SKYDROP
T
he young manufacturer Sk yBe a n s e l l s i t s f a m o u s acoustic SkyBean vario (see photo further on in this edition), but they also have an ultralight GPS-vario, the Skydrop. The instrument only weighs 65 g and therefore lends itself perfectly to hike and fly usage. It is designed to be attached to a riser. The screen is really miniscule but it is back lit as soon as you press one of the three (non prominent) buttons. Its use has been well thought out. With a long click on the button in the middle you get into the menu which gives lots of options. Its amazing. There are several altimeters certain of which can be set by entering the QNH. It feels like being in a real aeroplane. Another example: there is an auto start function on the track log recorder, so that as long as the pilot hasn’t taken off, the vario doesn’t beep at take-off. Thank you. It’s a function which is becoming
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more and more widespread, but you don’t expect to see such finesse when you look at this mini instrument which is very mini at first glance. The beeps, once in the air are loud enough given that the instrument is attached to the riser. The reactivity is good. A buzzer function allows it to warn you of weak rising air on the edge of thermals. The Skydrop displays the ground speed in the air; calculation of the wind speed is expected soon. It is even possible to personalise the screens to a certain extent. Another astonishing detail: this instrument also has Bluetooth, so it can communicate with an XCSoar type smartphone application. We’re going to review this function, along with the new things which will have inevitably been added, in a future edition. The price of 199 € seems right for this unique instrument. www.skybean.eu
@FreeAeroMag
Technical data Size: 62 x 98 x 22 mm Weight : 65 g Energy : Li-Ion (USB rechargeable) Autonomy : 7.5h Price: 199 €