Editing Variometer (section)

==Radio controlled soaring==

Variometers are also used in [[radio control]]led gliders. Each variometer system consists of a radio [[transmitter]] in the glider, and a [[Receiver (radio)|receiver]] on the ground for use by the pilot. Depending on the design, the receiver may give the pilot the current altitude of the glider, and a display that indicates if the glider is gaining or losing altitude—often via an audio tone. Other forms of [[telemetry]] may also be provided by the system, displaying parameters such as airspeed and battery voltage. Variometers used in radio controlled gliders may or may not feature total energy compensation.

Variometers are not essential in radio controlled gliders; a skilled pilot can usually determine if the glider is going up or down via visual cues alone. The use of variometers is prohibited in some soaring [[competition|contests]] for radio controlled gliders.