adding speed/vario switch into ASW-19 control stick grip

Since I make installation into a club glider, I just want it to be identical with other two with XC potential. LX160 has SC/vario/auto switch, so the pilot can make his own choice. So, I would like to install a new grip with SC/vario switch. I do not want to pay for carbon fiber, I just hope I can find something practical and proven.

I installed a bycicle grip with a CNC end cap. The lifting end cap allow fairly easy installation of the ptt button and vario switch:
"Ragley Skinny Lock On Grip"

An alternative is reusing a ski pole grips. Those are the ones usually installed by the manufacturer. Leki has some nice ones and in ski resorts you can get them free because there are plenty of broken ski poles at every rental place. Installing button and switch is often not easy because you need to do it through the hole at the back for the latch. Get the smallest button and switch you can find!

Schempp-Hirth sells a foam grip with lifting cap, as installed in new SH sailplanes. Probably the easiest solution, but not the cheapest and I'm not a friend of foam grips.

Incase your stick diameter is too small you can use heat shrink tubing with glue to widen the diameter a bit.

I would definitely recommend a switch versus automatic switching. You need a good vario reading before the thermal kicks in and an automatic switch is usually to slow especially since most speed switches have a short delay even if the set speed has been reached.

On Wednesday, December 19, 2012 8:28:36 AM UTC-5, Kimmo Hytoenen wrote:
I am updating the variometer system in our club ASW-19b. I would

like to add speed/vario switch into the stick handle. Any ideas,

advice and suggestion for components welcome!

Hi Kimmo
When I had my ASW19 I went through the same search for the perfect grip with room for a PTT and a Cruise/Climb switch. The only ready made grip available as mentioned before is at,
http://www.gliderdesignparts.de/knueppel_ent.en.html
I have not seen one in person but from the web site it looks really nice.

I made a fiberglass mold of the existing rubber grip, carved out the inside at the top to make room for the switches and voila I had something I could live with. I can send you a picture if you are interested.
The other option that I have seen done with a 19 is to put the switch just in front of the trim knob. Pull into thermal reach for trim, flip the switch and climb away.
I traded my 19 for an LS6b a couple of years ago. I put in a 302 and I love the Auto Switching.

Randy

LX160 has only one contact for SC/vario switch. The Auto mode is selected from the variometer switch panel.
Randy, if you have pictures easily available I would appreciate if you could email those. There are these plastic materials you can heat up in boiling water, and place in mold. Maybe those could be the solution. Taking skipole handle, carving our the head, installing into the stick, placing the switches, and filling with abovementioned plastic?
Also I need to find a switch that is small enough to fit and robust enough to work years without maintenance.