FD 180 and External Tachometer

[dahugo]

Gentlemen,

I am thinking of putting a D180 in my currently under-construction RV9. Will interface it with a Garmin 430W. Going with the 180 for two reasons (1) space and (2) cost. Problem is this--when on an IFR approach I will need to have 1/3 of the screen devoted to my HSI/LOC/GS, thus precluding use of any EMS functions while flying the approach (unless, of course, I toggle the display a whole lot--not something I really want to do.)

During the 10 or so minutes I MUST concentrate only on the LOC/GS on that 1/3 of the screen, I will NOT be able, of course, to monitor RPM's. Let's faced it, with fuel injection RPM's are not crucial to monitor, but I would call such monitoring "highly recommended."

All that being said, can I provide input from the engine relative to RPM's on both the D180 AND an external tach? I can forego all other instruments during a brief instrument approach, but really need a tach PLUS the LOC/GS.

Thanks,

HUGO

 

[dynonsupport]

You have two options:

You can display RPM and MAP on the EFIS screen as a text item. So you can have EFIS, RPM, and HSI all up at once. RPM won't have a needle though.

Your other option is to show the CDI, GS and courseline right on the EFIS screen. When you do this, you can have the EMS up next to the EFIS and all the ILS info up on the EFIS screen. Personally, I find this even more useful than the HSI when on an approach.

To answer your direct question, yes, you can share a tach between a mechanical gauge and the D180 in most cases. It will matter a bit how the mechanical gauge works though, and how it loads the P-lead lines.

 

[KenLeonard]

Hugo, I believe you can show either RPM or MAP directly on the 2/3 EFIS screen. It can be set up to show just to the left of the Altitude tape. I've seen a screen shot with this showing.

 

[jaba-who]

I have mine set up in the mode Ken has suggested. It worksfine.

Go into the setup mode and make the setting for the right info block for RPM and MAP.

That frees up the 1/3 screen for whatever else you need at the time.