VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics

  #1  
Old 12-17-2006, 10:58 AM
Marvin Marvin is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Willits,Ca
Posts: 60
Default Navaid Autopilots?

I am thinking of retro fitting a Navaid Autopilot in my RV8A. I understand it is not suited for IFR but I am not interested in flyin IFR. I look at this auto pilot as a wing leveler and it is priced right. Question I have what are the pros and cons? Anyone presently have one installed? I would like to hear from you.

Dick Johnson AKA marvin
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-17-2006, 11:32 AM
zav6a zav6a is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Sedalia, Colorado (KAPA)
Posts: 320
Default Navaid

Pro - It does not need GPS input to function well as a wing leveler.

Con - Does not track a heading as well as Trio and I presume Trutrak. Mine would need to be "reset" occasionally when tracking a GPS heading.

I've had them both installed. Preferred the wing leveling function of the Navaid.
__________________
____________
Duane Zavadil
RV-6a, IO-320
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-17-2006, 06:15 PM
Kahuna's Avatar
Kahuna Kahuna is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Gold Hill, NC25
Posts: 2,400
Default

Dick,
I have hundreds of hours on a NavAid and Im not sure why you would say its not suited for IFR. It works fine and does not know its in the soup.

Pro- cheap, reliable. Tracks adequate. Long positive history over many years of service

Con. Does not track well, does not have a full rich feature set like you might find in a modern solid state. Don't know how long the company might be around to service it.

Best
__________________
Kahuna
6A, S8 ,
Gold Hill, NC25
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-17-2006, 07:51 PM
Marvin Marvin is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Willits,Ca
Posts: 60
Default navaid Autopiot

anyone have a picutre of their instalation of the Navaid AP that they could post or send direct?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-18-2006, 07:03 AM
N8RV's Avatar
N8RV N8RV is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Elkhart, Indiana
Posts: 1,186
Default

I have one I'll sell on the cheap. Brand new, never used. I installed the servo a few years ago, but since I'm still building, decided to go with the TruTrak ADI Pilot II. So, I took out the servo and put it back in the box.

Make me an offer I can't refuse ...

After that, it's on to eBay ...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-18-2006, 07:41 AM
Jerry Carter's Avatar
Jerry Carter Jerry Carter is offline
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Memphis, TN
Posts: 115
Default

I fly a fair amount of IFR in the 8A, and I find the Navaid very useful. Although it is not "IFR certified," there is no regulation preventing you from using the instrument. It will not fly a coupled approach, but I use it to fly down the localizer, making small heading adjustments with the "turn" knob. It will track a GPS course, but I find it takes frequent adjustments with the trim button to keep the CDI needle centered. My next airplane will have a Trutrak, but if I were on a tighter budget, I wouldn't hesitate to use a Navaid.

I don't have any pictures handy, but I installed the servo just aft of the right footwell. I made a little bracket out of .032 angle which is riveted to the floor.
__________________
Jerry Carter
RV-8A sold
RV-7
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:40 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.