SkyDrop variometer ultralight GPS. Compact design, many software functions. The SkyDrop variometer is suitable for paragliding, hang-gliding, paramotor pilots.

SkyDrop is the lightest combined GPS vario in the world! Thanks to ultralight and compact design stuffed with many software functions, SkyDrop is suitable for paragliding and hang-gliding pilots from beginners to XC experts. Hike&Fly athletes love SkyDrop for its weight of 68g (2.4 oz) and with double battery only 88g. Multiple screens with widgets can be personalized to achieve maximum performance while flying. SkyDrop connected via Bluetooth interface is compatible with Android and iOS-based XC apps works as ultimate flight computer.

SkyDrop vario is a full featured combined GPS vario. By the way, with its 68g it is the lightest vario with display! SkyDrop is a middle class instrument, dedicated for wide range of pilots. Instead of long listing all the features, which would take many mouse scrolls, we can introduce several use cases. If interested, please find function list in Specification tab:

• Once pilot is autonomous in basic skills (take off or landing), she/he is thirsty for air time. SkyDrop will gratefully help with this mission. It doesn’t need to sit on cockpit of cocoon harness, or even worse – at old school leg mount. Instead of that, a riser mount puts instrument right in front of pilot’s eyes, where she/he can easily read all what is needed.
• We recommend riser mount also for advanced pilots, due to safety reasons. When using riser mount, pilot can operates device with brake in her/his hand.
• However small and lightweight SkyDrop is, we found some space for complete set of motion sensors. Their fusion with the best available baro sensor creates high sensitive compass or instant vario reaction.
• Competition pilot at the front of leading gaggle needs reliable backup. SkyDrop generates FAI1 class IGC tracklogs and has waypoint navigation with route length optimisation.
• Tandem pilot has very limited space for instruments, but SkyDrop on passengers shoulder or helmet easily solves this situation.
• Do you like hike&XC? SkyDrop with its 68 grams in combination with your mobile phone is all you need for these exciting adventures.
• Leg mount is for camera, not for prehistoric instruments anymore! Riser mount is ideal for “always looking up” acro pilots, who also need some kind of instrument. SkyDrop can provide safety features like altitude alarms, or just G-force meter for fun. Maybe infinity tumble counter will come 😉

Physical parameters:

• weight 86g
• dimensions 98x57x19 mm
• battery 2000 mAh, 25h fly time
• memory 32 Gb

Features:

• vario – analog/digital/average, acoustic signalization, graph history
• instant vario response
• flight logs – IGC/KML  accepted for FAI Category 1 competitions
• GPS – ground speed, altitude, heading, glide ratio
• wind speed and direction
• altimeters – 5 adjustable altimeters (relative, absolute, GPS or QNH mode)
• height above ground level (AGL)
• competition waypoint navigation with route length optimisation
• airspace violation warning
• fully customizable – multiple screens with configurable layouts and widgets
• android connectivity – XCTrack, FlyMe, XCSoar, LK8000, TopHat, Sky Land Tracker, Paragliding Dashboard
• iOS connectivity – FlySkyHy, SkyLogger, SkyLogger XXL
• digital compass
• G-meter
• weak lift detection (pre-thermal sound)
• odometer
• bearing and distance from take-off
• flight diary, fly time, real time clock
• auto take off and landing detection
• UART output (for E-readers connection)

Every future feature will be available for free in software update, check current version here.

built-in hardware:

• transflective LCD graphical display with backlight
• precise pressure sensor MS5611
• GPS receiver L80-M39
• Bluetooth PAN1026
• SD card storage for tracklogs
• digital compass, accelerometer and gyroscope LSM9DS0
• humidity and temperature sensor SHT21
• RGB LED signal light

For specific technical information and user guide in various languages, please visit our support page.

dimensions: 28x62x15 mm

battery type: Li-Poly single cell 900 mAh (USB rechargeable)

battery life for double battery version:

• only audio mode 26h
• audio + altitude logger, without GPS 24h
• audio + bluetooth 20h
• audio + GPS logger 18h
• audio + GPS logger + bluetooth 15h

Rear cover is made by 3D print from special material resistant to sunlight and heat. Therefore its surface is not perfectly smooth but covered with thin lines.

How to upgrade to a double battery is described here.

• vario – analog / digital / average, acoustic signalization, graph history
• flight loggs – IGC/KML  validated by FAI CIVL, accepted for FAI Category 1 competitions
• GPS – ground speed, heading, glide ratio
• wind speed and direction
• altimeters – 5 adjustable altimeters (relative, absolute, GPS or QNH mode)
• height above ground level (AGL) – update terrain data into SkyDrop HERE
• fully customizable – multiple screens with configurable layouts and widgets
• Android connectivity – XCTrack, FlyMe, XCSoar, LK8000, TopHat, Sky Land Tracker, Paragliding Dashboard
• iOS connectivity – FlySkyHy, SkyLogger, SkyLogger XXL
• digital compass
• G-meter
• weak lift detection (pre-thermal buzzer)
• odometer
• bearing and distance from take-off
• flight diary
• fly time, real time clock
• auto take off and landing
• UART output (for E-readers connection)

For specific technical information and user guide in various languages, please visit our support page.

• SkyDrop vario
• plastic holder with velcro and straps for mounting
• safety twine
• USB data & charging cable
• user manual

Riser mount instructions for use: Place one of the velcro pieces on the back side of SkyDrop. Another velcro piece place on the plastic holder. Take two straps and grip the plastic holder to your riser (straps will fit into narrow part at both ends). When you grip the holder with two straps, then cut off what was left from straps. At the end just add SkyDrop to holder.

 

Package contains:

• SkyDrop variometer
• raiser holder with adhesive hooks&loops
• protective cordura pocket
• micro USB cable
• user guide
• sticker