Replacing an airspeed indicator

For some reason my glider came with an indicator with a ridiculously high maximum reading. I would like to replace it with something that has much more space in the most often used regions of the dial. Can you just install a new instrument or does it need to be somehow calibrated or tuned to an individual Pitot tube installation?
Thanks for your experience.

On Wednesday, March 5, 2014 11:15:35 AM UTC-7, Soartech wrote:
For some reason my glider came with an indicator with a ridiculously high maximum reading. I would like to replace it with something that has much more space in the most often used regions of the dial. Can you just install a new instrument or does it need to be somehow calibrated or tuned to an individual Pitot tube installation?

Thanks for your experience.

The ridiculously high reading should be a good excuse to fly faster (Kidding!). Check your maintenance manual and possibly the TDCS and there should be a list of approved instruments. You also have to make sure the A/S has the proper markings. Granted, If your ship is experimental you could possibly do anything you want as long as your mechanic signs off but I would not use a mechanic who would sign a condition inspection without properly marked instruments. Calibration is a good idea but it is complicated.

I forgot to say this glider is experimental. So you are saying that any new airspeed indicator (factory fresh) should be accurate to some reasonable extent with a standard Pitot tube installation? Is calibration normally done on new installations or not? As far as markings on the dial, they are easy to duplicate so no problem there.



The ridiculously high reading should be a good excuse to fly faster (Kidding!). Check your maintenance manual and possibly the TDCS and there should be a list of approved instruments. You also have to make sure the A/S has the proper markings. Granted, If your ship is experimental you could possibly do anything you want as long as your mechanic signs off but I would not use a mechanic who would sign a condition inspection without properly marked instruments. Calibration is a good idea but it is complicated.

On Thursday, March 6, 2014 10:43:09 AM UTC-7, Soartech wrote:
I forgot to say this glider is experimental. So you are saying that any new airspeed indicator (factory fresh) should be accurate to some reasonable extent with a standard Pitot tube installation? Is calibration normally done on new installations or not? As far as markings on the dial, they are easy to duplicate so no problem there.







The ridiculously high reading should be a good excuse to fly faster (Kidding!). Check your maintenance manual and possibly the TDCS and there should be a list of approved instruments. You also have to make sure the A/S has the proper markings. Granted, If your ship is experimental you could possibly do anything you want as long as your mechanic signs off but I would not use a mechanic who would sign a condition inspection without properly marked instruments. Calibration is a good idea but it is complicated.

Check out this page on W&W http://www.wingsandwheels.com/altime...rad_winter.htm
Should explain most everything and if you have further questions give Sean a call.

K, none of those Winters, in either size, are 0 to 120 knots which is what I need.
I was looking at this one as best available. Low price, easy to read.
Does anyone have any comments on this brand, other than the fact that there is no such measurement as KPH?
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...p-10-05383.php

On Wednesday, March 5, 2014 10:15:35 AM UTC-8, Soartech wrote:
For some reason my glider came with an indicator with a ridiculously high maximum reading. I would like to replace it with something that has much more space in the most often used regions of the dial. Can you just install a new instrument or does it need to be somehow calibrated or tuned to an individual Pitot tube installation?

Thanks for your experience.

I bought a used ASW-27 altimeter from someone on RAS. I now have a glider that flies as fast as the ASW-27 for substantially less money.

Brad

On Friday, March 7, 2014 1:24:43 PM UTC-5, Brad wrote:
On Wednesday, March 5, 2014 10:15:35 AM UTC-8, Soartech wrote:

For some reason my glider came with an indicator with a ridiculously high maximum reading. I would like to replace it with something that has much more space in the most often used regions of the dial. Can you just install a new instrument or does it need to be somehow calibrated or tuned to an individual Pitot tube installation?



Thanks for your experience.



I bought a used ASW-27 altimeter from someone on RAS. I now have a glider that flies as fast as the ASW-27 for substantially less money.



Brad

Cool. So that really worked for you, eh?
But how does the altimeter change your speed? Something to do with
mirror-image photon physics?

dunno, not smart enough to know all them fancy wurds

Brad

Seriously, none of the Winter ASIs come with 0 to 120 knot scales. In fact this is one of few ASIs that does. It seems very easy to read and the price is good. Does anyone have any comments on the brand (Skysports)?

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...p-10-05384.php

On Friday, March 7, 2014 10:43:14 AM UTC-8, Soartech wrote:
Seriously, none of the Winter ASIs come with 0 to 120 knot scales. In fact this is one of few ASIs that does. It seems very easy to read and the price is good. Does anyone have any comments on the brand (Skysports)?



http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...p-10-05384.php

The Winter ASW-27 ASI goes to about 160 kts. the arcs are of course calibrated for the ASW-27. for my homebuilt, I've tested it for a VnE of 135kts, so the arcs need to be changed accordingly. who knows, this glider may go to 160kts, but do I really need to go that fast?

Brad