dashmounting a backlit altimeter?

[damienperu]

Hi all,

Has anyone ever come across a simple altimeter that:
1. goes to at least 5000 m, preferably 6000 m (and in meters),
2. backlit by 12v (will be hardwired into the dash light circuit)
3. easy to read whilst driving winding roads
4. can be hardmounted into dashboard

I have searched hard but haven't had any luck finding one to meet my requirements. I've seen a few analog type that aren't backlit, some of those multitype LCD gauges with a heap of other garbage on the display that look like cheap bedside clocks, as well as those curvy handheld jobs that would be very difficult to hardmount neatly, most of which would be hard to read and require rear mounted batteries. I've also seen the Toyota 4-runner one that only goes to 2500 m.

After my searching I'd say there is no such thing, but I figure there must be something out there, maybe without a good internet presence. Even a factory altimeter from any make/model of car that goes as high as i need it to would suffice but most only go to 4000 m.

If someone knows of an altimeter that would suit my requirements I'll be a happy chappy, I frequently drive over ~5000m Andean passes and I have a number of good reasons for wanting a stand-alone altimeter.

Cheers,

 

[Martinjmpr]

Just a quick question, why not use a GPS? Should be more accurate than a barometer altimeter anyway (which, if I understand correctly, has to be periodically reset as atmospheric pressure changes.)

My old Magellan Meridian shows altitude pretty accurately as long as I can "see" at least 3 satellites.

I realize you're in Peru, but isn't GPS worldwide now? I had thought the Southern hemisphere was as well-GPS'd as the northern.

 

[Black Dog]

I would recommend a GPS as well. An altimeter can be kind of finicky and is nice if you are in camp because you can use it to help predict weather. When I use mine out hiking I usually know my elevation of where I'm parked so I set the altimeter, then as I walk and I get to a certain point on the map that I know my elevation I'll reset if needed. You might as well get something that is going to be less of a pain in the butt for driving.

 

[damienperu]

yeah i have a Garmin GPS hardmounted in my dash as well, only trouble is even with external antenna on the roof, it gets very unreliable on some Andean pass roads that are often at the bottom of spectacularly deep and ravenous gorges with dozens of very long tunnels so the GPS is constantly freaking out and taking ages to get a fix again. During periods when the satellite sky locations aren't optimum (varies at any location worldwide on a daily basis), I can often drive 30 minutes without getting a fix (incredible roads to drive!). In between touring I do a lot of environmental and biological survey type work in the high Andes and I've found i often rely on my barometric altimeter on my watch instead of the GPS when I'm on the move. I often need to constantly know the altitude to know when to stop and take data or make decisions. sure i could use my watch, but it would be nice for anyone I'm working with, especially copilots when on the move, to be able to keep an eye on our elevation and work from a single device so any error is standardized.

 

[Yuccahead]

Have you considered an altimeter from a light aircraft? I have seen some good examples on eBay for example that might suit your needs but can be pricey.

 

[Adventure IQ]

Light a/c altimeters are not backlit normally because pilots need to control the light source inthe cockpit, and have to be calibrated to bp as said above. This can change too often and in many places we travel, getting accurate bp is not without its headaches. As a pilot I get this from the ATIS broadcast or from the controllers. To demo the changes, I left nampa idaho this morning and set the alt for current preassure. Coming back this afternoon, I had to reset it prior to landing for accurate readings, not to mention, I changed it 3 or 4 times om my way to Nevada.... Go with the GPS

 

[damienperu]

these are the sorts of altimeters i was thinking about, but none of these can be backlit, the aircraft type are too bulky (too deep) for my dash

http://www.altimeters.net/pageA.html

I see suzuki samurai, mitsibishi montero and toyota 4-runner/landcruiser have backlit altimeter options, but none of them cover high altitudes... anyone know of any other factory backlit altimeters that suit my needs?

otherwise i'll probably have to settle for something without backlighting like this

 

[rxinhed]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MicroTim-Digital-Ultralight-Altimeter-Barometer-VSI-with-Flanged-Mount-/120997988787?pt=Motors_Aviation_Parts_Gear&hash=item1c2c0ac9b3&vxp=mtr



http://www.ebay.com/itm/98-SUBARU-IMPREZA-WRX-OUTBACK-ALTIMETER-COMPASS-BAROMETER-OEM-DASH-GAUGE-/130779535980?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e73115a6c&vxp=mtr


HTH

 

[damienperu]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MicroTim-Digital-Ultralight-Altimeter-Barometer-VSI-with-Flanged-Mount-/120997988787?pt=Motors_Aviation_Parts_Gear&hash=item1c2c0ac9b3&vxp=mtr
View attachment 125921


http://www.ebay.com/itm/98-SUBARU-IMPREZA-WRX-OUTBACK-ALTIMETER-COMPASS-BAROMETER-OEM-DASH-GAUGE-/130779535980?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e73115a6c&vxp=mtr
View attachment 125922

HTH

Mate, that is exactly the help I was looking for. both look promising, unfortunately they won't send the Subaru unit to me in Peru but the other one they might. many thanks!