound or buzzing is normal, they are produced by the sound amplification system. One way to mitigate it is by momentarily activating and deactivating the “Share GPS” option found on the main screen of the system.

Probably is necessary a vario re-calibrating, for this we will access the Kalman filter settings (SeRi Fly -> Settings -> System -> Kalman Filter Settings).

1º Once we access, we may see that the line that represents the various, probably fluctuate erratically, is indicated in the following image with red arrows.
To adjust the vario, we must select “Kalman Filter (B)” as shown by green arrow 1. Next we adjust the lower bar to approximately middle, as shown by green arrow 2. Finally with our alfapilot over a table (to avoid vertical movements), press the “Calibrate” button as shown in green arrow 3.

2º Once the calibration has been carried out, the line that represents the vario must be similar to that of the following image. If it is not and continues to fluctuate erratically, we will repeat the 1st step.

3º Once the line that represents the vario is centered, we will try to raise and lower our alfapilot, a fluctuation like the one in the following image should be shown. Now we can also adjust the lower bar to our liking, so that the vario is more or less reactive.

We also have a video tutorial on this same page where you can see the procedure. (SRF) Settings: Pilot Data – Wing Data – System (3:00 Minute)

This option is available on “Aplications -> Settings -> Backup & Reset”. In this case, as indicated by this procedure, all personal data and downloaded applications will be deleted, this action can not be reverse. The contents of the internal memory will be deleted, including tracks, maps, flight book, settings, etc, from SeRi Fly. If we still want to perform the restoration of our alfapilot, consider making backup copies, for this:

• From SeRi Fly, export your configuration (Settings -> System -> Export configuration), as well as export your fly book, and your “INTERNAL” thermal package.
• Connecting your alfapilot to a computer, proceed to copy all the contents of the internal memory, to restore it once you have reseted our alfapilot.
• Check that the data copied is correct and includes the last exports that we have made.
• Once our alfapilot is reseted, proceed to copy the content from the computer to the internal memory of our alfapilot.
• From SeRi Fly proceed to import both the configuration and your fly book. Import again the packages of waypoints, thermals, etc.

In some cases the acquisition of satellites may take longer than usual (it should not be longer than 5 minutes). This happens when we have not used our alfapilot for more than a week, or we have moved out of the area at least 100km since the last time we used our alfapilot.

This is because the information from the satellites (orbits, positions, etc.) is no longer valid, and our alfapilot must download this information from the satellites again. In this case, it is important to favor the reception of said information, ideally to do it in the open air without obstacles.

We must also to consider there are elements that can affect GPS signals, such as solid elements such as cement, concrete, metals, carbon, negatively affect the signal strength. We advise not to put our alfapilot over this type of surfaces, especially during the initial positioning, in this case it is better to put it over plastic surfaces.

It is important to turn on our alfapilot with enough time so that it is positioned before take-off, approximately 5 to 10 minutes before, to avoid that at the time of takeoff it has not yet acquired the position. In case of starting the flight without having acquired enough satellites (4 or more) it will be much more difficult for our alfapilot to fix position.

In case our alfapilot does not acquire a GPS signal and more than 5 minutes have elapsed, it is better to look for another location, avoid obstacles, in some cases the exit to the main menu and return to a flight mode can help the search cycle and positioning improve.

To know the status of the gps signal, intensity, etc, we can use the SeRi Fly option -> “GNSS status”. It will give us an idea of the satellites found, used, the strength of your signal, etc.

In normal operation, our alfapilot must acquire and use at least 4 satellites in the first 2 minutes, reach 8 after 5 minutes of use, and after 10 minutes must increase between 10 and 20 satellites in use.

Whether we want to carry out a test, or we have not turned on our alfapilot for some time, we can carry out the following steps to make sure of the good reception of satellites or update the ephemeris of the satellites.

The first thing is to differentiate between the three types of satellite acquisition:

• Cold Acquisition: It occurs when the GNSS module has not stored the ephemeris of the satellites. Once the ephemerides are stored (They are valid for 1 to 2 weeks), the following acquisitions take only a few seconds. The acquisition in Cold usually takes from 3 to 5 minutes being outdoors.
• Acquisition with Ephemerides: It occurs when the GNSS module already has ephemeris of the satellites, this type of acquisition usually takes between 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Hot Acquisition: It occurs when the GNSS module already had a previous position, and this has not been turned off (for example when we go to the main menu, and return to a flight screen or GNSS State). It usually takes between 1 to 10 seconds.

To perform the test, it is important to be outdoors, in an area free of obstacles, such as buildings. Neither should we be in motion (for example, driving in a car).

• We turn on our alfapilot, once SeRi Fly is started, we access the “GNSS Status”.
• In this screen, the satellites that are in view and in use will be shown, the correct functioning is that of this series of photos, which represent a “Cold Acquisition”:

GNSS STATUS

STARTING

1 MINUTE

2 MINUTES

3 MINUTES

7 MINUTES

Explaing of the values

* In case that for 5 to 7 minutes we have not obtained at least FIX 2D, it is better to turn off and turn on our alfapilot.

Yes, we have verified that some cockpit use some rigid elements that can affect the intensity of GPS signals, this type of material is not usual.

• Before placing our alfapilot in the cockpit, we use the “GNSS Status” option and we hope that our alfapilot have a fix position.
• Once you have acquired at least 8 satellites, we identify one or two that have a good signal strength (around 30 to 40).
• We place our alfapilot in the cockpit, and we check if the intensity of the signal decreases considerably.

We can repeat this procedure to make sure that when we place our alfapilot on the cockpit it is affected or not.

If after performing this procedure we see that our cockpit affects the GPS signal, some solutions are:

• Some cockpit have a rigid separator with double velcro, we can try to eliminate this separator.
• Another solution is to place our alfapilot in such a way that the side where the antenna is located projects 2 cm out from our cockpit.

The antenna of our GNSS module (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO) is located as shown in the image.
 

By connecting our alfapilot to a computer it will show a directory structure similar to the one represented in the image. If we have microSD card, it will also show the content of it.

The “SeRiFLY” folder is used to house different subfolders with the maps files, elevations, waypoints, tracks, etc. In the microSD card there will also be a “SeRiFLY” folder but it will only contain the subfolders of Maps and Elevations.

The content of the subfolders is the following:

• AirSpaces: In it you can copy airspace files with OpenAip format and extension “.aip” or OpenAir and extension “.txt” (From SeRi Fly we can import these files).
• Config: In it the exported configuration files are stored with format “.cfg”.
• Download: It is a folder used by SeRi Fly for various actions that require downloading files or content.
• Elevations: In this folder the files of elevations in “.tif” format are stored, it is possible to copy files of elevations in format “.zip” these will be decompressed automatically when initiating SeRi Fly. It is also available on our microSD card.
• FlyBook: In this folder, are sotored the files generated when the fly book is exported.
• Log: It is a folder used by SeRi Fly to store debug files, intended to identify and correct possible bugs.
• Maps: In this folder, the map files are stored in “.map” format. It is also available on our microSD card.
• Routes: It stores the files of routes exported in “.rut” format.
• Sounds: In this folder you can find the sound files used for our alerts, format is “.ogg”.
• Tasks:  In it the files of competition tasks exported in “.tsk” format.
• Thermals: In this folder we can copy the packages of hotspots packages, in “.wpt” or “.gpx” format.
• Tracks: It stores the files of our flights in “.igc” format.
• Waypoints: In this folder we can copy the files of waypoint packages, in “.wpt” or “.gpx” format.

Both options are available in “SeRi Fly -> Settings -> System”, we can install the Beta version and then the Release or vice versa.

Update SeRi Fly APP: We will download the latest Release version available, this will be the most stable version published to date.

TEST BETA VERSION SeRi FLY APP: We will download the latest available beta version, this version adds new functions, corrections, and improvements that must be tested for a time before being released as a Release version. In other words, the Beta version will be more advanced, but may contain a bug.

While on the flight screen for which you want to access the settings of your widgets, press the “Menu Button” -> “Edit Screen”. On the Edit screen we will be shown a grid with the active widgets, by double tap on the center of a widget your options will be shown.

The Waypoints files supported are the following:

• Extension “.wpt”: Format WGS84, Format UTM, Format Ozi Explorer.
• Extension “.gpx”: Format GPS eXchange.

Version 4.2b or higher, also admits:

• Extension “.cup”: Format SeeYou.
• Extension “.wpt”: Format GEO.

In some cases, even if the file has the correct extension, its content may not comply with the standards of the mentioned formats. There are applications such as GPSDump or some web pages that can help us change between formats, such as GPS Babel, which allows us to upload a file of Waypoints and convert it to different formats.

From version 4.2b of SeRi Fly or higher, we incorporate the possibility of directly importing routes created in XCPlanner. Also from version 5.1b we can import routes created by ThermiXC and FlyXC.
For this we will follow the following steps:

1º Create the route in XCPlanner and download it in “GPX” format, or at ThermiXC and download in “GPX” or “TSK” format, or at FlyXC and download in “XCSoar” format, remember that the first point will be considered the takeoff, and the last point considered Landing. Example at XCPlanner:

2º Copy the downloaded file in the Routes folder of our alfapilot.

3º Enter in SeRi Fly, select “Routes” flight mode, press the menu button, and select “Route Management”.

4º Click on the Import Icon, and select the route file.

5º Once Imported, we can Activate it, as well as Edit and verify that everything is correct.

6º Can check by Edit button if everything is correct.

The files of Air Spaces supported are the following:

• Extension “.txt”: Format OpenAir.
• Extension “.aip”: Format OpenAip.

In some cases, even if the file has the correct extension, its content may not comply with the standards of the mentioned formats, and in this case it will not be possible to import them.

Normally when inserting a microSD card the alfapilot system should recognize it and in case the format was incorrect, it would show us the option of formatting the microSD card.

If the system is not able to format the card or does not recognize it and does not display the message to format it, it is most likely that the format of the card is eXFAT. In this case we can insert the card in a computer and proceed to format it, the formats supported by alfapilot are “FAT32” and “NTFS”.

As Pilots and Developers, we are always attentive and we appreciate your ideas and suggestions, there are innumerable functions in our instruments that arose from them. The easiest way to contact and send us your suggestions and ideas is through email support@alfapilot.com, or through the contact section of this page.