On 20/12/2012 16:23, kirk.stant wrote:

I have to respectfully disagree with John - I've tried automatic
cruise/climb switching (SN10) and hate it with a passion - I don't
even like having it connected to the flap switch. There are times
when I want TE and I'm not in thermalling flaps (under a cloudstreet
perhaps), and if turning is used, I may not be turning enough to
trigger the climbing mode while sniffing around for a core.

I am fortunate to fly from a site where we regularly fly cross countries
in ridge and wave lift as well as thermal.

For ridge flying, "speed to fly" does not apply. You adjust your speed
to stay within the altitude band with maximum energy. So when the vario
shows lift you push harder! When it shows sink you slow down (but still
maintaining a minimum safe speed - well above normal "thermalling speeds").

I have a flap switch for vario/cruise switching and an override switch
on the panel. With ridge flying I switch the override "vario" and leave
it there. When things are going well, the vario stays close to "0", but
the glider can go many km's at speeds of 150km/h to 200km/h, without
turning :-)


Ian