Postings being removed?

"Vaughn" wrote in message
...
Trimmed ....
As simple and cheap as pulse oxymetry has become, perhaps what we
really
need is a simple monitoring and ALARM unit designed for cockpit use. I
happen
to have a Nonin Flitestat but find that it has severe limitations in the
cockpit.


Vaughn

I'd be interested in your opinions on why there are 'severe limitations in
the cockpit '. Could you please elaborate Vaughn

Ian

"tango4" wrote in message
...

"Vaughn" wrote in message
...
Trimmed ....
As simple and cheap as pulse oxymetry has become, perhaps what we
really
need is a simple monitoring and ALARM unit designed for cockpit use. I
happen
to have a Nonin Flitestat but find that it has severe limitations in the
cockpit.


Vaughn

I'd be interested in your opinions on why there are 'severe limitations in
the cockpit '. Could you please elaborate Vaughn

First of all, let me say the the Flitestat is a wonderful instrument for
the purpose I obtained it, which has nothing to do with flying. It was just
last week that I first got a chance to try it in the air.
The main problem is the red LED display which was nearly invisible in
sunlight, even when flying under a cloud shadow. A second problem is the form
of the instrument which nearly procludes piloting while you are checking your O2
level.
I recently saw some disposable tape-on sensors that look like a much better
idea, and there is always the ear clip which may be better yet.

Vaughn

Ian

If the ambient light is too bright the pulse ox will not function since it
measures the pulsatile light at certain wavelengths against baseline or
background light. If the difference between these is not fairly large the
instrument will not be able to determine pulsatility and will thereby not
work.

In the OR we simply place a dark towel or some other "shade" over it. The
same thing can be done in the glider cockpit. I suppose that if the readout
is on the actual instrument itself (finger) that it would be a bit tough
seeing it if covered. Since all pulse oximeters average several cycles it
may be possible to cover it then pull it out from under the shade and still
see a reading before it shuts down.

Also realize that if your hands are cold or you are nervous or perhaps just
downed an extra cup of coffee just before you took off, that there may be
enough vasoconstriction in your extremities that the instrument may have
trouble getting a reading for that reason too.

Casey Lenox
KC
Phoenix