WSTECH CS DataVario User manual

H
Ha ar rd d- - & & S So of ft tw wa ar re e E En nt tw wi ic ck kl lu un ng g
Wolfgang Schreiner
Dipl.Ing.(FH)
Rüttlenäckerstr.6
88094 Oberteuringen
homepage: www.wstech.de
Valid for version 407x and higher 20.3.10
Manual for the Model Airplane Variometer
C
CS S D Da at ta aV Va ar ri io o
i ncluding Micro-SD-Card-Logger, GPS-, Electric Flight- and Data Logger Options
CS DataVario and mirco SD card for the datalogger CS DataVario with GPS-Modul
CS DataVario with Sensor Interfacea. Current sensor With Sensor Interface, GPS, Current- a. Temp. Sensor
CS DataVario with Sensor Interfacea. Speed Sensor here with UniLog a. Current, Speed- a. Temp. Sensor
bottom

Content
1 Vario Benefits ...........................................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 General Technical Features.................................................................................................................................................3
2 Vario Acoustics and Voice Output.........................................................................................................................................4
3 Vario Installation ......................................................................................................................................................................4
4 Variometer and Altimeter Function........................................................................................................................................4
4.1 Voice output for vario and altimeter .....................................................................................................................................5
4.2 Optional Vario Acoustics Modes ..........................................................................................................................................5
4.2.1 Altimeter Mode........................................................................................................................................................................6
4.2.2 Integral (Vario) Mode..............................................................................................................................................................6
4.3 Total Energy Compensation (TEK)......................................................................................................................................6
4.4 Altitude Accuracy..................................................................................................................................................................6
5 Setting Vario Modes with the Transmitter ............................................................................................................................6
5.1 Transmitter settings..............................................................................................................................................................7
5.2 Mode Settings and Voice Output Functions ........................................................................................................................7
5.3 Mode Setting Feedback........................................................................................................................................................8
5.4 Standby Mode.......................................................................................................................................................................8
6 GPS Operating Options...........................................................................................................................................................8
6.1 Speed Mode..........................................................................................................................................................................8
6.2 Position Announcement........................................................................................................................................................8
6.3 Glide Ratio Measurement and Announcement....................................................................................................................9
6.4 GPS Module Installation.......................................................................................................................................................9
6.4.1 Additional Notes for GPS Module Operation........................................................................................................................9
7 Electric Drive Measurements................................................................................................................................................10
7.1 Electric Sailplane ................................................................................................................................................................10
7.1.1 Selecting the Standby Mode ................................................................................................................................................10
7.1.2 Keeping Previously Stored Data after Subsequent Vario Switch-on..................................................................................10
7.2 Special Mode for Electric Models.......................................................................................................................................10
7.2.1 Selecting the Standby Mode ................................................................................................................................................11
8 Alarms and Alarm Thresholds..............................................................................................................................................11
8.1 Receiver Battery Voltage Check and Alarm ......................................................................................................................11
8.2 Drive Battery Minimum Voltage Check and Alarm ............................................................................................................11
8.3 Temperature Check and Alarm..........................................................................................................................................11
8.4 Failsafe Announcement......................................................................................................................................................12
9 Flight Time or Motor Run Time (respectively)....................................................................................................................12
10 Max-/min-value Storage.........................................................................................................................................................12
10.1 Stored Data Announcement during Vario Start-up............................................................................................................12
11 Data Logger.............................................................................................................................................................................12
12 General Notes about Vario Operation .................................................................................................................................13
13 Notes about the CS DataVario Operation together with the WSTECH Sensor Interface .............................................13
13.1 Important Notes about Sensor Interface Operation...........................................................................................................14
14 Notes about CS DataVario Operation together with the UniLog Data Logger...............................................................14
15 Notes about CS DataVario Operation together with the UniLog Data Logger...............................................................15
15.1 UniLog Data Logger Settings.............................................................................................................................................15
15.2 Important Notes about UniLog Data Logger Operation.....................................................................................................15
16 Parameter Setting...................................................................................................................................................................15
16.1 Setup Storage on the Memory Card..................................................................................................................................17
17 Frequency Setting..................................................................................................................................................................17
18 R/C System Range Check.....................................................................................................................................................17
19 Update via USB-Interface......................................................................................................................................................18
20 Warranty ..................................................................................................................................................................................18
21 Recycling Note........................................................................................................................................................................18
22 Safety Notes............................................................................................................................................................................18
23 Technical Data........................................................................................................................................................................18
24 Declaration of Conformity.....................................................................................................................................................20
25 Instructions for Setting-up the UHF-Handy LPD................................................................................................................21

Important notes:
Please read this manual thoroughly and follow the safety advice at the end of this manual.
Upon delivery, the default setting of the vario transmitter is channel “1”.
1 Vario Benefits
Vario benefits are numerous. The primary function of a vario i.e. the indication of sink or climb, enhances
precision thermal flying and helps the model pilot maximize flight time. It helps to find even weak thermals
and to use them to find the optimal flight pattern. This applies particularly when flying at high altitudes and in
flat country where it is difficult to evaluate thermals by sight only.
Further, the altimeter provides useful safety information including the continous checking of the onboard
power supply. Bad surprises because of drained batteries should be a thing of the past.
Additional modules including the current sensor and GPS allow features like speed and glide ratio
measurements and the optimization of electric power drives.
A vario puts a whole new dimension into R/C sailplane flying.
1.1 General Technical Features
•The CS DataVario is an acoustic vario with altimeter and voice output. A sensor interface allows the
implementation of external sensors like a current sensor (for electric flight), a temperature sensor or a
GPS sensor.
•The CS DataVario contains an integrated data logger. All measurements (time, receiver voltage, altitude,
motor current and -voltage, consumed drive battery capacity, speed, temperature, GPS longitude and
latitude) are stored on a Micro-SD memory card. Thus the vario contains a “black box”which allows the
storage of all flights of a flying season, i.e. 1,000 flights at 3 hours each, and their later evaluation. The
evaluation can be done with the “LogView”software (www.logview.info). Additional software transforms
the GPS data in CSV-format into a KML format so it can be used with Google Earth or into a GPX-format
for Garmin, both of which allow a 3D presentation of individual flights. Thus, data export into many other
evaluation software programs is possible.
•The CS DataVario provides important information about the drive system to the electric flyer and allows
component tuning and optimization. For this feature, the WSTECH interface or the UniLog Data Logger
(SM-Modellbau www.sm-Modellbau.de) has to be connected to the vario.
•A special electric flight mode offers another application which is the continous drive check in an electric
model. It comprises the continous announcement of the consumed drive battery capacity and the
minimum drive battery voltage.
•The sensor interface from WSTECH allows the direct connection of the WSTECH GPS module, the
current and temperature sensor, or the pitot tube speed sensor from SM-Modellbau without the UniLog.
•The GPS module may also be directly connected to the vario (if other sensor modules are not used)
•The GPS module allows the voice output of ground speed, glide ratio and position (perfect for airplane
recovery).
•The vario connects to the R/C receiver via a free channel output and receives its power supply from
there. If there is no free output available, a Y-cable connection with another channel is possible, for
instance with the aerotow hook servo.
•The receiver pulse output allows the remote selection of different vario operation modes.
•A setup routine can be initiated during the switch-on phase of the vario which allows the setup of the
vario transmitter channel and different vario parameters and features in order to adapt the vario to your
personal preferences. Yet this is not required in the beginning as the vario is delivered with a well proven
default setting.
•During the design phase, a high emphasis was put on simple operation and programming. A custom
configuration may be setup with the R/C equipment or a servo tester. A personal computer is not
required.
•Special emphasis was put on the electronic design to insure that it’s immune to high frequency
interference. Appropriate design, layout and shielding measures provide this feature thoroughly.
After listing so many options, it is worth mentioning that the basic vario operation mode still follows the “plug
and play”pattern.

2
Vario
Acoustics and Voice Output
A radio data link transfers the vario information to the pilot on the ground. The transmitter is part of the vario
unit whereas a usual and licence free walky-talky (LPD, 433 MHz-band) or a scanner serves as a receiver.
The vario transmits two different kinds of information to the pilot including:
•Vario acoustic:climb/sink information by the way of a modulated tone signal.
•Voice output: Information including altitude, climb rate, current etc., are announced in English along
a certain time frame.
Via setup, the pilot may configure the acoustics as well as the voice output and adapt it to his own personal
preferences. The different options will be described in the following chapters. Both the vario acoustic and
voice output are being transmitted on the same channel. During voice output, the vario tone is briefly
interrupted.
3 Vario Installation
The vario is directly powered by the receiver battery. The simpliest way is to connect the vario directly to a
vacant receiver output channel.
If there is no channel available, the vario may be connected by a Y-cable parallel to any other servo. In this
case, the pulse lead (yellow, white or orange lead) of the Y leading to the vario must be cut. In this
configuration, the operating mode of the vario cannot be controlled during the flight and the vario operates
only in the “altimeter mode”(see below).
Another approach to sharing a receiver channel with the vario is to choose an infrequently used channel like
the aerotow release. This will limit the free selection of operating modes only during the actual aerotow
phase.
The best solution is the direct connection to a free channel with direct control by the transmitter. The required
setups are described below.
In fibreglass fuselages without carbon fiber, the antenna may be attached to the inside of the fuselage. If
possible, the antenna should be extended straight or with only one bend of not more than 90°.
In fuselages with carbon fiber, the antenna should be installed on the outside of the fuselage by leading it out
on the shortest way possible (not more than ½”remaining in the fuselage) through a small hole. It should be
fixed at some 45° backwards and away from the fuselage. The end of the antenna must not be close to
carbon fiber fuselage as this would lead to a very erratic transmission range.
The antenna should not be parallel to other cables or metallic material as this may alter the radiation pattern
and the range. By the way, this applies as well to the R/C receiver antenna. The vario antenna should not be
parallel to the receiver antenna at close distances as are one or two inches.
Also parallel installation to servo cables should be avoided as this might couple vario transmitter energy into
the R/C receiver. This may cause problems as there are receivers on the market which are sensitive in this
respect.
If all of the above installation points are noted, there will be a problem free transmission down to the pilot. In
any case your installation must be followed up by a thorough range check (see the respective chapter below)
When using digital servos with certain double battery power supplies,thin cables or non-high current
receiver batteries may introduce servo noise in the vario tone. Besides avoiding such components, “low
ESR”capacitors with a value of 1,000 µF or above will remedy this situation. Such a capacitor might be
helpful at the same time to smooth the operation of the receiver itself.
Important note:
All Varios on the market use very sensitive semiconductor circuits as a pressure sensor. Therefore it is
mandatory to keep the pressure port (which is also the connector for the TEK nozzle) free from dirt, water
and dust and it must not be sealed.
Also, these sensors are sensitive to light! Light which enters the sensor through the port opening causes
alterations of the measured values. A flashlight may demonstrate this effect as it will cause a climb or sink
tone when applied. For practical purposes, the sensor should not be exposed to daylight. A non-permeable
piece of tubing will take care of this effect in worst case.
4 Variometer and Altimeter Function
A temperature compensated and calibrated pressure sensor is being used for altitude measurements. The
vario signal is derived electronically by determining the altitude change within a defined time period. This
variometer signal is then transformed into a tone signal –the vario acoustics. Altitude changes of a few
centimeters /second can be recognised by a tone change without considerable delay. The CS DataVario
uses a well proven and often acclaimed analogue tone oscillator which has fully linear operation

characteristics without often uncomfortable frequency steps. Model sailkplane pilots who are familiar with
varios in full scale planes confirm this. (By the way: CS stands for “classic sound”!)
Descent produces a continous tone which goes lower as the descent velocity is increasing. Climb (> 0 ft/sec
is default setting) produces an interrupted, rising tone. The pitch of the tone rises with increasing climb
velocity. As well, the interrupt cycle increases at the same time which might be expressed as “beeeep,
beeep, beep, bep, bep...”(default setting)
The adjustment of the descent tone threshold can be setup individually. Before detailing this, some
definitions should be handy along the following simple graphics:
Two scales are compared, which for one show the vertical movement of the air mass and for the other show
the vertical velocity of the sailplane. Both scales are offset by the value Ve which is the intrinsic descent rate
of the sailplane model. On the average, Ve lies in the range of -1.5 ft/sec to -3 ft/sec. On the part of the
model, three areas and two thresholds are to be considered. The climb threshold indicates true altitude
gain of the sailplane. The descent threshold indicates sinking airmass. In between the sailplane is still
descending, yet the surrounding airmass is already climbing! This is called the “zero-lift area”.
Using the setup procedure the descent threshold can be adjusted between 0 ft/sec and –6 ft/sec in steps of
0.3 ft/sec.
4.1 Voice output for vario and altimeter
In the vario- and altimeter function, the voice output can deliver either output:
•Altitude
•Integral vario/ sink rate
Switching between the outputs can be done from the transmitter during the flight by using an assigned 3-
position switch. Details are described in chapter 6.
4.2 Optional Vario Acoustics Modes
As described above, airplane descent (descent rate > descent threshold) is signalled by a continous tone,
which goes lower as the descent increases. Airplane climb is signalled by a pulsed tone where the tone pitch
and the pulse rate increase with the climb rate.
The “zero lift area”is also signalled with a pulsed tone, yet this one differs from the proper climb tone in that
it sounds a 50:50 duty cycle instead of a 25:75 duty cycle of the true lift. (duty cycle = sound on / sound off).
Thus, true lift, zero lift and true descent can easily be distinguished.
Setup7 and Setup8 allow the adjustment of the descent threshold and the acoustics configuration.
Optionally it is possible to switch off the descent tone and the zero lift tone.
It is also possible to select a mode which neglects the separate signalling of the zero lift zone. This in turn
corresponds to the acoustics of the earlier ClassicSound varios.
The different mode setting options are described in chapter 16 of this manual.
The various modes allow the adaption of the vario acoustics to the pilot`s preferences. Yet, the default
settings on delivery will insure a successful start-up for the vario novice.

4.2.1 Altimeter Mode
Altitudes are announced in steps of 50 m/100 ft in relation to the take-off altitude. The latter is automatically
calibrated to 0 after switch-on. If a 50-m- step is not trespassed there is an automatic altitude announcement
every 60 seconds (default setting). A step must be over- or underflown at least by 20 m/30 ft before it is
announced again. This avoids unnecessary outputs if the sailplane remains above or under a 50 m/100 ft
step for a longer period of time. The 60 second default setting can be changed in Setup 1. Negative
altitudes, i.e. below the take-off point at a slope, generate a shorter voice output interval (default setting 20
sec) which can be changed in Setup 2.
4.2.2 Integral (Vario) Mode
The integral vario mode is an ideal complement for the variovoice output feature. It informs about the climb-
and descent ratio almost without delay by announcing the average value within a preselected time interval
(default: 20 sec, Setup 3).
Within this selected time interval the altitude difference to the previous announcement is determined and
announced in meters/feet, for exemple “minus 18”or “plus 12”with the meaning of 18 meters descent and
12 meters ascent.
The voice output can be selected either in absolute altitude difference or in relative altitude difference per
second. The announcement of, for exemple, “minus 0.6”stands for an altitude loss of 12 meters within 20
seconds.
The voice output mode is selected in Setup 13. (The default setting is “altitude difference”)
In the Integral Mode, the voice output of units (“meters”, “seconds”, etc.) has been omitted deliberately in
order to interrupt the vario tone only for a time as short as possible.
This feature is particularly advantageous when trying to optimize the search pattern in a thermal. Further it
allows the measurement of the sink rate, also at different flap settings, provided there is calm weather and
patience on the pilot`s side.
The Integral Mode allows a fast determination of the minimum sink rate and subsequently the fast discovery
of sink areas and beginning thermals. The fixed time basis (fixed time basis??) avoids mental arithmetic and
makes the integral vario mode a most prefered operating mode, particularly in weak conditions.
4.3 Total Energy Compensation (TEK)
The CS DataVario provides a port for the connection of a TEK probe, a feature which is borrowed from full
scale aviation. In general, the probe is being attached to the fin. There are also probe versions which allow
the installation on the rear fuselage (close behind the wings) on V-tail sailplanes. This probe compensates
for so-called “stick thermals”and it leads to the true indication of thermals. For more information on this
subject, please refer to the related chapter on our webpage www.wstech.de.
The use of this TEK-probe is highly recommended for the demanding model pilot as it is otherwise difficult to
separate thermal alitude gain from (conscious or unconscious) stick movements.
4.4 Altitude Accuracy
Weather changes or normal pressure changes during daytime easily amount to differences of 1 to 3 hPa
(mb) within one hour which in turn yield altitude errors of 10 to 20 m (30 to 60 ft).
During the flight, openings in the fuselage may cause minimal pressure changes on the inside which also
can amount to errors of +/- 10 m or 30 ft.
Relative errors due to small forward speed changes, as they are important in the integral vario mode, are
substantially smaller and negligeable. They are in the range of the altimeter resolution.
The above errors can be checked by a manually generated read-out of the altitude during a low pass of
about 1 to 2 m (3 to 6 ft.) and another read-out after the landing. Differences in altitude are then due to
pressure influences from fuselage openings and, when using the TEK probe, the inherent and speed related
negative pressure at the probe.
The TEK probe induces a systematic altimeter error towards higher readings. The reason behind is the the
measurement of the energetic overall altitude of the airplane, which is the sum of the true altitude and the
altitude corresponding to the airplane`s forward momentum.Under normal flight conditions at about 15
m/sec or 45 ft/sec speed, this share is only approx. 10 m (30 ft).
5 Setting Vario Modes with the Transmitter
The above modes can be selected with the transmitter using a 3-position switch or a slider. This mode
selection is also necessary for the further features with the GPS and the Sensor Interface described below.

If there is no free servo channel available, the vario can be connected in parallel with any other servo.
However, the pulse lead (yellow or white or orange colour) of the Y-cable leading to the vario has to be
disconnected and a remote mode selection is not possible. The vario will remain in the altimeter mode.
5.1 Transmitter settings
Select the proper switch or slider and make sure that the servo travel is set to +/- 100% and the middle
position at 0%. Normally this is the basic setting.
Next make sure that the TX switch is controlling the output to which the vario is connected.
The next step is to adjust the “servo”travel to control the vario.
All radios, except Multiplex radios using the native Multiplex pulse length
1. Switch/slider in forward position: Set travel to –100% (1.0 msec)
2. ditto in middle position: Set travel to 0% (1.5 msec)
3. ditto in backward position: Set travel to + 70% (1.85 msec)
4. If available, set “fail safe position”to +150% (> 2.1 msec)
Multiplex transmitter with native MPX pulse (NOT in “Uni”-pulse mode)
1. Forward position: - 100% (1 msec)
2. Middle position: -20% (1.5 msec)
3. Back position: + 50% (1.85 msec)
4. If available, failsafe position at + 100%, better + 110% (> 2.1 msec)
5.2 Mode Settings and Voice Output Functions
Mode Switch-
/Slider Mode Feedback Voice Output Vario Acoustics Remarks
Integral Mode Foreward beep Altitude change since last
annoubcement On
Glide ratio
Mode
Backword,
then
immediatly
foreward
beep
„glide ratio“ After 100s continous GPS
reception announcement of
glide ratio
On Active above 10m and
with GPS module
Altimeter
Mode Middle beep, beep Altitude every 50 m and/or
after selected time interval On Switching from integral mode, immediate altitude
announcement
Stand by Mode Backward beep, beep,
beep
When activated, single
announcement of all actual
values, afterwards silence.
Voltage control remains
active!
Off Vario transmitter is off;
low current consumption
Vario only,
without integral
mode
Backward,
then
immediately
forward
beep,
beeeeeeep None, only vario tone On Active only without GPS module
Speed
Mode Forward,
then
immediately
backwards
Beeb, beep,
beeeeeeep
Speed announcement after
passing speed maximum or
continous announcement in
3 sec intervals (see Setup 4)
Off Active only with GPS
module
Important note:
It is always advisable to temporarily connect a servo to the receiver output dedicated for the vario in order to
check the mode settings of the transmitter switch/slider. Even more advantageous is a test unit capable of
direct pulse length readings (for instance UniTest by SM-Modellbau).

5.3
Mode Setting Feedback
For an easier mode setting follow-up, a feedback tone is being generated when the switch is activated, e.g. a
double “beep, beep”for the altitude mode. The different feedbacks are outlined above.
5.4 Standby Mode
Selecting the standby mode puts the vario into a quiet mode, which begins after a single announcement of
the actual altitude and R/C system voltage.
The actual speed is announced as well if a GPS module is connected.
Additional (single) announcements are being made if the sensor interface either from WSTECH or SM-
Modellbau is connected. Details are described in chapter 8.
After these announcements, the vatro tone and the voice output become silent. Only the voltage check and
and its announcement remain active in the background. The vario transmitter is being switched off and the
vario draws only a very small current.
6 GPS Operating Options
The GPS module from WSTECH allows the announcement of (ground) speed, glide ratio and the model`s
position. The GPS module can be connected to the vario either with or without the sensor interface.
Airspeed can be measured with the airspeed sensor from SM-Modellbau plus the sensor interface from
WSTECH or SM-Modellbau.
6.1 Speed Mode
The speed announcement can selected either in two different continous modes or as a single announcement
upon selecting the standby mode.
Setup 4 offers a recurring announcement every 3 seconds(Setup 4 on “1”) or a maximum speed
announcement after an acceleration phase (Setup 4 on “2”).
Upon activation of the speed mode in either above operating modes, the maximum speed during the
previous speed mode activation is being announced.
During the “maximum speed after an acceleration phase”mode, speed announcements are being repeated
every 3 seconds, except when the speed is still increasing. I.e. during a dive with its increasing speed, no
announcements are being made and only a one-second-beep signals that a measurement is being
performed. As soon as there is no more speed increase detected after three measurement cycles, the
previously measured maximum value is being announced (exemple: “two-hundred-sixteen-k-m-h”) and
afterwards the announcements return to the actual speed.
If a definite speed increase cannot be detected, there continues an actual speed announcement approx.
every 5 seconds.
After these announcements, the vario tone and the voice output become silent. Only the voltage check and
and its announcement remain active in the background. The vario transmitter is being switched off and the
vario draws only a very small current.
The speed mode is activated by selecting the integral mode first and then switching directly into the standby
mode. The last previously measured speed value is then announced before the actual readings are
continued.
Please note that there are two versions of GPS modules which have the following characteristics:
GPS module with a green LED: The LED blinks as long as no satellite signal is received and there is no
voice output. The LED signals reception with solid green and voice output is generated along the selected
setting.
GPS module with a red LED: The GPS module becomes active as soon as the solid red changes to a
blinking red.
If the pitot tube sensor from SM-Modellbau is used (together with the WSTECH or the SM-Modellbau sensor
interface), all above functions can be used without a GPS module, however, the readings will be “airspeed”
instead of “ground speed”.
6.2 Position Announcement
This feature is only possible with a WSTECH GPS module. An automatic position announcement serves as
a support in case of a crash or a landing in a remote area. This announcement is generated in all modes as
soon as the model remains in a +/- 8 m/24 ft altitude window for a period of 2 minutes and more. This will
almost never happen during the flight and the pilot will not be distracted because of unnecessary
announcements. The automatic announcement after an emergency allows the retrieval of the model by using

either a detailed map, a GPS navigation system or Google Earth. It is advisable to practice this procedure
under “normal”conditions.
Disturbing position announcement before take-off are suppressed until the model has left the take-off altitude
by plus or minus 10 m/30 ft. If a position announcement is needed on the ground, a piece of tubing may be
connected to the TEK port and with a weak sucking action with the mouth, take-off is being simulated. After a
delay of about 2 to 3 minutes, the local position is announced in 2-minute-intervals.
The announcement is performed as a sequence of numbers only, with the latitude first and then the
longitude in degrees an minutes with four figures after the point.
Example: “47 degrees 43 point 5678 minutes 009 degrees 22 point 4921 minutes”
In all operating modes, the position data is continously stored in a background memory which means that
after a R/C failure or a loss of GPS reception after a crash, the latest position is announced and repeated in
2-minute-intervals.
6.3 Glide Ratio Measurement and Announcement
This feature is available only in conjunction with the WSTECH GPS module.
The glide ratio is a number which indicates the amount of meters flown forward while losing one meter of
altitude.
The glide ratio is measured over a time frame of 100 seconds and announced thereafter.
This mode is selected by entering the standby mode first with a direct switching into the integral mode.
After 100 seconds of a successful measurement cycle, the announcement will be for example “glide ratio 23”
which means that the sailplane moves 23 meters forward while losing 1 m of altitude.
Any interruption of the GPS contact generates a double tone which signals a restart of the measurement
cycle.
This mode gives meaningful information only when used in calm air and when flying very wide patterns.
Narrow circling should be avoided in order not to disturb the GPS contact.
6.4 GPS Module Installation
The GPS module can be connected to the vario either directly or via the WSTECH sensor interface. The
antenna must have an unobstructed “view”towards the sky and it cannot be used behind carbon fiber
material. In case the model has a carbon fiber canopy, you may want to consider replacing a 1”x 1”section
with a glass fiber window. Another solution would be to ask the manufacturer for a replacement canopy from
glass fiber. Laminates with glass- and aramide fibers and thermoplastics cause no problems.
The GPS module should be positioned in the fuselage as high as possible above the wiring and not at the
bottom in order to provide an unobstructed view to the horizon.
6.4.1 Additional Notes for GPS Module Operation
•Also without a GPS contact (i.e. within a house), a correct connection between the GPS Module and
the sensor interface will generate a lengthened fifth “beep”during the vario start-up and followed by
two short beeps. The second short beep signals that the GPS module has been recognised and it is
signalled by the announcement “sensor interface and GPS recognized”.
•Connecting the GPS directly to the vario will also generate a lengthened fifth “beep”during start-up,
however without any further beeps. The announcement is “GPS recognized”
•Caution: If the GPS module has not been in operation for a long period of time, the buffer battery
might have run low and the first start-up of the GPS might not be recognised by the vario. During a
second start-up after a brief charging time the vario will recognize the GPS module.
•If the GPS module is started in a new position, there is a possibility that the GPS start-up will take
several minutes. In rare cases where only a few satellites are within range the start-up may take up
to 30 minutes.
•GPS with green LED: Without GPS contact, the LED will blink and no announcements are made.
GPS contact will switch the LED to a solid green and speed announcements will be made.
•GPS with red LED: The GPS moduel is ready when the solid red LED starts blinking.
•On the first reception of valid data, a single announcement “GPS o.k.”will be made.
•The GPS module is measuring the two-dimensional speed in relation to the ground. It is sufficient to
fly horizontally for 1 second in order to measure the maximum speed. For an accurate measurement,
it is advisable to avoid steep dives with a hard transition into horizontal flight as the sudden “change
of sight”might change the satellites used for the measurement and thus cause errors. This also
applies to circling at high bank angles and stunt flying.

7
Electric Drive
Measurements
Together with the sensors and sensor modules
•sensor interface from WSTECH or UniLog from SM-Modellbau
•current sensor from SM-Modellbau
•temperature sensor from SM-Modellbau (optional)
The CS DataVario offers important information about the electric drive to the pilot. The voice output of the
drive measurements is independant from the other operating modes and does not interfere with them. The
drive measurements are activated by selecting the appropriate code in Setup 9.
Two operating modes are being available
7.1 Electric Sailplane
This mode offers information about
•motor current and consumed drive battery capacity
•minimal drive battery voltage under load and in idle
•climb altitude reached
•if applicable, a temperature value, for example drive battery temperature
The announcement starts automatically when the motor is switched on or off, or when the vario is switched
into the standby mode.
When the motor is being switched on (current > 3 A), the present altitude is stored for the later calculation
of the climb altitude. Approx. 3 sec after switch-on, the
•motor current (in ampere)
is announced.
After switch-off (current < 3 A), the following values are announced:
•minimum drive battery voltage under load during the last climb-out
•drive battery capacity consumed since the model`s take-off
If the vario is in the integral vario mode during the climb-out, the
•average climb rate (in ft/sec) of the latest climb-out
is announced, which is an ideal means for optimizing the drive system.
7.1.1 Selecting the Standby Mode
If the standby mode is selected, the standard announcement of present altitude and R/C battery voltage is
complemented by the announcements of the (idle!) drive battery voltage and the values selected in Setup 9.
7.1.2 Keeping Previously Stored Data after Subsequent Vario Switch-on
After vario start-up, previously stored data is announced and normally erased immediately afterwards. There
is one exception:
After switch-on of the vario, the standby mode (transmitter switch backward) can be selected ahead of the
fourth “beep”of the initialization phase. In this case, the standard deletion of the summarized climb altitude
and the drive battery capacity consumption is canceled.( In contrast, the altitude mode and the integral mode
will cause data deletion automatically).
After a flight where all systems were off, this procedure allows you to continue the measurements starting
from the earlier values which is helpful when beginning the new flight with the same drive battery.
7.2 Special Mode for Electric Models
This mode monitors the drive battery in an electric model. It can be activated in Setup 9. The then vario tone
is switched-off completely.
The battery capacity and the minimum voltage since the first power-up are announced in a fixed time
interval. This interval (default setting 60 sec) can be selected from 10 sec to 120 sec in Setup 1.
In addition, using the mode setting switch at the transmitter, the voice output of the above values can be
triggered at any time. The motor current can be measured by selecting the standby mode.
The following voice output options are available:
•Selecting the altitude mode (switch in middle position) or the integral mode (forward position):
Minimum drive battery voltage and capacity consumption (Ah) in the fixed and preset time interval.