PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - How does a vibrator work in an altimeter??
Old 14th January 2002 | 01:32
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ShyTorque

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SuperTed,

It has got nothng to do with static pressure or the capsule.

A vibrator in an altimeter is there to overcome stiction / friction within the mechanism, i.e. cogs and a suitable system of levers and pulleys etc between the capsule and the indicating needles.

Without it an altimeter needle may lag / jump and operate in "steps". A vibrator just smooths out the movement of the needle. Note that it isn't often necessary to fit one to helicopters or piston engine aircraft that vibrate through other means.
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