GPS-ASR

Measures distance still to be flown to reach goal.
Displays height required for distance shown.
Input of distance is done by a simple rotating knob. Fast and reliable data entry!
Distance shown on clearly visible LCD display with high contrast.
Measurement range 999 nm.
Wind input by turning knob. 32 knot range.
Thermal/cruise mode switch slaved to variometer. This may be controlled by a separate switch on the flap lever or other switch.
Computes distance from previous point on second "page".
Accuracy within 2%.

Uses McCready value, wing loading, and sailplane polar from SB- 8 master unit.
Computes altitude difference needed to cover remaining distance shown, on the basis of the above data, plus wind. Range 9,990 feet.
Altitude difference required, and remaining distance are permanently and unambiguously shown together, in parallel on LCD display.
Simple operation. Wind and distance knobs only. No input errors, no mis-interpretations, no forgetting of data set some hours earlier. Everything absolutely not necessary is left out. No multiple significance of switches.

Auxiliary to SB-8 master unit.
Needs little space: 2 1/4" diameter hole, 4" deep.
Low power drain: only 25 ma current drain.
Easy to use for low time pilots.
The variometer is not a by-product of the computer. The variometer is a variometer, and the computer is a computer; both do what they are to do, and they do it well!