danny_galaga Posted April 15, 2018 Share Posted April 15, 2018 I was thinking of using VDO as they are reasonably priced and for me having used to be an auto electrician they are a known quality. However I like the idea of having ‘green’ bands on the gauges and I see there is this alternative 2” gauge brand UL FLIGHT LINE 2 INCH OIL TEMPERATURE GAUGE from Aircraft Spruce Anyone used these? Or in 2.25” is aviasport which is getting a bit pricier... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cscotthendry Posted April 16, 2018 Share Posted April 16, 2018 When I built the Nynja, I used the Avia Sport instruments. I'm not sure if they're still in business though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skippydiesel Posted April 16, 2018 Share Posted April 16, 2018 I have mainly Speco brand engine gauges - very happy with performance & price. Regarding coloured operating bands - with care & ingenuity it is possible to open/close the gauges and stick your own bands in place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danny_galaga Posted April 16, 2018 Author Share Posted April 16, 2018 I guess with the 2” gauges I can rotate them and do the ol’ ‘needles pointing up when in normal operating range’. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
microman Posted April 17, 2018 Share Posted April 17, 2018 I used all VDO when I built the Alpi - good quality and reliable ( and cheap)! Easy enough to mark the gauges with coloured strips Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueadventures Posted April 17, 2018 Share Posted April 17, 2018 When I built the Nynja, I used the Avia Sport instruments. I'm not sure if they're still in business though. Agree with Scott plus you can wire in warning lights. I saw scott had done this and did the same, very easy. Off when in the green band, blink when in yellow band & constant light for red band. Good for getting attention. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skippydiesel Posted April 17, 2018 Share Posted April 17, 2018 I used all VDO when I built the Alpi - good quality and reliable ( and cheap)! Easy enough to mark the gauges with coloured strips I guess I should have mentioned - my Speco's are all 18 years of age & Hobb 850 hrs plus, with the exception of the oil pressure, which I replaced (both gauge & sender) two months ago. So reliability speaks for itself and they are much cheaper than VDO. My 912 engine & related gauges are: Speco: Oil temp. Oil Pressure. Head temp (x 2 switch). Volts. Fuel Pressure. Fuel level. VDO: Manifold vacuum (for fun) Other: EGT (unknown brand) Fuel flow/usage: MiZer (not very consistent) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danny_galaga Posted April 17, 2018 Author Share Posted April 17, 2018 Is this the same Speco that used to make gear shifters? My LJ Torana had a Speco :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danny_galaga Posted April 17, 2018 Author Share Posted April 17, 2018 Talking of lighting is there any point wiring up the back lighting on the gauges if the air craft is going to be VFR only? Might as well save a little weight and time if I can! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skippydiesel Posted April 17, 2018 Share Posted April 17, 2018 Is this the same Speco that used to make gear shifters? My LJ Torana had a Speco :D No idea - I understand Speco to be an American Co however I suspect the gauges are made elsewhere (China?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skippydiesel Posted April 17, 2018 Share Posted April 17, 2018 Talking of lighting is there any point wiring up the back lighting on the gauges if the air craft is going to be VFR only? Might as well save a little weight and time if I can! Not just weight - Complexity - Why add more potential for failure?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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