rc-tool Vario-DX User manual

User’s Manual Variometer Sensor Vario-DX
January 2020
The Vario-DX is a vertical speed sensor for Spektrum telemetry
receivers with X-BUS port or the Spektrum telemetry module
TM 000.
A variometer is used in sailplanes and indicates the rate of ascent
and descent via an audible tone. By this the pilot knows when
the sailplane is in a thermal of rising or sinking air.
An integrated altimeter provides information about the current
altitude above ground level.
The Vario-DX is designed specifically for model aircrafts, where
smallest dimensions, very low weight and simple handling is
required.
It is equipped with two barometric sensors and a 32-bit
processor and therefore has an excellent sensitivity and a fast
response time.
Vario-DX is connected directly to a Spektrum telemetry receiver
or the Spektrum telemetry module TM 000. No separate power
supply is required.
Figure 1: Variometer-Sensor Vario-DX
1. Installation
Vario-DX is connected to the X-BUS port of a Spektrum
telemetry receiver or the Spektrum telemetry module TM 000
via the cable supplied.
After power on the receiver, the Vario-DX calibrates to the
surrounding air pressure and transmits an altitude of zero
meters. If the sensor is moved up or down, the measured
altitude and the vertical speed is transmitted to the transmitter
via the telemetry system.
The height can be displayed in feet or meters. The corresponding
setting must be made on the transmitter.
The following pictures show how to setup the Spektrum DX6
G2/G3 transmitter (software version 2.05).
The setting process for other transmitters, receivers and
software versions ma differ slightl from the procedure
described here. The description is therefore only for guidance:
. Power off the transmitter
2. Connect Vario-DX to the "X-BUS" port and if the TM 000 is
used connect the "DATA" port to the "DAT" port of the
receiver.
Figure 2: Connection Scheme Vario-DX - TM1000 - Receiver
3. Press and hold the "BND" button on the TM 000 while the
receiver is connected to the power supply. The LED of the
receiver starts flashing and is waiting for the "bind" signal
from the transmitter.
4. Switch on the transmitter for with the scroll wheel pressed.
Select "Bind" in the "System Setups" menu (Fig. 3).
Figure 3: The “Bind function in the System Setup
5. In the “Bind” menu click “Bind” (Fig. 4)
Figure 4: The “Bind“ menu

User’s Manual Variometer Sensor Vario-DX
January 2020
6. The binding process was successful when both the receiver
(DSMX 22ms) and "Telemetry" were recognized (Fig. 5).
Figure 5: Binding was successful: Receiver and Telemetry
detected
7. Press the scroll wheel to access the "Function List" and
select "Telemetry" (Fig. 6).
Figure 6: “Telemetry in der Function List
8. To integrate Vario-DX the “Auto Configuration” function
must be used:
a. Power on the transmitter, then power on the receiver
b. Delete all Altitude and Vario sensors in the telemetry
menu
c. Select Telemetry >> Settings >> Auto-Config in the
Function List (Fig. 7)
Figure 7: “Auto-Configuration Function in the Telemetry menu
9. Click on "Vario" at position “3”.
0. Fig. 8 shows a sensitive variometer setting for calm weather
conditions. Fig. 9 shows a less sensitive setting. The more
sensitive the setting, the more restless the variometer is.
Sensitive settings lead to immediate indication of small
change in height.
Figure 8: Sensitive setting for the Vario-DX
Figure 9: Insensitive setting for the Vario-DX
2. Installation in the model aircraft
Since the altitude, as well as the rate of climb and descent are
determined by measuring the surrounding air pressure, the
installation location should be as free from drafts as possible.
Rapidly moving air over surfaces can create pressure differences
that lead to deviating measurement results.
For this reason, variometers should never be installed outside
the model aircraft. The optimal installation location is usually
protected from wind within the fuselage of your model aircraft.
Use double-sided adhesive tape or servo tape on the back of the
Vario-DX for fastening.
The Vario-DX measures air pressure. Therefore, do not wrap the
Vario-DX in air-impermeable plastic film.
3. Technical specification
 Determines the altitude above ground level (AGL)
 Determines the rate of descent or climb
 Resolution: 0 cm
 Measures altitudes from -3000 m to 3000 m
 Dimensions: 23 x 5 x 6 mm
 max. Current Consumption: 0 mA
 Supply Voltage: 3.4 - 8.5 V
 Weight: less than 2.2 g (with cable ~3.0 g)
 Power supply via the X-BUS cable

User’s Manual Variometer Sensor Vario-DX
January 2020
rctool.de
Kay Claußen
Südliche Auffahrtsallee 8
80639 München
GERMANY
WEEE-Reg.-Nr.
DE 87908722
This product must not be disposed of with other
waste. Instead, it has to be taken to a waste
collection center for treatment, recycling, or
disposal. For more information about where you
can drop off your waste equipment for recycling,
please contact your local city office, your
household waste disposal service or where you
purchased the product.