Basic Servo Question

[KOgden]

Hi,

I am building an RV-10, and am working on the wings. I have a really simple question: What should I be doing to prepare for an autopilot installation? Does the roll servo get mounted in the wing or in the fuse? I am considering the Digiflight II VSGV or RV10 AP.

Kent

[TrutrakTech]

Hi Kent,

The roll servo of the RV10 goes in the wing, right behind the inspection cover. All of our installations are designed on a completed aircraft, so you can put it all in later. It does make it a bit easier if you put the servo in ahead of time as it's much easier to run the wiring.

The roll servo for the RV10 is $1000, that includes the mounting hardware. Let me know if you have any further questions. Thanks!

[douglassmt]

Lucas -

I am also building an RV-10 and already have your brackets for the pitch and roll servos. Just installed the last one and am getting ready to button up the wings. Should I order the servos now and install the roll servo before finishing the wings or not. Looks pretty easy to install through the access panel. Is there any cost benefit to buying it with the AP?

Does the cost of the AP include servos?

Bryan Douglass

[rleffler]

Lucas -

I am also building an RV-10 and already have your brackets for the pitch and roll servos. Just installed the last one and am getting ready to button up the wings. Should I order the servos now and install the roll servo before finishing the wings or not. Looks pretty easy to install through the access panel. Is there any cost benefit to buying it with the AP?

Does the cost of the AP include servos?

Bryan Douglass

Bryan,

Seems like we keep running into each other with similiar issues.

I highly recommend getting the servos ahead of time. They're easier to install now. You can always get the AP head later. There isn't a cost benefit, but there's not a penalty either. Depending when you're planning on flying, you may want to consider the new 880.

You will want to put your bottom skins on first. The you can install the aileron and flap tubes, as well as the roll servo. If these are installed before the skin, you'll never be able to buck the rivets. It's already difficult without those items installed. Just be sure to punch a hole in your conduit (if that's what you're using) and run a pull string before you put the skins on for the wire runs to the servo.

You've got my email if you any any questions.

bob

[TrutrakTech]

Bob's advice is good. While all of our installations are designed on completed airplanes, it certainly is easier to install now. There's no penalty and no benefit to ordering the servos ahead of time. I do suggest getting the trim-sensing elevator servo though, as that way you'll be set up for whichever AP you choose in the future. Thanks!

[douglassmt]

Thanks gents. I'll probably be riveting bottoms skins this weekend. I've already got the push tubes installed but can easily remove them if need be to buck the rivets. I have the conduit run and pull wires installed for the servo wires.

I'm new to this forum, very new to autopilots, and a fairly new pilot. The choices and options available in autopilots are a bit dizzying for the uninitiated. Is there any resource I can access to explain what all the options would mean to me in the RV-10? I am just about finished with my instrument ticket, so I'm fluent in the approach/IFR lingo, but just trying to decide which AP is for me. Need some clarity and simplification is what I'm saying.

By the way, I'm planning an IFR panel with AFS EFIS, Garmin 430 if that tells you anything.

[TrutrakTech]

Unfortunately I don't know of any handy card that gives full descriptions of all the terms. Some of the terms aren't necessarily industry standard either, so that doesn't help. I will be happy to answer any questions about any options, features, symbols, terminology, etc that I can. Please feel free to post here. Thanks!

[douglassmt]

Maybe a phone call would be more efficient. If I can't find another source I'll give you a call. No hurry at this stage but trying to think ahead.

[TrutrakTech]

Phone calls work too. If time allows I suggest here as others may have the same questions. Thanks!