FUTEBB1163

Overview

The Futaba SBS-02A Telemetry Air Pressure Sensor represents a precision instrument designed for RC enthusiasts in the UK who demand accurate altitude and variometer data during flight. This compact, lightweight sensor measures atmospheric pressure to deliver real-time altitude and climb/sink rate information, making it an essential component for advanced RC aircraft operations, FPV drones, and competitive RC flying across the United Kingdom. Whether you're flying RC helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, or multicopters, the SBS-02A provides the telemetry feedback needed for professional-grade flight monitoring and data logging.

Weighing just 2.6 grams with a 175 mm lead, the SBS-02A is engineered for minimal weight penalty whilst delivering maximum telemetry capability. This sensor integrates seamlessly with Futaba's S.BUS2 protocol systems, ensuring compatibility with modern Futaba RC radio equipment and receivers. For serious RC flyers across the UK seeking to monitor altitude performance with precision, this telemetry sensor is an indispensable upgrade that transforms your flying data collection capabilities.

The SBS-02A is particularly valued by RC hobbyists who want to track altitude variations, climb rates, and descent rates during complex flying manoeuvres. Its wide operating voltage range means it works with various battery configurations, providing flexibility in RC setup design. This makes the SBS-02A suitable for a broad range of RC aircraft applications, from thermal soaring enthusiasts to competition pilots who require detailed performance metrics.

Key Features

• Atmospheric Pressure Measurement — The sensor measures atmospheric pressure directly, converting this data into accurate altitude readings from approximately -700 metres to 5,500 metres, allowing you to monitor your RC aircraft's height precisely throughout your flight.
• Variometer Function — The integrated variometer capability provides real-time climb and sink rate information ranging from approximately -150 metres per second to +150 metres per second, giving you instant feedback on vertical air movement and performance during manoeuvres.
• S.BUS2 Telemetry Protocol Compatibility — This sensor operates exclusively on the S.BUS2 command protocol, ensuring reliable integration with compatible Futaba RC systems and allowing seamless data transmission to your receiver and transmitter for live telemetry monitoring.
• Ultralight Construction — At just 2.6 grams, the SBS-02A adds virtually no weight penalty to your RC aircraft, making it suitable for applications where minimising mass is critical for flight performance and battery life.
• Compact Form Factor — The sensor features a 175 mm lead with a black finish, designed for discreet installation in RC aircraft without affecting aerodynamic properties or balance.
• Wide Voltage Compatibility — Operating from 3.7 volts DC to 7.4 volts DC, the SBS-02A works with various battery voltage configurations including single-cell to dual-cell LiPo batteries, providing flexibility in power distribution design.
• Precision Altitude Tracking — The sensor delivers altitude data spanning an impressive range from -700 metres below sea level to 5,500 metres altitude, accommodating everything from low-level flying to high-altitude operations.
• Real-Time Data Transmission — Via S.BUS2 protocol, the sensor continuously transmits altitude and variometer data to your Futaba receiver in real time, enabling live monitoring on compatible transmitters equipped with telemetry displays.

Technical Performance

The Futaba SBS-02A represents precision engineering in telemetry sensor design. The sensor employs atmospheric pressure measurement technology to derive altitude and climb rate data, eliminating the need for GPS-based altitude calculations and providing instantaneous readings. Operating across an impressive altitude range from -700 metres to 5,500 metres gives RC flyers the capability to monitor performance whether flying at ground level or in high-altitude thermal soaring conditions. The variometer range of -150 to +150 metres per second captures even the most subtle vertical air movements, essential for thermal detection and ridge soaring applications popular among UK RC aircraft enthusiasts. The engineering prioritises minimal weight at 2.6 grams—a critical consideration in RC aircraft design where every gram affects flight performance, battery runtime, and manoeuvrability. The 175 mm lead provides adequate cable length for flexible installation positioning within RC airframes. The sensor's operating voltage range of 3.7 to 7.4 volts DC means it functions reliably with single-cell LiPo batteries through dual-cell configurations, accommodating diverse power system designs. The black finish ensures the sensor integrates discreetly within aircraft whilst the S.BUS2 protocol compatibility guarantees seamless communication with modern Futaba receiver systems. Build quality reflects Futaba's reputation for durability and reliability in the RC hobby, with the sensor constructed to withstand the vibrations and temperature variations encountered in flight operations. The pressure measurement technology delivers consistent, accurate data across the full operating range, providing the precision needed for serious competition flying or performance data logging.

What's in the Box

• Futaba SBS-02A Telemetry Air Pressure Sensor with 175 mm lead
• Connector for S.BUS2 integration

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the SBS-02A telemetry sensor used for in RC aircraft? — The SBS-02A measures atmospheric pressure to provide real-time altitude and variometer data, displaying how high your RC aircraft is flying and whether it is climbing or descending. This is invaluable for thermal soaring, performance monitoring, data logging, and competition flying where altitude tracking enhances flight control and safety.
• Is the Futaba SBS-02A compatible with my Futaba RC radio system? — The SBS-02A operates exclusively on the S.BUS2 telemetry protocol, so it requires a Futaba receiver and transmitter system equipped with S.BUS2 compatibility. Check your radio equipment specifications to ensure S.BUS2 support before purchasing this sensor.
• What is the difference between altitude and variometer data? — Altitude is your absolute height above sea level, ranging from -700 metres to 5,500 metres on the SBS-02A. Variometer data shows your vertical speed—how fast you are climbing or descending—ranging from -150 to +150 metres per second, helping you detect thermals and optimise flight performance.
• How much does the SBS-02A weigh and will it affect my RC aircraft performance? — The sensor weighs just 2.6 grams, making it negligible in terms of weight penalty for most RC aircraft. This ultralight design ensures the telemetry capability can be added without compromising flight time, manoeuvrability, or aircraft balance.
• What voltage does the SBS-02A require? — The sensor operates from 3.7 volts DC to 7.4 volts DC, making it compatible with both single-cell LiPo batteries (3.7V nominal) and dual-cell LiPo batteries (7.4V nominal), providing flexibility in power system design.
• Can I install the SBS-02A in any RC aircraft? — The SBS-02A requires an S.BUS2-compatible Futaba receiver to function. Beyond that compatibility requirement, the ultralight design and 175 mm lead allow installation in most RC aircraft, helicopters, and multicopters where space permits discreet sensor mounting.
• Is the SBS-02A suitable for beginners in RC flying? — The SBS-02A is recommended for RC flyers with experience in telemetry systems and S.BUS2 protocol integration rather than absolute beginners. It is most valuable for pilots actively using telemetry data to improve performance, data logging, or competition flying.
• What is the altitude measurement range of the SBS-02A? — The sensor measures altitude from approximately -700 metres to 5,500 metres, covering everything from below sea level operations to high-altitude thermal soaring where UK RC aircraft enthusiasts operate their aircraft.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Futaba SBS-02A Telemetry Air Pressure Sensor (Height / Variometer) FUTEBB1163 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.