TRIO AVIONICS PRO-PILOT A/P

[Dbro172]

I think it is a great unit, i started my build with a g3X system and integrated Trio pro pilot (prior to the gmc305/307 head unit). The problem i found at that time (circa 2014) is that it would not funtion on its own as a standalone AP or integrate well with the Garmin soft keys. Basically, it would only function if there was a GPS course or waypoint entered into the GPS (430W or Aera, or G3x). I could not simply engage the AP to fly on its own, or in heading/alt modes if there was not an active flt pln or waypoint entered in the GPS. For me, I like to engage the AP on a whim, not have to enter something in the GPS first for the AP to work. While I was going through this trouble shooting and waiting on anticipated software updating with Trio, Garmin released the gmc305 control head and servos, so I swapped them out. Perhaps this has been fixed by now.

I sure like their units as an option in certified planes now too.

[BobTurner]

Originally Posted by Dbro172

I think it is a great unit, i started my build with a g3X system and integrated Trio pro pilot (prior to the gmc305/307 head unit). The problem i found at that time (circa 2014) is that it would not funtion on its own as a standalone AP or integrate well with the Garmin soft keys. Basically, it would only function if there was a GPS course or waypoint entered into the GPS (430W or Aera, or G3x). I could not simply engage the AP to fly on its own, or in heading/alt modes if there was not an active flt pln or waypoint entered in the GPS. For me, I like to engage the AP on a whim, not have to enter something in the GPS first for the AP to work. While I was going through this trouble shooting and waiting on anticipated software updating with Trio, Garmin released the gmc305 control head and servos, so I swapped them out. Perhaps this has been fixed by now.

I sure like their units as an option in certified planes now too.

There was something wrong here. My Trio Pro (2011) works fine in stand alone mode, within its limitations.
1. With neither EFIS nor gps data, the best it can do is wing leveler plus altitude.
2. With gps ground track data (no data need be entered into the gps) it will do ground track tracking (plus altitude). It cannot do heading track because neither the Trio nor the gps knows the heading. The control wheel steering feature should work.
3. With a flight plan entered into the gps, the Trio should track it, including a gps approach. If the gps has gpss commands, the Trio should follow them.
I usually control the Trio thru a GRT HX. This adds heading track, as well as VOR and ILS tracking.

I cannot comment on how well or if Garmin EFISs work with Trio or any non-Garmin brand. I know that Trio later came out with a version specifically designed to interface with G3X EFISs.

[BobTurner]

Originally Posted by BobTurner

There was something wrong here. My Trio Pro (2011) works fine in stand alone mode, within its limitations.

I cannot comment on how well or if Garmin EFISs work with Trio or any non-Garmin brand. I know that Trio later came out with a version specifically designed to interface with G3X EFISs.

I checked the Trio web site:
1. The model that works with the G3X can read Garmin?s propriatary software (which suggests that standard Trio Pros cannot).
2. G3X can take ARINC gpss data from a 430W, etc, and convert it to RS232, so the TRIO G3X version does not have ARINC inputs standard. This means no GPSS steering in a stand-alone configuration. (Trig recommends adding arinc inputs as an option, wiring 430 arinc thru a switch (efis or autopilot), so the autopilot can do gpss tracking if the efis fails or is otherwise not in the loop.)

None of this should prevent the Trio from running as a wing leveler in the absence of G3X and gps data.

[dcflyer84]

I have just had a Trio GX Pro Pilot installed with my new G3X Touch. Was wondering if anyone flying a -10 (hopefully) would share their gain settings for all parameters. After 2 flights, mine is still wandering a bit too much. 430W is primary navigator and default for both the G3X and the GX Pro. Nav data is being received by both units from same source.
It's frustrating trying to hone this thing in!

[Sam Buchanan]

Originally Posted by dcflyer84

I have just had a Trio GX Pro Pilot installed with my new G3X Touch. Was wondering if anyone flying a -10 (hopefully) would share their gain settings for all parameters. After 2 flights, mine is still wandering a bit too much. 430W is primary navigator and default for both the G3X and the GX Pro. Nav data is being received by both units from same source.
It's frustrating trying to hone this thing in!

Don't hesitate for a moment to call the guys at Trio for suggestions and settings. You will find them to be excellent resources.

Wow....hard to believe the Pro Pilot has been in my RV-6 for twelve years!

[Steve Melton]

One thing that has always amazed me about my trio ez pilot. turn the autopilot off in-flight, disable the GPS input to the AP, put the aircraft in a crazy unusual attitude, turn on the trio ez pilot and immediately select the servo for the wing leveler and it will level the wings immediately. how does it do that?

[dcflyer84]

Sam, I am in touch with Trio trying to work things out. They are good guys and helpful. This was the first Trio my installer had put in so I'm going straight back to Trio for troubleshooting the gains.

[FORANE]

I have installed 3 Trio Pro Pilots. The Pro Pilot is a good autopilot with key capabilities lacking in other autopilots, and the guys in California are very helpful. I don't understand why in this era of computing ability we still have to fiddle with gain settings though. Seems a smart autopilot should be able to determine a better solution.

[dcflyer84]

Originally Posted by FORANE

I have installed 3 Trio Pro Pilots. The Pro Pilot is a good autopilot with key capabilities lacking in other autopilots, and the guys in California are very helpful. I don't understand why in this era of computing ability we still have to fiddle with gain settings though. Seems a smart autopilot should be able to determine a better solution.

Do you know what your gain settings were? Or, how many clicks past factory settings did you have to go to get it tuned right?

[FORANE]

Originally Posted by dcflyer84

Do you know what your gain settings were? Or, how many clicks past factory settings did you have to go to get it tuned right?

Yes, I know my gain settings, but my installs were not in a -10 and likely would not assist in any way.
Guessing you are following this install manual for adjusting the gains:
https://www.trioavionics.com/Pro&#37...nual%204.1.pdf
Trio has updated the firmware on these recently. You might check with them to confirm you have the latest. One of the changes added a gain setting...

Adjusting gains can be very frustrating. I spent months trying to get a GMC507/G5 gains set before throwing in the towel and removing it. Even with the Trio, my results are not like a train track as Bob Turner reports; rather, it is optimized.