Help needed for VSI problem

[David F]

My VSI reads 200 fpm descent when it is level (ie even taxi ing along level ground) I find this annoying is this fixable or do I need a new one. Its a bit of a major job to get it out of the dashboard.

 

Dave

 

 

[flying dog]

I think you need to say what kind it is..... Electronic? Brand? Coz to me, the VSI is more a mechanical gauge rather than "avionics".

 

 

[Thalass]

Bah. It's still an instrument. :P

 

It's an odd thing, really. Where is your static sensor? For the VSI to indicate a descent, the pressure on the static port has to be steadily higher than the restricted hole in the case - as when you're descending. How is your altimeter behaving?

 

Of course it could be the needle is bent or something similar. Does the indication vary at all? -300fpm when you're doing a 100fpm descent, -100 when you're climbing at 100fpm?

 

If it's been dropped, perhaps that'd do it.

 

 

[djpacro]

I know nothing about instruments but I like to go to this website out of interest if I have a problem before I call in the experts: Vertical Speed Indicatior troubleshooting (their tech knowledge is better than their spelling).

 

Suggests a new diaphragm.

 

 

[flying dog]

That site has a poor reputation when I go there.

 

 

[blueline]

I have adjusted VSI's using the small screw on the bottom left of the gauge.

 

This is used to set zero. Really easy one minute job.

 

 

[motzartmerv]

Yep, look close, one of the screws is different( usually) just get a small screwey and wind it to zero..

 

 

[turboplanner]

Look on the positive side David, if you roll over into a spin, you'll be much happier, even if only for a short time.