A dial is generally a flat surface, circular or rectangular, with numbers or similar markings on it, used for displaying the setting or output of a timepiece, radio, clock, watch, or measuring instrument.[1] Many scientific and industrial instruments use dials with pointers to indicate physical properties. Examples include pressure and vacuum gauges,[2] fluid-level gauges (for fuel, engine oil, and so on), voltmeters and ammeters, thermometers and hygrometers, speedometers and tachometers, and indicators (distance amplifying instruments).
Traditionally these have been mechanical devices, but with the advent of electronic displays,[3] analog dials are often simulated from digital measurements.
The term may also refer to a movable control knob used to change the settings of the controlled instrument, for example, to change the frequency of the radio, or the desired temperature on a thermostat.
Styles of dials:
- Circular,
- Fixed pointer with moving scale,
- Fixed scale with moving dial.