Paragliding Vario

by prnetgoogle

8.2K2037

Intro: Paragliding Vario

As I love paragliding, I decided to build my own variometer, as most of them are very expensive. I needed something easy to interface, and I found a simple way to interface with kobo, and smartphones. You can connect it via bluetooth or wired, sending the informations to a serial port. it has it's own buzzer, so it can work as standalone also. The project is not so difficult but I needed a bit of time to find the right arm board.

Disclaimer:

If any pilot wants to build his own vario, just keep in mind that all the plans are given as they are, and there could be some error in the code. I won't be responsible for any damage or mistake caused from a malfunction about the vario.

Features:

  • It has a very high resolution, about 10 cm.
  • GPS stream
  • you can choose between raw readed pressure and filtered pressure (with Kalman algorithm)
  • Parameters adjustable when you select filtered pressure.
  • Long lasting battery (up to 10h and more)
  • Bluetooth
  • If you don't need bluetooth you can reada data from hardware serial.
  • You can deactivate the beep, in case you use the smartphone audio.
  • xctrack full compatible.
  • xcsoar full compatible.
  • lk8000 full compatible.
  • Compact box (approx 6x4x2cm)

I want soon to try LinkIT board, to extend some possibility, and add a display.

STEP 1: Components, Connections and Code

Components:

  • Teensy LC
  • ms5611 barometer
  • buzzer
  • hc-05 bluetooth module
  • 3v battery
  • PA6H GPS module
  • TP4056 bettery charger module

If you have some skills about soldering you can build it very easy, just follow the connection scheme in the picture. You just have to trick a bit to squeeze all the components inside the box, but as you can see it's possible.

Module hc-05 is perfect for this application, but just check that it is setted at 9600bps. You can use uart1.ino to play with it and set it up. I attached also the hc05 datasheet and manual, in case you need to change some parameters.

Mediatek PA6H GPS module is very good module. It fix a cold signal within 45 sec or less. It is already setted at 9600bps, and sends the position one time per second which is good enough for this application.

Teensy is compatible with arduino IDE, so just compile the code, and try it.

21 Comments

PeterS317 1 year ago

Great looking project that I need to make.
Please send the code.
Best regards

130ng0 4 years ago

Hey there, i wanna build this vario, i ordered all parts already. could u share the code please?

dexgeo 2 years ago

Very interesting project, would like to make it.

Could you share the code ?

flavio.a319 3 years ago

Hi, could you send the code? Thank's.

blueman007 3 years ago

Please include the source code.

As is, it's useless.
Thanks !!!

gwaal 4 years ago

Hei Prnet
Sitting here after have put it all together and realised theirs no coding for the board, only the set up of the HC-05 module... Am I missing something?

OlehV1 6 years ago

Have all the parts, and ready to build it, can you please share the code. Thanks

frank.letmathe 6 years ago

Hi,

very cool project. I started
paragliding and would like to built my own vario even if I have only
basic skills in programming. Can you share the code and mybe help me for
the following features.

The microcontroller should be a Arduino
Pro mini and it should have the same components like your except the
GPS. I would like to use XC tracker and my device has a GPS, but not
sensor for the vario.

It should be used alone with the buzzer only
sound in positive climb and should transfer the vario values to XC
Tracker via Blue Tooth.

Thanks

DamirM16 6 years ago

Nice project. Please share your code.

Flyingpim 6 years ago

Very interesting project, would like to make it.

Could you share the code ?

Sean Cole 6 years ago

Hi, I have just learnt paraglide and liked your design. I'm using LK8000 and want to improve the vario and gps fix so I have built this up. I am struggling with the coding and can't get it to work properly. Could you please send me the code you wrote so I can get it working.

Thanks.

andrewkeena 6 years ago

Hi Sean, have you had any luck with the code to make this work?

Thanks

Andrew

andrewkeena 6 years ago

Hi, would anyone have the source for this to send onto me?

parateam 7 years ago

Hello, could you please give us the code?

I'm working on an equal project and have Problems with the BT Connection

Thanks

allexandar 7 years ago

Sir, can you please upload the code for programing the board?

sz6400 7 years ago

Thanks for your instruction but I can't find the source code.

discostu956 8 years ago

That's awesome! Nicely done. I won't build one, have no need as I don't fly these days, but I'm still impressed you built your own vario
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