Strato Smart Singles - User Opinions?

[PW_Plack]

It's come time for me to choose instruments. Stratomaster now has a really neat engine monitor for the Rotax 582 which combines water temp and dual EGT with pseudo-analog bar graphs and alarms, engine tach, hobbs and flight timers in one 2-1/4 inch, LED-backlit instrument.

Has anyone been flying with these instruments long enought to have an opinion on them, and on the company?

My specific questions include:

Are they reliable and trouble-free?
Do they deteriorate over time, functionally or cosmetically?
Are they readable in bright sunlight?
Are they readable, too dim or too bright, at night?

My questions to the company have been answered promptly and courteously, but some actual user feedback would be great.

[WindRyder06]

PW,
This is what I have on the Monarch. I like the set up and the are very clear to read. I have mine tied to a caution light that lets you know when you have gon outside your limits and it works. My EGTs went high last weekend, due to the higher OAT in Georgia. Time to make the carb adjustment. They are also back lit for evening flights.

Fly Safe,
Chris

[MattPearson]

Might be another problem Chris. EGT goes lower in higher OAT. EGT goes higher as it gets colder. :D

By the way, I love the Stratomaster instruments and Matt in California is a great guy to deal with. I have the Stratomaster Extreme.

[PW_Plack]

Chris,

You mention they're backlit for "evening flights..."

Would they be too bright for full-darkness nighttime, or OK, in your opinion?

[WindRyder06]

No they are not too bright. Now that I have gotten used to the gauge(s) I really like it (them).

Fly Sae,
Chris

[WindRyder06]

OK Matt,

HELP!!!!! :eek:

Where should I start looking. It flew great in NC two weeks ago with no problems and the EGTs were running where they needed to be. I pulled it of my trailer and put the blades on it and BOOM the EGTs were 1150 and not 1050. I will be looking for the problem today.

Chris

[MattPearson]

An air leak on the intake side would cause elevated EGTs. Check your carb intake sockets, rubber seals on intake silencer, if you still have it on.
In my opinion, 1150 is perfect for cruise EGT and just under 1100 at full power should insure minimal carbon build-up.

[bartc150]

Man Chris, You beat me to it. The first thing I was going to do to the Ultrawhite was cover the insturment panel with the carbon fiber sticky stuff. Thought I would be the first one with a carbon dash.

[WindRyder06]

That is real Carbon Fiber not the sticky stuff :D

Chris