Dynon Auto Pilot
 

The latest avionics article in Kitplanes by Stein Bruch about auto pilots leaves me with a question or two so please advise.

In order to have the most functionality (and ease of operation) with my Dynon AP set up, it seems that I would like to have the Dynon AP-74 module plus the SL30 (nav/com) in place of the SL40 (com). And it would be best to install it with Van's blessings prior to sign off. Suppose that I could add these after sign off? Right/wrong?

I realize that Van's needs to decide to offer these as an option so maybe it isn't in the cards. Our RV-12 will be use a lot as a pleasure cross country machine. Maybe some of you have already approached Van's with this idea. I would like to hear your suggestions.:cool:

Auto pilot
 

Here is my commuication with Dynon re the auto pilot..I don't see anything about a different com unit.

FROM DYNON...

All you need to have a fully functional AP is the D180 and the two servos. You can operate the AP from the D180 menu but for $450 the AP74 module is worth the money. Here are some features that it offers.

Enhance the usability of your Dynon EFIS?s built-in autopilot by adding dedicated
controls for selecting magnetic heading, GPS track, NAV, and altitude hold modes.
The AP74 also adds the ability to preselect whether HDG, TRK, or NAV mode will
be flown upon autopilot engagement.

Other features: a knob for adjusting autopilot and other EFIS values such as the
altimeter setting; light sensor for automatic screen dimming; voice alerts; autopilot
mode status via LED button lights.

The GPS TX will be wired directly into one of two serial inputs on the D180.

Hope this helps,

Mike H

Dynon General Support
info@dynonavionics.com



-----Original Message-----
From: "John<n1cxo320@salidaco.com>
Reply-To: "John " <n1cxo320@salidaco.com>
Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:17:51 -0700
To: <info@dynonavionics.com>
Subject: A Question

>I have just started a Van's RV-12 ELSA. If the planned installation includes the Dynon DEK-D180, which seems very likely, what "parts" or units do I need to get two axis auto pilot? I am somewhat confused after looking at your web site as to what would be required.
>
>I would appreciate knowing what I need to plan for since I would like to incorporate the autopilot as I build rather than as an after thought. Also, how is my GPS (I have several, including one that connects via Blue Tooth) tied into your system?
>
>Thanks for the information. I look forward to your units because several other RV builders in my area use a Dynon product and seem to be universally pleased.
>
>Thank you.
>
>

You only need the SL30 if you want the AP to track a real VOR or Localizer. These days most VFR pilots have little use for this since you can have a virtual VOR with most handheld GPS's anywhere you might want one.

The AP74 is optional in all cases but sure makes for some nice additional features. So nice, it is manditory in my book. Big bang for little buck to add this box to the system.

FYI - if you want the Dynon AP to be driven by both the SL30 and the GPS, you are going to want/need the HS34 and the AP74.

I have a 496 in my RV-9 driving the AP74 along with a D100 for the EFIS and for long VFR cross country trips I see no need for the VOR. The 496 does it all, including approaches, if you get stuck on top.

If you want to change your -12, buy the parts from Van's and don't install them. Just sell them as new and put in the SL30.

That's not quite right. The FlightDEK-D180 has two serial inputs. The SL30 outputs all the VOR/LOC/ILS data through serial, as does your GPS. You don't need the HS34 for that.

I'll agree with the others that the AP74 should be almost mandatory. Yes, the system functions just as well without it, but it doesn't WORK nearly as nicely when you have to dig around in the menu system via the pushbuttons. That Value knob is a real pleasure to use.

For a VFR airplane, forget the SL30. The only advantage would be the ability to fly true VOR and ILS/LOC approaches, which, presumably, you won't be doing in a VFR airplane.

AP 74
 

The red RV pictures from Sun N Fun show a AP-74 installed. It is just to the right of the Dynon EFIS. My guess is it is a part of the autopilot option kit which has not been released yet. Van's has previously said that they won't bring out any of the options until all of the main kits are developed and in production. Don't know if that is still true.

From what I have heard the AP-74 "makes" the whole autopilot function. Having a knob with selectable functions would be great. I plan on getting it when available.

Rich

Yep technically with the D180, you don't need the HS34 but.....The HS34 does for dual navigation sources similar to what the AP74 does for the AP, makes it much more usable.

The HS34 with dual navigation sources makes switching between those sources effortless. It also allows you to have multiple sources on the HSI at the same time. You can't do that without the HS34. Without it you must either select the GPS overlay or the NAV overlay. With it you can mix and match up to one main CDI and two RMI pointers.

Dynon Auto Pilot questions
 

Thanks everyone for the quick and explicit answers. It is good to see that the Red One has the AP-74 installed into the panel - that will be really nice. Thanks again, E. D. Eliot:cool:

Which autopilot
 

I will be ordering the avionics kit soon and am debating about the autopilot. I have already installed the autopilot brackets. Thanks to Dave G for sending them to me.
Should I buy the autopilot option from Van's or buy a TruTrak unit? I know that buying the Dynon will be less money, but I was thinking that it might be better to have a stand alone unit in case the EFIS fails.
Are the TruTrak autopilots better?
Will the TruTrak servos mount on the RV-12 autopilot brackets? Even if the servos fit, there is the still the problem of connecting the linkage between the servo and the RV-12 control system.
Maybe I should just go with the Dynon from Van's. Thanks for helping me decide. :D
Joe

Joe,

Are we talking about an RV-12?

If that is the case, go with the Dynon servos. They are the only ones that will work with your Dynon EFIS.

As for worrying about needing an autopilot if the EFIS fails, you are flying an LSA in clear weather are you not?

Remember, the autopilot is really a back up for the pilot, not the other way around.

Yes, the TT will bolt up on the Dynon mounts but as I said, the Dynon EFIS will not control them so you would have to install a TT AP head.

My suggestion is to go with the Dynon units, then if you don't like them after you are flying, replace them with a full TT setup.