Instrument panel considerations
Put the ASI top left where it ought to be in a "six pack".
We aren't trying to maintain a level in gliders so the altimeter can
go pretty much anywhere convenient. If you are happy to put it top
right because of past experience that's fine if it doesn't replace
something more important. Most glide computers nowadays don't require
you to know the pressure altitude so the pressure altimeter is just
for airspace compliance.
Put the main vario display next to the ASI and the backup next to
that or under one of them.
Nowadays there's no point in a main vario that doesn't have the
advantages of netto or relative in cruise and things like averagers
and speed command displays and advanced audio.(B800)
This puts all that glider and air performance stuff in one area.
I'd put the dedicated FLARM display in the top right next to the ASI.
It should be a dedicated display as the aim is to get you to LOOK for
the traffic, not track it on an in cockpit display. You may then have
a chance of seeing the traffic that isn't Flarm equipped or even the
eagles or the wisp of cloud forming etc.
You might want to put the PNA or glide computer on the left where you
can reach it easier with your left hand. As you'd have all the vario
related information as above, the PNA can be dedicated to navigation
(including airspace), wind and glide information. I wish the writers
of the software for these would tell me how a single seat glider
pilot can find the time to use the ridiculous intricate features they
put in and still maintain a good lookout. Whatever you do don't block
the forward and down view either side on the panel with add-on PDAs/PNAs.
Be aware that AAT tasks and optional multiple start points cause far
more interaction with the instrument.
There's no need for pneumatic varios in the 21st Century. Flasks for
these are difficult to install and unless you split the TE line back
as far as possible towards the probe WILL interfere with the
performance of any electronic varios (or other pneumatic ones)
whether flask or pressure transducer type. As there isn't much flow
in the line with no flask the pressure transducer varios are less
sensitive to partial blockages in lines although under certain
circumstances these can still cause problems. You can connect two
pressure transducer varios together right at the panel. Don't use
very flexible lines(silicon) for the TE line or pitot /static if you
are trying to do pitot/static TE. This tubing will very successfully
transmit short term pressure changes. Similarly don't let lines flop
around. The volume can change and cause short term transient pressure
changes. Both will cause odd transient readings on the vario.
You have a lot of electronic equipment in the glider. The
capabilities are severely degraded if the electronics quits. Treat
the batteries and wiring as vital systems. Use aircrat wire not cheap
junk from SuperCrap auto. Use two adequately sized batteries and run
them separately so when one dies the other can power everything for
the rest of the planned flight. If you habitually fly long flights
this can require some thought and testing. Do you know what load you
are running continuously?
Modern standby varios since our B11 in 1979 and later the B40 and
B400 can run on a small 9 volt battery or a few AA cells for hours.
They will also give you much more than a simple pneumatic vario as a
last ditch option. You may find that without audio or an averager you
are somewhat at a loss. A B400 or the new B700 is much more useful. I
gave up on pneumatic varios in 1979 when I one day turned off my
electric vario to try to fly on an early Sage. I found it impossible
to use so took it out and designed the B11 and have never missed a
pneumatic vario.
Mike
At 09:32 AM 11/06/2011, you wrote:
As Mike says some PNA's don't support portrait. If it could support
portrait, I would have all the numbers on top of a simple map [roads, rail
rivers only], no ground display: that is outside.
If I were designing an instrument panel from scratch I would have I
pneumatic vario's top left or right, one simple electric [Borgelt or Tasman]
on the other side. ASI in middle above an XCSoar PNA including FLARM
display. Altimeter somewhere below with radio and that's it. The minimum
equipment list may require compass or other stuff related to WWI that is not
necessary. I would not need to spend thousands on dedicated boxes [sorry
Mike, SeeU etc].
When the electrics fail one could still get home on Pneumatics.
SMFSLT
Alan Wilson
-----Original Message-----
From: aus-soaring-boun...@lists.internode.on.net
[mailto:aus-soaring-boun...@lists.internode.on.net] On Behalf Of
bcole...@xstratacoal.com.au
Sent: Wednesday, 08 June, 2011 14:50
To: aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net
Subject: [Aus-soaring] PDA/PNA - protrait or landscape?
Hi all,
For users of PDA/PNAs in the cockpit - do you have them oriented in portrait
or landscape? Why?
Cheers, Ben
**********************************************************************
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended
solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed.
If you have received this email in error please notify the sender
immediately.
**********************************************************************
_______________________________________________
Aus-soaring mailing list
Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net
To check or change subscription details, visit:
http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
_______________________________________________
Aus-soaring mailing list
Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net
To check or change subscription details, visit:
http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
Borgelt Instruments - manufacturers of quality soaring instruments since 1978
phone Int'l + 61 746 355784
fax Int'l + 61 746 358796
cellphone Int'l + 61 428 355784
email: mborg...@borgeltinstruments.com
website: www.borgeltinstruments.com
_______________________________________________
Aus-soaring mailing list
Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net
To check or change subscription details, visit:
http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
