Drill a hole on the front of the stick, just below the stick top? - Then install a mom miniature push button........
I also vote for the stick to utilize the CWS function. Keep in mind however it's not really CWS. It disconnects the AP for the time the switch is held down and reengages in a attitude hold when released. Still I like the function and use it more then I thought.
George
I decided against the stick. I plan to do lots of Aeros and do not want to engage autopilot accidentally by pressing the AP engage/disengage.
I know that you can power it on/off via Dynon or external power. But I just want to be extra sure.
At least with the TT A/P you would need to keep pressing the GPSS button for a few seconds to get the A/P engagud. It is not a matter of a one push and the A/P turning to tracking.
Why not install a multi-button grip, Infinity or similar, and put the ptt, trim, AP disc/CWS, fuel pump, flaps, landing light/wigwag, and anything else you want on it. You can then run your whole pre-landing checklist without removing your hand from the stick. You would have to do some rewiring, from the panel location to the base of the stick.
This is one of those areas where personal preference is really the determining factor, but I would make a general point on the autopilot disconnect switch: long ago, I was taught to always have your hand on the stick (yoke) when disconnecting the autopilot, for obvious reasons (at least to me). One way to be sure is to have the disconnect on the stick--that's why I am a proponent.
I'm am wiring my panel on the new 7. My AP disconnect will be on the grip as it was with my first 7. Also, there is no reason you can wire in 2 switches for the same purpose, one on the stick and one on the panel.
After reading the posts, I was a little confused about what the CWS actually accomplishes. I want to be able to disconnect quickly. After reading some of the posts I thought that the CWS would re-engage as soon as you let off the switch/button. I shot an email to Lucas at TT and got the following response.
"It serves both functions. If you press and hold it, the AP will go into CWS mode. Upon release the AP will re-engage. But if you just press and release the switch the AP will disengage. I hope that clears it up."
Cleared it up for me
My partner wanted it there so I agreed. It turns out he is much smarter then me
Unless I have a different version of the TT that is not correct. If you push and release the autopilot switch it disengages. No issue there. If you push and hold the button down it does the exact same thing. The autopilot disengages. The difference is that when you have held the button down the autopilot will reengage when the button is released. It never goes into a CWS mode.
George
Here is a copy/paste from the TruTrak website, explaining CWS.
BTW, my button is on the stick, and mine works exactly as described.
Q - What is Control Wheel Steering?
A - The control wheel switch is a momentary low contact switch mounted on the control wheel/stick. When the switch is held down for 1.5 seconds or more, the autopilot enters the control wheel steering mode. During the time that the switch is held down, the servo/servos will be disengaged and the pilot can manually fly to the new desired track. Upon release of the switch, the unit will synchronize to the track being flown at the time. All of the multi-axis with vertical speed capability will also synchronize to the vertical speed being flown at the time of control wheel switch release. A momentary push and release of the control wheel switch will disengage the autopilot.
http://www.trutrakflightsystems.com/faq.html
I'm with Alan on this one; put switches in both places, or at least have an alternative method of disabling the autopilot.
I'm with Alan on this one; put switches in both places, or at least have an alternative method of disabling the autopilot.