Variometers are used by para/hang gliders to measure their vertical climb/sink rate. This data helps pilots find and catch thermals. The software runs on a flash ROM cartridge and captures flight data. The data from up to 50 stored flights can be recalled later. The altimeter is a simple pressure transducer that plugs into the link port on the Gameboy Advance.
[thanks Sean2e]
2. DS1338 free sample can be requested from Maxim, MS5534 pressure sensor can be purchased from www.intersema.ch
Posted at 3:08PM on Sep 3rd 2006 by hari
3. Wow. This is truly a great hack. This site rocks, keep 'em coming boys. #7 Digi-key probably has all the parts.
Posted at 3:08PM on Sep 3rd 2006 by dax
4. I am seriosly going to build this if I can source the parts. As a new paraglider, I am not yet ready to shell out $500+ for a vario, but I have a gameboy ;). My guess is the preasure sensor is most likekly a $10 item, anyone know a good place online to find these parts: - Intersema MS5534B pressure sensor - Dallas DS1338C-3.3V Real-Time Clock with integrated 32768Hz crystal - 47uF 10V tantalum cap
5. Nice, how much would the parts in that dongle cust? Sounds like a fun toy if it can be built for under, say, $15.
Posted at 3:08PM on Sep 3rd 2006 by Z
6. I had no idea that people still had gameboys. I personally could never stand video games so I should not even be posting, but I just have one comment to make: This is the most commercial site I have ever seen. I do not know whether to salute you or to denounce you. Maybe you should add some social commentary to your site or something to benefit the human condition rather than simply trying to exploit it. Russell Cole
Posted at 3:08PM on Sep 3rd 2006 by Russell Cole
8. wow.
Posted at 3:08PM on Sep 3rd 2006 by Mark
10. I'd like to see this adapted for a DS where the top is GPS and bottom is alitermeter
Posted at 3:08PM on Sep 3rd 2006 by weirdguy0101
11. Nice application! I only tied some string to mine. :-(It was labeled a stupid micro trick after all.) Say, using a Micro for this app might compactify it a bit, eh? Reading souldn't be that bad. The back of the micro would take a nice piece of Velcro too.
Posted at 3:08PM on Sep 3rd 2006 by strider_mt2k
12. can u tell me how 2 make that
Posted at 10:43AM on Apr 1st 2007 by bilal
Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry: inappropriate or purely promotional comments may be removed. Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. To create a live link, simply type the URL (including http://) or email address and we will make it a live link for you. You can put up to 3 URLs in your comments. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.
hack a day serves up a fresh hack each day, every day from around the web and a special how-to hack each week.
All contents copyright © 2008, Hack A Day. All Rights Reserved.
1. Wow this looks awesome. Will it work on the plane or would the pressurized cabin interfere with the data as I have a 13 hour plane ride next year.
Posted at 3:08PM on Sep 3rd 2006 by Tigermoth