GBA Variometer

vario

Variometers are used by para/hang gliders to measure their vertical climb/sink rate. This data helps pilots find and catch thermals. The software runs on a flash ROM cartridge and captures flight data. The data from up to 50 stored flights can be recalled later. The altimeter is a simple pressure transducer that plugs into the link port on the Gameboy Advance.

[thanks Sean2e]

12 thoughts on “GBA Variometer

  1. Nice application!

    I only tied some string to mine. :-(It was labeled a stupid micro trick after all.)

    Say, using a Micro for this app might compactify it a bit, eh? Reading souldn’t be that bad.

    The back of the micro would take a nice piece of Velcro too.

  2. I had no idea that people still had gameboys. I personally could never stand video games so I should not even be posting, but I just have one comment to make: This is the most commercial site I have ever seen. I do not know whether to salute you or to denounce you. Maybe you should add some social commentary to your site or something to benefit the human condition rather than simply trying to exploit it.

    Russell Cole

  3. I am seriosly going to build this if I can source the parts. As a new paraglider, I am not yet ready to shell out $500+ for a vario, but I have a gameboy ;). My guess is the preasure sensor is most likekly a $10 item, anyone know a good place online to find these parts:

    – Intersema MS5534B pressure sensor
    – Dallas DS1338C-3.3V Real-Time Clock with integrated 32768Hz crystal
    – 47uF 10V tantalum cap

  4. Tiger: hang it outside the fuselage, otherwise it will show some skewed readings. The cabin is pressurized, but not to sea level or the takeoff altitude. Also, the slipstream may effect the reading, AFAIK external pressure sensors are in some sort of cavity to avoid hydrodynamic effects, no?

Leave a Reply

Please be kind and respectful to help make the comments section excellent. (Comment Policy)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.