Winter (German) alt and airspeed -- any experience?

[wjb]

Hi VAF Brain Trust,

I'm beginning to plan my panel and I want to add a steam-gauge altimeter and airspeed as a backup to the Dynon system I'm planning on installing. Space is a bit tight, so I'm looking for 2-1/4 sized instruments.

I've searched the normal places (Spruce, etc) and didn't really find anything I liked. However, I found Winter Instruments, a German company primarily providing HW to the glider market.

http://www.winter-instruments.de

Does anyone have experience with this company/instruments? Has anyone used these in an RV.

More generally, what's your opinion about mini (2-1/4) instruments vs. the standard sized 3-1/8" steam gauges. Good or bad experiences?

[paul330]

I have the 4 FGH 40. Comes in "hg as well.

Very nice - looks really cool but eye-wateringly expensive.......

I have the VANS UMA 2 1/4 for my standby ASI - seems accurate and comes with all the correct markings at around $250

[JanRV6UK]

German quality ... expensive .. but very good ...

[wilddog]

Most of the round gauges in my glider are Winter and work well. These are often used in many European gliders.

[Ironflight]

We've had teh Winter altimeter as a backup in the RV-3 and it is a beautiful piece of hardware, as accurate as the EFIS - and yes, expensive. Very nice to have - just like a fine watch (even though a Casio tells the same time....).

Paul

[penguin]

In the sailplane market in Europe these Winter instruments are just about the conventional instruments that are used, very well known company with many years in the business. However, the 57mm versions are not as reliable as the 80mm. Since installing a 57mm ASI I have found it surprising how much longer I have to look at it (than a larger instrument). They have metric captive nuts installed in the corners and push-on tube connectors.

See these guys for US supplier http://wingsandwheels.com/

Pete