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New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

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jdalton77(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 8:12 am Post subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

I'm just starting the tail kit (finished rudder,  VS, starting on HS) and I am a long way from many final decisions on some  equipment.  However, it occurred to me that if I do end up with an  Autopilot I need to make that decision now. Don't servos need to be  installed in the tail to control pitch?

  

 Do I need to decide on Autopilot manufacturer now  or can I install generic components?

  

 Jeff

 http://www.mykitlog.com/users/index.php?user=jrdalton&project=120

rick.conti(at)boeing.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 8:30 am Post subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

Jeff, trust me, don’t go any further until you have the complete plan in place.  I didn’t but really wish I had.  Especially true to ensure all the wires are in place.  

   

DO NOT ARCHIVE    

Thank You 

 Rick Conti 

 office: 703-414-6141 

    cell: 571-215-6134   

        

  

From: Jeff Dalton [mailto:jdalton77(at)comcast.net] 

 Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 11:12 AM

 To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install  

  

     

I'm just starting the tail kit (finished rudder, VS, starting on HS) and I am a long way from many final decisions on some equipment.  However, it occurred to me that if I do end up with an Autopilot I need to make that decision now. Don't servos need to be installed in the tail to control pitch?  

    

   

    

Do I need to decide on Autopilot manufacturer now or can I install generic components?  

    

   

    

Jeff  

    

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/index.php?user=jrdalton&project=120

dmasys(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 8:36 am Post subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

Quite a good question, Jeff.  With an easy answer.  The pitch servo mounts at the bellcrank which is just behind the baggage bulkhead, not way back in the tail.  So it is very accessible for installation and maintenance later.  The plate that holds the bellcrank is held in by machine screws so you can just unscrew it to drill and mount the servo.



The story on the roll servo in the wing is similar. It bolts using a bracket that is accessible via one of the inspection plates, and can be installed later.  The only trick that requires some advance planning is getting the wiring into the wing before the bottom skin goes on.  



It helps to make the decision about the autopilot early (and most other things in the project, really, except perhaps panel avionics which keep changing from month to month.)



-Dan Masys

#40448



 	  Quote: 	
		   From: "Jeff Dalton" <jdalton77(at)comcast.net>

 Date: 2006/02/23 Thu AM 11:11:47 EST

 To: <rv10-list(at)matronics.com>

 Subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

 

 I'm just starting the tail kit (finished rudder, VS, starting on HS) and I am a long way from many final decisions on some equipment.  However, it occurred to me that if I do end up with an Autopilot I need to make that decision now. Don't servos need to be installed in the tail to control pitch?

 

 Do I need to decide on Autopilot manufacturer now or can I install generic components?

 

 Jeff

 http://www.mykitlog.com/users/index.php?user=jrdalton&project=120

Rick S.

Joined: 12 Feb 2006
Posts: 347
Location: Las Vegas

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 8:38 am Post subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

John,

  

 The servo mounts at the battery tray in the tail cone and is a bolt on unit. You can wait till your ready to attach the taicone if you like but that's still a ways off and access to that area is fairly easy even with the cone attached.. The roll servo is very easy and can wait till your ready to do the bottom skins even after for that matter. The only thing on the roll servo is the bellcrank bracket is swapped out with one from Trutrak...of course I am assuming your going Trutrack. I only have experience with that manufac. Another system may be different.

  

 Rick S.

 40185

 Fuselage

_________________
Rick S.
RV-10
40185

LloydDR(at)wernerco.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 8:47 am Post subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

You can make all of these decision later in the project,  you do not need to install the pitch servo yet, and the can do the roll servo  from the inspection plate or before you put on the bottom skins. Rather  than buy the servos, put the money into the airframe kits and pound away on the  rivets and wait for the panel to make the AP decision.

 my .02

 Dan 

 40269

 Do not archive 



   From: owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com  [mailto:owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Jeff  Dalton

Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 11:12 AM

To:  rv10-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: New builder dumb question  re Autopilot install

 

 I'm just starting the tail kit (finished rudder,  VS, starting on HS) and I am a long way from many final decisions on some  equipment.  However, it occurred to me that if I do end up with an  Autopilot I need to make that decision now. Don't servos need to be  installed in the tail to control pitch?

  

 Do I need to decide on Autopilot manufacturer now  or can I install generic components?

  

 Jeff

 http://www.mykitlog.com/users/index.php?user=jrdalton&project=120

jjessen(at)rcn.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 8:52 am Post subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

What else are guys/gals doing with the tail, though, that might need wiring?

Is it easier to put in some wires for now, before closing up the Cone, or

does it really matter?  Clearly there are wires for the tail light.  Might

be something for comm. ant. or ELT?  



John Jessen

  ~328 



--

Andrew(at)trutrakap.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 9:03 am Post subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

The PERFECT answer!  

My $0.02 as well…  

     

Andrew Barker  

General Manager  

TruTrak Flight Systems  

"You build it...We fly it!"  

PH: 479-751-0250 Ext.222  

www.trutrakap.com  

        

  

From: owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Lloyd, Daniel R.

 Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 10:47 AM

 To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: RE: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install  

  

   

You can make all of these decision later in the project, you do not need to install the pitch servo yet, and the can do the roll servo from the inspection plate or before you put on the bottom skins. Rather than buy the servos, put the money into the airframe kits and pound away on the rivets and wait for the panel to make the AP decision.  

my .02  

Dan   

40269  

Do not archive   

       

  

From: owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Jeff Dalton

 Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 11:12 AM

 To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install    

I'm just starting the tail kit (finished rudder, VS, starting on HS) and I am a long way from many final decisions on some equipment.  However, it occurred to me that if I do end up with an Autopilot I need to make that decision now. Don't servos need to be installed in the tail to control pitch?  

    

   

    

Do I need to decide on Autopilot manufacturer now or can I install generic components?  

    

   

    

Jeff  

    

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/index.php?user=jrdalton&project=120  

  



 

 __________ NOD32 1.1416 (20060222) Information __________

 

 This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.

 http://www.eset.com

jwadejr(at)direcway.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 9:04 am Post subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

I built mine and mounted after cabin was on. I am installing Blue Mountain. Built mount for aileron and elevator. Installed aileron mount just before closing bottom skin.

 Jim   

 40383 

  

 [i]----

jim(at)CombsFive.Com
Guest

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 9:15 am Post subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

Jeff,



Vans incuded a bracket with the Fuselage Kit to mount the tru-track servo.

Tim(at)MyRV10.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 9:33 am Post subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

Jim,



TruTrak has an updated bracket.  There's also an updated

roll mod that builders may want to check out.   All of it

can be done easily post-build if you've done the initial

install well with proper measurements on your holes drilled.



Tim



Tim Olson - RV-10 N104CD - Flying

do not archive

jim(at)combsfive.com wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   

 

 Jeff,

 

 Vans incuded a bracket with the Fuselage Kit to mount the tru-track servo.

dmasys(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 9:40 am Post subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

 	  Quote: 	
		   From: "John Jessen" <jjessen(at)rcn.com>

 Date: 2006/02/23 Thu AM 08:51:57 PST

 	  Quote: 	
		   What else are guys/gals doing with the tail, though, that might need wiring?

 Is it easier to put in some wires for now, before closing up the Cone, or

 does it really matter?  Clearly there are wires for the tail light.  Might be something for comm. ant. or ELT?  

The only wires that run back there on my -7A are the tail strobe + nav light, the elevator trim wires, and the ELT antenna coax cable.  ELT antenna is mounted horizontally under the empennage fairing.  All of those wire runs can be routed without much trouble after the tailcone is completed.

-Dan Masys

[quote] John Jessen

   ~328 

 --

rick.conti(at)boeing.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 11:05 am Post subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

Jim,  

Where did you install your aileron mount?    

Thank You 

 Rick Conti 

 office: 703-414-6141 

    cell: 571-215-6134   

        

  

From: Jim Wade [mailto:jwadejr(at)direcway.com] 

 Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 12:04 PM

 To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install  

  

              

I built mine and   mounted after cabin was on. I am installing Blue Mountain.   Built mount for aileron and elevator. Installed aileron mount just before   closing bottom skin.   

      

Jim      

      

40383    

      

    

      

-------Original   Message-------   

      

    

         

From: Rick (ricksked(at)earthlink.net)   

      

Date: 02/23/06 10:58:59   

      

To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com (rv10-list(at)matronics.com)   

      

Subject: Re: RV10-List:   New builder dumb question re Autopilot install   

   

      

    

      

John,   

      

    

      

The servo mounts   at the battery tray in the tail cone and is a bolt on unit. You can wait till   your ready to attach the taicone if you like but that's still a ways off and   access to that area is fairly easy even with the cone attached.. The roll   servo is very easy and can wait till your ready to do the bottom skins even   after for that matter. The only thing on the roll servo is the bellcrank   bracket is swapped out with one from Trutrak...of course I am assuming your   going Trutrack. I only have experience with that manufac. Another system may   be different.   

      

    

      

Rick S.   

      

40185   

      

Fuselage

jesse(at)itecusa.org
Guest

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 11:31 am Post subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

We had the plane painted and completely assembled before we put a single

wire or servo in it.  While I realize some would have been easier earlier,

it is possible to do it later, as long as you have access to where the wires

will run.  Also, I agree that the tail is quite simple, although finding a

good place to route the wires into the rudder isn't a lot of fun.  We have

the whole ELT under the emp fairing with the antenna right there, so the

control wires are run from there to the panel, but there's just that and the

strobe and nav light wires for back there.  I don't know anything about the

new servo brackets or setup for the TruTrak, but we are using the ones that

came with the kit and the AP is working just fine.  Like others have said,

if you want to do it now, go ahead, but don't sweat it.  It wouldn't hurt to

decide where you are going to put antennas and things like that, but we

installed all of those after the plane was completed, so it is possible to

do that later also.  The main thing is not to cut off your wiring access

areas, unless you put conduit there, and plenty of it.



Do not archive



Jesse Saint

I-TEC, Inc.

jesse(at)itecusa.org

www.itecusa.org

Fax: 815-377-3694

 

I am in Ecuador until May, 2006.  If you have questions regarding I-TEC,

please call the office at 352-465-4545.  If you would like to talk to me,

please call me at 352-505-1899.  This number won't always be on, but it has

voicemail that will get to me in Ecuador.



--

jwadejr(at)direcway.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 1:27 pm Post subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

Right wing in the bay the aileron push rod ends. Here's a pic of the mount I built. It rivets right to the ribs. 

  

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rick.conti(at)boeing.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 7:44 am Post subject: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install

Thanks  

DO NOT ARCHIVE  

     

Thank You 

 Rick Conti 

 office: 703-414-6141 

    cell: 571-215-6134   

        

  

From: Jim Wade [mailto:jwadejr(at)direcway.com] 

 Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 4:24 PM

 To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: RE: New builder dumb question re Autopilot install  

  

              

Right wing in   the bay the aileron push rod ends. Here's a pic of the mount I   built. It rivets right to the ribs.    

      

    

      

-------Original   Message-------   

      

    

         

From: Conti, Rick (rick.conti(at)boeing.com)   

      

Date: 02/23/06 13:10:02   

      

To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com (rv10-list(at)matronics.com)   

      

Subject: RE: RV10-List:   New builder dumb question re Autopilot install   

   

      

    

      

Jim,   

Where did you install your aileron mount?      

Thank You 

   Rick Conti 

   office: 703-414-6141 

      cell: 571-215-6134    

               

   

From: Jim Wade [mailto:jwadejr(at)direcway.com] 

   Sent: Thursday, February 23,   2006 12:04 PM

   To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com

   Subject: Re: New   builder dumb question re Autopilot install   

   

                       

I built mine     and mounted after cabin was on. I am installing Blue Mountain.     Built mount for aileron and elevator. Installed aileron mount just before     closing bottom skin.     

          

Jim        

          

40383      

          

      

          

[i]----

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