Time-series photometric spot modeling. I - Parameter study and application to HD 17433 = VY Arietis

New UBVRI photometry of the active chromosphere binary HD 17433 (VY) Ari from 1987 through 1991 is presented, and the long-term and short-term spot behavior is studied. A 0.2 mag variation of the mean brightness and a maximum wave amplitude of up to 0.4 mag in 1988 are found. The newly measured photometric period of 16.42 d suggests asynchronous rotation of the primary component by about 30 percent.