Maximizing Your SkyDrop Experience: A Comprehensive Guide to SkyBean Variometers

Dive into our detailed guide on SkyDrop and SkyBean Variometers. Discover essential tips on firmware updates, battery kit upgrades, and using the SkyBean ChaseCam. Whether you’re a new user or looking to enhance your SkyDrop experience, this article is your go-to resource for mastering these advanced variometers.

SkyDrop & SkyBean Variometers: Solve Your Technical Queries

What kind of battery SkyDrop & SkyBean Variometers use?

SkyDrop is powered by single 900 mAh Li-Ion cell. Battery life is:

• audio mode only 13h
• audio + altitude logger, without GPS 12h
• audio + Bluetooth 10h
• audio + GPS logger 9h
• audio + GPS logger + Bluetooth 7.5h

How can I recharge SkyDrop battery,update firmware or download tracklogs?

All of these tasks are done via micro USB port located at the back of the device.

What mobile apps can I use with SkyDrop?

For Android we recommend XCTrack or XCSoar. For iPhone, there is FlySkyHy (do not forget to update SkyDrop and get the latest version of the app).

What Bluetooth protocol do I need to choose for the FlySkyHy app?

Bluetooth protocol for FlySkyHy is LK8XE1.

How do I turn on/off Bluetooth, GPS and other hardware blocks?

You can switch it on/off in the settings menu. SkyDrop has its own user interface (LCD, buttons). You can change all parameters directly.

I cannot hear any acoustic signalization from the vario, even if the display shows rising or falling when moving up or down. Is something wrong with the device?

SkyDrop starts in silent mode with auto takeoff detection (default threshold ±4m).  Audio will start working when initial altitude will change out of the threshold range. You can turn on/off auto-start in settings. (You can simulate take off if you quickly suck or blow to the buzzer grid in the upper right corner).

Is it possible to show GPS-altitude in meters and ground speed in km/h on the display?

Yes, it is.

Does the recording of tracklogs starts/stops automatically?

Yes, it does. The recording will start once start threshold will be reached. It will end when land threshold altitude doesn’t change during a timeout (setting in autostart/land menu)

How can I add new feature/update?

Connect SkyDrop to the computer using the micro USB cable. For more detailed update manual please visit our Support page.

How do I add a double battery kit to my SkyDrop?

Please watch carefully video before adding a double battery to your SkyDrop. WATCH VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE: How to upgrade SkyDrop vario by double battery kit

Is SkyDrop waterproof?

SkyDrop has some water resistance due to protective paint on PCB, but it is not waterproof. You can use it during a soft rain.

Are you planning to have an android app to set SkyDrop directly from a smartphone via Bluetooth?

Yes, it is in progress. We are working on settings and tracklogs download directly into contests pages.

How do I mount SkyDrop?

There is Velcro and riser mount included with every vario. You can mount it to the cockpit or riser.

In what modes can SkyDrop be operated?

You can use SkyDrop as a standalone device like standard analogue/digital and acoustic vario with GPS track log stored in micro SD card. In addition, Bluetooth connectivity offers a real-time connection with XC apps running on smartphone or tablet.

I am not able to update SkyDrop even after I followed all instructions at SkyBean support page or in YouTube video manual. My SkyDrop shows: “Error, unable to mount data storage. Format SD card?“  and I pressed “Yes” and all date were deleted. My SkyDrop shows: “error: 01“. What can I do?

Please follow these steps:

1.     Go to http://vps.skybean.eu/
2.     Select Recovery files
3.     Select highest number
4.     Download UPDATE.FW and UPDATE.EE into the SkyDrop
5.     Then press and hold RIGHT button
6.     The led on SkyDrop should be yellow for cca 5 seconds
7.     Then power on the device (press and hold MIDDLE button)
8.     There should be message UPDATE.EE applied
9.     After this the device will be updated to the newest version

Please contact us via email benoit@letsgoparagliding.com if there is a problem during or after updating, we will guide you through.

Payment and Delivery Queries

How Can I Pay for SkyBean Products? We accept PayPal and credit card payments. For any issues, please contact us via email.

Global Shipping Availability We ship SkyBean products worldwide.

Shipping and Tracking We utilize USPS for reliable shipping. Track your order with a number provided via email.

Product Repair and Return Policy For repairs, please email us describing the issue. Many problems can be resolved through email consultation. If necessary, send the device for repair, stating the value as 10 Eur to avoid customs complications.

FOR SUPPORT

SkyDrop Manuals and Downloads

• English SkyDrop Manual: Download
• German SkyDrop Manual: Download
• Slovak SkyDrop Manual: Download
• French SkyDrop Manual: Download
• Italian SkyDrop Manual: Download
• Manuals for SkyBean ChaseCam in various languages and the SkyBean Audio Configurator are also available for download.
• Download English manual for Universal ChaseCam: Universal ChaseCam manual EN
• Download manual for SkyBean vario: SkyBean manual

HOW TO UPDATE SKYDROP (FIRMWARE 1666 OR NEWER)

1. Please use SkyDrop configurator and follow its instructions.
2. Eject the device in the operating system (or just unplug the cable) and confirm update on SkyDrop.
3. SkyDrop LED will light yellow,when the update is applied.

WATCH VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE: How to update SkyDrop and keep current settings

For height above ground level update terrain data into SkyDrop vario TERRAIN DATA.

Alternatively, you can find the updates in our GitHub account.

If you have older firmware than 1666, please contact us.

HOW TO UPGRADE SKYDROP VARIO BY DOUBLE BATTERY KIT

Please watch carefully video before adding a double battery to your SkyDrop. WATCH VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE: How to upgrade SkyDrop vario by double battery kit

How to restore the device

Please contact us via email info@skybean.eu if there is a problem during or after updating, we will guide you through.

HOW TO INSTALL AND USE SKYBEAN CONFIGURATOR

1. Install Chrome application: download here
2. Open the application, select “Update SkyBean firmware” at home screen.
3. Select “skybean_beta2.ebin” and then press “Upload to SkyBean”.
4. Use a screwdriver to remove SkyBean aluminum cover down.
5. Connect USB programmer with SkyBean and turn vario on.
6. Application windows will guide you trough.
7. Enjoy vario setting and creating audio profiles.

If your computer do not recognize USB programmer, please download and install these drivers for Windows: http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/CDM/CDM21218_Setup.zip 

Check out our collection of Skybean products here.