The most worthless thing on the C7
03-30-2014, 12:02 AM
#21
another sage observation--completely agree. also, there is something visceral about the view you get from looking at the needle, that "communicates" more about what your speed really means, rather than looking at a single number. the OP is probably a very intelligent and observant individual, but just happens to be wrong about his observation and conclusion on this issue.
lisa
03-30-2014, 12:04 AM
#22
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
another sage observation--completely agree. also, there is something visceral about the view you get from looking at the needle, that "communicates" more about what your speed really means, rather than looking at a single number. the OP is probably a very intelligent and observant individual, but just happens to be wrong about his observation and conclusion on this issue.
Is there but most never look at it so what's the point ?
I love the little things like the ghost needle that stays at your highest shift point in sport.
This isn't the c4 digital tech. But then again I understand GM trying to appeal to all buyers.
03-30-2014, 12:06 AM
#23
Pro
another sage observation--completely agree. also, there is something visceral about the view you get from looking at the needle, that "communicates" more about what your speed really means, rather than looking at a single number. the OP is probably a very intelligent and observant individual, but just happens to be wrong about his observation and conclusion on this issue.
Same goes for a clock.
03-30-2014, 12:50 AM
#24
22 Hypersonic Grey HTC
03-30-2014, 03:14 AM
#25
Don't confuse digital with LCD. Aviation has gone to LCD based configurable displays, but they still show an image of an analog gauge (which is of critical importance). I agree that the mechanical speedo is pointless when there is already a giant number staring you in the face. Because speed limits are posted in big black and white numbers, I don't think an analog gauge is as necessary for the speed as it is for thing like temps, pressures, RPM, voltages, etc. I would actually like to see a nice mechanical tach in the center, with the speed in the middle of that gauge, and then a fully customizable LCD on either side. But, the current instrument panel is pretty dang good as is.
-T
-T
03-30-2014, 03:28 AM
#26
Don't confuse digital with LCD. Aviation has gone to LCD based configurable displays, but they still show an image of an analog gauge (which is of critical importance). I agree that the mechanical speedo is pointless when there is already a giant number staring you in the face. Because speed limits are posted in big black and white numbers, I don't think an analog gauge is as necessary for the speed as it is for thing like temps, pressures, RPM, voltages, etc. I would actually like to see a nice mechanical tach in the center, with the speed in the middle of that gauge, and then a fully customizable LCD on either side. But, the current instrument panel is pretty dang good as is.
-T
-T
Good point about the speed limit signs being digital and our readout being the same, so that works. But info like temps, and pressure needing the analog to put the number in quick relationship to the spectrum.
(One more post for you and you get 3 gold stars!)
03-30-2014, 06:48 AM
#28
The worse my mileage is, the more fun I'm having... 
Last edited by gthal; 03-30-2014 at 08:15 AM.
03-30-2014, 08:34 AM
#30
Race Director
I don't know when that observation was supposedly made, or who/how old that segment of pilots were. Today's digital flight displays are far superior to the analog gages of yesteryear. The tapes have trend indicators and different color presentations that give instant awareness of what is happening now and a few moments from now. I grew into the new digital world and transversing back really sucks.
03-30-2014, 09:01 AM
#31
Melting Slicks
I think some people confuse digital with meaning "just numbers" vs. analog meaning "proper gauges".
When modern cars use all-digital dashboards, that nearly always means that the dash will consist of one large screen, upon which they project analog gauges. Just like the way the center screen on the C7 projects various analog tachometers and the pocket gauges on the left and right, like the OP's photo illustrates.
Another common misconception is that analog gauges are someone more reliable. The reality is that they are not more reliable. I don't know about you guys, but I remember driving a car in college that had a broken gas gauge. I had to write down my mileage so I wouldn't drive empty. My parent' s car developed a bad speedometer. And so on.
All types of dashboards can possibly malfunction, but it's telling that there are not any wide-scale problems reported with digital dashboards anywhere in the industry. And I haven't read a single problem with the C7's center dashboard screen. (The touchscreen system in the center console is a different and unrelated story.)
I hope that future generations of the Corvette have an all-digital dash, because they are really superior in every respect. My wife's Range Rover has an all-digital dash, and it's extremely good and sharp to read. It is much better than analog gauges.
When modern cars use all-digital dashboards, that nearly always means that the dash will consist of one large screen, upon which they project analog gauges. Just like the way the center screen on the C7 projects various analog tachometers and the pocket gauges on the left and right, like the OP's photo illustrates.
Another common misconception is that analog gauges are someone more reliable. The reality is that they are not more reliable. I don't know about you guys, but I remember driving a car in college that had a broken gas gauge. I had to write down my mileage so I wouldn't drive empty. My parent' s car developed a bad speedometer. And so on.
All types of dashboards can possibly malfunction, but it's telling that there are not any wide-scale problems reported with digital dashboards anywhere in the industry. And I haven't read a single problem with the C7's center dashboard screen. (The touchscreen system in the center console is a different and unrelated story.)
I hope that future generations of the Corvette have an all-digital dash, because they are really superior in every respect. My wife's Range Rover has an all-digital dash, and it's extremely good and sharp to read. It is much better than analog gauges.
03-30-2014, 09:13 AM
#32
Le Mans Master
another sage observation--completely agree. also, there is something visceral about the view you get from looking at the needle, that "communicates" more about what your speed really means, rather than looking at a single number. the OP is probably a very intelligent and observant individual, but just happens to be wrong about his observation and conclusion on this issue.
03-30-2014, 11:22 AM
#34
In general, I do somewhat prefer analog over digital display...especially in my watches. I also like the selectable analog speedo in my DD car over the digital. It is large, spans nearly 360° and the speed can be instantly determined at a glance from the relative position of the needle. That is why analog displays with needles can be so useful. Our minds need only see the position of the needle (or hands on a clock) without seeing the numbers (hours and minutes) and we instantly know what the display is saying.
Most here know that is why gauges in older race cars were set in the dash at crazy angles. If the needles were vertical, all was good. You didn't have to "read and process the numbers". The tach was usually rotated in its mount so that redline was vertical. This was (and still is) very functional.
However, the analog speedo in the Stingray is nigh onto useless. It's hidden way off to the left under the binnacle and as a tall guy you have to look for it. The scale is so compacted with 0-200 mph being only a 190° swing that the difference between legal speed and loss of your license can be as little a 10° swing of the needle, not instantly discernible. Very poorly designed from a functional point of view, but attractive nonetheless, just to fill in the empty space.
Most here know that is why gauges in older race cars were set in the dash at crazy angles. If the needles were vertical, all was good. You didn't have to "read and process the numbers". The tach was usually rotated in its mount so that redline was vertical. This was (and still is) very functional.
However, the analog speedo in the Stingray is nigh onto useless. It's hidden way off to the left under the binnacle and as a tall guy you have to look for it. The scale is so compacted with 0-200 mph being only a 190° swing that the difference between legal speed and loss of your license can be as little a 10° swing of the needle, not instantly discernible. Very poorly designed from a functional point of view, but attractive nonetheless, just to fill in the empty space.
Last edited by Rad22; 03-30-2014 at 11:27 AM.
03-30-2014, 11:30 AM
#37
Melting Slicks
The analog needle is controlled by same module, most likely if the digital goes out so will the analog 
IMO its a passenger seat speedo, my wife can see it.
My vote goes for the hot-wire vent thing being one of the most useless, I read the article on that and thought it was pretty cool - be a lot cooler if it worked lol.
IMO its a passenger seat speedo, my wife can see it.
My vote goes for the hot-wire vent thing being one of the most useless, I read the article on that and thought it was pretty cool - be a lot cooler if it worked lol.
03-30-2014, 11:34 AM
#38
Actually mine works quite well. If you close the hatch with the correct amount of force, it closes for me every time...even with the doors closed.
Last edited by Rad22; 03-30-2014 at 11:43 AM.
03-30-2014, 11:40 AM
#39
Melting Slicks
I have to slam mine, with the window cracked an inch it closes way easier. While I'm sure it does 'work' in some regard its doesnt work enough IMO.
04-01-2014, 11:02 PM
#40
Melting Slicks
I've changed my mind. It's the Bose "audiopilot" feature. Totally, utterly and completely useless.