Paul wrote:

Yes but how? I need specific information or ideas on switches or keys needed and
programing  procedures.

OK, here's my input (based on my VAST experience in designing user interfaces...
NOT!)

  1. The LCD backlight needs to be dimmable.  Perhaps yours will be tied into the
     panel dimmer; perhaps not.  If not, you will need either a potentiometer or a
     high/low intensity adjustment.
  2. 4 lines by 40 characters is enough to show 8 parameters (19..20 chars each) in a
     terse mode.  I cannot imagine that most pilots will want the verbose labels
     ("Current manifold air pressure" versus "MAP"), and it is unfathomable that any
     pilot will want the verbose labels after the first 5 hours of use.
  3. Units of measure are a good thing.  Include wherever possible ("10 gph", "2.1
     hrs", "27 in.Hg", "4.3 psi") for extra readability.
  4. Start-up identifier and version/date code is a really handy thing.  Displaying
     the EFI controller's version/date code is bonus points.
  5. Annunciators (the audible kind) seem like a good thing until you realize that
     you've got to plumb it into the intercom panel.  That little beeper in the panel
     will likely be unheard through my noise-cancelling headset.  :-)
  6. Blinking to get attention (in lieu of an audible annunciator) works, but
     toggling between forward and reverse video gives the same effect without having
     "unreadable" moments.  Important if one wants to glance at the instrument rather
     than looking at it.  The forward/reverse effect works best if done a few times,
     then left in forward for a few seconds, then repeat.  That gives one a chance to
     read the display should the flipping make it hard to read.

Position programming can be done by:

  1. Press & hold "down" button to enter "programming" mode.
  2. First parameter is displayed; cursor on left blinking on current "display
     position" for parameter.  Position is represented as 0..8 (or Off, 1..8).  Up
     increments position value.  Down advances to next parameter.  Positions are
     numbered 1..4 top-to-bottom left, and 5..8 top-to-bottom right.  Setpoints for
     alarms are more troublesome; you would probably need another button (or three
     :-)
  3. After the last parameter is set (and the down is pressed), prompt "Up to accept;
     down to start over".

In normal (i.e. not "programming") mode, up & down can adjust the intensity (see #1
in first list above).  Alternatively, if one has more than 8 parameters to display,
up& down can scroll or toggle screens.

Russell Kent

How much are you willing to pay?

Paul Lamar

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