Hey all,was wondering if any one has had any experience installing these, or any thoughts or ideas for a readable dash whilst driving at nightime, thanks all. ;)
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=390/category_id=71/home_id=59/mode=prod/prd390.htm (http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=390/category_id=71/home_id=59/mode=prod/prd390.htm)
I have no experience with those, but since you asked about readability, I would avoid digital gauges in favor of analog.
With analog gauges, a quick scan without actually registering the readings on the brain, tells you everything is OK or not OK. With the digitals, you have to actually read the number and the brain calculate the condition.
Digital is probably OK for volt meters where a tenth of a volt is meaningful, but for everything else, I prefer analog.
Len
I like analog also. I turn them so when everything is at proper setting all the needles point up. Looking at them while setting is wierd but while running with a quick glance you can spot something wrong.
Don & Sheila
I agree with going analog. Another problem with digital gauges is how they present numbers that may be rapidly fluctuating. For example, reading a digital tach on the fly can be frustrating.
If you are definitely wanting a high tech look, maybe consider going with ones that presents an enhanced analog experience using straight or curved rows of LEDs, with color coded sections to denote fault conditions.
If you really want to get fancy, get a set of ProComp gauges like the NASCAR drivers use. The really bright backlighting changes colors with different readings. Green or blue in normal range, orange/yellow in warning range and red in danger range. The settings are adjustable. Jack
Jack,that could be what I am looking for. I admit the high tech digital ones are very enticing and easy to read but also very pricey, I do however like the traditional analog gauges,Nascar gauges are pretty bright, no doubt a price tag to match, I just don't want to have to use the Mag light to see them at night.
Van
Van, it would help if you removed your sun glasses at night LOL or we could change your engine over to a DDEC and buy a Glass Dash from Jim that is one accurate digital setup.
I am tempted since I got approval from the banker last year but she may have changed her mind by now being she knows that a engine swap would be involved.
good luck
Clifford,
Aren't those dashes like 10K? I thought that they were fairly pricey.
God bless,
John
Yes it is pricey. But actually, the Glass Dash is all digital in operation, but the display shows "digitized" analog instruments.