Newest DII versions

[TrutrakTech]

Some who very recently purchased Digiflight II units may have noticed a significant change if you are familiar with the way they functioned before. We have finally removed the magnetometer and therefore the magnetic backup mode from this system. They now have the bank angle backup mode that our FD Pilot and Sorcerer/AP100/RV10AP have.

Just a heads up. Thanks everyone!

[PhantomPholly]

Hmmm, couldn't you have added that mode and KEPT the magnetometer?

It was really nice to be able to at least fly a magnetic course if the GPS failed, and some of us even installed a GPS source cutoff switch to FORCE the AP to fly a magnetic heading....

:D

[TrutrakTech]

We've never liked the way the mag heading mode worked. The bank angle mode is far more reliable. I'm pretty sure everyone has a wet compass of some sort in their plane. With the bank angle mode, it's much easier to maintain a desired heading using the compass and the bank control. It's simply far more stable. ;)

[DocThrock]

Lucas,

Can those of us with older DGIIs send our units in for upgrade to the latest software and bank angle mode?

[TrutrakTech]

Lucas,

Can those of us with older DGIIs send our units in for upgrade to the latest software and bank angle mode?

You sure can! What we'll do is just swap your hardware out. The bank angle mode is only available with the new gyros. The new software (version 2.26) still works with the other gyros, so everyone can still get their software updated. You just don't get the bank angle mode. It will still use the magnetometer.

[cmw]

Lucas,

I'm not familiar with the way your units functioned before, so how do I know what version I have? My DFII VSG is fairly new.

Thanks,

Chris

[TrutrakTech]

Lucas,

I'm not familiar with the way your units functioned before, so how do I know what version I have? My DFII VSG is fairly new.

Thanks,

Chris

Chris,

An easy test is to just start the AP up without the GPS connected. If the display shows BANK 0.0°, it is the newest style. If it looks the same but the TRK in the top left changes to HDG, then it is the older style. Both styles can have software version 2.26 though.

[PhantomPholly]

We've never liked the way the mag heading mode worked. The bank angle mode is far more reliable. I'm pretty sure everyone has a wet compass of some sort in their plane. With the bank angle mode, it's much easier to maintain a desired heading using the compass and the bank control. It's simply far more stable. ;)

Ok, can you explain further? What was it you didn't like about the mag heading mode? It always seemed to work fine for me.

Couldn't you have used a bank angle mode biased to mag heading?

Is there a charge for upgrading to the new version (if I change my mind and agree your "upgrade" is better)?

[TrutrakTech]

Ok, can you explain further? What was it you didn't like about the mag heading mode? It always seemed to work fine for me.

Couldn't you have used a bank angle mode biased to mag heading?

Is there a charge for upgrading to the new version (if I change my mind and agree your "upgrade" is better)?

The built in magnetometer was easily affected by any errant sources of EMR around it. Also, it was never as stable as the GPS track mode. The bank angle mode gives you rock solid bank control then you just need to use a secondary heading source (the compass).

Bank angle biased to mag heading is basically what you have now. ;)

There is no charge for exchanging to the new version. Thanks!

[Capflyer]

Would you please give a description of what the new bank angle mode is and does and compare it to the older magnetometer version. Thanks.

[TrutrakTech]

Would you please give a description of what the new bank angle mode is and does and compare it to the older magnetometer version. Thanks.

Sure! When the GPS signal is lost, the AP reverts to using it's gyro. This will now control the bank angle of the aircraft. You will see on the display "Bank 0.0°" You would then be able to use the knob to bank the airplane left or right up to 30°.

With the older version, the AP would go into Mag Heading mode, using its magnetometer for lateral control. The problem there is if you are Tracking 110 and you lose your GPS, the magnetometer would kick in and might turn you to 130. The magnetometer has to be calibrated for wherever you are. It is easily affected by other devices (especially a compass) around the unit. With the new version, you'll stay on the same course you were tracking because the gyro will keep the wings level.