KAVAN MicroVario - Instruction manual

Introduction

MicroVario is a sensitive altimeter/variometer which uses the latest MEMS technology to achieve a high level of accuracy, while preserving miniature dimensions. The sensor is able to detect tiny changes in atmospheric pressure to indicate the climb/sink rate.

Features

• Small dimensions. The sensor is connected directly to the receiver telemetry port.
• Accurate measurement of absolute/relative altitude and climb/sink rate.
• Automatic telemetry detection: Duplex EX, Hott, MSB, S.Bus2.
• Configurable alarms on altitude and climb rate.
• Configuration through the transmitter.
• Firmware updates.

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 21,5×10×4 mm
• Weight: 1 g
• Pressure range: 300÷1200hPa
• Altitude resolution: 0.1 m
• Typical variometer noise ratio: ± 0.05 m/s
• Operating current: 15 mA
• Operating temperature: (-)20–85°C
• Supply voltage: 3.5–12 V
• Telemetry: (-20)–85 °C
• Supply Voltage: 3.5–8.4 V
• Telemetry: Duplex EX, Multiplex MSB, Graupner Hott, Futaba S.Bus2
• Status LED: Yes

Installation

Connect the MicroVario directly to the receiver telemetry port. Please note that the sensor is very sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure and also to mechanical stress. To reach the most accurate altitude measurements please pay attention to the receiver placement. Try to avoid any mechanical stress on the sensor. The MicroVario should not be directly exposed to the airflow and any close contact with components producing heat (such as engines or speed controllers) should be avoided.

Telemetry and settings

The device is compatible with JETIBOX for programming. The JETIBOX menu is divided into three sections:

• Actual values - Displays the latest telemetry values (altitude, vario, pressure, temperature) together with minimums and maximums.
  • Reset Min/Max - Press left+right buttons together to reset all minimums and maximums.
• Settings - Basic settings of the sensor.
  • Language - You can choose the language of the JETIBOX screen.
  • Vario sensitivity - Sets the amount of filtering for the pressure sensor data. By increasing the sensitivity you will get faster response to altitude changes. Please note that the indicated noise may be increased as well. (Default value: Medium)
  • Sink rate - Rate of airplane descent when there are no thermal effects. The value of sink rate is added to the climb rate. This will result in locating thermal streams more precisely.
    Example: When the model flies at its nominal sink rate 0.5m/s, the vario is silent. As soon as the model enters any thermal upstream, the vario wil start beeping (although the airplane may still be descending).
  • Sealevel pressure - The sea level pressure is taken as a reference to calculate the absolute altitude. To get the most accurate calculation of the altitude, set the pressure at your location adjusted to the sea level. The International Standard Atmosphere Model defines the sea level pressure to be 1013hPa.
  • Round altitude - Permits or denies rounding the altitude values displayed on the transmitter. Relative and absolute altitude round to full meters, decimal part is omitted.
  • Altitude alarm - You can set a high altitude alarm. *)
  • Vario alarm - You can set an alarm for excessive climb or sink rate.*)
  • Alarm interval - Sets the time period between alarm announcement.
• Service - In this menu you can view the device version and reset it to the default factory configuration.

*) The alarm setting is compatible with Duplex and Hott systems.

JETIBOX Connection

Plug the MicroVario into the sensor slot of the JETIBOX. Power it up with a battery with appropriate voltage (4.5–8.4V). Now you can configure the sensor using the arrows on the JETIBOX.

Graupner hott menu structure

MicroVario offers telemetry as a standard VARIO telemetry module.

Futaba and Multiplex connection

Futaba and Multiplex systems do not offer wireless device configuration. The telemetry transmission is possible with the following fixed sensor slots:

	Futaba S.Bus2	Multiplex MSB
Altitude	19	6
Vario	18	7
Note	Manual detection in the menu Linkage – Sensor. Choose F1672 vario on slot 18.	Automatically detected by the transmitter.

Safety information

• Operate the MicroVario always in dry environment and within the device limits stated in this guide. Never expose the device to excessive heat or cold.
• Never apply mechanical stress or excessive force to the MicroVario. The sensing element can be damaged or measure imprecisely if the force is applied.
• Do not remove the heat shrink tube from the device and do not try to implement any changes or modifications. This can lead to a total destruction and to the denial of any warranty claims.
• Always check the polarity of the connection. Never inverse the polarity – this could lead to total destruction.

Manufacturer

KAVAN MicroVario is made in Czechia by MAV Sense s.r.o.E-mail: info@mavsense.com | Web: www.mavsense.com

Recycling and waste disposal note (European Union)

Electrical equipment marked with the crossed-out waste bin symbol must not be discarded in the domestic waste; it should be disposed of via the appropriate specialised disposal system. In the countries of the EU (European Union) electrical devices must not be discarded via the normal domestic waste system (WEEE - Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Directive 2012/19/EU). You can take your unwanted equipment to your nearest public collection point or recycling centre, where it will be disposed of in the proper manner at no charge to you. By disposing of your old equipment in a responsible manner you make an important contribution to the safeguarding of the environment.

EU declaration of conformity (European Union)

Hereby, KAVAN Europe s.r.o. declares that the KAVAN MicroVario is in compliance with the essential requirements as laid down in the EU directive(s) concerning electromagnetic compatibility. The full text of the EU Declaration of Conformity is available at www.kavanrc.com/doc.

Guarantee

The KAVAN Europe s.r.o. products are covered by a guarantee that fulfils the currently valid legal requirements in your country. If you wish to make a claim under guarantee, please contact the retailer from whom you first purchased the equipment. The guarantee does not cover faults which were caused in the following ways: crashes, improper use, incorrect connection, reversed polarity, maintenance work carried out late, incorrectly or not at all, or by unauthorised personnel, use of other than genuine KAVAN Europe s.r.o. accessories, modifications or repairs which were not carried out by KAVAN Europe s.r.o. or an authorised KAVAN Europe s.r.o., accidental or deliberate damage, defects caused by normal wear and tear, operation outside the Specification, or in conjunction with equipment made by other manufacturers. Please be sure to read the appropriate information sheets in the product documentation.