Enigma and SP4 AHRS
Hi Jeff (I see I am arriving a bit late... but here goes in any case!),
lsu-rv said:
anyone have any installed and flying pics of the Enigma? Smokeyray? Any thoughts if you like or dislike? Anything?
I have been over and over their website which is helpful, but want some real world opinions and pics from actual users. How do the maps look? What about the grey vs yellow buttons?
can you connect a x96 to it? Whats rumors on the com?
thanks in advance,
jeff H
austin tx
Have a look at the Yahoo usergroup for pics and "unbias" (if you regard a non-affiliated happy customer unbiased) opinions on the Enigma...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stratomaster_users_group/
With regards to SP4 and future AHRS work: if any supplier/manufacturer using Analog Devices ADXRS rate gyroscopes (without aiding) tells you that you need not be cautious flying IFR indefinitely on these sensors without a backup / other reference / aiding, they SHOULD BE SHOT!! That would be HIGHLY irresponsible. (fortunately I don't think that is the case...)
Who makes use of these sensors: most "low cost" (systems selling for under $5000 is fairly low cost) are using these sensors.
Disclaimer: these are my personal opinions. I am pretty sure the FAA would be happy to support them though!! I am not pointing fingers at any manufacturers. In fact: I think most guys are happy to admit that low cost AHRS equipment should be used with caution. I am explaining why the MGL manual is written so conservatively... If you are unhappy because I am warning you not to get yourself into trouble, then so be it...
Yes: you can do well on these sensors, but I would not want to be flying blind at night in clouds and/or turbulence on these gyros only for and extended period of time (without ANY aiding).
Yes: if you end up in a situation where you should not have been in in the first place, I would bet my life SP4 gives you a good chance of getting out of there alive... but don't use that as an excuse to go looking for trouble!!
I am happy to say: I think the SP4 is about as good as it gets on these sensors. MGL is providing a word of caution... just like the FAA! Have you got an IFR rating?
With regards to slow turns: glider pilots love testing this unit. And it works for them. But don't be surprised if after 10 min of flying thermals the roll angle is out by 3 degrees... And yes: you can fly HARD 3D aerobatics using these sensors, and still recover with GOOD results.
SP5 is in process. Better sensors. More expensive. But the sensors that are flying in SP5 have been used to design an FAA certified AHRS system (and I have a feeling GRT might be flying them?)
Enigma can handle SP4, or SP5... or one day: SP6!!
Cheers,
Nicol.