TruTrak Autotrim option

[BobTurner]

Originally Posted by penguin

Do you need autotrim?
I would suggest it will be almost redundant in practice as the trim requirements are low.
More weight and something else to break/need maintenance.

On a -7? I don?t know. On a -10? Definitely yes, unless you never make significant speed or configuration changes while using the autopilot. On an approach, I have better things to look at than little up/down autopilot trim commands.
Auto-trim only works if you already have electric trim, so the weight gain is negligible.

[f14av8r]

I'll leave the wiring to the experts. I did not install my autopilot or the AutoTrim module.

I have a TruTrak Vizion 385 with the AutoTrim module. It works very well. My previous airplane, an RV-4 with a Dynon system and no AutoTrim required more attention. It is very nice having the TruTrak AutoTrim take care of all the trim functions when changing speed. Highly recommended, especially when you can apparently add it for very low cost!
Randy

[penguin]

Originally Posted by BobTurner

On a -7? I don?t know. On a -10? Definitely yes, unless you never make significant speed or configuration changes while using the autopilot. On an approach, I have better things to look at than little up/down autopilot trim commands.
Auto-trim only works if you already have electric trim, so the weight gain is negligible.

But we're talking about an RV-7(A). I don't see the need for autotrim.

The weight gain of many things is negligible, until you add them all up and get several pounds.

[Jesse]

The weight adds maybe 6-8 oz. Removing the manual trim cable and going electric with auto trim probably saves a pound or more.