Portable audio vario

I'm sure this topic is well covered, but I simply haven't figured out effective search methods for the group archives.

I currently only rent sailplanes and move from one to another. I'm already tired of the rather large variations in the rental fleet variometers and would like to take a small, simple audio vario with me as I move around.

Any recommendations?

Thanks

JB

Any recommendations?

Yes, buy a hang gliding/paragliding vario and use the paragliding leg strap to mount it to your thigh. Flytec makes a variety of models and you can find these used on the OzReport.com if your are looking for a break. These often have many features such as logging of RoC, altitude, 2 altimeters, clock, etc.
You will have to be careful about ignoring climbs from large speed changes but I have found these to work well especially in less slippery older sailplanes.

I've been very happy with http://www.flytec.com/Products/Variometers/Sonic.htm
It straps nicely to my shoulder strap near my ear. Life of the internal button cell is over 100 hours.

It has helped me stay up longer and has rapidly paid for itself by reducing the number of tows. Plus it has improved my scanning for traffic.
It works well in an ASK-21 and Blanik L-23.

Thanks for the replies. I was considering the Sonic but was wondering how pressure changes internal to the cockpit (vents, etc.) might affect it.

I think I'll give one a try. :-)

JB

On Tuesday, 2 July 2013 09:10:01 UTC-6, Thin Air wrote:
Thanks for the replies. I was considering the Sonic but was wondering how pressure changes internal to the cockpit (vents, etc.) might affect it.



I think I'll give one a try. :-)



JB

Another option is http://www.craggyaero.com/lx_navigation1.htm

Colibri II

It provides a vario plus a certified logger.

I have not used it so cannot on audio etc.

The sonic will react to pressure changes, as will a 5/6030 Flytec, just the nature of the beast. Furthermore no TE compensation so expect stick thermals indications.

Your prior soaring skills will do you well. Welcome to the party

Your prior soaring skills will do you well. Welcome to the party

Thanks for the additional suggestion Ron.

JB

A few more other options that are typically used for Paragliding.

http://xtremebigair.com/Varios-C4.aspx

I personally like Flytec products. I have had a Flytec 3005 for 20 years now and it still works great. I know PG and HG pilots that have used most of the varios on that page and I haven't heard any complaints about any of them.

In the cockpit you'll find that opening or closing vents will have a short impact on the vario as cabin pressure changes, but that only lasts an instant and then the vario stabilizes. As was mentioned already, the lack of TE compensation is noticeable, but unlikely to be a real problem.

Morgan

On Tuesday, July 2, 2013 8:31:19 AM UTC-7, Thin Air wrote:
Your prior soaring skills will do you well. Welcome to the party



Thanks for the additional suggestion Ron.



JB

I use this one with my PG http://sysone.syride.com/index.php?l=en

On Tuesday, July 2, 2013 11:10:01 AM UTC-4, Thin Air wrote:
Thanks for the replies. I was considering the Sonic but was wondering how pressure changes internal to the cockpit (vents, etc.) might affect it.

If you get a Sonic, be sure to turn it on and play catch (on grass) with it at least once.

Ordered the Pro version:

http://www.flytepark.com/Store

Picked that one simply because of the basic logging capabilities (I tend not to keep an eye on the time).

We'll see.

Thanks again for the recommendations.

JB