FrSky VARI ADV Variometer Sensor
The FrSky VARI ADV is a precision barometric variometer sensor for gliders, sailplanes, and soaring fixed-wing aircraft. Using atmospheric pressure measurement, it calculates altitude with 0.1-meter accuracy up to 10,000 meters and calculates vertical speed (climb and sink rate), streaming both values to your FrSky transmitter as live telemetry — the essential tool for thermal soaring and ridge soaring pilots who need real-time energy-state awareness.
FrSky ADVANCE (ADV) series has comprehensive sensor types and enhanced the performance and capability of the original sensor line. All ADV sensors fully support FBUS protocol and are also S.Port compatible. With FBUS, the VARI ADV pairs seamlessly with any FBUS-capable receiver, adding variometer capability without complex wiring.
The VARI ADV calculates altitude from atmospheric pressure, which decreases with altitude. It measures altitude to 10,000 meters with a tolerance of 0.1 meters. Note: readings may drift slightly if atmospheric pressure changes due to weather during flight.
Why We Recommend This
The VARI ADV is purpose-built for soaring — glider and sailplane pilots get live altitude and climb/descent rate on their transmitter screen, making thermal hunting and slope soaring genuinely data-driven. If you fly anything with unpowered phases, this sensor adds a whole new dimension to the flight experience. FPV Builds RC provides U.S.-based product support, sensor-selection assistance, and setup guidance for FrSky products purchased through our store.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What aircraft is the VARI ADV designed for?
The VARI ADV is specifically designed for gliders, sailplanes, and thermal soaring fixed-wing aircraft. The variometer's primary purpose is measuring vertical speed (climb/sink rate) using barometric pressure, which is essential for locating and working thermals during soaring flight. It is less relevant for powered aircraft where altitude is managed by throttle.
Which FrSky receivers is the VARI ADV compatible with?
The VARI ADV works with any FrSky receiver supporting FBUS or S.Port. This includes all TD Tandem, TW Twin, and Archer Plus receiver families. FBUS is the preferred connection for new builds. Browse compatible receivers at https://www.fpvbuildsrc.com/frsky-receivers.
How accurate is the altitude reading from the VARI ADV?
The VARI ADV measures altitude from atmospheric pressure with a stated accuracy of 0.1 meters up to 10,000 meters under stable atmospheric conditions. Readings may drift slightly during flights where weather-related pressure changes occur. For GPS-based altitude as a cross-reference, pair it with the FrSky GPS ADV sensor.
How does the variometer audio tone work in ETHOS?
When the VARI ADV is connected via FBUS and your transmitter runs ETHOS, vertical speed data is available as a telemetry field. In ETHOS you can configure a variometer audio tone — a rising pitch when climbing and falling pitch when sinking — that plays through the transmitter speaker or headphone jack, giving you real-time audio feedback of your glider's energy state without looking at the screen.
Can I use the VARI ADV alongside other ADV sensors on the same receiver?
Yes. FBUS is a multi-drop bus, so multiple ADV sensors — including the VARI ADV, GPS ADV, and FAS current sensors — can share the same FBUS connection on a compatible receiver. This simplifies wiring and lets you build a comprehensive telemetry suite without additional ports. Browse all sensors at https://www.fpvbuildsrc.com/frsky-sensors.
Does FPV Builds RC offer support for the VARI ADV?
Yes. FPV Builds RC is a U.S.-based FrSky dealer and can help with FBUS wiring and ETHOS vario audio configuration. Browse the full FrSky sensor lineup at https://www.fpvbuildsrc.com/frsky-sensors.
