Displays One Foot Increments, Density Altitude, More

Pilots of homebuilt, LSA, and ultralight aircraft who have been looking for a digital altimeter have a new option from Belite Electronics, which has long been in innovator in digital instruments for the sector.

Belite's new digital altimeter brings advanced capabilities into a very small footprint. The unit is designed to show altitude on a large, easy to read digital LCD display, and has many other functions which add to its versatility. The instrument is new from Belite Enterprises, which also sells the FAR 103 Belite UltraCub and Trike.

“The product provides every altitude function that a pilot might want, including density altitude and VFR cruising capabilities,” said James Wiebe, CEO of Belite Enterprises.

Belite says the unit has the following features and benefits:

• High resolution: Current altitude is displayed in increments of one foot.
• Density altitude: Unit calculates and displays density altitude, based on current cabin temperature.
• Pressure altitude: Unit shows pressure altitude.
• Settable local altimeter: Allows adjustment for local pressure.
• Cabin temperature: Displayed in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
• Absolute pressure:  Unit displays pressure, either in inches or pascals.
• Voltage:  Unit displays incoming power voltage level.
• Voltage alarm:  The user may set a voltage alarm. 
• Results in English or Metric units:  Settable by user.
• Cruising alarm:  Users may enable a VFR cruising alarm, which alerts the user when straying from VFR altitudes.  (For example, 5500 ft +/- 100 ft).  Alarm causes bright LED to flash.
• Ultralow power consumption: Operating power consumption is around 1 milliamp.  Standby power consumption is about 200 microamperes.
• Ultralight weight: 40 grams including electrical connector.
• Standard size:  May be mounted in a standard 2.25” instrument cutout.
• Optional mounting: Directly mounts in flat panel for even tighter and lighter panel configurations.
• Built-in backlight: Usable with external panel dimmers or with internal dimmer selection.
• Wide power input: Compatible with any supply voltage from 8 to 14 volts.

It is priced at $249.95 and is available directly from Belite Electronics and also from Aircraft Spruce.  Part # DALT-020. The portable version is $299.95, Part # DALT-030, and is legal for use in any aircraft, including certified and LSA, as long as it is not permanently mounted to the aircraft panel. First shipments are scheduled for April 30, 2013.

FMI: www.beliteaircraft.com