Hi Michael,
I hope your project is progressing well. I would like to offer another
opinion on digital vs. analog. When I was designing my panel, I
installed a 2 1/4" analog tachometer with the rpm range markings for the
912S. I also installed a Grand Rapids EIS 2004-W, see
http://www.grtavionics.com/model_2004.htm, for my engine monitoring,
fuel status and annunciator requirements. I assumed that the analog
gauge would be my primary reference for engine speed. Before flying the
plane I had been talking with Greg Toman, the Grand Rapids Pres., and
mentioned my analog tacho. His comment was "Oh, you will never use that.
You will always use the EIS." My reaction was that he was incorrect
since I also thought that analog readings were easier and quicker to
interpret. However, I found that as soon as I started flying the plane,
I never looked at the analog gauge. The EIS digits refresh very quickly
and are very accurate. When I build my next panel?, it will have an EIS
and no analog tacho.
Cheers, John
N262WF, mono XS, 912S, Whirlwind c/s prop
Mooresville, North Carolina
ORIGINAL MESSAGE
From: "Michael Grass" <M.Grass@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Re: Digital Readout Engine Gauges
Martin,
Be aware that only numerical displays impose additional workload to the pilot.
You would actually have to read the number and the brain has to process the
numbers
and compare them mentally.
In your case, I would look for some instruments with a combined analog and
digital representation in one instrument.
Example is at
http://www.sportflyingshop.com/Instr/Stratomaster/SmartSingles/smartsingles.html
.
The nice thing about digital once is that many have a monitoring feature and
will
ring an alarm when certain programmed levels are exceeded.
You find also nicer looking once in the automotive and aviation industry if
you look further.
Advantage of analog representation is that you just need to have a short look at
the instrument to see that all data are in the right area. Much quicker and
less workload to the brain. This is exactly the reason why the digital
representation
in a car never took of.
Regards
Michael Grass
A266 Trigear
Detroit
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