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Autopilot

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Bill Strahan

Joined: 20 Aug 2008
Posts: 145

Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 10:38 pm Post subject: Autopilot

I dorked with my autopilot settings, static system, and all SORTS of crap trying to get the dang thing to hold altitude.  Mark said "just vent the static to the cockpit."



I kept dorking around with it, trying just about everything to fix it.  I finally gave up two days ago and just did what Mark had been saying a few months ago.  Mark, feel free to send me one of Hallmark's new "I told you so" cards.  



But the reason I'm posting is that I then kept playing with the settings and once I set the Static Lag to 0 with it vented to the cockpit, it held altitude very well even in some serious bumps and wind.



Which got me thinking, like any good programmer, to start backing out the changes that didn't fix the problem.  One of the changes recommended that I incorporated originally was to move the autopilot pushrod to the innermost hole on the control arm.



Of course, not only does that give the servo more torque to move the elevator, it also gives the servo drag more torque to be placed into the control system.  I like light controls, so after I was certain everything was working well I moved the autopilot pushrod to the outermost hole on the arm.



Not only could I immediately tell the difference on the ground in less servo drag felt when moving full deflection, but I could also tell in the air, especially when slow for landing.  I was very happy with the change.



And it still held altitude perfectly!  (This is another chance Mark, go ahead and say it)



So if you have your autopilot altitude hold working, you might try moving to the outermost hole on the control arm.  Less servo drag, lighter controls.



Bill

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davemcc

Joined: 28 Feb 2007
Posts: 74

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 10:45 am Post subject: Autopilot

Bill

Let me throw this at you --- my altitude also would vary 50 ft in less than 

smooth air.  My problem was in my bell crank-- too much play on the pivot 

bolt-- problem solved after installing proper size bolt and lube.

Esqual stuff

Dave

---

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