KAVAN MicroVario - Instruction manual
KAVAN MicroVario
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
- Tiny 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
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15×9×4 mm |
| Weight | 2 g |
| Pressure range | 300–1200 hPa |
| Altitude resolution | 0.1 m |
| Typical variometer noise | ±0.05 m/s |
| Operating current | 15 mA |
| Operating temperature | −20–85 °C |
| Supply voltage | 3.5–12 V |
| Telemetry | Duplex EX, Multiplex MSB, Graupner HoTT, Futaba S.Bus2 |
| Status LED | Yes |
Main section
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 and you can use it for programming. (Older versions of the JETIBOX manufactured before 2015 might be unable to communicate with the Micro Vario; once connected, the „Communication error“ message appears.)
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 ⮜ + ⮞ 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 0.5 m/s, the vario is silent. As soon as the model enters any thermal upstream, the vario will start beeping (although the airplane may still be descending).
- Sea-level 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 standard sea-level reference used here is 1013 hPa.
- 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.
Altitude and vario alarms are available 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 (4.5–8.4 V). Now you can configure the sensor using ⮝, ⮟, ⮜ and ⮞ on the JETIBOX.
Complete menu structure
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:
| Parameter | 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
- Protect the device from moisture, dust and prolonged direct sunlight.
- 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 reverse the polarity – this could lead to total destruction.
Appendix
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.
For service, contact the retailer from whom you purchased the product. Use the original packaging if available. Include a dated description of how the product was used and the fault, together with your full address and telephone number.
Incorrect installation, inadequate mounting or cooling, cable strain, reversed polarity and operation beyond the specified limits are not covered. Protect the device from excessive heat, moisture and dust, and do not leave it in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.