Return-Path: Sender: (Marvin Kaye) To: lml Date: Thu, 06 Jun 2002 10:25:11 -0400 Message-ID: X-Original-Return-Path: Received: from server.mclemente.net ([216.162.100.93] verified) by logan.com (CommuniGate Pro SMTP 4.0b2) with ESMTP id 1284171 for lml@lancaironline.net; Thu, 06 Jun 2002 07:49:15 -0400 Received: from 90.mclemente.net ([216.162.100.90] helo=mclemente.net) by server.mclemente.net with asmtp (Exim 3.35 #1 (Debian)) id 17FvlT-0002Dw-00 for ; Thu, 06 Jun 2002 06:49:15 -0500 X-Original-Message-ID: <3CFF4C3A.8080703@mclemente.net> X-Original-Date: Thu, 06 Jun 2002 06:49:14 -0500 From: "Marc F. Clemente" User-Agent: Mozilla/5.0 (X11; U; Linux i686; en-US; rv:1.0rc2) Gecko/20020520 Debian/1.0rc2-3 X-Accept-Language: en MIME-Version: 1.0 X-Original-To: " (Lancair Mailing List)" Subject: Re: Sandel HSI References: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I fly with a Sandel HSI in a Cessna 210. I have no problem reading the display at night or when the panel is not in direct sunlight. It is less easy to read in direct sunlight (especially when compared to a conventional HSI), but it is still readable without straining my eyes. It is almost impossible to read from the co-pilot's side during the day (not in direct sunlight). It is definitely impossible to read from the co-pilot's side when in direct sunlight. The chances that my instrument panel is in direct sunlight are small because the wings block the sun. Things may be different in a low-wing plane. Besides, if the panel is in direct sunlight, I am probably flying VFR and I am looking outside the cockpit and not at the Sandel. I feel that the benefits of the Sandel (compared to a conventional HSI) far outweigh the disadvantages. I am very happy with it in my spam can. If I was to start building my own plane today (which I will do eventually) I would put in the SFS unit. I think the Sandel is the best you can get for a certified (non-experimental) airplane. Advantages: Stormscope display (BFG WX500 only) Moving map RMI bearing pointers Auto-slew of course pointer when flying with a GPS No vacuum required Disadvantages: Light bulb must be changed every 200 hours Requires an external (remote) compass system Slightly more diffucult to read in direct sunlight and at an angle Marc Clemente Cessna T210 N5490A 100% LNC4P 0% > I also noticed that the Sandel HSI was not easily visible from angles, such > as from the co-pilot seat. This is why I went with the King HSI.