Method and apparatus for receiving data

An apparatus for receiving data and displaying a plurality of parameters, comprising:

• a plurality of sensor means for producing sensor signals in response to sensed parameters;
• an instrument means for receiving said sensor signals and responsively producing an instrument signal, said instrument means including one or more display means for indicating the level of sensed parameters and said sensor signals being greater in number than said one or more display means;
• a control means for receiving said instrument signal and responsively producing a control signal;
• a communication link connected to and between said instrument means and control means;
• means for receiving said control signal and responsively indicating the level of the sensed parameters on said one or more display means;
• and
• gauge switching means for selecting a first group and a second group of parameter values to be indicated by said one or more display means.

A method for receiving data and displaying a plurality of parameters, comprising the steps of:

• producing sensor signals in response to a plurality of sensed parameters;
• delivering the sensor signals to an instrument having one or more displays and responsively producing an instrument signal;
• delivering said instrument signal to a control via a communication link;
• producing a control signal in response to the instrument signal;
• and
• displaying a level of each of the plurality of sensed parameters in response to the control signal.