and it's always helpful to have empirical measurements to aid decisions and judgments, along with subjective observations. I don't want to crane my neck back 90-degrees to see a windex 60 feet above, especially one that's poorly lit or not lit at night, or near the sun during daylight. I could do it if no better alternative existed, but one does -- and that's why electronic instrumentation is worth it.

... and where did the idea of a 4" dial in someone's lap come up? I must have missed a post, but that sounds like a really bad idea. If you use electronics they should be protected.