OK lets think out side the box.

How can we build a complete engine monitor that will
monitor
a dozen engine parameters with alarms and will be
usable in bright sunlight
and will take little room on the instrument panel of
a tandem
seat airplane? Also it must cost less than $100 to
build.

If you want sunlight readable and a GUI, get the intelligence off the shelf in an IPAQ, focus on software and the IR interface box with sensor I/O. Maybe some data gathering intelligence can be handled externally too then U/L'd to the IPAQ when not used for it's primary function.
But since engine monitoring is also data gathering, maybe the other data can just be stored for review later.
Once you start using the IPAQ you can add checklists and many other functions and calculators, take the gathered data home with you.
This way when you walk away you take it all with you. I imagine over time IPAQs will start to show on EBAY at reasonable prices making the $500 system  realistic and doable for the non-geek even.
...Chrissi

Nope! Brand new parts for less than $100.

Paul Lamar
 
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