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03-30-2006, 03:50 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Hong Kong/Tasmania
Posts: 30
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Trio/Trutrak Comparison
It is time for me to start deciding on the make of Autopilot to install in my RV 9A. Assuming I have the altitude hold configuration - the Trio appears less expensive. But of course I am uncertain about the comparitive functionality of the two brands as I have not flown with either.
I would appreciate some guidance in what maybe he advantages and disadvantages of the two units.. or any other comments .
Many thanks. Neil
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03-30-2006, 06:06 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Kissimmee, Florida
Posts: 178
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Neil,
I recommend that you call and talk to Stein. He is very knowledgable and helped me make my decision.
Jim Kinsey
7A Finishing second wing
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03-30-2006, 08:19 AM
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been here awhile
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: North Alabama
Posts: 4,301
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Quote:
It is time for me to start deciding on the make of Autopilot to install in my RV 9A. Assuming I have the altitude hold configuration - the Trio appears less expensive. But of course I am uncertain about the comparitive functionality of the two brands as I have not flown with either.
I would appreciate some guidance in what maybe he advantages and disadvantages of the two units.. or any other comments .
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This topic has been discussed on this forum numerous times in the past. Use the search engine to see the posts, several of which will be mine.
Instead of a rehash of my observations after flying the EZ-Pilot for a few hundred hours, I suggest you study Trio Avionic's website to see all the features of their unit. It will perform precisely as advertised.
Both Trio and TruTrak are fine companies and both build excellent products (the AlTrak is in my plane). I enjoy using the feature set of the EZ-Pilot, and the Trio guys are quality folks.
Sam Buchanan (RV-6, 729 hrs)
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03-30-2006, 08:39 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 472
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The only thing I would add is to consider what other equipment you are using in your panel. For example, Grand Rapids has specifically designed their EFIS system to work with the Tru-Trak and they recommend Tru-Trak as an autopilot with their equipment.
On the other hand, Trio will probably work just as well in similar installations, but all I'm saying is to look at your AP as a component in a system rather than as a stand-alone product.
__________________
RV7-A - Slider (QB Fuse and Wings)
Mattituck IO-360 (AFP) w/2 P-mags
Catto 3-Blade
SJ Cowl and Plenum
Panel: Dual GRT EFIS / EIS4000 / PMA8000B / SL-30 / SL-40 / Internal GRT GPS / GTX 327
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03-30-2006, 09:10 AM
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Senior Curmudgeon
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Dayton Airpark, NV A34
Posts: 15,420
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Yea Vern
"but all I'm saying is to look at your AP as a component in a system rather than as a stand-alone product."
One of the best pieces of advise on this here forum.
Actually, not just the AP, but all of the electrical/electronic stuff will fit into this catagory.
Mike
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03-30-2006, 09:16 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Posts: 1,230
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AutoPilots
Neil,
I agree with all above and like you, haven't flown with an AP before.
I just ordered a ADI Pilot II for my flying RV-6
To follow along Vern's post....the TruTraks ADI is very nice and then they built a two axis auto pilot into the same box, I love it.
In my case, I'm getting ready for the day my vac system quits, then the ADI will help me go all electric, plus I don't have to add another hole in the panel.
So you should think about the whole panel too, when you think about the AP's of today.
Just my .02
Bob Martin
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03-31-2006, 01:09 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Hong Kong/Tasmania
Posts: 30
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Thanks
My thanks to you all -- I appreciate your kindness and I will follow the ideas you have suggested.. It is quite exciting to have make the decision and also to have all your guidance. I am building the 9A in Tasmania - Australia
 - Neil
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04-13-2006, 02:59 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
Posts: 133
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All your eggs in one basket?
Guys,
Yes, you should look at how things integrate in your cockpit, but also, think about failures. You want to avoid losing a lot of stuff with the failure of one component. So just because the XXTrac works well with the GRT EFIS, consider what would happen if the GRT EFIS failed. Look Ma, No autopilot. This, is not good!
We are planning to use the Trio A/P and drive it from the Lowrance 2000c. We also plan to feed the Lowrance info into the EFIS which might be the GRT unit. Losing the Lowrance GPS, will not kill the Trio A/P, nor will it kill the GRT EFIS, and nor will a failure of the GRT kill the A/P. Of course losing the A/P will not affect either the Lowrance, or the GRT EFIS.
So, yes integration is good, but separation has merit also. You want to avoid too much interdependence. If the GRT EFIS is your primary attitude indication, and maybe you have a turn co-ordinator as back-up, losing the A/P (along with the EFIS) would be a serious loss when you need it the most. With our setup, that Trio A/P linked to the Lowrance GPS could put us within striking distance of the runway with not too much sweat, not to mention using it in conjunction with a LOC/GS.
The autopilot allows you to be the manager of the flight, not so much the pilot, and this is good. (I'm talking IFR flight conditions here) You want to keep the autopilot separate enough so that any failure will not take it out also.
BTW, I probably have as much, or more, of hard IFR time than anyone on this forum.
Cheers, Pete
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04-13-2006, 04:54 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 472
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mustang
Guys,
Yes, you should look at how things integrate in your cockpit, but also, think about failures. You want to avoid losing a lot of stuff with the failure of one component. So just because the XXTrac works well with the GRT EFIS, consider what would happen if the GRT EFIS failed. Look Ma, No autopilot. This, is not good!
Cheers, Pete
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Good point, generally, but in the example you mention of the TruTrak with the GRT EFIS, not true.
The GRT EFIS can direct the TruTrak autopilot, but with the flick of a switch, the autopilot can be disengaged from the EFIS entirely and operate as a stand-alone unit using it's own internal GPS totally independant of the GRT equipment.
I'm pretty sure that Trio works the same way.
__________________
RV7-A - Slider (QB Fuse and Wings)
Mattituck IO-360 (AFP) w/2 P-mags
Catto 3-Blade
SJ Cowl and Plenum
Panel: Dual GRT EFIS / EIS4000 / PMA8000B / SL-30 / SL-40 / Internal GRT GPS / GTX 327
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04-13-2006, 08:30 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Eastern PA
Posts: 625
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Yo Pete:
If your EFIS fails, your TruTrak will be unaffected vis-a-vis its basic functions. You simply have the full range of benefits that come with the AP. You do lose some GRT enhancements. If using a separate GPS to drive your EFIS, and thense the AP, you can add a source switch to isolate AP input from either the EFIS or GPS thus preserving your flight plan and steering guidance.
You are quite correct that failure mode analysis should be performed by everyone building an aircraft.
Jekyll
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