Quick answers to common questions about ParaBaro
ParaBaro is an advanced paragliding wing pressure monitoring system that provides real-time data about your wing's internal pressure distribution. The system consists of:
ParaBaro helps you understand wing behaviour, identify potential collapses, and improve flight safety through data-driven insights. The integrated GPS recording means you get both pressure monitoring and competition-quality flight tracking in one device. All data stays with you - stored locally and managed through your personal account.
ParaBaro uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) pressure sensors mounted at four key locations on your wing:
Each sensor transmits pressure data wirelessly to the receiver unit, which:
After your flight, upload both the pressure CSV file and the IGC GPS track to the web platform for detailed analysis. The IGC file format is compatible with competition submissions and all standard flight analysis tools.
Required Equipment:
Optional Equipment:
ParaBaro is a data collection and analysis tool for research and training purposes. It is not a flight instrument and does not replace standard safety equipment.
Important Notes:
The system is designed for experienced pilots who want to better understand their wing's behaviour and improve their flying through data-driven insights.
Yes, ParaBaro is compatible with all paragliding wings regardless of brand, model, or size. The sensors are designed to be mounted externally without modifying your wing.
Installation Considerations:
Recommended Wings: Whilst ParaBaro works with all wings, it provides most valuable data on EN-C and above wings where pressure dynamics are more critical.
ParaBaro is designed for intermediate to advanced pilots (P2/P3 and above) who want to deepen their understanding of wing behaviour. The system is most valuable when you can interpret pressure changes in context with your flying experience.
By Experience Level:
Getting Started: Many pilots find ParaBaro especially useful during the "intermediate syndrome" phase (50-100 hours) when overconfidence can be risky. The data provides objective reality checks to complement your developing instincts.
First-Time Users: We recommend your first 5-10 flights with ParaBaro be for learning your wing's baseline behaviour. Fly in familiar, calm conditions and observe normal pressure ranges before using the data for decision-making in challenging conditions.
Intermediate syndrome refers to the dangerous phase where pilots feel they "have it" after 50-100 hours but haven't yet developed deep risk assessment skills. This overconfidence period sees statistically higher incident rates.
How ParaBaro Helps:
Real Example from Beta Testing: One P2 pilot consistently flew in afternoon conditions with pressure readings 20-25 Pa (marginal). After reviewing data, they realized their "confident flying style" was actually "constantly on the edge of collapse." They adjusted timing to fly earlier with 40-50 Pa readings and eliminated close calls.
Important: ParaBaro provides data, but good judgement still requires proper training, mentorship, and conservative decision-making. Use it as one tool among many - not a replacement for experience and caution.
Experienced pilots learn to "feel" pressure through brake tension, brake line vibration, and wing loading - this is the gold standard taught in SIV courses and essential for safe flying. ParaBaro doesn't replace this; it complements and enhances it.
Traditional Feel-Based Sensing:
ParaBaro Data-Based Sensing:
The Best Approach - Both Together:
You might sense a drop in pressure through your left brake; ParaBaro shows you it dropped from 45 Pa to 22 Pa and is asymmetric (right side still 43 Pa). This combination accelerates learning: your hands feel it, your eyes confirm it, and post-flight data lets you analyze your pressure management technique.
Think of it like learning to drive: you feel the car's feedback through the steering wheel and pedals (essential), but the speedometer and tachometer provide precise information your senses can't (valuable). Neither replaces the other - together they make you a better driver.
Absolutely! Ground handling is one of the best introductory uses for ParaBaro. It provides immediate, visual feedback on wing inflation quality without the complexity of in-flight interpretation.
Ground Handling Training Benefits:
1. Symmetrical Inflation Practice
2. Reverse Launch Mastery
3. Forward Launch Feedback
4. Instructor Tool
Getting Started (Beginners):
Safety Note: Focus on the wing, not the screen. Glance at ParaBaro between inflations or have your instructor watch it whilst you focus on technique. Never let the device distract from proper wing control and awareness of surroundings.
Progression Path: Start with ground handling (P1), add calm soaring flights with post-flight analysis (P2), then use real-time data for active flying in thermals and XC (P3+). This gradual introduction builds both skills and data interpretation ability.
Understanding Your Wing's Pressure Personality
Think of inflation pressure like tyre pressure in a car:
Different Wings, Different Baselines
Your wing, loading, and flying style create your personal baseline:
Real-World Pressure Patterns
Smooth Ridge Soaring:
Expect steady, consistent pressure: 40-50 Pa both sides, ±3 Pa variation. Any sudden drops indicate wind shear or rotor - time to move forward or land.
Thermalling:
Warning Signs (Based on Beta Tester Data):
The First 10 Flights Are Your Baseline
Use your first 5-10 flights with ParaBaro to establish YOUR wing's personality:
After establishing your baseline, you'll instinctively know: "My wing normally sits at 42 Pa in cruise, but I'm seeing 28 Pa right now - something's wrong, time to add speed or brake input."
Pro Tip from Experienced Users: Don't chase numbers during flight. Glance occasionally to confirm what you're feeling through the brakes. Use post-flight data to understand what happened during that weird moment. Over time, you'll develop data-informed intuition - the numbers validate and sharpen your feel, not replace it.
The ParaBaro device has a full retail price of £449. Through our 2026 Beta Testing Programme, you can acquire your device through a pay-off system based on flight hours.
How the Pay-Off System Works:
You pay an upfront enrollment fee and then "pay off" the remaining device cost through logged flight hours. Each hour of flight data you contribute reduces your remaining balance.
Beta Programme Options:
Important: These are pay-off contributions toward the £449 device cost, not cash credits. You're earning ownership through flight data contribution.
The ParaBaro Beta Testing Programme launches in 2026. Registration opens Q1 2026.
As a beta tester, you'll:
Beta testing is limited to selected pilots. Priority given to active XC pilots with regular flying schedules.
ParaBaro is currently classified as a research and training device. Competition use depends on FAI regulations and individual competition rules.
Allowed:
Check First:
Important: ParaBaro does NOT provide tactical information (lift rates, navigation, etc.) that would give competitive advantage. It purely monitors wing pressure for safety research. However, always verify with competition organizers before flying with any electronic device.
We're working with FAI committees to establish clear classification guidelines.
Your flight data privacy is a priority:
Data Ownership:
Data Security:
Data Sharing:
What We Collect:
What We Don't Collect:
Yes! ParaBaro is designed to complement, not replace, your existing flight instruments. It works alongside:
ParaBaro records wing pressure data separately. After flight, you upload your IGC track from your main instrument and ParaBaro's CSV pressure data to our platform, which synchronizes them for combined analysis.
ParaBaro focuses exclusively on wing pressure monitoring - a capability your flight computer doesn't have.
For Device Configuration & Setup:
For In-Flight Use:
For Data Analysis:
Storage:
Turning On:
Turning Off:
Battery Life: 6-8 hours of continuous recording per charge
Recommended Mounting Locations:
Mounting Instructions:
Important: No surface preparation required. The magnetic brackets attach firmly without adhesives or Velcro. Sensors should not interfere with wing cell openings or disrupt airflow. Consult with a wing technician if unsure about mounting locations.
Battery Type:
Battery Life:
When to Replace:
Replacement Tips:
Charging Process:
Charging Time: 2-3 hours for full charge from empty
Tips:
LED Indicators (Top of Screen):
Arc Indicators:
Pressure Values:
Before Takeoff:
During Flight:
After Landing:
File Format: CSV files named YYYY-MM-DD_HH-MM-SS_ParaBaro.csv
Pressure Range Guide:
| Pressure (Pa) | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 40-60 Pa | Excellent | Normal flight |
| 25-40 Pa | Good | Monitor closely |
| 10-25 Pa | Low | Prepare for collapse |
| < 10 Pa | Critical | Collapse imminent/occurring |
Note: These are general guidelines. Your wing's normal inflation range may vary based on wing type, loading, and flying style. Values near zero when wing is on the ground are normal.
When to Calibrate:
Calibration Procedure:
Important: Calibration must be done with wing completely deflated and flat. Do not move wing or device during the 10-second countdown. To cancel calibration early, tap CAL button again.
ParaBaro uses Web Bluetooth API for device configuration. Browser support:
| Browser | Desktop | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome | ✅ Fully Supported | ✅ Fully Supported | ❌ Not Supported |
| Edge | ✅ Fully Supported | ✅ Fully Supported | ❌ Not Supported |
| Opera | ✅ Fully Supported | ✅ Fully Supported | ❌ Not Supported |
| Safari | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ Not Supported |
| Firefox | ❌ Not Supported* | ❌ Not Supported* | ❌ Not Supported |
*Web Bluetooth can be manually enabled in Firefox but is not officially supported
Recommended: Google Chrome on Windows, Mac, Android, or ChromeOS
Apple does not support Web Bluetooth on iOS devices.
This is a limitation of iOS, not ParaBaro. Apple has not implemented the Web Bluetooth API in Safari or any iOS browser (including Chrome for iOS).
Workarounds for iOS Users:
What iOS Users Can Do:
Easy Access to Your Dashboard:
What's in Your Dashboard:
Persistent Login: Your session stays active as you browse the site. Click "🏠 Home" to return to the main site anytime without logging out.
No, ParaBaro works completely offline during flight.
What Works Offline:
When You Need Internet:
Typical Workflow:
Over-The-Air (OTA) Updates via WiFi:
ParaBaro supports automatic firmware updates over WiFi, making it easy to keep your device up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.
Setting Up WiFi:
Automatic Update Process:
Benefits:
Note: WiFi is optional - device works perfectly fine without it. WiFi is only used for OTA updates.
Yes! You can register and manage multiple ParaBaro devices under one pilot account.
Use Cases:
How It Works:
Device Management: Coming soon - quick device switching interface for managing multiple devices
Common Causes & Solutions:
1. Device Not Powered On
2. Bluetooth Disabled on Computer
3. Wrong Browser
4. Out of Range
5. Device Already Connected
6. Browser Permission Denied
Common Sync Failures:
1. Connection Lost During Sync
2. Timeout Errors
3. Profile Data Incomplete
4. Invalid Configuration Values
5. Firmware Issue
If SD Card Becomes Dislodged:
If Recording Stops Unexpectedly:
Data Recovery:
Prevention:
Soft Reset (Restart):
Hard Reset (Factory Reset):
⚠️ Warning: Factory reset will erase:
When to Reset:
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting:
1. Check Battery
2. Force Restart
3. Check Connections
4. Test Charger
5. Battery Completely Dead
6. Hardware Failure
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