Otto Pilot

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 7:07 am

In reading this month's issue of Kitplanes magazine I couldn't help but stop at the spread on autopilots. All the bathroom time allowed for today was the rundown on what the needs are and how systems in general provide for them and the ways in which they do it. Coming up are what the manufacturers are offering.

Anyways, what type of system are you installing. Please tell me if none is in your plans too and why. I am leaning towards the Tru-Track one right now because I understand they are RV builders too and I like the fact that they are RV saavy.

Ideally, a two axis with the ability to track a GPS signal is what I would like to install. I know Tru-Track ( http://www.trutrakflightsystems.com/ ) has one that has a turn coordinator display that would look really nice to the right side of the Dynon I plan to install. This will also serve double time and give my co- something to look at that sits squarely in front of him.

They call it the Pictoral Pilot.

I am amenable to other brands. What is your favorite (or as in Snap's case... favourite) brand?

CJ

Post by **Spike** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 9:34 am

Man, my problem with that autopilot is that the instrument is so not attractive (IMNSHO). I love the STEC-30's but they are so expensive. I dont know of the options really. Maybe edumacation would be the key. Any, as CJ says, "Otto Pilot" experts out there ?

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 9:08 pm

Do you think this one is ugly too?

CJ

Post by **Spike** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 10:24 pm

That one isnt nearly as bad as the other. Any others? *snicker* What do you think ?

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 10:27 pm

I think I would like to know how you saved an image of the epanelbuilder.com panel you made up so I can show you what I have in mind.

How'd ya do that? I just end up with the individual .gif's and not the complete panel.

CJ

Snap · Post by **Snap** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 12:17 am

Hmm.......................... somehow I don't think that I have to say anything

OK, maybe something.

'ALL IN ONE' for $6250

What can I say? I just love them

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 5:35 am

U ALWAYS have SOMETHING to say!

OH! That is the Grand Rapids unit! Is that the one you are referring to?

I suppose I need to look at them again and offer due diligence.

When I saw them at OSH in 2001, I was initially impressed, but the interest waned for unknown and indescribable reasons.

I will reconsider them after running the numbers on this set up.

CJ

Post by **Spike** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:19 am

CJ, once I "built" the panel I took a screen shot of the browser and then cropped the picture down to what I wanted. There is no easy way of saving the picture using normal methods. Sorry about that.

You two guys crack me up with your lust over those EFIS thingies. Hey, anyone want to come over tonight and fabricate the other HS bracket for me? I have plenty of air tools that you can use

-- John

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 3:57 pm

I was thinkin' you did something like that. Too much work for me putting all those .gif's in place and so forth.

Re: the HS stuff, I wish I was closer! I would certainly come over and help you.

Really tho ...piece o' cake! Nuttin to it but ta do it! Give it a try.

Lemme know how you make out!

CJ

728GD · Post by **728GD** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 4:32 pm

I didn't place an AP in my plane when I built it, now I wish I had. If I was to do it again I would go with the Trutrak unit. Jim developed this unit himself and made it available to the homebuilder community. It is not approved for certified, he didn't want to spend the cost of FAA approvial, so it is pretty inexpensive. Everyone I know who has one has nothing bad to say. It will couple directly to your GPS for those long trips.

I thought most of my flying would be local when I built my 6. Then I went and moved from OK to CA and my first cross country was from Tulsa to Sacramento with 43 hours on her. I still may put one in someday.

Put a feeler out there for input from people who are flying with the unit. I don't care how ugly it looks! Heck, I'm ugly and people still fly with me... (my plane is beautiful though!!)

Snap · Post by **Snap** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 8:36 pm

If she is that good look'n then show us some piccies. We love piccies

Blue Mountain EFIS Lite/G3 with Auto pilot = $6250
sorry. I just had ta put it in :goodevil:

728GD · Post by **728GD** » Tue Dec 07, 2004 11:47 am

Look in the gallery!!

bullyforpage(TT) · Post by **bullyforpage(TT)** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 9:56 pm

My first GA AC had a Century, it was OK. My Arrow (which is paying for my 10) has an Stec 40 with heading bug, and tracks all the crystal sets. I have about 1000hrs with it, but recently, the tracking became questionable, especially a localizer. Long story short, the servo motor had seen better days. Life expectency about 500 hrs, but mine had been troublesome for nearly 200. Cost to repair motor $712, $592 was the motor, and only available from Stec. Cost new today with bug $8K
When I bought it in 96, $3600.
Of all I've looked at, the Tru Trak looks like what will go into my 10. Cost roll and pitch $3800. Additional cost to include pitch for the Stec 40 $4K.. Ain't goona happen. When it work, however, it's excellent. Price for Truk track servo motor $100, life expectantcy, dunno yet.