FrSky variometer sensor (setup)

The FrSky vario telemetry sensor can act as a very accurate altimeter and also a rate of climb/sink indicator which is invaluable if you want to catch thermals with your RC plane. In this video I show you the sensor itself and how to configure your Taranis radio to make use of it.

[@mickelson8332]

This may be 3 years old but absolutely spot on for explaining how to set up on taranis. I live the way you teach. Cheers. Mick

[@ExtraFungus]

Another late night video waking me up. I really need to change the settings on my phone. I admire your work ethic, I'm very glad your channel lives on and I love the videos.

[@xjet]

+Josh Bishop Thanks John, I do my best :-)

[@ElmerFuddGun]

+Josh Bishop - na leave the phone... just move West! It's always better in the West! ;-)

[@Swoopfpv]

Bruce I've had this vario for a year now and didn't know it would give you altitude seriously thank you.

[@waynependrigh4669]

Wonderful. I can't tell you how much this video has helped me. The info from FrSky is so minimal that although their equipment is the most advanced out there they are selling themselves short.

[@lasersbee]

I remember your Vario Video from 2013. This is just as good. Want to see the Vario in action. Can't for the life of me understand why 3 people don't like this informative video :/

[@KevinFairgrieve]

Thanks Bruce. I have a Normal Precision Vario, but not yet used in anger. I also have a few older sensors. Until now I never realised that I could interface them with the Vario. Thanks again.

[@stevedbassplayer]

Thanks for the tutorial. I've just purchased this very one vario for use in an fpv glider. It sounds like it will be perfect for the task.. keep up the good work with all your videos including xjet. Most enjoyable and appreciated from myself in the UK :)

[@markusritter3636]

Thanks Bruce, as always very informative. Thank you for spending the time to explain the Vario setup. It makes life on our side so much easier. Always looking forward to the next video. Markus

[@skat4035]

Super Nice ,i love the way you do all the videos ,thanks from Denmark (skandinaver) 🇩🇰

[@LWJCarroll]

Very keen to see what "400 feet AGL" actually looks like in the next video..Thanks....Laurie

[@mciro]

Dear Bruce, you are always so helpful - thanks!

[@Jack2Japan]

Great, simple, clear tutorial. Bravo!

[@user-or1lu3ku3m]

I love your videos, listening to your voice is very soothing. pity we can't fly together

[@iawnskicrew1195]

another brilliant vid well done and keep them coming

[@BicycleGuy]

Really enjoying this stuff Bruce, really informative and interesting. I presume you have checked out the FrSky Facebook page, they love you ! They said they respect you and you have done a lot for the hobby. They even posted the video about the dud Taranis saying they will do all they can to stop that happening again.

[@iflylilplanes]

I've been experimenting with the vario, one such use is to set the altitude to 120 metres and have the software cut the motor to 1/4 throttle when 120 metres is reached, works great, and as soon as the aircraft drops below 120 metres the throttle goes back to normal operation.

[@HansMilling]

Cool, I am definitely going to by such radio, with those cool add-ons.

[@davemountford748]

Bruce, according to the FrSky documentation you can connect the Vario to the older telemetry receivers (e.g. the D4 or D8 series) without the use of the hub. It remains unclear if you can daisy chain using the older receivers, or if you're limited to a single telemetry device.

[@blairo15]

I think I'm going to start saving for a taranis! I'm currently using a flysky !

[@lesliemeehan3724]

180 meter = 590,5 feet great work mate

[@xjet]

+leslie meehan It's 118 metres :-)

[@lesliemeehan3724]

+xjet sorry mate my mistake

[@RichardHertwig-i3w]

Wish you would show the setup, to hookup the Variometer to the receiver

[@Geoffh777]

Bruce, I'm setting up my FrSky vario with D4R-II receiver and Jumper T16 with OpenTX 2.3.4 and all I can get is the absolute altitude which is no use to me as it indicates -40m! I can't get relative altitude. I tried editing the alt sensor to no avail. I guess you've done this in your T16? I'm new to OpenTX , having come from Aurora 9 but so far I'm enjoying it! What could I be missing?

[@coriscotupi]

Brilliant! Here is a question - will the altitude reset itself to zero when the system is turned on or must one not to forget to reset the altitude limit (A>X; x being 400ft + local elevation) when operating from a flying field with a different elevation than previously set, in order to always achieve a 400 AGL limit from take-off? *_EDIT_** - Disregard. After watching the follow-up video, I saw that the altitude may be zeroed before take-off. Cheers!*

[@CarlBeek]

Bruce, just so you are aware: the new software is very different for the Taranis, particularly in respect to the telemetry.

[@Adsa1234567]

Bruce any chance you could do a quick reference guide to the 9XR Pro for setup with frsky and the Vario?Would be very handy

[@TheAdkFlyer10]

Excellent how-to Bruce! Mixes can be confusing, so with my Turnigy 9x (er9x FW) I always try to image Custom Switches as "Condition" switches. If this "condition" is met, then...etc. Cheers!

[@roberttaylor4459]

TheAdkFlyer10 j

[@Nightsd01]

Bruce, have you ever heard of RTK GPS? Apparently it is a GPS setup with centimeter level accuracy, incredible. I've been thinking about creating my own RTK GPS for my giant 650 quad (mostly for filming). It would allow me to 'park' the quad and keep it precisely in one specific position without drifting at all.

[@soccentzulu]

i am having the worst time finding a way to connect the lipo voltage sensor with display to the vario using d8r and d4r receivers. any suggestions?

[@basebilljr07]

in the latest version of the Taranis firmware the telemetry setup is different

[@ChasingContours]

Would an FrSky sensor like this work on a non FrSky radio? I’ve got a Radiolink AT10ii but Radiolink don’t make sensors. So just trying to figure out if it’s even compatible. I’m new to RC so it might seem like a stupid question.

[@pauljohnson7538]

You can also plug in your old hub with all the old sensors I only switched to new vario after crashing my GPS and old one was discontinued.

[@robertdavis3788]

Can yoy do a tutorial on how to configure open tx on the taranis x9 or similar to guidr us thru betaflight the correct way?

[@55Rumble]

Thanks for this video... I just got a vario to try in my FX79.Don't wanna be caught out!But then how would they police it???

[@BNConnection]

Why not remove the protective cover on your display so it is easier to see?

[@xjet]

+Robt Conrad But then it wouldn't be "new" any more :-)

[@VideoSack]

+xjet :)

[@seanpaula8924]

thank you. very informative.

[@dragon121978]

Will the vario work fine with the frsky l9r non telemetry receiver ?

[@luisfilipemachado17]

Hello Bruce. Im using the same variometer as you. rreHow I wire this vario on a D4R-II receiver? Thank you for all your help

[@zaplocked]

Is the only difference between a barometer and variometer the precision?

[@PJZombie]

Personally I'd just leave CS1 switch to playtrack a voice warning saying you're over the limit. Because if you're in announce ALT switch setting you're going to hear two ALT announcements. Alternatively you could create a logic switch that if you're in an announce ALT setting to not announce the ALT and instead announce the warning with ALT reading.

[@gjheydon]

Instead of playing the value again I think you can use the override channel to for the switch to be changed and then will be like you physically changed the switch yourself.

[@tommuhlemanjr.3871]

Bruce, believe this or not: I bumped into a guy at my local flying field some weeks ago who has the same variometer (he has a DLG). Anyway he was being chided unmercifully about his radio announcing the 400 ft. AGL limit. Next weekend he came back and when he hit the virtual ceiling, that sexy voice said "420 feet and F*** the FAA". Actually, it turns out he had a few other choice announcements as well. Seems there is a alternative tarannis voice pack (for gliders I guess) going around. If I can find it, I'll send you a link.

[@xjet]

+Sean Coyne Yes, if you watch my XJet channel you will have heard Gordon's Turnigy 9XR Pro and its "modified" voice files -- quite a laugh.

[@Sean_Coyne]

Have done so. It's good for a chuckle, all right. I also had one, that when I switched on it said, "Hi Moron, which model would you like to crash today?" I got sick of that as well (it was like Nostradamus...spookily prescient. lol).

[@Sean_Coyne]

Need one for maximum throws on the sticks, especially for mini-quads, "Arggh careful!" or "Watch out for that tree!!!"

[@xjet]

+Sean Coyne My favourite is using the g-sensor or the Naze32 and configuring a CS that plays the soundfile "bugger" when the G forces exceed anything likely to be encountered in normal flight (ie: a crash has happened) :-)

[@Sean_Coyne]

+xjet  Lol! How about,"Tis but a flesh wound!" :-)

[@shawncell1247]

thank you for the video

[@WyllSurfAir]

Imagine how many babies would be killed if you went over 400ft. It would be horrible. (-:

[@bitogre]

Can you do a video on how to use this with D4R-II and OpenTX 2.1?

[@NQISSteve]

I have got to get myself a Taranis!!

[@sp00fman1]

My Taranis Plus does not want to flash back to OpenTX 1,0. How can i get the variometer to work now? I'm lost! Perhaps you can Review: "latest version of OpenTx" soon, and tell us how you like it. Reason enough to update it.

[@carlodeasmundis4610]

i've found that the firmware update for the taranis let me plug the radio via usb into my mac and use it as an external controller.Before i was not able to do that. Awesome to be able to use the radio with all the emulators

[@TheAmpair]

I like the subtle switch (Other type switch) from annunciating the altitude in the officially approved model flying sliver of air, to sternly announciating it when the operator allows his tree-killing baby molesting drone to venture near the forbidden zone, as heard at 5:45. That alone is what can keep the planet in its correct orbit and avert global warming from colliding with climate change. Are UAV operators who wear foil equipped fluoro orange hard hats and safety international rescue orange socks allowed to set 119M as a playpen fence marker? (Assuming they have removed their shoes prior to entering the airfield of course.)

[@kencroft7933]

I am about to buy one of these, but what I need to know is how to connect the thing to a receiver, and I though it would be part of this video. But it isn't.

[@kencroft7933]

Er.. ok, you just plug it in!!!

[@kencroft7933]

On an RX6R there does not appear to be anywhere to plug it!!

[@raymondniemann2390]

My Vario begins at 0metres and increases every call BEFORE I TAKE OFF ... Multi rotor chained through Smart Port with Voltage sensor. I don't trust the height call either ... suggestions Good video though.

[@32eoin32]

It's your OLD transmitter, but you STILL have your screen protecting plastic on it.

[@xjet]

+32eoin32 Because, when I take the plastic off it will be just like new again! :-)

[@sickvic3909]

Why leave the film on your transmitter ?

[@xjet]

+Vic Prk (Slick Vic) Because it's still new :-)

[@sickvic3909]

+xjet ic :)

[@nzaircraftflyers6695]

Bruce you made me switch to FrSKY from JR, you sly basted ;). BUT WHERE'S THE DLGS!

[@chrisharrisseacaptainchris]

Bruce can you send me the link buddy?

[@Side85Winder]

*i should have watched the other video first lol So a example 1 you are at the bottom of a mountain and fly to the top that is 800m above you although you will not be 122m above the ground below the model at any one time but many meters above where you are standing. example 2 you are at the top of the 800m mountain and fly horizontal out say there is a 1m out to 1m fall of the slope so at 122m out horizontal you are 122m above the ground but are still 0m altitued from where you are standing. The vario mesure its distance from where you launch from so in example 1 it read 800m + hight above it you are although you are not 122m above ground. In example 2 it will mesure 0m but even though you might be 122m above ground level under the model. Where did some one brake the rules in these situations or at what point? In either example you are not told the exact hight above the ground your model is at any point unless the ground is fairly flat. When did you break the rules at 122m above ground under the model or when the vario reads above 122m from the lauch location.

[@ridgehawk1]

I have a new problem, I was searching the net for it and found someone else describing it on GitHub... I installed a vario on my bix, have everything working but when I turn SG to the up pos it should give me alt in ft... instead it giving mah? not feet! on the telemetry screen ... sensor=alt it says ft. I tried changing it to different thing and when I set it to % it "says " ft when I flip SG on.... any idea whats going on... now, i'm using the simulator and i'm not connected to the x8r, shouldn't matter? what do you think is wrong? opentx 2.1.8, amber sound pack for 2.1... here is a link to a good description: thanks for the help!github.com/opentx/opentx/issues/2617

[@MeshJedi]

So you didn't update the firmware because there is no "need" to. and then you make a video how to set up telemetry on your old firmware when telemetry has been completely changed.

[@benbriggs5369]

1st