If you don't like the uEncoder's data presentation, AITI
(www.aircraftinstruments.com ) makes an instrument called the ADC (air data
computer) which displays altitude, v/s, and airspeed in a vertical tape
format on a monochrome graphic LCD and fits in a 3.25" hole ( though the
bezel winds up close to 4"). Both graphic and numeric readouts are
provided, speed "arcs" are user-selectable, and 3 additional quantities (
TAS, baro, etc. ) plus status can be displayed at the bottom. The price is
about $2K. Then again, this is a completed instrument, not a kit.
I should note for those motor glider enthusiasts that the standard VSI needs
to be replaced by a variometer. The uEncoder and, I believe, the ADC, has
very fast response time which is user-selectable. This allows glider VSI
response in glider mode and standard VSI response with short wings. Of
course, the really serious glider pilots will want a total energy or netto
vario...
Both also function as altitude encoders for mode C transponders.
Shaun
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul & Liz Atkinson" <paulliz@cix.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Instruments
> In article <3b.1019bd26.27b1d5e9@aol.com>, Grahamclk@aol.com
> () wrote:
>
> > You can get used to anything of course but there are
> fundamental
> > differences and much research has gone on in this area.
> Digits have to
> > be read, and it is more difficult to judge rate of change
> from them.
> > Though you could argue that the numbers on instruments are
> smaller than
> > those on the RMI Encoder, they have better contrast and
> coloured
> > backgrounds for important ranges, stall, gear.flap range
> etc.
>
> Graham
> Digits are more difficult to read, but I reckon that the
> Encoder makes up for it in other ways. The trend arrows are
> very useful in this respect, and the built in alarms can be
> set up to warn you about the important speeds. The best
> feature, as far as I am concerned, is that all the important
> information(bar AOA) is close together. If you are
> concentrating on one function, the trend arrows of the other
> two are within your field of vision, and will alert you to a
> change. With conventional instruments a good scan is needed,
> which not all of us possess.
>
> Paul Atkinson
>
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