On Nov 12, 7:55*am, joesimmers wrote:
I am going to build a new panel for my glider this winter and would
like to go with all small instruments.

The Altimeter is the only one that I am having trouble deciding on, I
thought I was going to need a "certified" altimeter but recently spoke
to a very reputable source and found out that a "certified" altimeter
is not required for VFR flying, so this opens my options.

I have it narrowed down to four choices listed below.

1) *New Winter altimeter $900 ( A lot more than I would like to spend)

2) Used Aerosonic for $500 to $700 ( looks like a very nice
instrument, a bit heavier than the Winter)

3) UMA single pointer 20k *$300 *(These look very difficult to read
accuratly as the 20k is one full rotation)

4) Microtim digital altimeter from *(http://www.microtim.com/index.htm
) *(This option looks very good to me, it takes up * very little panel
space, easy to read, self contained long lasting battery, easy on the
wallet compared to other options)

I found a post by Mike Borgelt where he stated he was using a Microtim
altimeter and he reccomended it.

Does anyone know of any good reason not to install a Microtim?

Thanks for any advice,
Joe Simmers

This comment will repeat a phrase which is more and more common. Look
into information in your Flt and Maint. manuals related to
instrumentation.
If your glider is licensed in the standard catagory, the FAA's
position is that the glider must conform to "approved data", ie the
manufacturer's documents.
Ah! But my glider is Experimental. Now go look at your operating
limitations which, unless they are non standard or old, will also
indicated that the glider is to be maintained in accordance with
manufacturer's information(approved data).
In reality, it probably makes no difference unless you have a problem,
but you should read your documents before making your decision.
Functionally, a small digital altimiter seems like a nice improvement-
unless of course, the power supply pukes.
Confusing answer huh!
UH