Xref: utzoo sci.electronics:7857 rec.models.rc:1960 rec.aviation:17263
Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!ucbvax!agate!eos!steve
From: steve@eos.UUCP (Steve Philipson)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics,rec.models.rc,rec.aviation
Subject: Re: Electronic variometer plans wanted
Summary: a brief user report
Message-ID: <5181@eos.UUCP>
Date: 21 Sep 89 02:44:04 GMT
References: <25730@iuvax.cs.indiana.edu> <13654@well.UUCP> <9542@cadnetix.COM>
Reply-To: steve@eos.UUCP (Steve Philipson)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Calif.
Lines: 22

In article <9542@cadnetix.COM> waynea@cadnetix.COM (Wayne Angevine) writes:
>Ace R/C markets the Thermic Sniffler (undoubtedly TM) which is
>what you are looking for.  It is used by R/C glider pilots.
>It sends out a continuous tone (I believe on 50-some MHz) which
>varies in frequency according to the vertical speed.  I believe
>that the cost is around $150 with receiver.  The package weighs
>a couple of ounces.

   I've have and use this device.  I've been pretty happy with it, as it
works well and adds another dimension to my model aircraft flying.  I've
also taken it up in a full scale glider to use as a poor-man's audio
variometer.  It does have its limitations in this application, although
with a little engineering work, it could be improved significantly.

   The device has been around for many years and has been refined over
time.  You might want to pick one up and use it as the basis for your
project -- it could save you some time and effort.
-- 

						   Steve
					(the certified flying fanatic)
					      steve@eos.arc.nasa.gov