RENSCHLER Solario OWNERS MINI- MANUAL
www.renschler.de
TECHNICAL DETAILS The Solario is a solar-powered
acoustic-only variometer employing a buffer condensor to
store unused energy. Up-to-the-minute components mean that
solar power is feasible in an instrument which is about the size
of a match box. The absence of any batteries means that the
Solario is the perfect back-up vario. Alternatively, you can
use it with an altimeter watch to provide minimum-volume,
minimum-hassle instrumentation.
In 100% sunshine the solar cell delivers up to 40 times
the current needed to power the unit. Surplus power
charges the buffer condensor, which can provide up to
45 minutes of normal operation when the sunlight
itself is insufficient to power the Solario.
The primary design brief was that the Solario will
always operate when it is bright enough to fly in
thermals. The buffer provides sufficient power for
those tricky times – when there are cloudy skies
around sunset, and the sun disappears behind a
mountain!
Adequate sunlight is found outdoors – for indoor
demonstration the unit may need to be charged under
a lamp for a minute or so. After switching on, you
will hear the descent tone, rising until it switches off
after between 10 and 60 seconds (depending on the
sink rate threshold you have selected). This warm-up
period is due to charging of certain internal
components, so if you want to demonstrate the Solario
you should always wait for about a minute after turn-
on.
USER INSTRUCTIONS
1) Give the Solario as much sunlight as
possible. Place it in the sun as soon as you
begin to prepare your equipment for take off
in order to fully charge the buffer. The
instrument does not need to be switched on
to charge the buffer. A fully-discharged
Solario will work within 45 seconds of being
placed in direct sunlight – longer if the
weather is overcast.
2) Turn on the Solario about one minute
before you take-off in order to ensure it has
reached full sensitivity before you are
airborne. It will need about 30-60 seconds
to warm up.
3) If there is no acoustic tone after switching
on, there is insufficient power in the buffer.
Turn the unit off and place it in the
sunlight.
4) The instrument is not normally sensitive to
changes in light conditions during
operation. If, in exceptional circumstances,
the buffer is drained during flight, the
Solario will give about one minute warning
of shutdown by going into “Wild” acoustic
mode. This erratic audio is the signal to
switch off and allow the buffer to recharge.
5) Remember to switch off after use! This will
retain charge in the buffer, and reduce
charging time next time you switch on
OPERATING MODES
Although the Solario is a fairly basic instrument, it
provides twelve different operating modes, allowing
the pilot to choose an ideal combination of volume and
sink-tone theshold.
Three switches control the Solario functions:
1) The On/Off switch. This prominent round
button is mounted on one of the smallest
faces of the instrument. Push in to switch
On, push again to release the button,
switching Off. When mounting the vario,
ensure this button is remote from any object
which might touch it in flight.
2) The Rotary switch. This switch is recessed
into one corner of the back of the
instrument. This tiny pot is adjustable
using a small screwdriver. Twelve positions
allow you to select any of the following
combinations of volume and sink tone
threshold (as also shown on the
instrument):
Sink
Switch Position Volume Threshold.
0 Low Immediate
1 Low 1 m/s
2 Low 3 m/s
3 Low 3.5 m/s
4 Medium Immediate
5 Medium 1 m/s
6 Medium 3 m/s
7 Medium 3.5 m/s
8 or C Loud Immediate
9 or D Loud 1 m/s
A or E Loud 3 m/s
B or F Loud 3.5 m/s
As an approximation, 1 meter per second
equates to about 200feet per minute, 3 m/s
to 600fpm, and 3.5 m/s to 700fpm.
3) Damping pot. Located adjacent to the
On/Off switch, this pot is recessed behind a
tiny hole. It can be adjusted with a fine
jewellers screwdriver. Gently rotate the
screwdriver in either direction in order to
achieve the setting you prefer. With very
low damping settings you will have audio
signals each time you move your head,
which isn't always desirable.
Note: This pot is set at the factory, to a level of
damping which seems to satisfy most pilots. If you
want your Solario to be generally more or less
responsive than the factory setting, you can fine-tune
it using this switch. However, it is not intended for
frequent adjustment, and will not necessarily survive
repeated heavy-handed attacks with a large blunt
instrument. Treat it gently!
MOUNTING
The Solario was designed to be mounted on your
crash helmet, near the ears. However, the volume is
sufficient to permit satisfactory operation when
mounted further away – say on your harness or flying
suit - if you prefer. The round adhesive-backed Velcro
patch provided is ideal for helmet-mounting, and
should not damage the shell of the helmet.
A back-up cord is provided on the case - if you don't
use it you WILL lose it!
TECHNICAL DATA: (subject to alteration)
Dimensions: 53 x 37 x 19mm.
Weight: 38grm.
Power Source: Entirely Solar-powered
Operating limitations: Satisfactory up to 20,000feet
Run time with fully-charged buffer condensor: approx 45 minutes.
Charge time from zero power in direct sunlight: approx 45 seconds
Temperature compensated Frequency and interval modulated acoustic signal
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