Probably the first and foremost thing that immediately stands out is the software and programming features of the unit. Unlike many of the other Vario solutions, the SkyAssistant gives you the ability to modify the parameters of virtually all of the functions of the unit. The unit also provides real time data logging for all of the parameters that the unit monitors so you can review your flight in a graphical format by downloading the data into a PC.

The following functions are provided as tones or voice announcements which can be monitored via an appropriate portable UHF receiver:

• Vario tone (with or without total energy compensation probe)
• Battery voltage
• Height
• Temperature (battery, motor or air)

These functions all have definable settings via the programming interface in addition to pre-definable alarms that can be easily configured to suit you requirements or switched off as required.

Customising the Unit

Almost all of the parameters of the Vario can be changed including the sensitivity of the readings and the number of announcements per period of time.  The ability to change the sensitivity of Various functions in the PitLab SkyAssistant makes this unit as one of the most sophisticated R/C varios available to aeromodelers. This capability ensures that you can fine tune the SkyAssistant to individual model characteristics and your flying style to a much greater extent than was previously possible. (Sorry – it will not fix your flying skills… but it might help sharpen them!)

The SkyAssistant’s compact footprint and 18gm weight ensure that it can be installed into virtually any R/C model.  This means that the SkyAssistant’s comprehensive features can be used to help with setup and trimming of competition gliders as well as the traditional use with scale sailplanes.

Ok, so you mess round with all of the settings and nothing seems to be working properly any more - no problem simply reset the unit to its defaults and have another go at developing your customised settings.

ROM updates

A key feature that is often missing in off the shelf Varios is the ability to update the unit’s software without the need to return it to the factory. The SkyAssistant comes with management software that incorporates a very simple user interface which ensures that the user update process is very straight forward. So when PitLab do some updates to the unit’s software, or provide new software features, you can easily add it to your product without having to send your unit back for reprogramming. This is a significant feature from my perspective as it increases the longevity of the unit and gives you much greater value for money. Some of the 2.4 receiver manufacturers could learn from this business model instead of protecting their intellectual property at the end user’s cost! (Sorry – getting off my box).

Keep a graph of your flight.

As previously mentioned, once you have set your parameters, had your flight and landed, you can review the flight by importing the log data into the data analysis program.  The result is a neat graphical representation of your captured data and the program also allows you to change some of the view settings to see exactly what you need.

I personally was very surprised by just one thing… the voltage draw down on my DG303 when I deployed the wheel, flaps and airbrakes. It was much greater than I had imagined and I would hate to see the same model’s voltage drop with a single four cell pack!

Being able to change the rate of logging means that you can control the accuracy of log data over time while changing the amount of memory used by the log data – the higher the sample rate, the higher the amount memory required. An example is that when looking at voltage spikes due to servo loads, high sample rates are required. The SkyAssistant can sample down to 50ms making it a very accurate sample rate.

Radio receiver – the only one compatible in Australia!

PitLab have recently added the capability to utilize Australian UHF CB frequencies (thanks to Model Flight). This means that you don’t have to purchase specialized 433Mhz receiver as any of the standard hand held UHF CB radios will work with the SkyAssistant. For more info on this see the following forum note:

http://www.pitlab.pl/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=260

So, what are the shortcomings?

Well, I have to say, this is a neat and well thought out unit. It is highly user configurable, but also works great straight out of the box. The only downside would have to be the manual. It is not that they have not provided the information – they have, but that they suffer a little in the translation and thus needs some very close consideration to make out what is actually meant by the definitions and terms used. But having said that, I have seen worse and this is hardly a reason not buy it – you can easily work it out… and if all else fails, there is the great online support.

A must have for any serious scale pilot.

Price	$450 (not including reciever or TEK probe)
Value for money	8.5/10
Performance	9/10
Experience required using	Little to no experience for basic use through to advanced use.
Satisfaction factor	9/10
Approximate installation time	30 Min (not including the TEK)
In Australia available from:	Model Flight
Manufacturer:	PitLab