Price

A new generation variometer
With a combination of 14 sensors, the relative airmass movement around the aircraft is measured in real time. This means big progress compared to normal variometers, that only use pressure sensors to sense aircraft/air-mass movement. Independent of flight direction the pilot sees real time air-mass and wind data updated repeatedly every second. In many flight-tests through 2011 pre-production devices have already shown the potential of this new technology.

Giant display, easy to install
A new design concept integrates a device with big 2.7“ display into a small 57mm standard instrument cutout. The perfectly readable display features a contrast ratio similar to printed paper. It is readable in any lighting condition and supersedes mechanical pointers.

More than just a vario
The Butterfly Vario combines:

• Vario/Speed Command
• Basic navigation with waypoint database (no tasks)
• Final-glide calculation
• Digital compass
• Accurate wind speed and direction calculation - while cruising
• Butterfly FLARM®-Radar display
• FLARM®-voice output
• Artificial horizon with true airspeed and true altitude
• Fully certified IGC-flight-recorder
• Many other features that simplify flying

Vario and sensors
Display- and sensor-unit are two separate devices. Both are connected through a standardized interface-system used in professional airborne systems called CANaerospace. Other display-units or larger screen devices can be easily connected in the future. Butterfly Vario forms the foundation for a whole new product family of gliding instruments from Butterfly.

Integrated Sensor Unit (ISU)
Our Integrated Sensor Unit contains all sensors. 14 single sensors detect changes in static-pressure, total-pressure, TE-pressure, Temperature, 3D acceleration, 3D turnrate and direction through a 3D-compass-sensor. Additionally a built in state-of-the-art 60-channel high-accuracy GPS receiver delivers accurate position data. This makes the ISU a full-scale inertial measurement unit. All gathered datasets are processed in a high-performance computer and deliver very accurate results.

The sensor system has been developed in conjunction with university research activity that has been performed on our hardware. The exact 3D-position of the aircraft is computed in real-time, many times per second.

All used algorithms are field-upgradeable. Throughout the coming flying seasons we will gather lots of user-data and experience and are going to be able to further improve our software in order to provide even more accurate results.

Real-time Wind and Airmass Info.
For the first time it is possible to measure and display wind as well as airmass data in real-time.

• Many times per second the current airmass-movement (netto vario) is detected and displayed on the variometer scale as a blue circle.
• Our new "live-wind" delivers accurate wind information that is updated many times a second. The pilot does not have to circle or change direction to get the latest wind information.

Design and Installation
The new design concept integrates a big 2.7" display into a standard 2,25" panel cutout. The device is mounted from the front of the panel. It is only marginally bigger than a standard 2.25" device and can be easily mounted into any existing cockpit.

The very bright display depicts all necessary information clearly arranged and bigger than common variometers do. The display utilizes special anti-reflection technology making it perfectly readable in *any* lighting condition.Its readability is comparable to printed paper, making mechanical pointers obsolete.

Without mechanical pointers the displayed content can be made bigger and it is possible to suit specific display requirements more flexibly.

All compatible devices, e.g. one sensor-unit and two display-units for two-seaters, are connected through a standardized interface-system used in professional airborne systems (e.g. Airbus A380 or Boeing 787) with robust wiring called CANaerospace. Other display-units or larger screen devices can be easily connected in the future. Butterfly Vario forms the foundation for a whole new product family of gliding instruments from Butterfly. There is no need for complex wiring.

Features in Detail

Vario and speed-command
Vario, netto-vario and wind are accurately computed in real-time with data from high tech sensors.

Display Items on the Vario page:

• A big black arrow-indicator shows the current vario value.
• Vertical airmass movement is shown as a blue circle
• Average climb is displayed as a smaller green arrow.
• Four freely configurable Info-Boxes show desired values.
• The wind-arrow depicts the accurate live-wind.
• The built-in three-dimensional compass always aligns the wind angle perfectly to the roll-axis of the aircraft. This makes the wind arrow turn smoothly, even at high turn-rates.

Independent of the chosen function-page, all needles are always visible, also e.g. the navigation-page.

Artificial horizon and airspeed indicator
Butterfly Vario contains an artificial horizon. The horizon can be of help in dangerous situations that may occur for example when there is unpredicted cloud development during wave-flights. The horizon is a state of the art, solid state precise instrument and can be compared to expensive certified solutions.

Butterfly Vario also features an accurate airspeed indicator with TAS-indication as well as an accurate altimeter.

Horizon functionality can be deactivated in a tamper-proof manner (if necessary for a soaring contest, etc.).

Important Note for U.S. Contest Pilots:
Current U.S. soaring contest rules prohibit the use of any device which allows flight without reference to the ground.  So you would need to remove this device or disable the artificial horizon while flying in a U.S. soaring contest.  I don't agree with this rule, but I do recommend abiding by the rules.  Their official policy is posted here:
http://www.ssa.org/files/member/Restricted Equipment Policy.pdf

In May of 2013 the U.S. Contest Committee OK'd the Butterfly variometer for use in U.S. contests as long as the artificial horizon feature has been disabled for the duration of the contest. Details are below:

The waiver and requirements (below) will be on the SSA website.

1. The presence of the instrument must be made known to the CD or Scorer prior to the first contest grid.

2. Prior to the first contest grid, the prohibited functionality must be disabled using the vendor's lockout mechanism for the entire period of the contest.

3. Prior to the first contest grid, the instrument version information and disablement must be shown to and verified by the CD, Scorer or their designee. Failure to comply with these requirements may be subject to a contest penalty.

John Godfrey (QT) > USA Rules Committee Chair

Navigation
The navigation function gives you directions to airports or turnpoints from the integrated database. A very accurate final glide computer calculates your glidepath based on wind, aircraft-polar, bugs, and current total-energy.

The built in compass-sensor delivers exact true heading information. The 3D-compass is fully compensated and requires no set-up or calibration and is not prone to compass errors. The navigation page is simple to use and perfect as a backup or for basic navigation.

With our interface modules all generated datasets can be sent to other devices like PNA/PDAs or wirelessly to iGlide.

FLARM®-Display and voice output
Our new vario communicates with FLARM® compatible devices. Traffic information as well as tactical data is shown on a special radar screen.

A voice engine gives relevant information and warning messages in natural voice. Voice messages are only given in dangerous or relevant situations. They seamlessly enhance the pilot's workflow and do not distract.

If a dangerous traffic situation is imminent, Butterfly Vario warns in clear natural voice: "Warning. Glider, 12 O'Clock, High".

Voice output also gives you tactical hints, e.g. when a team partner behind you starts circling: "Eight Yankee starts circling".

Through integrated sensors Butterfly Vario detects battery voltage, gear-state, flap-state etc.

Audio
Butterfly Vario mixes other audio-signals (Vario, COM) with generated voice messages or vario-tones. To ensure good transmission quality, all vario-tones are reduced in volume during sending/receiving COM.

Up to two speakers can be attached to the vario, this is ideal for two-seaters and makes future implementations of directional voice-warnings possible.

IGC Logger and USB
Butterfly Vario features a full-scale IGC-Logger (not yet IGC approved) which is to be certified at the highest possible level.

It is possible to read-out IGC-files, declare tasks, update system software or change settings via USB-stick.

Technical Specifications
Instrument Cutout	2 1/4" (57 mm)
Length Behind Panel	About 115 mm (4.5") including cables
Display Unit Dimensions
Integrated Sensor Unit (ISU) Dimensions
Weight	coming soon
Display	2.7" (67 mm) AM TFT Display
Readability	• special optical treatment  • very high contrast ratio  • perfectly readable in any lighting condition
Sensors	• 3D Accelerometer  • 3D Gyroscope  • 3D Compass  • GPS (60 Channel)  • Static pressure  • Total pressure  • TE-Pressure  • Temperature  • Voltage  • Digital switches
Supply Voltage	8 to 35 VDC
Batteries	2 (with integrated power management)
Current	85 to 100 mA @ 12V
Speaker Support	Up to 2
Sound Generation	• Synthetic  • Voice Output  • Audiomixer
Audio Input	1
Interfaces	• CANaerospace  • NMEA (optional)  • WiFi (optional)
Connectors	• M12 (CANaerospace)  • RJ45 (RS-232)  • DB-25 (I/O, Audio, RS-232)  • 2 x USB

Included:

• Display Unit
• Integrated Sensor Unit (ISU)
• Sensor Unit Cable (1 m)
• Wiring Harness
• Temperature Probe
• Panel-mount USB Jack

Manuals & Software Upgrades

$3299
(introductory
price)

Dimensions: coming soon

It may be easier and less expensive to use 3M Dual-Lock fasteners to secure the PowerFLARM Portable directly to the mounting surface, but that would cause the bottom of the PowerFLARM Portable and the top of the mounting surface to get "gunky" from the adhesive on the Dual-Lock (which is very difficult to remove).  Also, since the majority of the bottom of the PowerFLARM Portable is taken-up by the battery compartment cover (which is not secure enough to use as a mounting surface) this system offers a much more secure solution.

Dimensions:
Width: 101 mm (3.98 in)
Depth: 81 mm (3.19 in)
Height of sides of base: 14 mm (0.55 in)
Height PowerFLARM Portable sits up off the mounting surface: 10 mm (0.39 in)
Weight: 113 g (4.0 oz)
 

Two screws are provided for attaching the mount to the bottom of the PowerFLARM Portable using it's built-in threaded mounting holes.  Four screws and nylon locknuts are provided for attaching the mounting adapter to the instrument panel. 

Note: You will want to remotely mount the PowerFLARM's FLARM and ADS-B/Transponder antennas using an extension cable.  I will have them in stock soon in several lengths.  Since the GPS antenna is built-into the PowerFLARM, and it may not get good reception if mounted under other instruments in your panel, you may need to buy a remote GPS antenna.  I will stock those soon.  If the PowerFLARM is mounted at the top of the panel - you shouldn't need a remote GPS antenna and may not need to remote mount the FLARM and ADS-B/Transponder antennas - if you make a holes for them to stick up through the top of the instrument panel cover.

Dimensions:
Width: 101 mm (3.98 in)
Height: 76 mm (2.99 in)
Depth: 64 mm (2.52 in)
Weight: 91 g (3.2 oz)
 

Note: You will want to remotely mount the PowerFLARM's FLARM and ADS-B/Transponder antennas using an extension cable.  I will have them in stock soon in several lengths.  Since the GPS antenna is built-into the PowerFLARM, and it may not get good reception if mounted under other instruments in your panel, you may need to buy a remote GPS antenna.  I will stock those soon.  If the PowerFLARM is mounted at the top of the panel - you shouldn't need a remote GPS antenna and may not need to remote mount the FLARM and ADS-B/Transponder antennas - if you make a holes for them to stick up through the top of the instrument panel cover.

Dimensions:
Width: 129 mm (5.08 in)
Height: 51 mm (2.01 in)
Depth: 64 mm (2.52 in)
Weight: 77 g (2.7 oz)
 

Butterfly FLARM Rectangular Display
This is the same display that is included with the PowerFLARM Core with Rectangular Display.

The Butterfly FLARM Rectangular Display is a color display for FLARM and PowerFLARM units.  It is designed to fit nicely at the top of the instrument panel or along the edge of the glare shield.  It is functionally identical to the Butterfly FLARM Display 57.  When connected to a PowerFLARM it displays FLARM traffic, ADS-B traffic, Mode C transponder traffic and Mode S transponder traffic.

It can be mounted in 3 different orientations - with the control knob on the right, left, or bottom.

Installation photos are shown at right.

For safety's sake I highly recommend mounting it as high as possible so it is easy to see with a quick glance. 

Dimensions: 42 x 82 x 8 mm (1.65 x 3.23 x 0.31 inches)

Power/Data Cables
The Butterfly FLARM displays are provided with a power/data cable with an RJ12 (6-conductor) connector on one end and an RJ45 (8-conductor) connector on the other end.  Be careful not to insert the smaller RJ12 connector (for the display) into the RJ45 port on the PowerFLARM - that would damage some of the pins inside the RJ45 connector. 

Since the PowerFLARM has only a single RJ45 port for both data and power, an RJ splitter is a nice option for connecting both a power cable and the remote display.

Optional Mounting Arm
The Butterfly Mount-Disp-Rect-RAM below is a very nice, clean mounting option for the display.

$366
 

Weight: 2.7 ounces (77 grams)
Length of arm from center of ball to center of ball: 1.75 inches (44 mm)
Overall length of assembly from the back of the base to the face of the display mounting plate: 3.35 inches (85 mm)

An optional RAM-A-201B can be used to make the arm 1.5 inches (38 mm) longer - making the overall length of the assembly 4.85 inches (123 mm).  It would replace the standard length arm in the assembly.

Note: The small RAM "A" balls can sometimes fall off over time if you clamp the mounting arm down too tightly onto the balls.  But RAM offers a lifetime warranty on the parts.  RAM "B" parts never fail, but they are a bit large and klunky looking when supporting such a small item. 

If you prefer to use RAM "B" (1" balls) mounting parts - the RAM-B-237 works very nicely with the custom mounting plate in this kit.  If you go that route, I recommend using a RAP-B-201 standard length arm or RAP-B-201-A short arm and RAP-B-238 diamond base.  A RAM "B" arm would be overkill since the display is very small and light, but RAM "B" parts never fail.  This approach may may sense if you are using other RAM "B" parts in your glider.

4 mounting screws are included for mounting the unit to the display.

For safety's sake I highly recommend mounting it as high as possible so it is easy to see with a quick glance. 

Dimensions: 63 mm wide x 60 mm tall x 35 mm deep (2.48 in wide x 2.36 in tall x 1.38 in deep)

Installation Note: The control knobs are not mounted to the unit when you receive it.  You will need an 7 mm socket wrench to secure the large knob to the control rod.  The smaller knob is secured using a small screwdriver. 

Power/Data Cables
The Butterfly FLARM displays are provided with a power/data cable with an RJ12 (6-conductor) connector on one end and an RJ45 (8-conductor) connector on the other end.  Be careful not to insert the smaller RJ12 connector (for the display) into the RJ45 port on the PowerFLARM - that would damage some of the pins inside the RJ45 connector. 

Since the PowerFLARM Portable has only a single RJ45 port for both data and power, an RJ splitter is a nice option for connecting both a power cable and the remote display.

Paul E. Remde

8661 Connelly Place
Savage, Minnesota 55378
USA

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