Simple audio vario + averager?

I'm about to replace my Peschges VP3 glide computer (which, if anyone wants
to make an offer, has the two-seater dials as well and (sort of) works).

All I want is an audio vario + an averager display. I don't want Speed to
Fly or Final Glide calculation. Ideally, all in a 57mm cutout (then I can
fit a turn and slip to the 80mm cutout left free).

So far my choices appear to be the Borgelt B40 and the Tasman. Both come in
at about GBP 260 + taxes (around 400 euros).

1. From the comments I read the Borgelt is very good. Can anyone confirm
that I can fit a toggle switch so that the needle shows 23 sec average
rather than current lift/sink?

2. The Tasman is pretty new. Does anyone have experience using one? Is the
sound musical or annoying? Is the LCD readable in sunlight?

3. Are there any other options at a similar price which I should consider?
I've already rejected the XK10 (needs two dials) and the Clever Box (too
clever by half). I used to fly another glider with an Ilec, but the SC7 is
more expensive than the two above and 80 mm.

All comments gratefully received.

The B40 is an excellent thermalling vario. You can
have a dedicated digital averager display - or use
the instrument face or remote push button for a momentary
average - or have a remote toggle switch to turn the
display into an averager. See:

http://www.borgeltinstruments.com/B40advert.html

Lastly, you can have a backup 9v PP3 battery for emergency
use.

John Galloway



At 17:06 31 May 2004, Chris Reed wrote:
I'm about to replace my Peschges VP3 glide computer
(which, if anyone wants
to make an offer, has the two-seater dials as well
and (sort of) works).

All I want is an audio vario + an averager display.
I don't want Speed to
Fly or Final Glide calculation. Ideally, all in a 57mm
cutout (then I can
fit a turn and slip to the 80mm cutout left free).

So far my choices appear to be the Borgelt B40 and
the Tasman. Both come in
at about GBP 260 + taxes (around 400 euros).

1. From the comments I read the Borgelt is very good.
Can anyone confirm
that I can fit a toggle switch so that the needle shows
23 sec average
rather than current lift/sink?

2. The Tasman is pretty new. Does anyone have experience
using one? Is the
sound musical or annoying? Is the LCD readable in sunlight?

3. Are there any other options at a similar price which
I should consider?
I've already rejected the XK10 (needs two dials) and
the Clever Box (too
clever by half). I used to fly another glider with
an Ilec, but the SC7 is
more expensive than the two above and 80 mm.

All comments gratefully received.

"2. The Tasman is pretty new. Does anyone have experience using one? Is the
sound musical or annoying? Is the LCD readable in sunlight?"

The sound is pleasant and informative. The LCD is easy to read in any light -
very crisp. The brighter the light, the easier it is to read. I was so pleased
with the Tasman that I became a USA dealer for them several years ago. Have one
in my Salto for the last three years and really enjoyed. it.

There is a Tasman dealer in the UK but I do not have, at hand, info to provide
you as to who it is. The BGA magazine should have a small advert somewhere that
would help you identify the UK dealer.

Hope this helps.

Safe soaring,
Bob Wander
USA