Best color for instrument lighting

[ChrisK]

I remember a discussion a while ago about why amber lighting is used in the NSX and even fighter planes I believe. Someone also mentioned a study of why BMW and other German cars choose to use the amber/red color. It had something to do with it being easier on the eyes and less fatiguing or something. Anyone have any links to these types of studies? The reason why I'm asking is a few people have been mantioning that green is the best color and that is what they use in airplanes which is opposite from what I had thought. I just want to learn the truth behind this instrument color thing. Thanks.

 

[Viper Driver]

Well, I don't have access to any official studies, but the normal cockpit lighting in the F-16 is green. We have amber lights, too, and coincidentally they are only on the "warning and caution" panels where the pilot (me) would want to be alerted to their being illuminated.

 

[ChrisK]

I guess they were right then. I tried searching for the topic that was posted here about 2 years ago but couldn't find it. Oh well. It Sounds like green is better. I did find one study that said red/aber colors take more focusing power, but it had nothing about eye fatigue during lengthy durations. IF the F16 is green that is good enough for me though :smile:

 

[CDX_NSX]

Interesting. I'm interested in reading that topic also. I personally find that the green is too stark, and I actually have the guages on my Legends dimmed down about 3/4 of the way; whereas I'm fine with the guage lighting in the BMW and NSX.

 

[White92]

I went to an observatory years ago to look at stars at night. The only lights inside that thing were very dim and red. They said that red was easier on the eyes and wouldn't destroy your night vision. Made sense to me.

 

[Tom239]

Red light is said to have less of an effect than other colors on the eye's dark adaptation (increased sensitivity). Astronomers often use red-tinted flashlights for reading charts, to avoid losing eye sensitivity when observing at night.

 

[blknsxnoc]

Red light is said to have less of an effect than other colors on the eye's dark adaptation (increased sensitivity). Astronomers often use red-tinted flashlights for reading charts, to avoid losing eye sensitivity when observing at night.

I believe that military issued flashlights for soldiers in the field and those used on ships are also red/amber for the same reasons.

 

[ChrisK]

Wow, I guess the plot thickens. :biggrin: Can anyone can post some links so we all can read up on it?

 

[Patdeisa]

Here you go for a longer explanation: http://www.equipped.com/nitevision.htm
Here's a more scientific explanation:
http://www.spracht.com/wherever-gear/wherever_lights/night-vision.htm

What's important is the brightness level of the light. Green is often used, as you can see more colors under a green light that with red, but if the level is too bright, it reduces your ability to see in dark areas. However, a bright red light does not reduce your night vision, so you can glance at your gauges and return to the road without losing your vision.

 

[NeoNSX]

From a graphic design point of view, red is bolder and more eye catching. Colours like blue are passive and our eyes make it blend into the background for the reasons <B>Tom239</B> points out.