Multiple Page Presentation
Introduction
Dynon has adopted a multi-page approach to extend the power and usefulness of the instrument. Given the compact size, the multi-page approach works exceptionally well in balancing oversight of key parameters without compromising access to detail.
The multi-page concept also permits pilots to focus on a particular function or set of related parameters. A good example is the Fuel Computer page wherein the pilot can see fuel tank levels for up to 4 tanks, fuel pressure, fuel flow, fuel used, fuel remaining, time remaining and fuel required to destination all on one optimized display.
Particular attention has been applied to the design of each display page by arranging elements in an ergonomic manner to optimize pilot scanning. Criteria used to accomplish this were:
- Distinctive shapes to quickly differentiate measurements
- Functional grouping of related items
- Descriptive labeling
- Use of English & Metric units
- A degree of builder/pilot screen customization
Unlike some other systems that either go overboard with all identical indicators or present the information in a non-logical format, Dynon's EMS-D10 is designed to preserve many of the traditional conventions while taking advantage of the newer graphical display technology. This techno-traditional blend combined with the instrument's continuous internal scan of all parameters provides an excellent value in a small sized package capable of sliding into a standard 3-1/8" panel hole.
System Overview Page
As the name implies, this is the System Overview or the primary page that pilots are likely to pay the most attention to during flight. This screen is always presented upon startup of the instrument. Pilots may switch to other monitoring pages using either the softkey menu system or a dedicated hotkey for additional detail.
The color ranges and alarms are pre-selected during setup to match your specific engine criteria. The EGT and CHT each facilitate up to 6 channels. Each measurement may be individually deactivated in the setup menu if not desired or if the sensor is out of service.
One of the unique features of the EMS-D10 is the "Info Bars" which are designed to afford greater flexibility in accommodating a wide variety of engine types and pilot preferences. Info Bars are represented by colored vertical bars each with an identifying label, sliding bar and digital value.
Auxiliary Page
The Auxiliary Page presents additional information of interest to the pilot as an extension to that provided on the System Overview Page. This page presents three key groups of data which include:
- Timers
- Info Bars (up to three if desired)
- Contact Sensor Status
Timers
The System Clock presents a real time clock which may be set for local or zulu time and be in either a standard or military format. The Flight Time keeps time of your current flight since the engine was turned on. The Trip Timer maintains an ongoing timer of successive Flights since it was last manually reset via the softkey function (TRPST). This is ideal for tracking cross country trips with multiple flights (legs).
The Tach Time tracks RPM related time while the Hobbs Timer tracks total engine time and is activated by oil pressure.
Info Bars
During setup the builder may select up to three "Info Bars" to be presented in addition to the 4 possible info bars of the System Overview Page. See Info Bars for more detail.
Contact Inputs
The EMS-D10 accepts two inputs from builder supplied contacts to provide status information. These can be utilized to represent aircraft functions like canopy closure, gear down, fuel pump etc. User-defined labels and colors allow these to be operated in the desired manner.
Fuel Computer Page
The Fuel Computer Page presents a comprehensive view of all fuel related parameters in one place. Pilots can quickly assess fuel level, fuel flow and fuel time remaining in one convenient view.
All textual data in the center of the page represent the computed data (requires optional fuel flow sensor) whereas the analog gauges all depict sensor fed data. Both Metric and English units are supported and are selected during installation as a global parameter.
Pilots can update the fuel computer via the softkey menu anytime fuel is added or removed from the plane. This is accomplished by selecting either:
ADD - add or subtract fuel from the Fuel Computer total by any value
FULL - reset the Fuel Computer to a predetermined value representing the fully filled condition
PRESET - reset the Fuel Computer to a predetermined value representing a level commonly filled to, i.e. half filled tanks
For the fuel level to work properly, the sensors need a one-time calibration after installation. The CALIB softkey facilitates adding fuel in set increments. The EMS-D10 records each signal value as the tanks are filled.
The GND Miles and Gals at WPT (waypoint) are only available if the EMS-D10 is fed a signal by an owner supplied GPS signal. The software to support this feature is currently available.
Checklist Pages
Users of the EFIS-D10A series will instantly be familiar with the identical checklist capability presented by the EMS-D10. Using Dynon's free PC-based Product Support Program, users may define up to 25 different checklists and download them to the EMS-D10 via a serial port connection.
These pages permit pilots to produce highly customized lists covering their particular aircraft. While most frequently used for "Checklists", these screens can cover any subject of interest whether it be waypoint info, a list of radio frequencies or other useful reminders.
Setup Pages
FLEXIBILITY WITHOUT COMPLEXITY
Unlike many other systems currently available, Dynon's EMS-D10 does not constrain the builder to a narrowly defined set of criteria where the number of cylinders, units of measurement or other criteria are already predefined or even prescreened on the display. Considerable flexibility is designed in to cover a wide variety of engines and user preferences without adding complexity.
Dynon has strived to make the setup of this instrument as straight forward as possible. This is accomplished by breaking down the setup process into three basic categories covering Global parameters, Sensor parameters and the real time System Clock.
GLOBAL SETUP
The global parameters are selected at the beginning of the setup process and used by the onboard computer to configure the remaining setup menus to reflect the chosen configuration. This single feature simplifies and shortens the process by eliminating unnecessary or redundant steps.
SENSOR SETUP
The sensors are each setup separately except for the EGT's and CHT's which are grouped together in their respective groups. From the Sensors Setup Menu, builders are given several choices similar to the Manifold Pressure Sensor Page depicted above.
Typical sensor selection criteria include:
DISPLAY - On/Off allows the builder to activate this function and the pilot to disable it should it become inoperative
ALARM SETPOINT - alarm value to annunciate audible and visual alarms
COLOR RANGES - sets the color range bars on the analog gauges
SENSOR TYPE - presents sensors for which calibration tables exist or known to work with the EMS-D10 instrument