Dynon vs TruTrak AP

[R7237]

I have a non-touch AFS 5600 that I need to add an autopilot to the panel. I am in the “panel” portion of the built, not a flying airplane. My initial thought was to use the TruTrak Gemini AP thru the ARINC adaptor. The plane will have a remote mount Val NAV 2KR. I was not intending on installing an IFR navigator and only use the GPS off the AFS system. I’m trying to decide if I should upgrade the 5600 (probably $2k) and buy Dynon servos and control head, or just buy the TruTrak. As I have never flown an AP before, I’m not sure if one AP is more capable than the other. I do want the ability to use the AP to fly approaches.

[RONSIM]

although I have a 5600T and a Vizion 385 that just work wonderfully, since you have not committed to servos yet, I would just go with the AFS/DYNON system -- the integration would be very smooth and Rob and the Dynon folks would be a great resource.

Ron

[Jpm757]

Originally Posted by RONSIM

although I have a 5600T and a Vizion 385 that just work wonderfully, since you have not committed to servos yet, I would just go with the AFS/DYNON system -- the integration would be very smooth and Rob and the Dynon folks would be a great resource.

Ron

Ditto to Ron's comment.

[BobTurner]

The ?integrated? autopilots work well, and tend to be about $1K cheaper than the stand alone ones. But, for actual IMC work, the stand-alone units do offer an additional layer of backup. Up to you to decide.
BTW, don?t overlook Trio. They make a great autopilot.

[rleffler]

Originally Posted by BobTurner

The ‘integrated’ autopilots work well, and tend to be about $1K cheaper than the stand alone ones. But, for actual IMC work, the stand-alone units do offer an additional layer of backup. Up to you to decide.
BTW, don’t overlook Trio. They make a great autopilot.

Servos on the Sv-network (Dynon/AFS), you can move the Master EFIS pretty quickly should the PFD fail. There are also a couple other minor advantages over the Trutrak heads.

My Vizion and servos, as well as a Gemini PFD May be up for sale shortly.

[R7237]

Originally Posted by rleffler

Servos on the Sv-network (Dynon/AFS), you can move the Master EFIS pretty quickly should the PFD fail. There are also a couple other minor advantages advantages over the Trutrak heads.

My Vizion and servos, as well as a Gemini PFD May be up for sale shortly.

If it helps you, I would be in the market for them. That would be a nice setup for me. Guessing your upgrade is due to a touch upgrade?

[BobTurner]

Originally Posted by rleffler

Servos on the Sv-network (Dynon/AFS), you can move the Master EFIS pretty quickly should the PFD fail. There are also a couple other minor advantages over the Trutrak heads.

You're correct: part of the $$/risk equation is that a second EFIS or air-data computer can be similar to the cost differential for a self-contained autopilot. Some different failure modes to be considered. But it appeared to me that the OP is talking about a single EFIS, so a non-integrated autopilot does mitigate against some, but not all, failure modes. OTOH since he specifically stated that he is not interested in a TSO'd gps navigator, all approved approaches (VOR/ILS) have to go thru his EFIS to drive his autopilot, be it a Dynon, Gemini, or Trio. Bottom line: For IFR work, the entire system - redundancies, backups, failure modes - needs to evaluated to see if it is with in the PIC's tolerance for risk.

[Mike S]

A few years back, I had a failure in one of my first gen GRT screens-----the one that drove the A/P.

I lost the ability to follow a GPS driven course, but the internal magician inside the TruTrak head would still hold altitude and heading.

Just something to consider.

[titanhank]

I have the vizion 385 autopilot, it is rock solid and it flies a beautiful approach. The only way it will get removed is that i totally lose my mind and redo the panel with an all garmin g3x setup.

[N941WR]

One very nice thing about having an integrated AP is that it knows what your attitude is and can right the plane, should you engage it after an upset.