Bruce wrote:

Time to start a new debate.

How do pressure transducer varios compare to traditional mechanical varios in
club use?

Do students - please note NOT experienced pilots - find the lcd display units
easy to use,

I personally prefer mechanical indicators (no LCDs, nor stepmotor
driven needles).
I believe capacity (flow) variometers are superior, in response and
"feel" to the pressure transducer types.
IIRC, the ILEC Sb-8 and SN-10 are among the very few electronic "flow
variometers": they have a small internal capacity, instead of an
external bottle.

On my DG selflaunching sailplane, I have changed the connection of the
plumbing in the panel, so that now when I select "static source" for
variometry (intended to be used only during engine operation accordin
to manual), the pneumatic Winter vario is connected to static
(uncompensated) and the electronic ILEC is the only vario connected to
the TE probe. Works great.
In case of malfunction of the electronic unit, I can swith the Winter
to TE, and still have at least one working compensated variometer.

A new electronic variometer and advanced flight computer is being
produced in Italy. It's a flow measuring unit, with external standard
capacity. (and the ability to consitnuously measure outside air
humidity, with prediction of max convective height, VGA color
touchscreen of large format, and much more). (www.glider.it)

Aldo Cernezzi
dg600M