Hello,

I learned about a mini variometer that purports to have zero time lag. It is called the XC Tracer (https://www.xctracer.com/en/tech-specs/?oid=1861&lang=en). There are versions with FLARM, igc loggers and is solar powered. It is aimed at the hang gliding market. Has anyone used on in a sailplane? If so, how did it perform? Could you recommend it?

Thanks,

D

On Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 8:16:41 PM UTC-4, Deming Gray wrote:
> I learned about a mini variometer that purports to have zero time lag...

Zero lag? For a hang-glider, sure, but... You might want to read:
http://www.nadler.com/sn10/Brozel_TE_Compensation_20020510.pdf

Of course, a usable super-fast vario is possible, but not that way...
Back to the lab now ;-)

I've heard of it. The PG folks seem to like them, obviously they don't need compensation. Thought it might be interesting as a relatively cheap flarm device, alas it is crippled and gives flarm out to everyone but only flarm in from PGS and HGs. Wonder why?

On Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 8:25:01 PM UTC-4, Dave Nadler wrote:
> On Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 8:16:41 PM UTC-4, Deming Gray wrote:
> > I learned about a mini variometer that purports to have zero time lag...
>
> Zero lag? For a hang-glider, sure, but... You might want to read:
> http://www.nadler.com/sn10/Brozel_TE_Compensation_20020510.pdf
>
> Of course, a usable super-fast vario is possible, but not that way...
> Back to the lab now ;-)

Great report Dave, thanks for sharing.

D

Le jeudi 18 avril 2019 13:17:57 UTC+2, a écritÂ*:
> I've heard of it. The PG folks seem to like them, obviously they don't need compensation. Thought it might be interesting as a relatively cheap flarm device, alas it is crippled and gives flarm out to everyone but only flarm in from PGS and HGs. Wonder why?

For a PG, Flarm in from a glider is useless - they can't react to it anyways due to the difference in speed.

At 13:14 18 April 2019, Tango Whisky wrote:
>Le jeudi 18 avril 2019 13:17:57 UTC+2, a
=C3=A9crit=C2=
>=A0:
>> I've heard of it. The PG folks seem to like them, obviously they don't
>n=
>eed compensation. Thought it might be interesting as a relatively cheap
>fl=
>arm device, alas it is crippled and gives flarm out to everyone but only
>fl=
>arm in from PGS and HGs. Wonder why?
>
>For a PG, Flarm in from a glider is useless - they can't react to it
>anyway=
>s due to the difference in speed.
>
From their web page:

"Please take note that XC Tracer II FLARM is made for paraglider and hang
glider pilots flying in Europe, there is no FCC certification planned."

Questions in my mind: Can it be plumbed to a TE probe? I've heard the "no lag" feature comes from its use of accelerometers. If no TE probe and you do a zoomie, how do the accelerometers react? Anyway, has anybody used it in a sailplane?