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Old 06-24-2015, 01:41 PM   #1
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Pitot Tubes / Air Speed Indicator

Frequently I have driven some strong headwinds. It would be nice to know what the relative wind is when driving in these conditions. Has anybody installed a air speed indicator on there rigs?
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Old 06-24-2015, 07:26 PM   #2
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Re: Pitot Tubes / Air Speed Indicator

Interesting idea Bill but exactly inexpensive: http://topac.com/AFPVM100.html
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Old 06-24-2015, 09:01 PM   #3
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Re: Pitot Tubes / Air Speed Indicator

I meant not exactly inexpensive.
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Old 06-25-2015, 02:56 PM   #4
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Re: Pitot Tubes / Air Speed Indicator

Thanks Chris, but I was looking at the type of instruments that go on airplanes. A Pitot tube and an airspeed indicator would run about $250. But trying to decide what would work best is the challenge and why I asked if anybody had installed one on their SMB's.
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Old 06-25-2015, 06:52 PM   #5
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Re: Pitot Tubes / Air Speed Indicator

Bill,

The one thing I would think is that the probe would need to be rather long since our vans are not nearly as aerodynamic as an aircraft and I would guess push quite a bit larger mass of disturbed air in front which would give inaccurate readings.
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Old 06-26-2015, 02:45 PM   #6
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Re: Pitot Tubes / Air Speed Indicator

Good point and I have considered it. Check out the Aerogizmos Pitot Tube at Aircraft Spruce and let me know what you think about this being mounted on the front part of the hood. Thanks, B
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Old 06-26-2015, 05:36 PM   #7
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Re: Pitot Tubes / Air Speed Indicator

Bill,

The front of the van is probably a pretty big stagnation point. I do know that the area immediately ahead of the windshield is a relative high pressure point which is why the ventilation intake is located there. That probe looks pretty nice. It might be interesting to come up with some sort of temporary mount to allow movement from location to location and take the vehicle out on a wind calm day and see where one gets the closest reading to road speed.
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Old 06-27-2015, 12:31 PM   #8
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Re: Pitot Tubes / Air Speed Indicator

Hmm. Couldn't you stick an anemometer on top or something. You know your ground speed, so just deduct that. The stormchaser nuts er enthusiasts use 'em I guess. Not sure how accurate or what speeds they'll do. Some have mag mounts, although I'd guess pole mount would be the way to go.

Or just stop and use a handheld.
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Old 07-06-2015, 10:05 AM   #9
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Re: Pitot Tubes / Air Speed Indicator

Interesting idea Rob, but my concern is getting it snagged on trees etc. I have talked to some of my flying buddies and most agree a straight Pitot Tube out the front of the grill would work best. I'll keep you posted of my progress.
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