Software: MLR data transfer
Updated 6 Oct 2008

The MLR SP24XC has the unusual ability to transfer data to a computer for analysis in binary mode as well as the normal ASCII mode. This makes data transfer very fast, much faster than you can get data out of a normal GPS in NMEA 'text' mode. This is important if you have lots of flight recorders to download.

CimaDown
Jose Luis Esteban has now produced a standalone downloader which uses this fast binary mode and creates files to the CIMA specification. The latest version can always be found in the files section of the microFLAP Yahoo group

CouTraCi
Before this was available we always used the downloading feature of CouTraCi as it also uses this fast transfer mode (it's OK to use the fastest speed). Just beware that the default is to save to Coutraci format (.ctc) which is an uneditable binary file, better to save to .igc which is our standard text format, and -with care- you can stitch 2 or more tracks together.

Other
Other softwares like OziExplorer will download MLR data, but this is usually in NMEA mode and much slower.

USB connections
Many modern computers are now 'legacy free' meaning they don't have a serial port. This is a serious problem as results with USB - Serial adapters is variable, some work with the MLR, some don't, you will have to try it with your one.

Some USB - Serial adapters will happily download data from the MLR but will corrupt a firmware alteration. As this can wreck the MLR, it is strongly recommended you change the firmware from a computer which has a serial port.