The most advanced SkyBean vario
It wasn't always, as we faced many technical problems. If you are interested, you can learn more in Support tab on the right tab from this Description.
Here is list of current functions, not future ones:
Other cool WiFi functions, what has Strato as the first vario ever. Works on PC as well as mobile phone. Via hotspot or local WiFi network.
Safety
Do you remember that strange feeling when you accidentally got sucked into cloud on your favourite XC highway during the “hammertag”? FLARM transmitter will notify glider pilots, keeping you from being smashed like a bug on the windshield, while the FANET transceiver will keep you aware about other paragliding pilots in proximity. Strato will also warn you about possible airspace violation and collision with power or lift lines.
Features:
Hardware spec:
Package contains:
Many pilots from pre-order campaign are/were disappointed due to slow software progress. Now we can proudly say that after facing many difficulties, the software is stable and keeps getting better with each update.
The true is that we underestimated so complex project (6cpu cores, sound coprocessor etc.) and its huge load for R&D, so we were too hurry with Strato release to public. Here we can explain more deeply why Strato had slow software progress.
We faced challenges due to problems in our storage system, which also affected the overall stability of the system. The major issue was faulty FAT file system (formerly used by computers). To solve this, we have decided to change the storage system from FAT to RED.
We can say that progress is fast, now preparing functions:
Q - Why Strato cannot be delivered to another than billing address if ordered as company?
A - We offer VAT free purchase, so we have to verify some company details. VAT number and billing address are the only data that we can get from international databases.
Q - Why I cannot pay through PayPal or credit card when ordering as company?
A - We didn't implement automatic VAT verification in our eshop, so we have to manually verify billing data. If you proceed payment through PayPal or credit card, invoice is generated automatically with VAT.
Q - Why has Strato small LCD?
A - Strato has 3" color transflective LCD (65 x 40 mm of active area). Transflective LCD reflect environment light back, so it needs much less energy to be visible in shiny space than transmissive LCD, what uses brute force method - more light coming from sun beets by more light (= energy) from battery. Therefore Strato LCD drains battery much less than classic transmissive LCD, so battery don't have to be brick size and weight. Transflective screens are not very common and has limited maximum size. Laptops also don't have 24" screens, but if you can connect one if you need to extend working area. The same with Strato - If you need to have larger screen, there are many cheap phones/tablets, what can serve as display extension. Strato can manage extended energy demands for these devices from external power bank as pass through device - read more in power management part.
Q - Are other FLARM aircrafts visible on Strato?
A - No, they are not. FLARM interface is transmitter only - it is called beacon, so you are visible for solid gliders and other ultralight aircrafts. This use case is negotiated by out FLARM/FANET modules provider (Skytraxx) and we believe that in paragliding application is most important to be seen, because you cannot do much if 200kph flying glider don't see you on its way. We would say it is similar like bicycle on the road. Of coarse, FANET network works in bidirectional data flow, so you can see other FANET devices around you.
Q - What is the range of FLARM on Strato?
A - Standard answer like "up to 100km" would be theoretical correct, but useless in practice. We placed a goal 5 km as satisfactory. It came from theory - How far ahead you need to know about gas station while driving 200 kph on highway (in unlimited speed region in Germany of coarse :) We found it similar to fast moving aircraft around you. Therefore we tested Strato's FANET range in the worst possible conditions - flying PPG, inside cloud, freezing temperature, one device grounded - and range was around 15 kilometers. Another nice weather day, range was more than 40 km, but we assume nobody cares about nice conditions use case.
Q - Is possible to connect an eReader via USB and an IPhone via Bluetooth (Flyskyhy) to share telemetry data to both devices simultaneously?
A - Yes, it is possible. Bluetooth connection is working. The USB data is OTG in not active for now, it will act as virtual serial port for eReader. Then the Bluetooth connection can be used for XCtrack , Flyskyhy and other apps.
Q - Is battery in Strato exchangeable?
A - Strato is equipped with Li-Poly rechargeable battery (single cell 5000 mAh), which is installed permanently inside casing, attached with adhesive tape to back cover and connected to main electronic board with connector. Therefore is it not impossible to change it, just little skills are needed. We would compare this procedure to mobile phone battery replacement. Easy for somebody, but difficult for another person.
Q - The speaker is completely unprotected! Do you plan on placing some sort of grill/protection over it or is it really going to stay that way? Large uncovered speaker seems to be weak element of Strato. It looks like big button, just press it. Is there any speaker protection?
A - Speaker is one of dominant components, so we left it unprotected. We tested many types of speakers and we found this one to be very durable. It can play nice range of sound, even very good lows. Its mechanical construction is not flat. Overall 16mm height works not only as high quality audio transducer, but it also brings advantage of "deep" design, where active membrane is drowned 5mm below case surface. This speaker is also IP67 waterproof! Please watch this video if you have any doubts about speaker durability https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T20MyZYOG0
Q - What kind of widgets and pages are available? What kind of different screen setups?
A - The first layer of setup is preset profile, where you will choose whole set of stored settings. Profiles can be named e.g. XC, Comp, PPG, Basic, Advanced etc. The second layer are pages/screens, what can also have custom names, e.g. thermalling, gliding, FAI triangle or acro. The last layer are particular widgets, what can be specific size and position.
Q - Can you please tell me if Strato will support competition task?
A - Of course, like any other high class devices, Strato is designed for competition flying. There will be all standard functions and widgets.
Q - Can you tell me something about how responsive it will be compared to current varios, e.g. XCtracer?
A - Strato is equipped with the best possible sensor set and their software fusion results into instant vario response function. Of course, Strato is not worse than its little brother SkyDrop, which has this function also implemented. We wouldn't judge comparison with XCtracer, as we are in conflict of interests and also Koni is our friend :) but you can maybe find some independent videos on YouTube.
Q - What kind of features in airspace update and airspace warning?
A - There is detailed map on color screen of Strato, so airspaces can be presented there in very practical way. In a similar way like on XCtrack app. There are planned also obstacle warning, particularly wires (not only for PPG pilots).
Q - Would the Strato be able to connect via Bluetooth to Flyskyhy app on iOS like the Skydrop?
A - Of course, there won't be any downgrade from SkyDrop functions. Strato's bluetooth interface allows much more - bidirectional sound transfer or camera remote functions.
Q - Will be any mount (strap for the leg or mount for the riser) included? Would it be possible to mount to tandem risers? Does it have safety cord?
A - Of course, there is safety strap attachment point, little (5mm) passthrough hole, like mobile phones have 5-8 years ago, just larger one. Back of Strato is flat, there is surface for cockpit Velcro mount. We plan to design some kind of riser mount, as we believe it is much better than leg mount. This topic is not closed for now.
Q - What to do if I broke Strato display?
A - In case you have broken LCD due to mechanical damage, we can repair it for 100€. The display is permanently attached to the front cover along with other components, therefore it has to be exchanged as a whole assembly. Please write us to info@skybean.eu before you will send the vario for repair. We won't accept any requests without previous consultation.
good HW, alpha stage FW
Very solid innovative HW. I got it because of the big speaker and color display. Hassle free playing music, using as a power bank and simultaneously using as a vario with very nice sounds. At the time of writing this review, many functions are still incomplete in the FW. The stuff that's implemented works quite well, also it's open source. At this stage it's good for novice pilots, tech enthusiast and those guys playing music at the takeoff. Firmware update process is simple: drag and drop a file. This will be a next level vario so I'm glad I can be a part of the process. Don't expect polished and complete software at this time.
Firmware 261
konnte ich nur am Rechner direkt aufspielen, OTA hat es weiterhin nichts funktioniert. Jetzt nach Wechsel der Fritz!box funktioniert auch die OTA-Firmware-Abfrage-Juhu!.<br /> Als BT-Lautsprecher ist das Strato noch nicht verwendbar da die Lautstärke am iPhone anscheinend maximal und nicht regelbar ist. <br /> Mit FlySkyHy lässt sich das Gerät als "Anderes Bluetooth-Vario" verbinden, ob es so zuverlässig funktioniert konnte ich noch nicht prüfen. <br /> Das manuelle Aufspielen der Karten ist machbar, sollte das FW-Update OTA mal funktionieren sollte das vielleicht ebenfalls über das WLAN realisierbar sein.<br /> <br /> <br /> Wichtig: Das WLAN-Passwort ist auf dem Gerät im Klartext gespeichert, also vielleicht wenn vorhanden über das Gast-WLAN verbinden.
Fein, aber die Firmware...
Die Größe ist m.E. völlig ausreichend. Der Tastendruck ist gut. Der Sound ist gut. Das Gerät liegt gut in der Hand. Eine Taschenlampe kann genutzt werden. Die Powerbankfunktion klappt gut. Leider gibt es nur ein sehr minimalistisches Handbuch und die Firmware ist noch wenig ausgereift. Eine Karte, wie auf den Fotos, kann man noch nicht anzeigen lassen. Ich bin gespannt, wie und wann es mit den Updates weitergeht. Der Vorgang eines Updates erscheint mir auch noch ziemlich tricky. Aktuell brauche ich das Vario noch nicht, mein Handy nebst kleinem Skybean reicht, solange kein Update am Start ist.<br /> Puh, jetzt hab ich relativ viel gemosert. Insgesamt macht das Strato einen sehr wertigen Eindruck und ich freue mich, wenn es voran geht!!!
The most advanced SkyBean vario
