Don't ask me why...but I always wanted one of these for my bikes...

[JJ]

The ol' Altimeter!!   (Must be the wanna-be pilot in me!)

(Yes, I know we all have these on our Smart Phones  ...but analog gauges are way cool!) - LOL - 

[JJ]

Is there one that registers below sea level , might be handy in Death Valley 

 Dusty

Really...and in Death Valley....one needs a thermometer that starts at 100!!

[Gino]

Yep Death Valley gets hot, especially for a Scotsman 

[Testarossa]

Old aircraft altimeters are easy to come by. Look on ebay for a Kollsman altimeter -- the obsolete (non-coding) types go for $50-$75 and are usually still accurate (the Kollsman window allows adjustment to a known elevation, or to atmospheric pressure). They're bulky but pretty light. I mounted one on the dash of my Subaru years ago (along with an airspeed indicator). It would be pretty easy to mount one inside a fairing. For instance http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kollsman-Square-D-Type-C-12-Altimeter-Indicator-Pt-671BK-010-/131842497620?hash=item1eb26cdc54:g:DV4AAOSwOVpXWFy4&vxp=mtr for $50.

[oldbike54]

Yep Death Valley gets hot, especially for a Scotsman 

 Wait , don't Scotsmen start melting at 80F ?

 Dusty

[ITSec]

Most GPS systems have the ability to display altitude, if you don't have space to add another instrument...

[Zoom Zoom]

Wait , don't Scotsmen start melting at 80F ?

 Dusty

No, the alcohol keeps them fluid at cold temps but there is a flash point associated with heat. They don't melt, they just burst into flames. Spontaneous combustion.

John Henry

[Chuck in Indiana]

I never have quite figured out why someone would want an altimeter on a ground based vehicle..  <shrug>

[Zoom Zoom]

Chuck, that is easy... Just because.

John Henry

[Testarossa]

Chuck, when you ride in the Rockies (or in the Sierra, which I think is where you're headed) it's fun to watch the altimeter wind on climbs and descents. If you know you're heading over a pass at 12,300 feet, it's interesting to note as you pass 9,000, 10,000, 11,000.

I love real-time data.

That's why I put an ASI in the Subaru, with a pitot sticking out the front grille. Going across Wyoming on I80, you often get 40 knot headwinds and tailwinds.

[JJ]

I never have quite figured out why someone would want an altimeter on a ground based vehicle..  <shrug>
[/quote

1. It's the "wanna-be-pilot" in me....

2. I like the know the altitude when crossing mountain passes...

3. See John Henry's response...

[Moto]

That's why I put an ASI in the Subaru, with a pitot sticking out the front grille. Going across Wyoming on I80, you often get 40 knot headwinds and tailwinds.

Now you're talking! That's my dream instrument -- an airspeed indicator on my bike. But I never found one that was compact enough to suit me. Any ideas on that?

Moto

[Testarossa]

ASI is even simpler -- therefore lighter and smaller (not as deep behind the panel) than an altimeter. Plenty of good ones on ebay.  Look for something designed for a low-speed aircraft -- you don't need an airspeed range much beyond 120 knots.

Here's a good source for inexpensive new flight instruments, aimed at the kitplane and ultralight markets:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/in/index.html

[Guzzistajohn]

Is there one that registers below sea level , might be handy in Death Valley 

 Dusty

And NOLA

[rboe]

Better off with a depth gauge in NOLA....... 

[tpeever]

The ol' Altimeter!!   (Must be the wanna-be pilot in me!)

(Yes, I know we all have these on our Smart Phones  ...but analog gauges are way cool!) - LOL - 

Who the heck cares how high you are? Way more important to know about oil temp and oil pressure!!

[Moto]

That's why I put an ASI in the Subaru, with a pitot sticking out the front grille. Going across Wyoming on I80, you often get 40 knot headwinds and tailwinds.

Now that I think about it, the only time an airspeed indicator has been really appealing is when crossing Wyoming! If I used one in Wisconsin, it would be pretty boring, I'm afraid.

When settling in for a day(s)-long passage across those Western plains anything to keep your mind occupied is welcome.

[tris]

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/in/index.html

Now we're taking. They do G Meters. Very useful for seeing how many Gs you pulled hitting the van 

[JJ]

Who the heck cares how high you are? Way more important to know about oil temp and oil pressure!!

OK tpeever - Here you go! - - just to make you happy today!

[not-fishing]

Sometimes I think I need one of these;

[oldbike54]

 How do you guys pay attention to the road ahead with all of this distraction ? 

 Dusty

[Kentktk]

Sometimes I think I need one of these;

On a bike you will always be coordinated in a turn, so the ball will always be centered.

[johnr]

On a bike you will always be coordinated in a turn, so the ball will always be centered.

True. At least it should be. It would be interesting to have one just to see wouldn't it. Different riding styles might have an effect.

[Penderic]

New Tech Super Duper Hip Retro Style (Aetheric)

 

 

[JJ]

New Tech Super Duper Hip Retro Style (Aetheric)

 

 

Imagine mounting this contraption on one's motorcycle and showing up at Bike Night?!?

[Testarossa]

On a bike you will always be coordinated in a turn, so the ball will always be centered.

Well, as long as you have traction, anyway.  Where it would be really entertaining is on a sidecar rig.

Turn-and-bank indicators are easy to find and cheap. Problem will be power. Most run on manifold vacuum, and most of the electric units are 24v. 

[cruzziguzzi]

I think altimeters kick ass. Just another fun little analog gadget to go with a compass or inclinometer!


Todd.