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Old November 12th 09, 03:51 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Richard[_9_]
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Posts: 551
Default Small Altimeter Options for Gliders

On Nov 12, 4:55*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


I used a Winter 57mm for a summer. I found it extremely hard to read
and prone to misreading. What I reverted to is the altimeter
display on the CAI 302. The panel this year has a United 80mm that is
usable.

Please see panel pictures the top two pictures show the two different
altitmeters,

http://www.craggyaero.com/ultimate.htm

If you need any tips on panel construction give me a call.

Richard
www.craggyaero.com