STODEUS LEGPSBIP+
A few years ago, French manufacturer Stodeus caused a sensation on the scene with its leBipBip. The amusing yet appropriate name describes what such a minimal vario should be able to do, namely 'beep' at the right moment. With the new "GPSBIP +", Stodeus founder and managing director Timothée Manaud shows what intelligent functions are possible in such a small Vario. Equipped with a GPS recorder, voice output, solar power and data interface, it turns the little device into a truly versatile instrument!
How it works
As with the other devices, the one-button philosophy continues with leBipBip. With a short press, the device is switched on and a voice announcement gives the battery status and a red LED lights up to indicate readiness. Now the GPS starts searching for satellites and the status LED lights up according to reception. The volume can be adjusted to four levels. Great advantage: the voice output always gives information about the mode you are in and any values that have been changed. The behaviour of the lowering alarm and raising sensitivity can also be set and configured, and a zeroing tone can even be defined. But the voice output has even more to offer. With a double tap on the solar cell, it can also announce altitude, speed and current climb and descent. If you connect the device to a computer, you can use the leConfigurator application (Windows and Mac), which can be downloaded from the Stodeus website, to fine-tune all the settings and activate and deactivate various functions.
In flight
TheGPSBip + shows no weakness in flight. The acoustics are well modulated, but take a little longer to get used to than with the big vario manufacturers. But once you get used to the leGPSBip+, it convinces with interesting features that probably show a clear path to the future. If you also connect the little Vario to a tablet with XC Track using the included USB (OTG) cable, you get an XC-compatible Hike & Fly Vario for a small price. The volume is good and the voice output is a useful extra that's easy to understand, even in flight or when the Vario is in the cockpit.
Conclusion
With Stodeus, as with smartphones, virtual voice has now arrived. We think this is a good development, and it almost makes the instruction manual seem superfluous. Overall, the Vario convinces with its excellent tuning options at a fair price. What we would still like to see in the future is an interface via Bluetooth, so that you can connect your smartphone or e-reader more easily and without the hassle of a cable. Otherwise, this tiny instrument leaves nothing to be desired!
STODEUS LEBIPBIP+
In the same housing as the leGPSBip+, the French manufacturer is also developing the leBipBip. This is a pure mini audio vario like SYS'One V3, Tweety, Skybean and Solario. Compared with the larger leGPSBip+, it is 10 grams lighter, has a longer battery life without exposure to sunlight (100 hours instead of 20 hours) and is, of course, less expensive. Settings are made at the touch of a button.
