SØ vario is designed by you - pilots

For years, we listened

"We need a large, durable, readable screen" - We made it.

"We need loud sound" - We made it.

"We need long battery life" - We made it.

"We need simple operation" - We made it.

7 standard colors in 3D

neon green, orange, blue, yellow, black, red, pink (magenta)

If none of the standard colors suits you, we can produce the SØ vario in a custom color design - scroll down to learn more.

Click to visit the SØ vario online tools, manuals and update files

functions (v1.0.51 firmware)

• instant vario (accelerometer & gyro-based)

• adjustable barometric altimeter

• GPS speed, heading and altitude

• IGC tracklog

• BLE telemetry for Android and iPhone

• altitude above ground - worldwide terrain data preloaded

• wind calculation - speed & direction

• position-based thermal assistant with wind compensation

• glide ratio

• multiple screens - automatic switching when a thermal is detected

• portrait and landscape screen modes

• USB cable connection - Windows, macOS, Linux, Android

extra functions in the latest beta firmware (v1.99.44)

• multiple languages - EN, DE, FR, IT, ES, JP, CZ, PL and SK

• navigation - from a return to takeoff or a single waypoint up to competition with an optimized route

• 10 Hz IGC - suitable for speed flying or wingsuit flying

• IGC file download via Bluetooth

• Read/write USB mass storage connection to Android, Windows, macOS and Linux

• Shortcuts - e.g. an arrow keeping the selected heading for safety if you accidentally get sucked into a cloud

• Easy update method - drag & drop a single file, no DFU needed anymore

• Thermal assistant with manual and automatic zoom

• Max G, speed and altitude gain statistics

• Thermometer (inner sensor as part of barometer, so adjustment in calibration menu is needed)

• Many other improvements focused on user comfort

Note - You are welcome to install the latest beta firmware. It is stable and tested for the essentials, such as valid IGC files and no crashes. However, it is impossible to test every improvement in every combination, so minor bugs may appear. This is not alpha firmware; it is beta. We use it daily; we always have a vario in a pocket or on the car dashboard, switched on 24/7. If anything is not acceptable, it is easy to reinstall the latest production firmware. After update copy also the latest version of layouts and waypoint files. If interested to get vario powered by the latest beta FW - Let us know in order note, we will install it before shipping.

on the TODO list

• airspace display and warnings

NOT possible - no hardware on board (planned for the next generation)

• ADS-L, FANET, FLARM, OGN

• magnetic compass

• true airspeed probe (not just a calculation)

• external barometer probe for pressurized (submarine-type) harnesses

construction and specifications

• super durable, readable anti-glare 4.2” screen, 400 x 300 px

• 115 x 77 mm, only 16 mm thin, 150 g

• 60 h battery life (tested by X-Alps pilots in extreme conditions)

• 72-channel u-blox M10 GNSS receiver - GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou

• MS5611 - the world's best barometric sensor

• 3 nipple-shaped buttons

• USB-C - use ANY USB charger

• easily removable SD card

• 3D-printed enclosure - it's not a bug, it's a feature :)

some comments on our technical solutions

• Screen durability - the LCD is almost bulletproof. We have not yet seen a more durable screen in the paragliding industry. If you know of one, please let us know.

• Sun readability - We have not yet seen a more readable screen in the paragliding industry. If you know of one, please let us know.

• Barometer - Despite the many advanced functions of today's varios, the most basic one is still the most important: the barometric vario. That is why all our products use the world's best (and sadly expensive) Swiss-made MS5611 barometer. Next time you look at any vario, ask the manufacturer which baro sensor it uses. If it isn't the MS5611, ask why. Note - Our strato also uses the MS5611, just under a different name, as it is the waterproof version.

• GNSS receiver - A super fast and stable GNSS fix is powered by the M10 receiver from the Swiss company u-blox, combined with a large patch antenna. The car-tuning saying "There's no replacement for displacement" applies to GNSS antennas too. Modern chip ceramic antennas work, but large patch antennas perform far better. What antenna does your vario have?

• Buttons on the side - There is no reason to have buttons on the top surface. We are not unique; we were simply inspired by phone manufacturers. If you don't think this is the best solution, go tell Apple or Samsung ;)

• Power management - We use a smart charging circuit. Smart means it handles all USB standards and keeps your vario safe. In today's messy world, there are many USB charging protocols and standards, from basic old ones up to powerful PD. You don't need to think about whether this or that charger is safe. You don't need to worry about damaging your vario by not using a recommended charger. You can plug the vario into ANY charger.

• Sound volume - We use a piezo element for its low power consumption, driven by a special voltage booster. This combination is super energy-efficient, so the vario lasts a whole season* on a single charge, yet the sound can be really loud. We use level 1 or 2 out of 5 for flying.

• SD card - The SD card is accessible from outside. Although we do our best to spare you from handling the SD card, we chose this solution. There are so many SD card sizes, manufacturers and standards that we give you the freedom to use your favorite one if the original card is not to your liking.

*The vario's battery life is more than 60 hours, which is a whole season for most pilots. Please don't tell us you fly more - we would be jealous.

custom colors

If none of the standard color combinations suits you, we have a solution: design your own custom vario. There are six editable areas:

• Top LCD frame

• Middle area

• Bottom area

• Single button

• Double button

• Strap 

Here is an example of a custom design. When ordering, select the custom color option and paste the generated link into the order note. Alternatively, send it by email to info@skybean.eu and mention your order number. Production of custom designs takes up to 2 weeks.

3D-printed colors

Standard color combinations have a black body, with the top frame and buttons in the same color. We print all colors from ASA; only neon green and magenta are from PETG.

hard-shell case

Every SØ vario comes in a fancy hard-shell case, in the same style as SkyDrop and strato.