Full featured combined GPS vario
SkyDrop vario is a full featured combined GPS vario. By the way, with its 68g it is the lightest vario with display! SkyDrop is a middle class instrument, dedicated for wide range of pilots. Instead of long listing all the features, which would take many mouse scrolls, we can introduce several use cases. If interested, please find function list in Specification tab:
Physical parameters:
Features:
Every future feature will be available for free in software update, check current version here.
Package contains:
SkyDrop vario is small but powerful device offering wide range of functions. However we made it maximally intuitive, please read user manual and watch tutorial videos.
To display altitude above ground, you need to have terrain data loaded in your SkyDrop. We pre-load most flown areas during production. If you have an older device without pre-loaded terrain data, you can download this package here. If your area in not included, you can select and download terrain data and following how to guide. Red marked areas in map represent pre-loaded terrain dat.
SkyDrop vario has airspace violation warning functions. You can download airspace data here.
Web based online configurator is great support tool for SkyDrop, which has two main functions. The first, you can upgrade software in your vario and get new functions. The second, you can customize all settings options more comfortable way than directly on device. Even more, configurator allows you to set most advanced functions like custom acoustics, what is not accessible in vario menu.
If you decide to connect your SkyDrop with phone or tablet via Bluetooth, you can get very accurate barometric data in your flight computer app. We support XCTrack, XCSoar, FlyMe, LK8000, G_variometer and Paragliding Dashboard on Android devices. FlySkyHy, SkyLogger and SkyLoggerXXL are supported apps running on iOS. Please read user manual and watch tutorial videos if you want closer view to this topics.
If you find LCD screen of SkyDrop vario not working anymore or has some non-functional blocks (mostly whole rows), this is caused by mechanical damage of the screen. Even if there are no signs or cracks from outside, for sure there is broken part of LCD inside device. This damage can occur if too heavy force is applied to front side of vario. Please contact us via email to resolve this issue.
Very rarely pilots complain to non-functional GPS receiver. When vario was switched off for longer time or you traveled to another country, some time is needed to achieve 3D GPS fix. If vario still cannot catch it for more than 10 minutes, please go to menu>settings>GPS>status screen to see locked satellites. If there is 0/0 in upper right corner, vario has to be opened and repaired. Please contact us via email resolve this issue.
If you have issues with accelerometer or constant/crazy beeping it is possible that accelerometer is not properly calibrated. There are 2 possible solutions (We recommend the first option to get maximum from device): 1. Calibrate accelerometer, please follow instructions in the manual: Menu>settings>advanced>accelerometer or check out this instructional video. 2. Turn off motion sensors fusion with barometer: Uncheck Menu>Vario>Use accel checkbox
If there is something wrong with your SkyDrop, please leave us message at info@skybean.eu. Please don't send us vario for repair without previous consultation, because in many cases we can fix it by email, so don't waste your money and time if not necessary. If you anyway want send us broken vario without previous consultation, mark package value to 20€ if you are outside of EU.
Quick start video for the SkyDrop vario.
How to update firmware on your SkyDrop vario.
Tutorial how to setup bluetooth connection between SkyDrop and XCTrack
Tutorial how to setup bluetooth connection between SkyDrop and FlySkyHy
Tutorial how to setup bluetooth connection between SkyDrop and XCSoar
Tutorial how to setup bluetooth connection between SkyDrop and FlyMe
Tutorial how to setup bluetooth connection between SkyDrop and LK8000
Tutorial how to setup bluetooth connection between SkyDrop and SkyLogger
We played with SkyDrop's source code and this is the result. Reaction of vario is now instant (can be disabled in settings). Firmware build 4240 brings better implementation of Kalman filter - fusion of barometer and motion sensors (IMU).
Almost Perfect
+small<br /> +light<br /> +fully customisable screen<br /> +fully customisable sound ( I love it)<br /> +bluetooth connection<br /> +very fast shipping<br /> <br /> -battery life compared to Syride Nav ( even with double battery)<br /> -small and too close keys<br /> -mount ( vario's integrated velcro straps would be easier to use)<br /> -easier way to mute sound ( long press on left or right button)<br />
Sehr zufrieden
Super Gerät sofern man keine Kartendarstellungen "all in one" braucht. Konnektivität mit Handys und den diversen Flugapps erstklassig, ich benutze FlyMe. Kenne kein auch nur annähernd so kompaktes Vario mit so einem großen Funktionsumfang. Customizing der Funktionen erfordert ein Wenig Beschäftigung, das ist aber bei allen Geräten so. Service von Skybean im Problemfall hervorragend.
Very good equipment ....
Cool Vario
Nice Vario with cool functions
Great!
Ok, now I used for some time, and I can review it. I bought it in the winter, so I had to wait for spring, then we got great weather but Covid and lockdown. Then no more lockdown but we got some very very bad weather for some weeks. But after that we had some great days of flying. At first I flew only with the skydrop and it worked great. Then I wanted to connect to xctrack, and I got some issues and could not understand what was happening. I took off, and after about 15 minutes I was left with only the skydrop as the xctrack crashed or lost connection. I experienced this for several flights, 8-15, or even 25 minutes of flight with everything working and after that I could only use the skydrop. Even though it was loosing the connection, the skydrop kept working, the log was there but I had no more map and big screen. There were times when I was top landing just to fix the connection and take off again and I did not understand why this was happening. <br /> Last week I had an idea to try different bluetooth connection variants so I connected the skydrop to xctrack through the normal/standard bluetooth instead of the BLE. With the standard bluetooth connection everything works perfect with no connection issues. I still don`t know why with the BLE it keeps loosing the connection(might be the phone, I don`t know). Anyway, now I`m using it in standard bluetooth connection and it`s perfect(I think it consumes more power but I have the double battery so I don`t think that will be a problem). <br /> <br /> In conclusion: the skydrop is an awesome little piece of work, and I love it. A bigger, brighter screen would be great for readability, but I can see it well in flight even though characters are small on the screen.
