Everything has a name, and "Cyclops Syndrome" is my name for the irrational obsession to put electronics, or the ilk, smack dab in the middle of the console. I certainly worry about both appearance, and symmetry when I install gear, but never at the expense of degrading the helmsman's ability to see, and operate the systems. The picture below demonstrates the problems encountered with this approach. The viewing angle from the helm seat is now steep enough to cause some color shifting in the display for someone looking at it from the drivers seat. Access is now a little more difficult, but the worst of it is when you want to add that second Garmin 5212 display, where does it now go? To put in a second display now requires making a overlay plate for the whole console, to cover the huge hole in the center. But wait kids, it gets even better!
The installer put the sounder module behind the console face, just to the port side of the Garmin 5212. What's amazing about this is there was plenty of room to put the sounder elsewhere, and this took some effort to get it in place. Wasted effort that is. Space on a console is precious, and should not be ruined in this way. I have written before about the ergonomics related to installing nav gear, and the link is below. I think a marketing guy suggested the location, thinking it would look good in the brochure pictures, but he did not have to use it. So lets not have any more of the dreaded "Cyclops Syndrome". It will make my lifer easier when I have to add that second display, and will save the owner a bunch of money.
This is exactly the reason why I'm developing fiberglass and gelcoat experience, so I can start from scratch to fix somebody else's fubar.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments Jay. I can do glass work, (ah, the smell of polyester resin in the morning) but I rarely admit it. I find using 1500 grit sand paper for hours on end incredibly mind numbing, and like working on toilets, it's tasks I really try to avoid. I love doing the nav systems integration, and the Mr. Electricity work. Tnx Bill Bishop
ReplyDeleteMy experience with boat electronics is rookie at best, it must take a lot time burning brain cells put the screen smack dab in the middle like that. I totally agree with symmetry as do most people but functionality should play at least a small part one would think.
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