[PUP] Sight lines to instruments

[2elnav at netbistro.com]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steven Dubnoff"
,> see this on Panbo:
>
> http://www.panbo.com/archives/2007/08/distributed_power_no_bus_no_code.html


REPLY
Perusing the Panbo article  I took note of Ben's comment about the  sight 
lines to the instruments.  Using the seat  back as a guide  it looks to me 
like the instruments are tilted  too flat ( closer to horizontal)
Whenever I have to design a helm station I establish the height of eye  of 
the owner  standing  at the helm.  If a STIDD seat is available ( looks liek 
a STIDD in photo)  the height of eye  usually doesn't drop by much but other 
seats can make a foot of difference.
Having the height of eye  established I draw a line to center of display 
then draw a perpendicular to this sight line.  That establishes  the angle 
of the console for optimum viewing.  To many LCD  displays do not have 
adequate  off center viewing angle.
If the height of eye  drops excessively when the helmsperson is seated,  I 
estabish a second sight line.  Then it becomes a question of picking an 
average or  making some other accomodation  to give good viewing from  both 
positions.
I has been my observation that many boat helms  have  used styling criteria 
rather than ergonomics to determine console face angle.

regards
Arild