I'm going to defend the portable audio vario. I think they can be a great
asset in a club ship. Here's my perspective:

Before I got my own ship, I flew club trainers with uncompensated, sticky,
mechanical varios. A friend loaned me his Cricket one day, and I couldn't
believe how much easier it made things. The cockpit static pressure didn't
seem to cause any unusual interference, and it was able to detect lift long
before the mechanical vario started responding. I was able to scratch
around in marginal conditions for as long as I wanted. I liked the Cricket
so much that I still haven't returned it to my friend.

My first real experience with a TE system came when I got my own glider.
Sure, it's a vastly superior setup, but it required a $500+ investment on my
part, and I have to maintain an electrical system, which can be a pain in a
club trainer.

It's all a matter of perspective, but if you're starting with a dated
mechanical vario and no TE, the Cricket can definitely add to your enjoyment
in a club ship.

MS




"Steve / Sperry" wrote in message
...
I do not belive that a hand held vario will work in the cockpit of an
aircraft. Air pressures from vents etc would drive it crazy.

I would think that you would need to have a "sealed" unit and static
port for it to work correctly.

Steve



On Tue, 18 May 2004 13:08:14 -0400, "Waduino"
wrote:

A few of us low time club renters are considering buying audio
variometers
to help keep our eyes outside the cockpit and our planes in lift.

One unit we're looking at is from Blue Sky Avionics, the M12 Cricket
http://www.blueskyavionics.com/M12_Cricket_HG.htm

There's also a fancier M19.

Does anyone have experience with these? Do they make sense to use?
Thanks.
Wad.