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  #1  
Old 10-04-2010, 10:05 PM
pck pck is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 7
Default Trio Autopilot

Anybody have a Trio autopilot installed in their RV and if so, what model AP, options and how it has performed for you. I havent made up my mind yet as to which one I will install in my 7A. I will be using it for IFR, approaches and all that fun stuff
Thanks
pck
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  #2  
Old 10-05-2010, 01:53 AM
mcattell mcattell is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Forest Grove, OR
Posts: 239
Default

I have a Trio ProPilot in my airplane. I've just started flying my RV but with the test I've done so far it works great. It tracks to a waypoint great and I don't notice any type of hunting. Or I can set a course and then turn the dial on the front to adjust the course heading. I can also dial in an altitude and it will climb or descend to that altitude and level off. Another neat feature is 180 degree standard rate turn in case you enter IMC by mistake. Just press and hold a button for a couple seconds and it does the level turn for you. The servos have electric clutches so they disengage with no resistance when off. Mine is an earlier ProPilot model so I have to send it back for an upgrade to allow for full vertical coupled instrument approach capability. I have it wired to the 430W ARINC interface so it's all set for that. I've never had an autopilot but so far I'm impressed with this one. It's easy to use and they provided great customer service during the build process.
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  #3  
Old 10-05-2010, 04:14 AM
Rainier Lamers Rainier Lamers is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Somerset West
Posts: 1,033
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pck View Post
Anybody have a Trio autopilot installed in their RV and if so, what model AP, options and how it has performed for you. I havent made up my mind yet as to which one I will install in my 7A. I will be using it for IFR, approaches and all that fun stuff
Thanks
pck
The new Pro-Pilot is an excellent autopilot with excellent support.
You will not regret it should you choose it.

Rainier
CEO MGL Avionics
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  #4  
Old 10-05-2010, 05:15 AM
videobobk's Avatar
videobobk videobobk is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Near Scipio, in Southern Indiana
Posts: 1,779
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I have the EZPilot and alt hold also, and have flown them almost 4 years. I would get the ProPilot (which wasn't available when I bought) as it offers more for about the same money. I love Trio! Great support and a great product. Yes, I have used the 180 turn in IMC feature. Mine will take direction either from my AvMap EKP IV or Garmin 430W and will do a reasonable job of holding heading with no input at all. It is a lot of AP for the money.

Bob Kelly
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  #5  
Old 10-05-2010, 05:22 AM
tinman tinman is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 496
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Outstanding factory support. These guys are in it for the long haul.
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RV-8 Finished After 8 1/2 Years (2496 hours) of Loving Labor
Summerville, SC
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  #6  
Old 10-05-2010, 07:24 AM
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Sam Buchanan Sam Buchanan is offline
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: North Alabama
Posts: 4,301
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pck View Post
Anybody have a Trio autopilot installed in their RV and if so, what model AP, options and how it has performed for you. I havent made up my mind yet as to which one I will install in my 7A. I will be using it for IFR, approaches and all that fun stuff
Thanks
pck
Hi Paul,

The Trio systems have been installed in many RVs and there is much info in the forum archives. Search "Trio" and you will get many threads to read about this fine autopilot.

I have flown all the Trio products and some of my early impressions are on this page:

http://thervjournal.com

Bottom line, the Trio products will perform exactly as advertised. Support from the Trio guys is superb and their products are thoroughly flight-tested before release for sale. The Pro Pilot should be able to fly your IFR procedures when coupled to the appropriate avionics.

Enjoy your new autopilot!
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RV-6
Fokker D.VII replica

Last edited by Sam Buchanan : 10-05-2010 at 07:26 AM.
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  #7  
Old 10-05-2010, 07:56 AM
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Guy Prevost Guy Prevost is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: albuquerque, nm
Posts: 1,167
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I'm very happy with my EZ pilot and am considering upgrading to the pro pilot.
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Guy Prevost
Albuquerque, NM
RV-8a Built, Enjoyed, Sold
Two Kids: Built, Enjoying
RV-10, Bought, Rebuilt, Enjoying
Build / First Flight Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f9HXzZT1dE
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  #8  
Old 10-05-2010, 09:31 AM
Steve Barnes Steve Barnes is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Posts: 580
Default Another Ditto

Excellent unit and excellent factory support.

Steve Barnes "The Builders Coach"
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  #9  
Old 10-05-2010, 01:49 PM
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Jeff Vaughan Jeff Vaughan is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: West Chester, Pa
Posts: 583
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I to am very happy with my EZ pilot and am considering upgrading to the pro pilot as well.
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Jeff Vaughan
RV 12 N237VW ELSA
RV 7A N561EV Sold
West Chester Pa

2020 donation current
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  #10  
Old 10-05-2010, 02:11 PM
SteinAir SteinAir is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 2,473
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We have installed many of them and can tell you first hand that Jerry, Chuck & Sid are three of the nicest (and smartest) people you'll find. Not only do they make an excellent product, but like TruTrak they own RV's and test their autopilots in their own airplanes extensively before release to the public. All around good folks....I certainly enjoy both their people and products.

Cheers,
Stein
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