I'm hoping to begin work on my RV within the next few months - but until then I've been studying a lot of panel options. The D10A or the D180 will likely take center place on my panel. Despite the fact that it will be 2-3 years before I fly, I'd still like to throw in a few suggestions on the screen layout. I'd really like to use it for IFR (with appropriate steam gauges). IMHO the info from the standard 6-pack should be very prominent and other info placed where it will be less intrusive.
My thoughts:
- I'd like to see the airspeed and altitude display boxes moved down to mid-height to where the arrows are on the tapes. Obviously this is important info and it seems out of place tucked up in each corner. It's also redundant to the speed/alt tape info.
- I'd like to see the VS readout replaced with a bar similar to the AOA readout, with an arrow pointing to the current VS. The digital readout right at mid-height is distracting and the specific value is not critical info, although a general idea of the value is important.
- I'd like to see the various display data placed across the bottom, such as OAT, TAS, VS (number), Density Altitude. These are non-critical numbers but currently appear right at mid-height in the display areas and are distracting. At the bottom the menu bars would temporarily cover these displayed values when opened, but allows that screen space to be used the rest of the time.
- Eliminate the MPH and FT unit display, but include the units in the displayed values across the bottom (e.g. TAS 130 KTS, D ALT 3500 FT). This would be a convenient way to display units without taking much screen space (same units used for all displayed values).
These changes would place all critical flight info mid-height on each side and top and bottom. It would also free up some space in the upper corners for future use if (when?) you integrate it with a GPS. I could see wind direction and speed (with arrow) in the upper left corner and Ground Speed displayed in the upper right. Another nice add would be a diamond or other shape showing ground track in the heading bar.
Perhaps an alternate screen layout could be an option on the menu. I've done a mock-up of these suggestions, but don't have a clue how to add a picture to a post if it's even possible. Would be glad to email to you if interested.
Otherwise, the D10A and D180 are clearly outstanding products and can't wait to get behind one.
Mike
My thoughts:
- I'd like to see the airspeed and altitude display boxes moved down to mid-height to where the arrows are on the tapes. Obviously this is important info and it seems out of place tucked up in each corner. It's also redundant to the speed/alt tape info.
- I'd like to see the VS readout replaced with a bar similar to the AOA readout, with an arrow pointing to the current VS. The digital readout right at mid-height is distracting and the specific value is not critical info, although a general idea of the value is important.
- I'd like to see the various display data placed across the bottom, such as OAT, TAS, VS (number), Density Altitude. These are non-critical numbers but currently appear right at mid-height in the display areas and are distracting. At the bottom the menu bars would temporarily cover these displayed values when opened, but allows that screen space to be used the rest of the time.
- Eliminate the MPH and FT unit display, but include the units in the displayed values across the bottom (e.g. TAS 130 KTS, D ALT 3500 FT). This would be a convenient way to display units without taking much screen space (same units used for all displayed values).
These changes would place all critical flight info mid-height on each side and top and bottom. It would also free up some space in the upper corners for future use if (when?) you integrate it with a GPS. I could see wind direction and speed (with arrow) in the upper left corner and Ground Speed displayed in the upper right. Another nice add would be a diamond or other shape showing ground track in the heading bar.
Perhaps an alternate screen layout could be an option on the menu. I've done a mock-up of these suggestions, but don't have a clue how to add a picture to a post if it's even possible. Would be glad to email to you if interested.
Otherwise, the D10A and D180 are clearly outstanding products and can't wait to get behind one.
Mike