Variometer

Vanetype Variometers
Vane type variometers measure the change in air pressure inherent to changes in altitude. The instrument consists of a cylindrical chamber with a precision-fit baffle plate (vane) rotating on shockproofjewel bearings and centered by a coil spring. The vane divides the chamber in two: one section is open to static pressure, while the other is connected to an expransion tank, in which a volume of air is insulated against the thermal effects. Differences in pressure are compensated by the narrow gap between vane and chamber wall. There is a change in static pressure when an aircraft climbs or descends, and a differential pressure is established between the two sections of the chamber. The resultant deflection of the vane provides a measure of the vertical speed and this deflection is transferred to the pointer of the instrument. The response rate of a variometer is important.

In high-performance gliding, upcurrents can be identified all the quicker and used all the more efficiently if the variometer responds without delay. Defined as the length of time the instrument takes to  reach 65% of its final reading in response to a sudden change in vertical speed, the time constant serves as a standard for gauging speed of response. The faster a variometer responds, the smaller is its time constant.
Vane type variometers with large measuring ranges such as 5 StV 5 (±10 m/sec. and ±15 m/sec.) have small time constants.

The volume of the expansion tank must be increased in order to achieve comparable figures with variometers having the most common measuring range (±5 metres/second).

Maintenance instructions
Leak testing should be carried out at least every 2 years. Otherwise, the instrument does not require any maintenance.

Retesting and repair
The service condition and accuracy of measurement of instruments is normally retained over a long period. For obvious malfunction the unit should be subjected to an investigation at the manufacturer or a suitable aircraft engineering company.

It should be packed to protect it from impacts and connections should be sealed. Under no circumstances should you interfere with the measuring mechanism of the variometer.

We recommend that variometers are retested after 5 years.