Skyview owners, Trim question.

ron sterba · #1 06-28-2014, 11:19 PM

I have two Skyviews in panel. I installed the servos for the auto-pilot.(pitch and roll)I started building with manual trim cable in place but now that Dynon came out with the separate Auto-pilot control module. It would mean cutting another hole in my panel.(not a big deal) Looking at the pictures of the Dynon autopilot module it shows buttons for up-down trim. Do I scrap the manual trim cable and go with the motorized pitch trim. (Not planning a roll trim).

Dynon's website shows two auto-pilot modules.
One is simple. Baro,heading,course and altitude hold.

Second one has more buttons, rnav,vnav,trim up & down. So is this second module for planes with a certified WAAS navigator (like Garmin430-ish) connected to the Skyview? or just power trim. I don't plan on a WAAS navigator, just the Dynon GPS Skyview. So if you can guide me here I would appreciate that. Which module should I buy? what are the advantages or lack of for a VFR pilot. Should (RV9A) be flying in the next two months.

Ron in Oregon.

60av8tor · #2 06-29-2014, 06:38 AM

Hi Ron,

The second panel is simply an auto-pilot controller. Rather then digging through the SV AP menus, you have dedicated buttons. I fly IFR/IMC with the SV menu and have no problems, although it does require repetitive use to maintain comfort with all the switchology - I will fly a full approach including missed and holding (under VFR) about once every 2 weeks or so.

I would definitely like to install the other panel as I only have one screen and would like to dedicate knobs for baro/hdg.

For VFR only, I don't see a necessity at all, but if I were building I would still install the panel if room was no issue. It is small, relatively inexpensive, and is a nice addition.

bhassel · #3 06-29-2014, 07:03 AM

I believe I also read that the autopilot has 2 levels of operation. Expert and Simplified. The extra panel uses the Expert mode. Still sounds like a good idea!

Bob

vlittle · #4 06-29-2014, 07:44 AM

I would recommend electric trim. I have manual trim in my RV-9A and it was a problem when flying formation. I moved the knob up to just below the throttle, which helps but electric is better.

If you want auto-trim, you have a couple of choices: The Dynon autopilot module (takes panel space), or I am currently flight testing an external auto-trim controller for the SkyView. It's based on this. It's currently flying in my HR-II.

For the roll axis only, auto-trim is overkill. If you add the pitch servo, which is highly recommended, then it makes sense. Even if you don't think you want the pitch servo, put the hard-point in and prewire for it... then it's easier later on to install it.

airguy · #5 06-29-2014, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vlittle

I would recommend electric trim. I have manual trim in my RV-9A and it was a problem when flying formation. I moved the knob up to just below the throttle, which helps but electric is better.

If you want auto-trim, you have a couple of choices: The Dynon autopilot module (takes panel space), or I am currently flight testing an external auto-trim controller for the SkyView. It's based on this. It's currently flying in my HR-II.

For the roll axis only, auto-trim is overkill. If you add the pitch servo, which is highly recommended, then it makes sense. Even if you don't think you want the pitch servo, put the hard-point in and prewire for it... then it's easier later on to install it.

Vern - now you've got my attention - are you saying you are in the process of developing an auto-trim system to work with the Dynon AP, without the dedicated autopilot panel module?

60av8tor · #6 06-29-2014, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vlittle

If you want auto-trim, you have a couple of choices: The Dynon autopilot module (takes panel space)

Even though I wish it was auto-trim, I'm pretty sure the AP module only acts as a trim controller, not auto trim for the AP.

vlittle · #7 06-29-2014, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airguy

Vern - now you've got my attention - are you saying you are in the process of developing an auto-trim system to work with the Dynon AP, without the dedicated autopilot panel module?

Yes, flying with it now. Just adding a UI to allow field-tweaking of parameters. If you are at Osh, find MakerPlane to discuss availability. A released version probably won't make it Osh and it's hard to demo in a ground display.

It's a dual-axis speed scheduled auto-trim controller. Auto-trim will only work with SkyView serial output, but most all of the other functions work with or without an EFIS. For speed scheduling, an external airspeed or flaps switch can be used. If you have a G3X or SkyView connected, the serial stream airspeed info will eliminate the cost and effort of wiring an external switch.

Cheers,

airguy · #8 06-29-2014, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vlittle

Yes, flying with it now. Just adding a UI to allow field-tweaking of parameters. If you are at Osh, find MakerPlane to discuss availability. A released version probably won't make it Osh and it's hard to demo in a ground display.

It's a dual-axis speed scheduled auto-trim controller. Auto-trim will only work with SkyView serial output, but most all of the other functions work with or without an EFIS. For speed scheduling, an external airspeed or flaps switch can be used. If you have a G3X or SkyView connected, the serial stream airspeed info will eliminate the cost and effort of wiring an external switch.

Cheers,

I'm definitely interested in this - please keep us updated, I want one.

dlloyd3 · #9 06-29-2014, 05:56 PM

Just ordered my knob and button panels a couple days ago for my manual trim 7. The button panel does not control the trim. The UP and DOWN buttons are for increasing or decreasing the vertical speed, same as the buttons on the display. Auto trim is a completely separate function, another set of wires on a different sub-D connector. If you have electric trim, the control wiring can be routed through the Skyview for a few added functions as well as auto trim (auto trim is not yet a functional thing). Yes they show an example with two sets of knobs and buttons but it is not needed--unless you want to provide a second pilot with their own full set.

RV10inOz · #10 06-29-2014, 06:57 PM

And to complete the system functionality, as I have been flying this system for a couple of months now

The best thing you can do is fit electric trim. If you buy the two new knob and button panels, and I would if I were you (anyone) as it is truly what the Dr ordered, and wire the trim to be controlled via the button panel.

You still need the trim buttons on your stick of course. But the runaway trim protection and the soon to be released Auto Trim feature will make it a perfect integrated solution.

I have flown about 15-20 hours on this new system and it works REALLY well.

Pics for those who have not seen them yet.

Onto another topic, and I am sure many will understand this but do not use VS mode for climbs, or only if it is a small gentle change. Best to use IAS mode which means you will not have reducing IAS as you climb. Use VS on descent and watch your IAS.

And the trip home yesterday afternoon was this, nicely trimmed, 10dF LOP ignore the Dynon saying PK, it was not at peak, the richest was 10dF LOP, and while surfing some gentle and smooth oscillations from the high speed westerly the TAS picked up 6 knots and GS over 200. This new Skyview with AP controls is brilliant. Just waiting for the Auto Trim update!