EFIS Questions

[myrv9.com]

I have started a list of questions to ask at Oshkosh, but thought maybe I should just post some of them here.

- If the GPS NMEA signal is lost, the system defaults back to a DG. Where does this come from? Do we have to install a remote magnetometer?

- The install manual talks about installing a Switch for the Auto Pilot. However, I can't find any other reference to the function of this. It this a separate wing leveling command, or power to servo's. Do you have the switch on, and then engage the AP mode on the EFIS?

- I see many references to driving the AP/Nav modes with GPS NMEA data. Can I also wire up the SL30 for the same purpose on a VOR heading?

- One of the features I see on competitive products is current winds (Dir/Velocity). Do you have plans to implement this feature is future software releases?

[PhantomPholly]

I have started a list of questions to ask at Oshkosh, but thought maybe I should just post some of them here.

- If the GPS NMEA signal is lost, the system defaults back to a DG. Where does this come from? Do we have to install a remote magnetometer?

The older units had an internal magnetometer which many were not happy with. My understanding is that the new mode acts more like a wing leveler.

Note that if you have a second GPS connected to the Serial lines you can simply push "Mode" and be back in GPS assisted mode. This is an "undocumented feature" that is handy if you have a backup like an x96 which is wired to receive the flightplan from the primary GPS.

- The install manual talks about installing a Switch for the Auto Pilot. However, I can't find any other reference to the function of this. It this a separate wing leveling command, or power to servo's. Do you have the switch on, and then engage the AP mode on the EFIS?

There are a couple of possibilities for what you mean here. In most installations you will have the AP powered from the Avionics bus, so it will power up when you select the Avionics Master "on". However, it will be in the "off" mode until you push "the button" (which may vary by unit - check your manual for which button turns your unit on / off).

You may also have a switch installed to choose between multiple sources of NMEA or Serial data to drive the autopilot.

- I see many references to driving the AP/Nav modes with GPS NMEA data. Can I also wire up the SL30 for the same purpose on a VOR heading?

Only a couple of the autopilot models support NAV modes (http://www.trutrakap.com/autopilot2_2.htm) (the 100 AP and the Sorcerer). However, some EFIS units will generate NMEA data to steer the autopilot from the nav data (GRT comes to mind, may be others).

[TrutrakTech]

I have started a list of questions to ask at Oshkosh, but thought maybe I should just post some of them here.

- If the GPS NMEA signal is lost, the system defaults back to a DG. Where does this come from? Do we have to install a remote magnetometer?

- The install manual talks about installing a Switch for the Auto Pilot. However, I can't find any other reference to the function of this. It this a separate wing leveling command, or power to servo's. Do you have the switch on, and then engage the AP mode on the EFIS?

- I see many references to driving the AP/Nav modes with GPS NMEA data. Can I also wire up the SL30 for the same purpose on a VOR heading?

- One of the features I see on competitive products is current winds (Dir/Velocity). Do you have plans to implement this feature is future software releases?

Hi Peter,

You caught me on vacation! I hope I can provide satisfactory answers to your questions.

-If you lose the GPS signal to the EFIS, the HSI reverts back to a free gyro mode. This is generated entirely by the gyro inside the EFIS itself. There is no remote mount reference system.

-I think you are talking about the AP Level button. This is a "panic button", so to speak. When this is connected to an EFIS AP model, it will immediately command the AP to level the wings and hold altitude (except EFIS AP I, which will just level wings). It is an extra add-on and is not a required piece of the EFIS AP system.

-As of right now, the EFIS can DISPLAY info from the SL30 (VOR, Glideslope, etc), but cannot use it as a navigation source. There may be updates in the future that change this, but I have no solid info to give there.

-Again, I have no solid info on what will be available and when. We still have several features we want to add to the EFIS via software updates, so this could be a feasible addition. The best thing to do is just keep checking back with us. Thanks!

[myrv9.com]

-I think you are talking about the AP Level button. This is a "panic button", so to speak. When this is connected to an EFIS AP model, it will immediately command the AP to level the wings and hold altitude (except EFIS AP I, which will just level wings). It is an extra add-on and is not a required piece of the EFIS AP system.

-As of right now, the EFIS can DISPLAY info from the SL30 (VOR, Glideslope, etc), but cannot use it as a navigation source. There may be updates in the future that change this, but I have no solid info to give there.


Lucas-

How much extra is the AP Panic button. I like the idea of having that sitting in front of the passenger.

For point 2 above, the SL30 will drive the HSI to display VOR & Glideslope, but the GPS will still be driving the track? So if I want to have the autopilot on, I would find the proper VOR heading, dial that in with the heading bug, switch the auto pilot on and then set the EFIS to display that VOR on the HSI? Do I have that right?

One more... will the EDM have a hobbs meter function?

[TrutrakTech]

Hi Peter,

The AP Level button is $35.

On the SL30 interface, you are correct.

The EDM does have a Hobbs meter that is activated by oil pressure. Thanks!