A/P Opinion request

[uk_figs]

Originally Posted by John Tierney

I recently upgraded from a TruTrak ADI Pilot II to the Bendix King xCruze 110 (formerly TruTrak Gemini). It has ARINC connections for GPSS, and will fly LPV approaches from my GNS480.

I have a Dynon Skyview system, which has the A/P software already built into the box, but I don't like to have all my eggs in one basket. The xCruze 110 has an artificial horizon, airspeed indicator and altimeter, so it is my backup system if the Dynon system craps out. I will say that I haven't been able to completely dampen out "porpoising" when it makes 90-degree turns, like the T-patterns on RNAV approaches. I'm also not a fan of the Bendix King big-industry attitude.

Another option for you to consider.

I also upgraded from the TruTrak ADI Pilot II to the Gemini and have it talking to my D100 and the GNX375, it all works pretty well together however it would be nice to have a "heading mode" and I am not sure I have experienced the "porpoising" mentioned so would be interested in more info on that. It also is my backup ADI in the event of a D100 failure and can be driven from my Aera 760 portable in lateral nav mode if I lose the 375.
Figs

[Pounder]

Bob,

I'm getting things narrowed down to, probably AFS for EFIS (FS 6600) Avidyne IFD 540, and the sister Dynon stuff: Com 2, A/P, EMS..

Any chance you might have a picture of your panel?

VR/
Bryan

Originally Posted by rleffler

I just removed my Trutrak Vizion and servos from my RV-10 and replaced with Dynon servos. This probably makes a bit biased.

The Dynon servos are attached to the EFIS via the SV-Network. The nice thing about the SV-Network is that you can change the master if an EFIS should fail. The Dynon servos work with both Dynon HDX and Advanced Flight 5000 amd 6600 series EFIS. I have the AF-6600s.

I also like the Dynon SV-EMS over the Grt engine sensor module.

My personal opinion is that GRT hasn’t kept up with the innovation that Dynon, Advanced Flight, and Garmin have delivered. I can also share from personal experience that GRT doesn’t provide the same level of support that either Dynon or AFS does.

[airguy]

Love the Dynon autopilot, and fly an Avidyne 440 through it. I fly a lot of actual IMC and it handles like it's on rails.

[Canadian_JOY]

Our Glasair Sportsman features triple GRT EFIS devices; HX, Sport EX and Mini-X. The autopilot is a TruTrak Vizion 385, predecessor to the XCRUZE110 with the flat pack control head. Nav sources are GNS480 and SL30.

I've had some troubles with altitude scalloping with the autopilot in basic altitude hold mode. This was resolved through a very brief flight in which I made minor adjustments to one of the autopilot programming variables. It was very easy to do and has tamed the scalloping in rough air down to +/-20 feet - far better than I could hand-fly the airplane in those conditions.

Navigation via autopilot is simple; mode selection defaults to GPSS when the GPS is programmed to navigate to a waypoint or via a flight plan. I have installed the recommended switch which allows this same functionality to be executed via the HX EFIS; I rarely use this mode but it's there in case the GNS480 should go belly up.

Approaches are truly "like it's on rails". It's very, very impressive, and a joy to fly when all I have to do is manage engine power and make radio calls.

All of the products you are considering are terrific products and light years ahead of anything available even a couple of decades ago. These truly are the "good old days" of experimental avionics.

[jmra72a]

I have two Dynon 11" HDX displays with the Dynon Autopilot with the Dynon auto pilot knob panel. It is interfaced with an Avidyne IFD540. I just love the way it communicates flawlessly with each other. This set up allows the autopilot perform the auto-trim feature flawlessly. I also like how the autopilot is easy to fine tune and that Dynon frequently provides software updates to constantly improve things.

This makes my RV-7A a very nice IFR platform. I fly coupled approaches frequently with ease (it is almost cheating).

[Canadian_JOY]

Originally Posted by jmra72a

I have two Dynon 11" HDX displays with the Dynon Autopilot with the Dynon auto pilot knob panel.

I should have mentioned in my post above that one of the reasons I appreciate having a stand-alone autopilot controller is because it has dedicated knob and button functionality and dedicated mode annunciation.

If installing an autopilot, having access to autopilot control functionality through a dedicated control head such as the Dynon AP panel or Garmin GMC507 makes autopilot operation so much faster and easier and much more intuitive.

I know all the EFIS manufacturers have some degree of autopilot control built into their primary EFIS functionality. That's great and I'm really glad they offer this most basic means of accessing autopilot functions. Still, the added cost and space of a dedicated autopilot controller are far outweighed by the improvement in ease of use of the autopilot and, most importantly, by the improvement in situational awareness.

One of the worst feelings is to be in the clag on autopilot and having to ask oneself, "what's it doing now?" The dedicated controller takes a lot of that guesswork off the table and thus is a huge safety enhancement.

[Pounder]

Originally Posted by jmra72a

I have two Dynon 11" HDX displays with the Dynon Autopilot with the Dynon auto pilot knob panel. It is interfaced with an Avidyne IFD540. I just love the way it communicates flawlessly with each other. This set up allows the autopilot perform the auto-trim feature flawlessly. I also like how the autopilot is easy to fine tune and that Dynon frequently provides software updates to constantly improve things.

This makes my RV-7A a very nice IFR platform. I fly coupled approaches frequently with ease (it is almost cheating).

Thank you everyone for your inputs..

Thanks Bill for this,
It's looking like I will have a similar set-up, HDX + IFD540, though only room for single PFD. The IFD was a significant $ commitment. Your testimonial along with others is reassuring.

[Pounder]

[
One of the worst feelings is to be in the clag on autopilot and having to ask oneself, "what's it doing now?" The dedicated controller takes a lot of that guesswork off the table and thus is a huge safety enhancement.[/quote]

I hate that "what's it doing now" feeling. Had that in a prior life with some auto flight systems..

[MacCool]

Originally Posted by John Tierney

I have a Dynon Skyview system, which has the A/P software already built into the box, but I don't like to have all my eggs in one basket. .

I have an Advanced Flight 5400 on a Skyview network and legacy Advanced Flight (TruTrak) autopilot. Navigator is an IFD440. I have a simple switch that let's me select autopilot source as either the 5400 EFIS or the IFD440.