AF-Pilot replacement

[Bugsy]

The only thing that seems intrigueing to me about using the Dynon imbedded autopilot over my AF pilot is the turbulence smoothing function that is built into the Dynon efis. Has anyone compared the autopilot with and without this feature? Does it really make a difference?

[Norman CYYJ]

One advantage of keeping the t.t. pilot is that is if the Dynon system goes south you still have a functioning autopilot and a working heading indicator. I have always been very happy with Tru track products and their service, and they work extremely well in turbulence.

[amekler]

you will be very happy withe the 385
the straight and level button could save your life if disorientated or inadvertent unusual attitude
Alan
N668G RV10

[dpansier]

Following in the OP footsteps and purchased my electronics way too soon.

Have a AFS Pilot unit that is unable to hold a heading but the altitude is rock solid.
Trouble shooting I swapped the servos, servo works fine in the other function, wiring all checked out.
Appears the roll function is inop in the control head.

After a long 10+ year build, I would like to fly it some before starting a panel upgrade and I’m leaning toward picking up a used control head if available. Any other options make sense?

[philb]

Hi Don,

As a follow up, I installed the vizion head, other than the additional pin out for the leveler, completely plug and play. Benefit is that do have the new warranty on the head. I really love the autopilot, very satisfied.

Phil

[rleffler]

Originally Posted by dpansier

Following in the OP footsteps and purchased my electronics way too soon.

Have a AFS Pilot unit that is unable to hold a heading but the altitude is rock solid.
Trouble shooting I swapped the servos, servo works fine in the other function, wiring all checked out.
Appears the roll function is inop in the control head.

After a long 10+ year build, I would like to fly it some before starting a panel upgrade and I’m leaning toward picking up a used control head if available. Any other options make sense?

Don, have you tuned the gain and sensitivity on both the AFS Pilot, then on the AFS EFIS?

Does it act the same in both the heading mode and gpss mode? What about manual heading mode on the AP head?

What EFIS do you have?

I’m sure you’ve probably already tested these, but I had to ask. I couldn’t remember what you had on your panel. Especially since we both missed our annual Black Otter meat fest.

[dpansier]

Thanks for assistance with this problem.

I’m a bit reluctant to install a BK product as they were one of the reasons I left the certificated world, hopefully they solved their issues.

The panel contains a vintage AFS 3500 which had a few issues but is performing well at this time.

I’ve been through the autopilot setup guide several times and have the gain and sensitivity dialed in for the altitude but have not been able to get the roll function operable. The roll servo remains stationary and chatters, increasing the bank rate just increases the chatter rate with no rotation. The servo seems too have plenty of power as it is difficult to rotate the shaft when it is chattering.
Appears the step pulse is being sent from the control head but the direction pulse is missing.
All wires check in the proper spots and pin - pin.

I have not tried to control the autopilot from the EFIS as I have been unable to get the autopilot only mode.

Any help will be appreciated.

[rleffler]

Originally Posted by dpansier

Thanks for assistance with this problem.

I’m a bit reluctant to install a BK product as they were one of the reasons I left the certificated world, hopefully they solved their issues.

The panel contains a vintage AFS 3500 which had a few issues but is performing well at this time.

I’ve been through the autopilot setup guide several times and have the gain and sensitivity dialed in for the altitude but have not been able to get the roll function operable. The roll servo remains stationary and chatters, increasing the bank rate just increases the chatter rate with no rotation. The servo seems too have plenty of power as it is difficult to rotate the shaft when it is chattering.
Appears the step pulse is being sent from the control head but the direction pulse is missing.
All wires check in the proper spots and pin - pin.

I have not tried to control the autopilot from the EFIS as I have been unable to get the autopilot only mode.

Any help will be appreciated.

I have a similar apprehension with BK, but I can’t elaborate publicly.

I had the arinc receiver go bad in my Vizion. Trutrak had a hard time accepting they had a bad board in the head. I was fortunate to have the help of Ken Chard and Rob Hickman assist with the troubleshooting.

If you have to replace the head and it was my money being spent, I would upgrade to a 5000 series and switch to Dynon servos. I wouldn’t upgrade to whatever BK is calling the Vizion these days. actually, I’m thinking about taking out the Vizion and my servos and replacing them with Dynon servos the first of the year.

[TruTrakAndrew]

Hey everyone, I really do understand the concerns about the TT product line. Many times when companies / technologies are acquired, the product is quickly killed off, cannibalized, or just no longer supported. We are still working to get everything running smoothly, and I am continuing to work to integrate the TT product line into existing and future BK product lines. Rest assured that Honeywell is committed to continuing support of the TT products. These products are a core part of what we have planned for BendixKing in the experimental (and GA for that matter) market.

While there are some products that we cannot continue support, those issues existed for TT as well. We just can't get parts for many of the early products anymore. We have recently approved an upgrade Sales Bulletin, much like what TT always did for our existing customers.

While I'm not out on VAF daily, I am always available to help with anything that you may have going on with your TT or BK products. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have a problem or question! Andrew.Barker(at)honeywell.com