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Thread: Auto-pilot options

  1. #1
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    Default Auto-pilot options

    I completely understand why they put the factory specs the TruTrack for the SS. They need something reliable, and and I am in no way saying it's not top quality.

    However, this is an experimental version, so I am thinking about experimenting, and saving some money at the same time.

    Has anyone considered other options such as driving Dynon servos from the D180 or maybe the Dynon SkyView?

    Does anyone have the specs for the TruTrack servos to see if the Dynon has an equivalent size, control force, arm length, etc.?

  2. #2
    Administrator Pete D's Avatar
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    Default Re: Auto-pilot options

    We have done I think three or four Dynon AP installs, some with just the D180, some with a D180 and AP74. The first one was removed and replaced with a Tru Trak. Dynon worked hard on tweaking their software, and the AP now works better than in that original install, though the Tru Trak still works better.

    I would recommend using the AP74 if you do go with they Dynon AP, as it gives a much better interface than just the soft keys at the bottom of the D180 and gives you a knob that can also be used to set barometric pressure and some other things.

    There are some neat features in the Dynon AP that the Tru Trak does not have, but it just isn't quite as good at controlling a Cub type plane, due mainly to the adverse yaw. It tends to be not quite as precise and sometimes may wallow a bit more. I do like the interface a little better though.

    Pete D.

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    Default Re: Auto-pilot options

    Pete,
    That is very encouraging. I understand they keep improving with software updates.

    Dynon has three models of their servo SV32/42/52 along with a combination of 3 arms. Do you recall which was installed?

    What did you do for a mounting bracket?

    Thanks,
    Tony

  4. #4
    Administrator Pete D's Avatar
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    Default Re: Auto-pilot options

    Sorry for the delay, I must have viewed this but not replied the first time because it wasn't showing up under my "what's new" tab.

    SV42s both for pitch and roll. Standard arm on roll, capstan for pitch.

    Custom fabricated mounting brackets. We have only done a couple of them.

    Give me a call if you would like details.

    Pete D.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Auto-pilot options

    Thanks Pete, I'll give you a call when I get closer to that point. It's definitely a direction that I want to try.

    Do you know if the skyview will fit in the panel. It appears to be slightly larger (height and width)?


    Thanks,

    Tony

  6. #6
    Senior Member RanRan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Auto-pilot options

    This is the Dynon Skyview 10"

    ccexecgSV3700.jpg

    They will soon have an integrated radio for the system - their transponder and AP is already integrated (you don't need the AP74 with the Skyview). It's a much lighter system than Garmin, all things considered. But I like both for different reasons.

    The above is shown with the MGL radio - very light!

    I'm not quite sure how well I scaled everything - but I think came close enough.
    Last edited by RanRan; 05-21-2011 at 02:47 PM.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Auto-pilot options

    RanRan,
    Nice drawing. I think I like both also. Wonder if the 7" skyview will fit where the D180 is in the Executive panel. That would make a nice combination with a G3X with some redundancy.

    I wish Garmin would come out with some remote radio/transponder to go with the G3X. I would still like to have something that would work with the Navworx ADS-B unit.

    T

  8. #8
    Administrator Pete D's Avatar
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    Default Re: Auto-pilot options

    I don't think you would get a Skyview where the D180 is. I think I remember measuring that before. I have put a 7" Skyview in place of the 496 GPS in a VFR panel (the one with avionics down the middle and three large instruments on either side) Had to move the radio/transponder ALL the way down and do some major surgery on the panel but it fit-just.

    Pete D.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Auto-pilot options

    I was afraid you would say that. The measurements seemed a little big.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Auto-pilot options

    one more thought. If you use the remote Dynon transponder, you get back almost 2" of height by eliminating the Garmin GTX.

    Maybe just enough?

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