Autopilot: too complex?

Firstime -14A builder.
Mission: mostly 2 hr jaunts into mountains and 3 times per yr 1200 mi xc with 3 hr max piloting time personal limit.

Dynon twin Classic EFIS’s.

So far, research has not found any turnkey, plug n play kit. I can follow instructions ok, but not interested in anything close to a one-off custom install.

Too complicated for me, or am I just worrying for no reason?

The SkyView install is about as straight forward as it gets. Read the install manual and just work through it.

It would be helpful if you can assemble the D connectors that go with this. Stein sells the needed shells, pins and crimp tool.

Carl

Carl Froehlich said:

The SkyView install is about as straight forward as it gets. Read the install manual and just work through it.

It would be helpful if you can assemble the D connectors that go with this. Stein sells the needed shells, pins and crimp tool.

Carl

Click to expand...

Not worried about skyview, so much. That does seem plug and play and dsubs and molex connectors are not difficult with practice and good tools.

I’m more concerned about all the connections needed in the wings and fuse regarding the mechanicals and servos. These don’t seem so straightforward. I have not found any instructions or list of components needed to do this part of fab.

This is little more than adding 2 servos - a few hours of work that has been done many, many times before. Whatever the work up front, it will be quickly forgotten time after time in use. NOT hard, and well worth whatever personal capital you will expend. Do it, don't look back.

Getting the wires out the roll and pitch servo is like anything else, just run them. I use simple 9 pin D connectors at each servo to connect.

Look at the Dynon AP servo install kits. Here is the link for these kits. I assume the RV-14 kits are the same, but you will need to call Dynon to ask:
https://dynonstore.com/#!/Mounting-Brackets-&-Kits/c/13788234

The Dynon website has install instructions for these kits. The kits typically add a bracket to modify the existing roll or pitch bell crank - and use the same mounting holes in the airframe.

I recall installing these in an RV-14A, not much different than the RV-8 or RV-10 installs I did. This installs can be retrofitted, but it is easier to do during construction.

Carl

Documentation exists in the Skyview Classic installation guide, chapter 10:
https://dynonavionics.com/includes/guides/SkyView_System_Installation_Guide-Rev_AG-v15_4.pdf

Additional guidance is on their website's autopilot components documentation:
https://dynonavionics.com/autopilot-components-documentation.php

For the RV-14, you want:
Roll SV42
Pitch SV32

They also stock kits for:

The servo network wiring: https://dynonstore.com/#!/SV-NET-SE...-Servo-Cable-Kit/p/52526477/category=13788247

Pitch/Roll servo mounting kit packages, with or without the servos. NOTE: They don't spell out which of these kits works for the RV-14, but that'd take a simple phone call:
https://dynonstore.com/#!/~/search/keyword=mounting kit

I'll tell you, Doc, this install was not tough. The kits make it straight forward, with zero fab required.

Of all the difficulties encountered in building an airplane, installing two small servos will be about the least problematic, and one of the most appreciated additions. I flew one long XC without A/P and promptly installed one with my GRT system. Took less than a day, and that was retrofitting to a completed airframe.

Chris

If your signature line is correct, then this would be a really simple, 'just another thing to bolt into place' install.

I installed my autopilot servos after the plane was already flying. Even then I thought it was realativly simple considering the wings were already mounted and closed up.

Other than an autopilot is nice during x-countries, or busy airspace, ect....
When I built the plane I didn't think I needed or wanted an autopilot. During the phase 1 testing I really wished i had it. trying to fly a new to me plane smooth and steady (climbs, decnets, straight and level) while writting down numbers meant I was doing test multiple times to get accurate readings. An autopilot would have simplified the process. Necessary? no, but would have been nice.

Some might argue for IFR an autopilot is neccessary. I may not go that far, but is a huge help for workload and fatigue.


How many times have you heard: "I wish I had an autopilot" vs "I wish I never installed an autopilot"?

OK I’m convinced

I should have done more homework, as usual. Thanks for all the positive comments. I’ll order the OP right away so I can do the install before joining front to aft fuses. Seems like more accessibility might help?