Jeff Bennett leaves Cambridge Aero Instruments

In article ,
wrote:


I have asked a number of people to explain to me exactly what their

"super varios" do that a good basic vario and a decent PDA/software

setup does not do. I mean besides calculating to more decimal places.

Maybe I would understand if I flew a glider with more than two speeds....

Better vario: Immense. Nothing matters as much. What can I do with a better
-- and carefully set up -- vario? Outclimb people who think I have some
actual thermaling ability. Climb when they land. Roll into that or bullet
thermal that looks like a gust on their varios.

What do I do with a better glide computer? Not look at it so much, and spend
less time futzing with it. My PDA was an endless cycle of rebooting, battery
management, keeping it cool, and punching screens. My current clearnav has
what I want when I want it. I spent a lot of money for an instrument so I
could avoid looking at it and look out the window instead. Less crucial, but
certainly worthwhile.

I don't understand why people spend so much money on gliders, and spend so
much time and effort on this sport, and then cheap out on instruments.

John Cochrane

Better instruments is better instruments. I get that. I just keep
thinking these expensive systems must do something other than be
incrementally better. How much better is a new super vario than a well
compensated Borgelt B40? Would a super vario make that much difference
in a club class ship? If I'm cruising faster than 70, it is such a
booming day that a pellet vario would be overkill. Now, filtering out
horizontal gusts is a feature I would be willing to shell out the bucks
for (assuming I would not have to put up with waiting for the "Next
Software Upgrade" to get the advertised features and off-again-on-again
technical service)!

What PDA setup were you using? I have flown for the last 10 years with
an old Palm Tungsten T, excellent readability in bright sun (actually
better the brighter the ambient light). Using SoaringPilot software
(still supported but not being actively developed anymore). Clip on
battery pack that also functions as the panel mount and the bluetooth
connection to a gps puck means it is a totally wireless system. I have
never had a software problem with it, in-flight or otherwise. Did have a
touchcreen go flakey on me in flight once, but at about $30 apiece, I
carry a spare pda and a spare GPS puck ($50 bucks at Sempsons.com).
Never had a overheating problem, even at 104F days at Cordele. I only
use two screens in flight: moving map and final glide screen. Would I
love to have a Clearnav? Yes, absolutely, but it would take a lot of
"better" to justify the cost in my case.

Amongst cross country and racing folks, I really don't see people going
cheap on instruments (except me). I have seen 1-26's with high end
instruments. Heck, in club class, who besides me, does not have a 302 at
least? Maybe it is just me, but I have less than $20k total in my setup
to include the glider, instruments, trailer and even the motorhome I
drag it around with. On the other hand, I have spent a butt-load on
tows, club dues, and piddling stuff like going halves on a Pawnee.