The Tasman V1000 vario is a very nice product. It is a solid state product
with no moving parts. That makes it very reliable. It uses
pressure transducer technology and does not need a flask so it makes for a
compact installation in the sailplane. It features an audio output so
you can keep your eyes outside the cockpit and and averager so that you can
determine the strength of your current thermal.
It has been one of my most popular electric variometers. I think the
main reason it is popular is that the speaker and averager are built-in.
Some competitive products have external speakers and averager displays which
make installation much more time consuming. However, if you prefer an
external speaker with the V1000 you can purchase one as an option.
Overview Video
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video with sound must be
worth a million. Below is a 6 minute overview of the
Tasman V1000 variometer and accessories. It allows you to see and hear
all the functions of the V1000. It is a great way to see if it is the
right vario for your glider. Or, if you already own one, it is a good
refresher course on how to use it. If you find it useful then please buy from me.
Tasman V1000
Variometer Overview Video To play the video click twice on the "Play" button
below.
Also available at higher resolution at
vimeo.
New Version -
Upgrades Available
Tasman has released a new version of the firmware that runs in the V1000
variometer. All new units will include the new software and hardware
at no extra cost.
The new firmware version
offers several new features:
Compatibility with the PK312 9V
Backup Battery Pack
A hardware and software upgrade is required to all V1000 units with
serial numbers before 060519 for compatibility with the PK312. The
hardware and software changes were necessary so that the V1000 can
automatically switch itself off to conserve the battery if no altitude
change is sensed over 2 hours.
New Sink Tone
The sink tone now gets lower in pitch with larger sink
rates. The previous versions
had a sink tone that increased in pitch with larger sink rates.
The climb tone remains the same as it has always been with increasing
pitch with higher climb rates. The sink tone can be disabled if
desired.
Averager
If you have never flown with a vario that has an averager, you are in for a
treat. Without an averager it is difficult to determine how well a
thermal is helping you climb. Peak indications on any vario can be
misleading. The averager gives you a better estimate of the actual
climb rate. It is especially handy in weak thermals as it helps you
determine when to leave the thermal. I've experienced circles with
climb on one side of the circle and moments of sink on the other side (we've
all been there). It is difficult to tell whether you are going up
without the averager. At times the averager has confirmed a 1/2 knot
climb - which is plenty when you are low. Other times the averager has
confirmed 1/2 knot of sink - it was time to move on.
Overview
This Variometer is designed to satisfy a need for a product that utilizes
the most current technology to produce the best possible performance at the
lowest possible cost. The Variometer has at its core a semiconductor
pressure sensor with a digital output which can resolve some 32 million
separate codes. This results in a Variometer which can measure only a few
inches of altitude change without a practical upper limit in altitude. With
such fine measurements possible, a fast sample rate results in a Variometer
which is responsive and accurate. Digital signal processing allows the
user to set the Variometer response time in fine increments, and select from
a range of display and audio vario options. An important side benefit
is that the parts count is minimized and so the cost and size of the final
Variometer is reduced. The Variometer accommodates and expands on all
the most important functions of a standard vario, i.e. vario audio, current
lift/sink rate, and includes the primary feature of the 20 second Variometer
average simultaneously displayed - all in the same small package. This
Variometer is designed to give years of trouble free service. (3 year
warranty).
Operation
Simple controls with only two buttons which control the Variometer audio
volume, read the battery voltage, and allow access to setup values if
required. With the 20 second Variometer average continuously displayed and a
warning signal for the battery voltage all on the screen, no other controls
are required.
Audio
Considerable effort has gone into developing an audio vario tone and pattern
to convey to the pilot the maximum information without being intrusive or
annoying. The climb tone consists of a series of beeps whose pitch, rate and
volume increase with lift rate, somewhat musical in effect. The sink tone
has a (fixed) threshold at -2.5 knots and is distinct from the climb tone in
that only the pitch changes and the rate is constant. The effect can be
compared to a bell ring. The vario audio response is non linear to give the
greatest resolution at the lower climb rates. At climb rates below about 2.5
knots, a change of 0.1 knot can readily be detected in the audio tone. This
gives the maximum amount of Variometer information to the pilot at times
when a Variometer is most important i.e., when trying to recover in weak
lift, or to extend a flight on winter days or during wave flights. This
maximizes the pilots achieved climb rate without the need for visual
reference to the Variometer for confirmation of the current climb rate.
A concise audio is essential to maximize the lookout time for the pilot.
3 Sink Tone Options The sink tones below can be selected in setup mode.
No Sink Tone
Sink Tone Deadband, no sink tone from 0
to -2 knots (or 1 m/s).
Sink tone for all sink (no deadband)
Power Supply (July 2006 - New version 3.1) To allow operation from the PK312 and from a 9 volt battery, the vario
now measures the applied voltage and adjusts the volume to extend the
battery life. 12 hours or more operation is available on a fresh 9v battery.
For operation from the PK312 auto backup, a new automatic power down is
provided which decides if the V1000 is flying. The V1000 samples the
altitude and total climb over a two hour period and powers down the vario if
it is not flying.
PK312 Backup Battery This device will supply the Tasman V1000 variometer with automatic
battery power backup in the event of failure of the main supply. It can
provide a "get home" fail safe facility or simply allow the continuation of
a flight that might otherwise be lost. It operates by sampling the load
current and switches to the best power source by a latching relay. The LO
BATT signal is displayed when operating from under 10.5 volts. No standby
power is consumed by the PK312.
Power Supply (Old Version) When the variometer is switched on the input voltage is measured. Depending
on the result one of two modes are selected. 1. 12 volt supply: LO BATT signal illuminates at 10.5 volts with full audio
function. 2. 9 volt supply: LO BATT signal illuminates at 7.2 volts.
The system is fully functional with a 9V supply. This mode allows
operation from a 9V Alkaline type battery and will
supply at least 12 hours of operation. If main power is lost and a
PK312 Backup Battery Pack is attached, the unit will switch over to the 9V
supply and continue working. The Variometer will operate at full specification down to a supply of about
7 volts but continues to operate to nearly 5 volts in either mode.
Installation Installation of the Variometer is simple with only a TE probe connection
required with the "T" piece and wiring cable supplied. All wiring
connections are made to the Variometer with telephone type plugs. A
remote Variometer display is available and can be connected via the external
data port with the cable supplied. The Variometer requires a standard
57mm (2 1/4") diameter panel cutout.
User Feedback
Since deciding to sell Tasman varios I've asked pilots what they think of
their Tasman. I've been very impressed with the positive feedback from
every user.
Two Seat Glider Installations
Tasman offers a repeater for use in 2 seat gliders. However, I do not
stock the repeaters because they don't cost much less than a standard vario
and they have less resale value. They can only be sold to owners of 2
seat gliders. I recommend buying 2 V1000 varios for 2 seat gliders.
That way each pilot can adjust the vario to suit their needs and resale
value is as high as possible.
Simple Operation - Only 2 Buttons - No
fiddling with switches and knobs
20 second vario average displayed in the
center of the display
Built-in speaker
External Speaker Option
Concise and pleasant audio sound - can
hear 0.1 knot change.
Power supply with automatic power
selection
Selectable operating modes, Response
speed and display option settings
No flask required
3 Sink Tone Options
TE Probe Connection
Digital signal processor for fast,
accurate response
Battery monitoring and low battery
warning.
Operates down to nearly 5V
Low power drain
Compact: Fits in small 58 mm (2 1/4")
instrument hole, 85 mm (3.35") deep
No Moving Parts
3 Year Warranty
How to Order
To order a product, click on the
button next to the product below.
When you are ready to complete your order, click on the
button.
Click on the small images in the table below to view larger versions.
Part #
Description
Photo
(Click on images below to view large versions)
Tasman V1000 Variometer Available in stock
in units of Knots or m/s
Power cable and "T" adapter included. Fits in small 2 1/4" (57 mm)
instrument hole.
Remote display for use
in 2 seat sailplanes Available
in stock in units of Knots or m/s
This is a low cost way to add a repeater to the 2nd seat in a 2-seat
glider. The repeater does not have any controls. It is a display
only. Some owners may prefer to pay the extra $320 to buy a 2nd
V1000 vario so that each pilot can adjust their vario to their
preferences. Others will prefer to save the $320.
PK312 9V Backup Battery Pack
This optional battery pack holds a 9 V Alkaline battery that provides at
least 12 hours of operation for the V1000. The V1000 automatically
and seamlessly switches over to the 9V power from the PK312 if 12V power
input is lost. The audio still functions, but the maximum volume
is reduced from 5 to 3.
This device will supply the Tasman V1000
variometer with automatic battery power backup in the event of failure
of the main supply. It can provide a "get home" fail safe facility or
simply allow the continuation of a flight that might otherwise be lost.
It operates by sampling the load current and switches to the best power
source by a latching relay. The LO BATT signal is displayed when
operating from under 10.5 volts. No standby power is consumed by the
PK312.
Simple Installation
The V1000 is delivered with a power cable that plugs into the back of
the V1000. The PK312 includes a cable that is to be connected
between the PK312 and the V1000 - into the connector where the V1000's
power cable would normally go. The V1000 power cable is then
plugged into the 2nd power connector on the PK312. No soldering or
wiring is required.
V1000 Upgrade Required
A hardware and software upgrade is required to all V1000 units with
serial numbers before 060519 to be compatible with the PK312. The
hardware and software changes were necessary so that the V1000 can
automatically switch itself off to conserve the battery if no altitude
change is sensed over 2 hours. A single 9V battery should last an
entire soaring season if it is not used in flight for extended periods
of time.
Extension Speaker Kit
Includes cable and cable splitter. A speaker is included in the V1000
variometer. This option allows you to mount the speaker closer to
your ear - such as behind your head or on the instrument panel.
The internal speaker still functions in addition to this external
speaker.
TB32 Echo, Recorded
Sound Alarm
Echo is a self contained digital recorded
message alarm.
If you have ever seen a fiberglass glider slide down a hard surfaced
runway on its belly with the gear up you will know that this item is an
excellent investment. It is a shame to put a flat spot (or worse)
onto the bottom of a beautiful sailplane. Certainly, no product
can guarantee that the pilot will hear it and follow the directions when
busy setting up a landing. However, this product can help you
remember to lower the gear, hopefully early in the landing pattern, or
before entering the landing pattern.
Included in the unit is a microphone for recording a message or sound up
to 14 seconds in duration.
The message is retained without power connected and plays continuously
when power is supplied
Mounting Options
Fits into a small 57 mm (2.25") instrument panel hole. Also
includes tabs for surface mounting.
Dimensions: 59 x 59 x 32 mm (2.32 x 2.32
x 1.26 inches)
Echo is ideal as a "wheels up" alarm or in any alarm application.
The voice message ensures attention even during high workload or stress
situations.
Operating power supply: 7 to 18 volts at 100mA. 9 volt battery and clip
supplied. Note: The included 9V battery is intended for use when
recording the voice message - not for use in the glider. Most
installations connect the Echo to the glider's 12 volt power supply.
Standby power drain: Zero
Example message for gear up warning: "Landing gear is up.
Lower the landing gear."
Landing gear and airbrake switches are
required but not included. I offer some very nice, small
switches on my Miscellaneous page. I
recommend using the magnetic reed sensors if possible because they are
non-contact friction-free devices that will not interfere with the
objects they are sensing. However, magnetic reed sensors require
that a target (magnet) is mounted on the item to be sensed.
Mechanical lever sensors sense the actual item rather than a magnet.
Switch/Sensor Installations The idea is to use 2 switches in series that allow current to flow
when the airbrakes are open and the landing gear is not down and locked.
Airbrakes Locked Sensor
The goal is to have current flow when the airbrakes are not closed and
locked (fully forward)
Use a normally closed switch
at the forward (airbrakes locked) position
Landing Gear Down and Locked Sensor
The goal is to have current flow when the landing gear is not down and
locked.
If the switch is mounted in the gear
down and locked position then use a normally closed switch
(recommended).
If the switch is mounted in the gear
up position then use a normally open switch.
Recommendations
The goal of this product is to help pilots realize early in the landing
pattern that they do not have the landing gear down. For example,
if the pilot flies the entire flight with the gear down and then enters
the landing pattern and raises the landing gear while performing his
landing checklist on the downwind leg of the landing pattern. A
good landing checklist has the "Undercarriage" listed before the
"Airbrake Check" (be sure to open the airbrakes) so that when the
airbrakes are checked the pilot will hear the landing gear warning if
the gear is not down. Certainly there is a lot going on while in
the landing pattern. It is highly recommended that the landing
checklist be completed on the downwind leg of the landing pattern - not
while on final approach. Some accidents have occurred when pilots
realize their landing gear is up just before touchdown and try to lower
it at that point. If your landing gear is not down when you are on
short final you should leave it up and land the glider as gently as
possible. A little damage to the glider is highly preferable to
major damage to the pilot and glider. Hopefully this device, along
with a properly executed landing checklist on the downwind leg of the
landing pattern, will help pilots get their gear down early in the
pattern.
Hardware and Firmware Upgrade for
V1000 Variometer
The new firmware version offers several new features:
Compatibility with the PK312 9V
Backup Battery Pack
A hardware and software upgrade is required to all V1000 units with
serial numbers before 060519 for compatibility with the PK312.
The hardware and software changes were necessary so that the V1000
can automatically switch itself off to conserve the battery if no
altitude change is sensed over 2 hours.
New Sink Tone
The sink tone now gets lower in pitch with larger sink
rates. The previous versions
had a sink tone that increased in pitch with larger sink rates.
The climb tone remains the same as it has always been with increasing
pitch with higher climb rates. The sink tone can be disabled if
desired.
The upgrade must be done here in my office. The price includes the
cost of the new firmware chip, installation labor (circuit board change) and testing. The
price does not include shipping back to you.
button next to the product below. 
