(Romeo Delta) wrote in message . com...
I am soliciting opinions on which is the best way to go:

1. Cambridge Aero 302

-or-

2. Borgelt B50 system combined with a data logger: a. CAI 302A
b. Colibri
c. Volkslogger

I would appreciate comments with consideration to ease of
installation, ease of use, performance (to include comments about
timing and accuracy of indication vs. actual conditions as well as
one's liking of the respective vario's audio tones), compatability,
reliability, factory support, etc.--especially from anyone who has
experience flying with both systems.

Add'l info: I intend to couple either system with a PDA using
GlideNav II. Also, I live in the U.S.

Thanks in advance,

RD

I have been flying with 302 for over 2 years and recently added a B40
to my panel. My previous glider had a Cambridge MNAV. I have had no
reliability problems with the 302. I did have a problem with the unit
being delivered with a bad recorder seal but that was fixed on my
schedule. I also lost a contest day because of a problem with the
download utility. That was promptly fixed by Cambridge.

The 302 indicator response, when set for 2.3 sec, is very similar to
the B40. It is a little hard to correlate the reading though because
of the unsusual +/- 180 scale on the 302. Initially I didn't like the
way the 302 responded but after half a season I found that my tripple
probe had been delivered with one passage almost completely blocked.
I also found that my static lines were kinking when the canopy was
closed. When I sorted out those problems I find the 302 indicator and
audio easy to fly and similar to the B40. I much prefer the 302 audio
to the B40, perhaps because of all the years I flew with the MNAV.

The recorder of the 302 is hard to beat. I sample every 2 seconds and
have space for lots of flights. Unlike some recorders it never needs
erasing and the current flight will always be recorded.

I use the gear and airbrake warning system of the 302. It works as
advertised and saves installing a separate buzzer.

No problem with installation and, as someone else mentioned, you have
the choice of electronic or probe TE compensation.


Andy