Auto Pilot question

[Lyndon]

I'm going to incorporate an auto pilot into my build. Do I spend the extra dollars and get a 3 axis over the 2 ???

Lyndon 

[Deano747]

I would think that it depends on how much adverse yaw your aircraft exhibits. 

Pronounced amount, then yes.

Tiny amount, probably spend elsewhere.

Will the autopilot work through your electric trim motors, or seperate?

[Lyndon]

I have no idea how it flies. It's a kit and I'm doing the options now. Eg they will weld a bracket for the yaw sevo. It's not cheap for a bracket I may not ever use . Roll and pitch Ive already included. 

 

[Lyndon]

I'm not sure Dynon do a 3 axis. That is my initial thoughts for Avionics on the build. So it may require Garmin.

Lyndon 

[spacesailor]

just get a ' mother-in-law ' . LoL

Then again 3axis will be the cheapest option. 

spacesailor

 

[rgmwa]

I have a Dynon two-axis autopilot in the RV-12 (standard for the 12 kit). Can't see the need for three-axis. The two-axis works fine.

[Lyndon]

Thanks. That makes sense.

You have been happy with the Dynon ?

[rgmwa]

Yes. Great product. Free periodic software updates. Does the job. Of course Garmin does too, but I think Dynon is better value for money.

[mkennard]

I like my Dynon as well. I'm very sure there is a yaw dampner there but for me, don't need the extra weight for the minimal use.

[Lyndon]

Done 

Thanks 

[Flightrite]

It’s rare to have a 3 axis A/P in a light A/C. There’s simply no need for it.

TruTrack is a nice unit as is the Trio Pro, even the earlier Trio EZ3 with the seperate Alt Module is very capable, there’s no need to spend big bucks on fancy Dynon and Garmin unless you want to go full on IFR.

[Freizeitpilot]

Kanardia ? 

Edited October 3 by Freizeitpilot

[fallowdeer]

Plenty of adverse yaw in a Savannah but the Dynon autopilot I installed in my build performs beautifully.

[Lyndon]

I've ordered the kit with roll and pitch only. We are talking 12 months away before I have to fit servos. A lot can change but Dynon at this stage. I believe I can always fit the yaw servo afterwards if needed. Maybe just pre wire it in the fuselage. 

Thanks Lyndon 

[fallowdeer]

What are you building Lyndon?

[Lyndon]

Kitfox SuperSport. 

[Moneybox]

What about Trim Tab autopilots is that a viable option?

[facthunter]

Most small planes only have adjustable trim on Pitch.  Nev

[Thruster88]

4 hours ago, Moneybox said:

What about Trim Tab autopilots is that a viable option?

I have a friend that has installed an iLevel auto pilot. He is happy with its performance. 2 axis, very small and light trim tabs, very easy install.

[Moneybox]

2 hours ago, Thruster88 said:

I have a friend that has installed an iLevel auto pilot. He is happy with its performance. 2 axis, very small and light trim tabs, very easy install.

 

I would like to fit them but I think I'd better wait until it's registered. Hopefully I can add it later after I've got over the first obstacle. Every flight from Cue will be quite a long way to somewhere so autopilot will make it easier to travel the distance.

[rgmwa]

An autopilot is great for long trips, however as the turbulence gets worse the autopilot wants to fight the plane by trying to hold altitude and heading, so you are often better off hand flying if it gets rough. Hand flying long distances is tiring though.  

[facthunter]

In turbulence you will  more than likely need to hand fly the plane. Fitment of an autopilot is not without risks.. If you are not alone someone can take over at times