I have some older brochures and some data for them here if you give me a
call...
The RICO (Redwood Instrument Co.) were built by Peter Newgard many years
ago...they were good variometers at the time and Peter did a nice job of
support for a good number of years well after they were no longer being
produced or sold new....but alas, many of the parts were no longer available
so there were few repairs that could still be made...
these were typically models VA (variometer only), VAS included speed-to-fly
functions and last versions included an averager, and VACS, same as VAS but
with Electronic TE which even Peter agreed didn't work as well as the VAS
with TE probe input.
The capacities were for each model were different very small (made from
short lengths of 1" I.D. PVC pipe, the typical VA used one bottle and VAS
and VACS used two different size bottles.
The audio was unique " Geiger counter" ticking sounds.....some liked the
sound, some hated it...
the tube connections are all very unusual 1/8" pipe fittings so connection
to normal glider tubes usually needs some extra connections to be secure or
they will leak.
anyway...I don't have data on line but will fax old copies if you call
tim

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wrote in message
...
With my new glider, I got a box of extra equipment. Included was a
never-used Rico audio vario, still in the box, but without
documentation. It checks out good. But does anyone have any info on
these varios?

Specifically:

What size capacity bottle should be used with this?

What are the functions of the large and small dials? Trim?

What is the performance of this Rico? My glider has a nice Scheumann CVA
averaging mechanical vario, but no audio. Is the Rico worth installing?