Dash display in day time

[cx9_15]

Does anyone have a hard time seeing the dash display during the daytime?

 

[Lindyrect]

push the peg button on the RPM guage in and viola.

 

[SydneyGuy]

Which prompts the question of why they went with dash instruments that have to be illuminated in order to see them during the day? The CX-9 is the first car I have ever owned that needs the dash illuminated during the day.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

Personally, thats one of the things I like about the CX9. VERY cool guages. Also why I hate the GT with the blue. I think it ruins the 'burning ember' orange glow.

Also, the multi display above the stack is visible even with direct sunlight hitting it, which most car makers havent managed to accomplish. Kudos again to Mazda for putting more thought into the CX9.

 

[SydneyGuy]

The sunlight factor is easily taken care by using LCDs. The brighter the sun the easier they are to read. Then just use backlighting for night visibility and it wouldn't be as harsh as the bright orange.

I've never liked orange or red lighting for dash instruments. Still don't :-( Give me subdued green any day.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

Orange is the best. easiest to read without eye strain, but not harsh like thew old Honda blue-white

 

[SydneyGuy]

Each to their own I suppose. I would have much preferred LCDs. Black text/numbers on a neutral background has always looked good to me.

 

[clarko]

Im afraid I'll have to go with CX9 Sportowner on this one, I love the gauges with both the red and blue, big attraction for me.(shrug)

 

[YardDog]

The orange is fine but I think in about 5 years Ill be sick of it.

I think the blue around the speedo on the GT is the best part. I was in a new Infinity the other day that had the same feature.

 

[kosh2258]

Does anyone have a hard time seeing the dash display during the daytime?

On bright, hazy days heading towards the sun the outside brightness can just about totally wash out the display even if it's on full brightness.

Ted

 

[clarko]

On bright, hazy days heading towards the sun the outside brightness can just about totally wash out the display even if it's on full brightness.

Ted

Put your sunnies back on Ted(hah)

 

[cx9_15]

Lindyrect, you are the man. Thanks.

 

[kosh2258]

Put your sunnies back on Ted(hah)

Cute. (sick)

Newsflash, this would be the first vehicle I've ever owned where this washout has been a "feature". My other drive, an '04 TL with the nasty blue and white lighting, doesn't have this feature, sunnies or no. If one has to wear sunglasses to see the instruments in daylight conditions (short of the sun hitting directly on them) then there's a flaw in the design.

Ted

 

[SydneyGuy]

My thoughts exactly Ted. Sun shining on the instruments should enhance your view of them not make them almost invisible. But that will only be the case when backlighting isn't required for daytime viewing. Obviously if backlighting is required and you (the sun) provide front lighting then it's going to wash out.

I don't see any reason why they would have gone with the design they have.

 

[clarko]

I don't see any reason why they would have gone with the design they have.

I can think of two!

1) It makes me happy(dance)

2) just to p!ss you off(fuoops)



(No offense intended, all tongue in cheek)

 

[AussieCX9]

(lol)

 

[kosh2258]

My thoughts exactly Ted. Sun shining on the instruments should enhance your view of them not make them almost invisible. But that will only be the case when backlighting isn't required for daytime viewing. Obviously if backlighting is required and you (the sun) provide front lighting then it's going to wash out.

I don't see any reason why they would have gone with the design they have.

There appears to be a trend in vehicle design to turn the instruments into pretty light shows versus designing them to fullfil the intended purpose. Some of the electroluminescent displays end up being pretty dysfunctional as a result.

I'm not against improving the display technology to make it more informative and easier to read but it does have to be able to function adequately in the real world. I'd bet this particular design will get changed when the refresh happens in year or two.

Ted

 

[SydneyGuy]

There appears to be a trend in vehicle design to turn the instruments into pretty light shows versus designing them to fullfil the intended purpose.

You are absolutely right there. I'd rather they left that for the clowns that like to put cold cathode tubes on the underside of their cars that pulsate to the beat of their 10kW sound system.