WTB: (USA) Mech Vario 57mm(2-1/4) Knots

Maybe I'm strange but I really like having the Winter mechanical vario
there on the panel. It is better compensated than the Westerboer WV5 I
have and I know it will not die if the battery does.
Possibly the difference is that both my varios are rather old
technology, but the mechanical is more accurate, and easier to read.
The Westerboer audio vario is for when I really need to keep my eyes out
of the cockpit - and not look down at all.
I tend to turn it down, or off a lot of the time because it has speed to
fly compensaion, and I have yet to calibrate that perfectly for the task
I am doing.

When it is really weak, or turbulent you can set the averaging period to
it's maximum, and as long as the tone is "UP" you are ahead. In these
conditions it is difficult to mentally average the mechanical varios swings.

Now if I could just get better at the flying bit I'd have a lot more
consistent readings on that vario in the first place...


Eric Greenwell wrote:
Herbert Kilian wrote:

Curt,
Consider an electric audio vario like the Westerboer 911 vs. any
mechanical instrument (incl. Sage, way overrated).
- The Westerboer has pressure transducers so it doen't need a flask. -
Mine is just as sensitive as my Cambridge 302, they move in perfect
sychronism.
- You only connect 12V and your TE tube to the instrument. - The tone
is very pleasant, nicer than the Cambridge and of course
you can turn it down
- When the going gets tough, I switch to the Westerboer, better in
really weak lift


I agree with Herb that a mechanical vario is pointless unless you don't
have any batteries at all. Even a battery to weak to operate a radio
still has enough power for a vario.

So, Herb: what features of the Westerboer make you like it better in
weak lift?

The biggest challenge we face on weak days is being lured into
unnecessary searching turns. If the best you are seeing is 1-2 knots
achieved and the top of lift is low, you are probably being
conservative, chasing a fast vario more than is advisable. Having a
fast audio and a slower "averaging" needle lets you more accurately
judge whether it's worthwhile to turn. The slow needle lets you
extrapolate core size (is it wide enough to climb in) and the fast
audio helps to guide your centering.

(Getting used to pushing on at very low altitudes is another thing
altogether.)

This can be a valuable edge in competition. It's unlikely you will
outclimb anyone by a factor of more than 1.25 on a strong, consistent
day. But on a weak, low, blue day, a patient pilot can easily outclimb
others by a factor of 2 or 3 (achieved) by avoiding fruitless searches
for lift.

A better weak lift vario?

Your ass ? No other instrument works better on weak days.