the small and powerful tek vario/altimeter with accelerometer

The small and powerful TEK Vario/Altimeter with accelerometer

Description and operating instructions

2.1. Technical data .............................................................................................................................................. 4 2.2. Measurements .............................................................................................................................................. 5

3.1. Installation..................................................................................................................................................... 6 3.2. Meanings of the LED. ................................................................................................................................... 6 3.3. Basic settings ............................................................................................................................................... 6 3.4. Telemetry selection without PC. .................................................................................................................. 7 3.5. Telemetry alarms .......................................................................................................................................... 7 3.6. Vario .............................................................................................................................................................. 8 3.7. Speed measuring via TEK nozzle ................................................................................................................ 8 3.8. TEK port ........................................................................................................................................................ 8 3.9. Vario output via telemetry ............................................................................................................................ 9

4.1. Connection as telemetry sensor ................................................................................................................ 10 4.2. Using the receiver channel ........................................................................................................................ 10

6.1. Jeti Duplex .................................................................................................................................................. 13 6.2. Multiplex M-link ........................................................................................................................................... 15 6.3. Graupner HoTT .......................................................................................................................................... 16 6.4. Futaba S.BUS2........................................................................................................................................... 18 6.5. JR Propo DMSS ......................................................................................................................................... 20 6.6. FrSky ........................................................................................................................................................... 21 6.7. Spektrum .................................................................................................................................................... 23 6.8. PowerBox Core P2Bus .............................................................................................................................. 25

7.1. Connecting the MicroVario to the PC. ...................................................................................................... 27 7.2. Settings ....................................................................................................................................................... 28 7.3. Firmware update of the MicroVario............................................................................................................ 29 7.4. Live access to the MicroVario .................................................................................................................... 30

© 2020 SM Manual MicroVario v1.03 English

2. Description of the MicroVario ....................................................................................................................... 4

8. Version history............................................................................................................................................. 31

3. Operation of the MicroVario .......................................................................................................................... 6

4. Anschluss ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

7. The “SM MicroVario Tool” software .......................................................................................................... 27

6. Telemetry operation .................................................................................................................................... 13 5. Using the UniDisplay ................................................................................................................................... 11

1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 3

1. Introduction

The provides a high-quality Vario with a built-in high-resolution pressure sensor via telemetry and allows the use of compensation nozzles with the integrated TEK port. This provides a Vario function that indicates true climb and sink accurately, independent of “stick thermals”. For an exact altitude measurement even when operating with TEK nozzle, a second pressure sensor is built in, which provides correct altitude data independent of the speed.

The built-in 3-axis accelerometer with a measuring range of up to 16 g provides information about the loads in flight.

All measured values of the can be directly viewed live via our UniDisplay. All settings and alarms can be conveniently programmed via the display also.

In line with our philosophy of supporting as many systems as possible, the also supports the telemetry of:

Jeti Duplex EX

Multiplex M-Link

Graupner HoTT

Robbe/Futaba FASSTest S.BUS2

JR DMSS

FrSky

Spektrum (via Spektrum adapter)

PowerBox P2Bus

The telemetry protocol used must only be specified once in the settings. This is done either via our PC program “SM MicroVario Tool”, radio system or with the UniDisplay. Graupner HoTT is selected by default.

2. Description of the MicroVario ■ High resolution Vario with TEK port ■ Altitude measuring with second pressure sensor with automatic reset after switching on ■ Integrated 3 axes accelerometer up to +- 16 g ■ Full telemetry support for Jeti Duplex (EX), Multiplex M-Link, Graupner HoTT, Futaba FASSTest S.BUS2, JR

DMSS, FrSky, Spektrum and PowerBox Core ■ Receiver remote control of certain functions

■ Measurement of receiver battery voltage ■ Current selected protocol status is signaled via LED ■ Direct viewing of the measured values live via our optional UniDisplay module

■ Parameter settings can be set via PC, UniDisplay module or radio

■ Free firmware updates via PC with our USB-Interface (Order-No. SM2550) or with existing USB connection cables as from Jeti, Multiplex or Graupner

■ Due to its compact size and light weight, the MicroVario can be used almost anywhere

2.1. Technical data

Vario resolution: 0.01 m/s Vario noise: typ. less than 0.02 m/s (Vario filter on medium) Altitude measurement resolution: 0.1 m Accelerometer: 3 axes up to 16 g Power supply: 3.6V - 8.5V

Power consumption: approx. 24 mA Connections: 1 x connector for telemetry and power supply (“Link”)

1 x connector for controlling additional functions COM port for UniDisplay and firmware updates Port for TEK nozzle

Dimensions: 26 x 12 x 7 mm 33 x 12 x 7 (witch connector)

Weight: 1.8 g without cable / 5.4 g with 30 cm cable

2.2. Measurements

The MicroVario can record the following measurements depending on the telemetry used. However, only parts of them may be available on the radio depending on manufacture implementation.

Description Unit Content Vario m/s • Vario amount from barometric Vario sensor Altitude m • Altitude above starting point Altitude gain m • Altitude change of the last 10 seconds, is recalculated every second; with this, a

tendency can be recognized during thermal circling. Speed km/h -mp/h • Air speed when using a TEK nozzle Acc. X / Y / Z g • Acceleration in 3 axes each max. +- 16 g RX voltage V • Voltage at supply input “Link” RX channel us • Remote control for switching between min / live / and max values

Air pressure hPa • Air pressure measurement of the barometric sensor

3.1. Installation

Due to the low weight and compact design, installation is simple. Mounting with Velcro tape on a surface is sufficient.

Position of the three acceleration sensors

The Z-axis always points down when the MicroVario text points upwards. The orientation of the X and Y axis depends on the installation direction.

3.2. Meanings of the LED

The has a red status LED.

During operation, you can observe the following signals:

■ LED blinks in the first 5 seconds after switching on ready for manual setting of the telemetry used, see chapter 3.4 Telemetry selection without PC

■ LED blinks according to the currently selected telemetry system, see chapter 3.4 Telemetry selection without PC Normal state

3.3. Basic settings

The settings of the can be made with a PC or laptop, our software “SM MicroVario Tool”, with the UniDisplay module, or via the Jeti and HoTT telemetry link.

The following settings are important so that the can measure correctly:

■ “Telemetry selection” specifies the telemetry system used.

■ “Fixed serial number” in order to change between the Jeti or Futaba sensors

■ “Vario threshold” Specifies the response thresholds for the Vario signal via telemetry. Only if the climb / descent is greater than the threshold, a Vario tone is generated by telemetry.

■ “Vario sound” determines whether the Vario is active during climb, descent, or both. Here the Vario sound can also be switched off completely.

■ “Vario factor” determines with which factor the values from the Vario are multiplied for the telemetry. Normally it is 1.0 so that the real m/s are also displayed on the telemetry. In special cases, however, a factor greater than 1 can be used to make the sound output of the telemetry more sensitive if the radio itself does not allow such a setting.

3. Operation of the MicroVario

■ “Vario filter” allows an adjustment of the response speed of the Vario "slow" corresponds approximately to the previous evaluation, "medium" and "fast" are correspondingly faster. But faster at the same time always means a more unsteady signal of the Vario.

■ “Altitude soft zeros” keeps the altitude measurement at 0 m as long as the model is still on the ground. This suppresses a drift of the sensor, but also a change of the air pressure. The altitude measurement on the ground always remains at 0 m.

The detection if the model is on the ground is done by the Vario. In some cases, this standstill detection is also activated in the air (extremely smooth flight on a slope), in which case the automatic zero setting of the altitude can be switched off here.

3.4. Telemetry selection without PC

In addition to the PC software and the UniDisplay module there is an additional possibility to change the selection of the used telemetry system directly from your radio:

■ To do this, connect the to the receiver as described in chapter 4.1. The three-pin telemetry cable is connected to the telemetry input of the receiver, the optional RX cable is connected to a free channel output on your receiver

■ At the radio, an encoder (switch or stick) is defined for the selected channel.

■ In the first five seconds after powering the on, while the LED is blinking, the encoder is toggled/moved on the radio back and forth at least 3 times.

■ The LED then turns off briefly following by a sequence of blinks that are repeated three times before moving to the next sequence:

■ Futaba ■ JR DMSS

1 x LED, Pause

2 x LED, Pause ■ HoTT Vario 3 x LED, Pause ■ Jeti EX 4 x LED, Pause

■ M-Link 5 x LED, Pause ■ FrSky 6 x LED, Pause ■ Spektrum 7 x LED, Pause ■ Powerbox P2Bus 8 x LED, Pause ■ HoTT GAM 9 x LED, Pause

■ When the desired sequence has been observed, the encoder is toggled/moved two more times for confirming the current LED blinking sequence. the LED turns on and the new selection is saved.

If you switch off the power supply beforehand, no change is made.

3.5. Telemetry alarms

These alarms are output via the connected telemetry at the radio. Depending on the system, a beeping sound is emitted and/or a warning is given via voice output .

■ “Altitude” The alarm is activated as soon as the set altitude is exceeded. After 20 seconds, the alarm is automatically cleared and is not activated again until the altitude is exceeded again.

■ “Speed min and max” The alarm is active as long as the set speed is exceeded or undershot.

■ “Rx voltage” For monitoring the receiver voltagey. The alarm is active as long as the voltage falls below the set threshold.

3.6. Vario

The has a high-resolution Vario sensor with TEK connection.

TEK = Total Energy Kompensation

TEK Nozzle = Nozzle on the aircraft with hose connection to the Vario, usually mounted in front of the vertical stabilizer

3.7. Speed measurement via TEK nozzle

Starting with firmware v1.03, the can also measure the speed. The only prerequisite for this is a connected TEK nozzle.

The true air speed is calculated from the pressure at the TEK nozzle and reported via telemetry.

The measurement has a very wide measuring range, which goes beyond our model building speeds (>1000 km/h). Nevertheless, the measurement accuracy and stability is very high. The measurement error depends primarily only on the quality of the TEK nozzle. If this compensates 100% like our Brunswick-type nozzles, then the measurement error is minimal.

TEK Vario and speed are measured with a single nozzle without additional modules or sensors!

3.8. TEK port

TEK in simplified terms means, the suppression of the "control stick thermals" by taking into accounts the movement of the model. This is achieved by connecting a TEK nozzle to the Vario sensor.

For slow models flying at constant speed, the simple Vario without TEK is often sufficient. Here the errors caused by controlled altitude changes are not so great and you can already clearly see the thermals through the Vario. The cleaner you fly and the lower the speed changes, the better the Vario works without a TEK nozzle.

However, with dynamic models or even with less than perfect flying style, there are always Vario outputs that do not show the true ascent and descent of the model, but only a controlled speed or altitude change, the "control stick thermals". In fact, the only thing of interest in the thermal search is whether you are flying in ascending, descending or neutral air mass as independently as possible of how the aircraft is currently moving.

This exact behavior can be achieved by using a TEK nozzle on the variometer. This nozzle generates a negative pressure dependent on the airspeed and thus simulates a climb with increasing airspeed which compensates for the loss of altitude. The altitude is reduced and the Vario without TEK would indicate sinking. The TEK nozzle compensates for this by displaying a climb for the increasing airspeed when pressure is applied. The conversion of altitude (potential energy) into speed (kinetic energy) is therefore no longer incorrectly interpreted as sinking or climbing with the TEK nozzle.

The Vario can be operated both with and without a TEK nozzle. Without the nozzle, the TEK connection simply remains free and measures the ambient pressure.

Speed measurement is only possible with the TEK nozzle connected.

P/N SM2780 1

Ideally, with full compensation, the Vario will always show the current intrinsic sink rate of the aircraft in completely still air. Of course, this is not a constant value, but depends on speed, lift and other factors. The has a TEK connector at the front. The hose of the TEK nozzle is simply attached to this. In principle, all types of TEK nozzles can be used here, including the well-known Nicks nozzle or the Brunswick nozzle. The nozzles differ in their sensitivity to shift and angle of inflow and in the possible compensation factor. We have a TEK nozzle based on the Braunschweig nozzle design in our range. This is very insensitive to the angle of inflow and allows full compensation. In addition, the compensation can be easily adjusted. You can find more details about our nozzle on our homepage.

P/N. SM2781 straight version

3.9. Vario output via telemetry

The tone generation of the Vario (with the exception of the older Jeti telemetry without EX) is always done in the telemetry radio or the telemetry box. The Vario amount in m/s transmitted by the is used for this purpose. However, not all radios allow a setting of the audio output to blank out certain ranges or to adjust the sensitivity of the acoustic output.

Therefore, the has the following setting options, which influence the transmission of the Vario value for all telemetries:

■ “Vario threshold” specifies the response thresholds for the Vario signal via telemetry. Only if the rise / fall is greater than the threshold, the Vario value is transmitted and a Vario tone is generated via telemetry. Below the threshold, the value 0.0 m/s is transmitted.

■ “Vario sound” determines whether the Vario is active during rise / sink or both Here the Vario sound can also be switched off completely.

■ “Vario factor” determines with which factor the values from the Vario are multiplied for the telemetry Normally 1.0 is set here, so that the real m/s are also displayed on the telemetry. In special cases, however, a factor greater than 1 can be used to make the sound output of the telemetry more sensitive, if the radio itself does not allow such a setting. However, one must accept that the displayed and recorded Vario value in the radio does not correspond to reality.

■ “Vario filter”enables an adjustment of the response speed of the Vario “slow” corresponds approximately to the previous evaluation, “medium” and “fast” are correspondingly faster. But faster at the same time always means a more unsteady signal of the Vario

Example:

■ “Vario Threshold Rise” is set to 0.5 m/s, “Vario threshold sink” is set to -1.0 m/s ■ “Vario sound” is set to “up” if the model rises faster than 0.5 m/s, the value is transmitted if the model rises or sinks more slowly, 0 is transmitted at the Vario

If the Vario value is always to be transmitted, the “Vario thresholds” must be set to 0.0 m/s and “Vario sound” to “up / down”.

4.1. Connection as telemetry sensor

The is connected directly to the telemetry port using the three-pin cable with blue plug.

The separate orange cable with only one lead can optionally be connected to a free receiver channel, see 4.2.

For Graupner HoTT, M-Link, Futaba S.BUS2, JR DMSS, FrSky, Spektrum and PowerBox Core, other sensors are also connected directly via Y-cables. With Jeti Duplex, additional sensors are operated via the Expander E4 or plugged into separate telemetry inputs of the receiver.

4.2. Using the receiver channel

Optionally, the can be controlled remotely with a free receiver channel depending on the option selected for “Rx control”. For this purpose, a second connection is required between the desired free receiver channel and the single orange line on the telemetry cable of the .

If none of these options are used, the single receiver port of the can simply remain free.

4.2.1. Switch min and max limits via receiver channel

The option “Rx control = Min/Live/Max” is used to switch between the transmission of real-time, min and max values via telemetry. This allows you to read for example the maximum altitude after the flight even with telemetries that do not record max values in the radio.

On the radio, a 3-position switch is configured which switches between the following parameters:

- 100 % for the minimum values (switching point < 1.3 ms servo pulse width)

0 % for the live data

+ 100 % for the maximum values (switching point > 1.7 ms servo pulse width)

4. Connections

During operation, the minimum and maximum values can be reset by quickly switching the 3-position switch on the radio back and forth three times.

5. Using the UniDisplay

The UniDisplay module and can be connected with the cable supplied with the display. The plug-in location is marked “COM” on the . The display is supplied with power from the

. The must be supplied with power either via a connected receiver or directly with a receiver battery.

Menu:

After switching on, the menu is activated first. With the “Plus” and “Minus” keys the menu items can be selected, with “Enter” the corresponding item can be selected.

Live data display:

■ “Minus” switches between live / MIN / MAX data.

■ “Esc” switches back to the menu. In the upper right corner, the time elapsed since switching on is displayed. Under “Vario” is the internal temperature and next to it the air pressure. Below this are the three acceleration values X | Y | Z

Setup:

Here appears the menu for all settings of the .

The second line additionally displays the firmware version of the and the serial number.

Depending on the telemetry used, there is another menu item 3 for telemetry specific settings.

Screens settings:

Here are the settings of the summarized.

With the “Plus” and “Minus” keys the menu items can be selected, with “Enter” the corresponding item can be selected. The arrow then becomes a point, and the selected figure can be changed with “Plus” and “Minus”. Pressing “Esc” or “Enter” saves the change. For the

individual points, see also 3.3.

MicroVario-alarms:

The alarms that can be set here apply to all telemetry versions. Depending on the telemetry, alarms can also be set directly on the radio. Please refer to the notes for the individual telemetry systems.

If the arrow is on the left and the corresponding menu item is activated with “Enter”, the limit of the alarm can be changed.

If the arrow is moved to the right with “Plus” or “Minus” and the menu item is activated with “Enter”, the corresponding alarm can be activated (“+”) or deactivated (“-“) with “Plus” or “Minus”.

M-Link addresses:

For the measurements of the that can be transmitted via M-Link, addresses can be assigned here for display on the Multiplex radio. Each address may only be assigned once for all connected M-Link sensors including the values from the M-Link receiver. If multiple addresses are assigned, the bus system will no longer function.

If a measurement is not to be sent, “—“ must be selected as the address. This address value comes after the highest permissible address 15.

Jeti EX data:

Here, all measurements for transmission to the Jeti radio or JetiBox Profi can be selected individually. Fewer measurements mean a faster transmission. So you can hide data you do not need here.

Spektrum Init:

The address defines the assignment in the Spektrum adapter. Here it is only important that with several SM telemetry sensors at the Spektrum adapter no address is given twice. Normally the default setting is OK.

All Spektrum sensors supported and operated by the can be selected or deselected individually. Each sensor type may only occur once.

Futaba Init:

Here you can activate the compatibility mode for the Robbe Telemetry Box.

The supports telemetry from Jeti Duplex (EX), Multiplex M-Link, Graupner HoTT, Robbe/ Futaba FASSTest S.BUS2, JR Propo DMSS, FrSky, Spektrum and PowerBox Core.

Telemetry operation is similar for all usable remote control systems: Live data is displayed on the radio or an external display, with Jeti Duplex and HoTT the can also be operated from the radio. If the system has a voice output, then this is also supported by the . The alarm output depends on the telemetry. In some systems the generates the alarm, in others the thresholds are set directly on the radio. Please observe the notes on this in the following.

6.1. Jeti Duplex

The is a full-fledged telemetry sensor for Jeti Duplex 2.4 GHz systems. All measured values can be transmitted live to the ground and displayed on the Jeti radio. The Jeti Expander E4 for connecting up to 4 sensors is also supported.

The connection to the Jeti Duplex receiver is made directly with the supplied patch cable between the “Link” slot on the and the “ext.” slot on the Jeti Duplex receiver. With the new REX receivers, it must be ensured that the telemetry slot is configured to “JETIBOX/Sensor” or, in the case of the central boxes, to “Telemetry input”. This setting can be made from the radio in the device overview.

6.1.1. EX Telemetry with the Jeti Transmitters and the JetiBox Profi

The transmits the data via Jeti's EX telemetry to the DC/DS-14/16/24 radios and to the JetiBox Profi. On the radio, the display contents, voice outputs and alarms can be defined from these values. Via the built-in emulation of the JetiBox display, the can also be operated and set from the radio as described below.

The following measured values are displayed in Jeti EX mode. The data can be selected individually via the PC program or the UniDisplay. The Jeti radios can receive a maximum of 32 results at the same time. When operating with an expander or to increase the transmission rate, unimportant data can be hidden here.

■ VarioTEK ■ Altitude ■ Altitude gain ■ Rx voltage ■ Air pressure

■ Internal temperature ■ Acceleration X, Y

and Z ■ Servo pulse ■ Vario ■ Speed

6. Telemetry operation

If a MicroVario is exchanged for another one, the telemetry values in the DC/DS- 14/16/24 or the Profi Box must be read in again. Each MicroVario has its own serial number and the Jeti EX system distinguishes the individual devices with it.

If the MicroVario is to be exchanged, however, the “fixed serial number” option can be switched on. Each MicroVario then sends the serial number 12678 and the devices can be exchanged with each other.

6.1.2. Operating the MicroVario with the JetiBox

At the JetiBox, after startup, there is a change from Tx via Rx to Mx for the connected sensors.

A push of the button changes to the . During initialization, the start screen appears, then the measurement data is displayed.

As soon as the first screen with measurement data appears, the and keys can be used to switch through the Various data pages.

In the first position, an abbreviation appears in alternation for the currently active data page or the status of the :

first data page, the others follow with B, C, etc. Maximum values are displayed

Timing runs Minimum values are displayed

Pressing the key switches to the settings. Again, the and keys are used to scroll through the different pages and select the desired point.

The selected value can then be changed with another press of the key (Keys and ).

Pressing and at the same time turns the alarm ON or OFF.

6.1.3. Alarms

When operating via the Jeti radio modules and displaying the data via the JetiBox, all alarms and Vario sounds are generated directly by the . All settings for these are therefore made on the .

Jeti radios and JetiBox Profi can generate alarms and Vario tones in Jeti EX mode. These are then preset in the radio or in the box. Alarms which are set in the will be output additionally.

A simultaneous long press on the and keys switches between the display of the live/ MAX/ MIN values.

Changed settings are only saved when you switch back to the selection level using .

6.2. Multiplex M-Link

The is also a full-fledged telemetry sensor for Multiplex M-Link 2.4 GHz systems. The measured data of the can be transmitted live to the ground and displayed directly on the Multiplex RoyalPro or COCKPIT SX radio.

The connection to the M-Link receiver is made directly with the supplied connection cable as described in section 4.1.

On the ground, data is displayed directly on the Multiplex RoyalPro or COCKPIT SX radio.

The settings for the telemetry are made either with the UniDisplay (see also chapter 5) or with our “SM MicroVario Tool” software on the PC. The addresses for the display on the Multiplex remote control (line in which the respective value is displayed) can be freely selected here.

6.2.1. Alarms

With M-Link, all alarms are generated directly by the . Therefore, all settings for this are made on the .

6.3. Graupner HoTT

The is also a full-fledged telemetry sensor for the Graupner HoTT 2.4 GHz system. The measured data can be transmitted live to the ground and shown directly on the display of the Graupner HoTT radio.

The connection to the HoTT receiver is made with the supplied patch cable between the slot on the and “T” on the back of the receiver (GR-16, GR-24, GR-32, GR-18) or on the channel 5 port (GR-12, GR-12L, Falcon 12).

6.3.1. Alarms

The supports both the text mode of the HoTT system and the digital mode. In both modes, all adjustable alarms of the are indicated via the radio by beeping or voice output.

6.3.2. Vario

The Graupner HoTT radios fade out the range from -0.5 m/s to 0 m/s in the sound output. In order to still have a continuous Vario tone, the skips this range. For a more sensitive response of the acoustic output, a “Vario Factor” of 2 to 4 can be set in the settings menu at the Graupner HoTT settings. The result is a good resolution acoustic output without a blanks around the zero point.

6.3.3. Text mode

To can be set over the telemetry menu selecting the “Settings and Data View” menu. You can navigate between the different menus and options using the keypad keys of the radio. The will be registered and listed as a “Vario” module. Pressing or tapping the right key/button takes you from the receiver data to the text display of the .

Follow the instruction of your Graupner radio model as to how to navigate using the keys or buttons on the radio.

The menu structure and content are identical to the screens and menus of the UniDisplay module see also chapter 5.

Alarms can also be set the same way as in the settins menu which are then communicated by the radio beeping or with voice notifications.

Please note that when using a Graupner mz-16 or mz-32 radio system alarms are set directly on the radio.

Setting & Data View Menu

6.3.4. Digital mode

The sends the data in the “Vario” module format so that the radio can display the values in the corresponding screens. On the mc and mx radio you can access the telemetry screens with the “left” and “right” keys on the left touchpad. On the mz-18/24 radio you will tap the telemetry button on the bottom right and navigate between the various telemetry screens. The mz-16 and mz-32 radios telemetry data will show on any of the six available decks which you can design yourself based on personal preferences and requirements.

Some values are assigned differently by the :

■ Vario in m/3s: shows the value “altitude gain”, the difference in altitude in the last 10 seconds

To display the speed when using a TEK nozzle, the Micro-Vario must be configured as a GAM module with HoTT. Only here the value “Speed” exists and can also be indicated by the radio.

Telemetry menu on mc/mx and mz-12 radios

Telemetry widgets on mz-16 and mz-32 radios

Real-Time Vario menu on mz-16 and mz-32 radios

6.4. Futaba S.BUS2

Additionally, the can be used as S.BUS2 sensor with the Robbe/Futaba telemetry FASSTest. The is connected to the S.BUS2 slot of the receiver like any other sensor.

6.4.1. Registration at the radio

In order to use the with the S.BUS2, it must first be registered with the sensor, like all S.BUS2 sensors. To do this, connect the “Link” connector of the to the “S.I/F” socket on the radio. Some radios like the T14SG do not provide a power supply at this socket, then the must be supplied with a separate battery via a Y-cable.

However, the currently occupies six Robbe/Futaba sensor values to be able to display all measured data. Some measured data can not be displayed with the correct unit, here you have to remember the assignment with the T14SG. With the T18MZ you can rename the sensors and thus make the assignment more understandable.

Using the T14SG as an example, here are the individual steps for registration:

When the is connected to the radio and supplied with power, the item “Registration” is called up in the sensor menu. This registers the sensor in the radio and assigns free slots. The sensor and the radio save this assignment. It is absolutely necessary to click “Registration”! “Read again”. The other options do not register the correctly!

When the registration of all sensors is finished, the sensor list looks like this:

With the S.BUS2, servo data and sensor values can be connected on the same data line. However, since the servo data is much more important than the sensor data, we strongly recommend a strict separation. All servos are connected to the S.BUS1 port of the receiver, all sensors to the S.- BUS2. This way, a sensor can never interfere with the data for the servos, even in the event of a malfunction. If the MicroVario is nevertheless to be operated together with the servos at the S.BUS2, a connection cable (order no. 9110) between MicroVario and S.BUS2 is mandatory! This also decouples the sensor from the bus to such an extent that an influence on the servo data is impossible.

In order to be able to display all values, the menu item "Registration" must be called up six times in succession on the radio. The registration is completed when the message "Sensor already present" appears.

8 slots are occupied by seven sensors through the :

Registration Sensor name Slots ID (fixed serial number)

Value displayed by the MicroVario

1 Vario 1672 2 12678 Altitude 123 m Vario 1.81 m/s

2 TEMP125 1 12679 Acceleration X 100 °C = 1.00 g

3 TEMP125 1 12680 Acceleration Y 100 °C = 1.00 g

4 TEMP125 1 12681 Acceleration Z 100 °C = 1.00 g

5 TEMP125 1 12682 Altitude gain 7 °C = 7 m

6 TEMP125 1 12683 Reception quality of the receiver data in the levels 25/50/75/100

7 SPEED-1677 1 12684 Speed 123 km/h

Now you can connect the to the receiver and call up the telemetry display of the radio.

Here again using the example of T14SG:

6.4.2. Alarms

In principle, with S.BUS2 the alarms are defined in the radio. The has no possibility to trigger an alarm directly at the radio.

6.5. JR Propo DMSS

The can also be used with the JR Propo DMSS telemetry. The is connected to the sensor slot of the receiver like any other sensor and transmits the following data:

■ Air pressure, altitude, Vario (Sensor address 0x03 “Pressure / Altitude”)

No further sensors occupying the same addresses can be connected. For the free addresses, additional sensors can simply be plugged in parallel to the at the receiver using a Y-cable.

The connection was tested with the XG8 radio, firmware version 0001-0017 and the RG831B receiver.

6.5.1. Display on radio

All data can be displayed directly, the order on the display is freely selectable.

6.5.2. Alarms

In principle, with JR DMSS the alarms are defined in the radio. The has no possibility to trigger an alarm directly at the radio. All alarm thresholds and the Vario sound generation are therefore predefined in the radio.

6.6. FrSky

For FrSky telemetry all receivers with “S.Port” connector are supported. The receiver must be bound for telemetry operation in D16 model.

The telemetry works with FrSky radios with FrOS as well as with all radios with OpenTx.

The is connected to the sensor slot of the receiver like any other sensor and transmits the following data:

■ Altitude “Alt”

■ Vario “VSpd”

■ Acceleration “AccX” “AccY” “AccZ”

■ Altitude gain address 0x0880 in meters

■ Vario address 0x08B0

■ Speed “ASpd”, Unit can be changed in the radio from kts to km/h or m/s

The sensor address (ID) of the in the FrSky system can be freely selected in the settings. No other sensors occupying the same addresses can be connected. For the free addresses, additional sensors are simply plugged into the receiver with a Y-cable parallel to the .

6.6.1. Registration at the radio

After connecting the to the S.Port of the receiver, the list of sensors is queried under “Telemetry” on the radio with “Start sensor search”.

These can then be renamed and are available for all OpenTx functions such as voice output, alarm display, etc.

This Vario with address 0x08B0 has 0.01 m/s resolution. The following settings are necessary for correct display: - “Unit” = m/s - “Precision” = 0.00 - “Conversion” = 1.0

This value should then be used as the source for the Vario, because it allows finer tonal gradation due to the higher resolution.

6.6.2. Display on radio

All values can be displayed directly and the order on the display is freely selectable.

Here the sensors with free address have already been given meaningful names, e.g. the sensor 0x08B0 as Vari.

6.6.3. Alarms

In principle, with OpenTx the alarms are defined in the radio. The has no possibility to trigger an alarm directly at the radio. All alarm thresholds and the Vario sound generation are therefore defined in the radio.

6.7. Spektrum

For Spektrum telemetry the is connected to the receiver via our Spektrum adapter order no. 9120. This adapter converts the telemetry values into the Spektrum X-Bus format.

6.7.1. Spektrum adapter

The Spektrum adapter is compatible with all telemetry capable Spektrum receivers and with the TM1000 system. Currently the receivers with integrated telemetry send the data a little slower than the TM1000, so that there is a little longer delay with the Vario sounds. Therefore the Vario filter should be set to “fast” in the .

The Spektrum adapter has a servo slot for the telemetry cable from the and two X-Bus connectors. One X-Bus connector is plugged into the X-Bus of the receiver with the included cable. The second X-Bus connector can then be used to plug in another Spektrum compatible sensor. The two X-Bus connectors are identical and can be interchanged as required.

Several of our sensors can be easily connected in parallel to the Spektrum adapter via corresponding Y-cables (order no. 3140). For this purpose, different Spektrum adapter addresses are assigned to them in the setup. It is important that no Spektrum sensor is assigned twice, e.g. the Vario sensor is only activated in one device.

Registration at the Spektrum radio:

The request for the connected sensors comes with Spektrum only once, directly after switching on the receiver. Here the Spektrum adapter answers immediately with the sensors which it has learned during the last operation. This means that after each change in the configuration, i.e. after deleting or activating a Spektrum sensor in the

, the system must first be switched on to learn the new sensor types. The Spektrum adapter can then only register the changes correctly with the receiver when it is switched on for the second time.

Spektrum adapter LED:

At startup, the integrated LED slowly turns on and off once. It then flickers during operation when data is sent via the X-bus. Each time a sensor logs in or logs out, the LED slowly turns on or off to confirm the operation.

6.7.2. Display at radio

The can display two different Spektrum sensor types. These can be deactivated individually to avoid double assignments on the X-Bus. The data can be processed in the radio in exactly the same way as with original Spektrum sensors, i.e. voice output, display, alarms and saving are possible.

Vario sensor (“Vario”)

● Altitude ● Vario

Accelerometer (“GForce”)

● Acceleration X, Y, Z ● Minimum and maximum limits

Airspeed

● Altitude ● Speed (only with TEK nozzle)

6.7.3. Alarms

In principle, Spektrum defines the alarms in the radio. The has no possibility to trigger an alarm directly at the radio. All alarm thresholds and the Vario sound generation are therefore defined in the radio.

6.8. PowerBox Core P2Bus

The can also be used with the PowerBox Core telemetry. Currently, the supports full transmission of all telemetry values and switching German / English and meters / feet for the units. A setting menu of the is not yet built in.

6.8.1. Display at radio

blank start screen Pressing the free area for a long time opens the window selection.

After clicking on the desired window, you can use "Telemetry"…

... to create a widget. The + opens the sensor list.

Now the desired value can be selected. This widget can also display several values alternating, simply add with +.

A fully occupied telemetry page. Alarms are defined directly in this widget in the radio. A long click on the sensor in the widget also shows the

address of the sensor. This can also be changed with X→Y to be able to connect several identical sensors.

English designations and units after the switch in the system. The sensors must be rescanned in a sensor widget to switch.

6.8.2. Alarms

The values can also be displayed in large format.

In principle, with PowerBox the alarms are defined in the radio. The has no possibility to trigger an alarm directly at the radio. All alarm thresholds and the Vario sound generation are therefore defined in the radio.

7. The “SM MicroVario Tool” software

On our homepage you will find in the Software & Updates section the free software “SM MicroVario Tool” with the following functions:

■ read out and change settings of the via (almost) any USB interface

■ live data display via our USB interface (order no. 2550) with a simulated UniDisplay

■ automatic online search for new firmware for the on our website

■ Installing firmware updates on the

7.1. Connecting the MicroVario to the PC

Editing the settings and updating the firmware of the is possible with almost any USB interface cable. Our own USB interface (Order no. 2550) with 4-wire connection is suitable, as well as many update cables from current radios / receivers / controllers. These usually have 3-wire connection cables and a JR standard servo plug / socket.

The following cables are currently tested:

SM-Modellbau USB interface Order no. 2550

• is connected directly to the COM socket of the MicroVario • no further adapters required • first plug in all cables, then click “connect” in the software • With older SM USB interface cables it can happen that the

does not react at all, i.e. the LED does not light up. In this case, the must be supplied with power separately. First click on “connect” and connect a battery to the link input of the during the search.

Jeti Duplex „USBa“ USB adapter • connection at the link plug of the MicroVario cable • no further adapters required • first click “connect” in the software, then connect MicroVario to the Jeti

cable Multiplex „USB-PC-cable“ #85149

Graupner „ USB interface“ Order no. 7168.6

• connection directly to the “Link” pins of the MicroVario • V-cable with receiver battery required for power supply • first connect MicroVario with V-cable to MPX cable, then click “connect”

in the software and finally connect the receiver battery to the V-cable

• connection at the link plug of the MicroVario cable • adapter cable 7168.S required • first click “connect” in the software, then connect MicroVario to the

three-pole cable of the adapter 7168.S

Third-party cables with a servo plug are connected directly to the at the “Link” connection. If the USB cable has a servo socket, the normal connection cable from the is used as an adapter.

When you move the mouse pointer over the buttons, you will see short help texts on their operation.

7.2. Settings

The software opens with the “Settings” tab. Here, the settings of the are read out and displayed. If a value has been changed, the data must be written back to the device using the “Transfer changed settings” button.

For all cables that are operated at the “Link” port of the MicroVario, “connect” must be clicked in the “SM MicroVario Tool” before establishing the connection and activating the power supply. Otherwise the MicroVario starts normally and can no longer be addressed by the PC.

7.3. Firmware update des MicroVario

A new firmware is simply uploaded to the via (almost) any USB interface. A corresponding file with the update can be downloaded free of charge by our “SM MicroVario Tool” in case of firmware improvements and transferred to the .

Process:

■ The must be connected to the “SM MicroVario Tool”.

■ The “Update” tab is used to search for a new firmware. ■ With the button “transfer selected firmware file” the update is started.

■ The then reports with the new version number.

When the PC software “SM MicroVario Tool” is started, the program automatically searches for a newer firmware on our server. If a newer file is found, it can be automatically installed on the

if desired. This keeps the always up to date.

7.4. Live access to the MicroVario

If the is connected to the PC with our USB interface, the can also be accessed directly via the “live display” of our software. The display is identical to the live operation of the UniDisplay. See also chapter 5.

The USB interface is identical to the interface previously used with the UniSens-E or the GPS-Logger. It can be ordered separately under order no. 2550.

The “live display” requires a separate power supply of the via the “Link” connection e.g. directly with a 4 cell receiver battery. This function is only possible with our USB interface order no. 2550. Other USB connection cables are not suitable for this purpose.

8. Version history

Here you will find all firmware versions and the changes to the previous version. The version of your firmware can be read out with our software “SM MicroVario Tool” or the UniDisplay.

Version Date Note

1.00 06.2020 1. first version - sales launch 1.01 06.2020 1. soft zeroing was always on

2. soft zeroing was missing in the UniDisplay settings

1.02 07.2020 1. Jeti: there are now two Vario values: VarioTEK and Vario (without TEK nozzle both are the same)

2. Vario filter made faster (medium corresponds to the previous fast) 1.03 10.2020 1. Speed measuring via TEK nozzle installed

the small and powerful tek vario/altimeter with accelerometer

Documents