App Detail » theVariometer

Published by: Ronald Schmieder

iPhone & Apple Watch App - Designed for iPhone and Apple Watch, compatible with iPad

Price: $4.99
Current Version: 3.1
Released: June 30, 2010

What's New

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Version 3.1 of the variometer app now includes support for Apple Watch OS2 and for the XC-Tracer. A nice little and especially nimble Bluetooth Vario. Please see https://www.xctracer.com for more information regarding the XC-Tracer.

App Description

This nice little tool - a must have for every paraglider pilot - emulates a variometer on your iPhone.

Since version 3.0 the app supports iOS9, as well as the pressure sensor of your iPhone 6(s) or iPhone 6(s) Plus.

Therefore your iPhone is a complete replacement for a "real" variometer.

In conjunction with an external sensor such as ASI FlyNet2, FlyTec SenseBox or the XC-TRacer, the app provides even more precise climb- and sink-rates.

You can use it to measure

- climb/decline rate
- absolute altitude
- hight over ground
- relative height
- speed over ground and
- course

Values displayed in meters or feet/kn.

The current climb- or sink-rate is signaled via different "beep" sounds, as usual for a variometer.

You can watch your flight using the integrated map view in real time, so you will never loose your orientation. Even if your are flying accidentally within a cloud or under poor visibility conditions!

By typing to „Alt 3“ - usually after the adjusting phase - or any time later you can reset „Alt 3“ to „0“.

Moreover you can use the App to

- record you flights
- view your recorded flights in the integrated map view
- send your recorded flights by mail as kml-files or gpx -files to your friends

One last note:
The app reacts a little somewhat slower, as e.g. a Bräuninger- or Flytec Vario, if you use the internal pressure sensor of the iPhone, because the sensor doesn't provide data as often as an external sensor.

The app requires a good GPS signal, if no internal or external pressure sensor can be used.

Please make sure in any case, that you have a good GPS signal, if you use the app.
The app does NOT work - completely and reliably - in buildings or other situations in which you have no or a bad GPS signal!
However, this should not be a problem, since you usually flying under a clear open sky. ;-)

Usage - without - an internal or external sensor is possible, but subject to known the limitations of a pure GPS operation, such as using only open-air, a good GPS signal and altitude changes > 5m with at least 1-2 m/s.

Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.
Even if the App is running in background, the GPS location service is used by the App, if you record your flight!