FAQ

SkyDrop technical issues

Click here to buy Skybean products

What kind of battery SkyDrop 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 chose for 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 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 display shows rising or falling when moving up or down. Is something wrong with device?

SkyDrop starts in silent mode with auto take off detection (default threshold ±4m).  Audio will start working when initial altitude will change out of threshold range. You can turn on/off autostart in settings. (You can simulate take off, if you quickly suck or blow to the buzzer grid in 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. Recording will start once start threshold will be reached. It will end when land threshold altitude in doesn’t change during timeout (setting in autostart/land menu)

How can I add new feature/update?

Connect SkyDrop to the computer using micro USB cable. Wait until USB mode is enabled and device folder will pop out. Copy the latest file into the device. You can find update files HERE . The largest number is the newest build. For more detailed update manual please visit our Support page.

Is SkyDrop waterproof?

SkyDrop has some water resistance due to protective paint on PCB, but it is not waterproof. You can use it during 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 analog/digital and acoustic vario with GPS track log stored in micro SD card. In addition, Bluetooth connectivity offers 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

Click here to buy Skybean products