Autopilot install.

Doug wrote:
My autopilot can be coupled to the GPS. It gets it's left and right
from the GPS's OBS (sort of a VOR head for a GPS).

The GPS CDI you mean. The OBS is largely unused in the GPS.

In calm air it is
PERFECT. The track lines are straight as they can be. Outflies any VOR,
NDB coupling or anything else. GPS is accurate to a few feet right and
left. In over 2000 hours of flying behind my GPS, it has never failed
on me for any length of time. (A very few lockups and lost signals due
to military jamming, but VERY FEW and never for more than 5 minutes).
GPS coupled autopilot is the way to go. Nothing else even comes close.
Couple your autopilot to the GPS if you can couple to anything. It's
phenmenal.

The GPSS will track turns in the GPS track better than just following
the CDI deflection.

Hard to beat a round S-Tec 30 in a round plastic hole:

http://www.gfbyars.com/skylane/P5230032s.JPG

The STEC was an easy direct replacement for my old T/C. The old AutoPilot
was vaccume powered. It was a bummer when the vaccume pump failed .... I
lost everything..... glad I was in good VFR at the time.. Now with the
STEC, losing the vaccum would not effect it. I also have the standby backup
vaccum system from the intake manifold.

My A/P installation also has tracking coupled to the GPS. Very nice. Just
select your destination and.... ENGAGE....!!!!

More photos of the plane & pilot at:

http://www.gfbyars.com/skylane/

Guy Byars


"Jimmy B." wrote in message
hlink.net...
Hey all, I'm getting quotes to put an autopilot in the bug smasher. Of
course S-Tec is the big dog in the field. I was looking at their units
that fill one of the 3" holes.

My bird has a plastic panel to cover the instrument cluster.

One shop recommended against 50/60 unit because they said that its
really not round and they would have to cut away the plastic panel to
fit it in. Because the panel is molded to bevel down to the instrument
face, they said that there would be a gap between the panel and the AP.
The shop said that some people consider it unsightly.

Now, I've seen aircraft with the overlay panels and S-TEC APs and don't
remember seeing a gap. (But I don't remember not seeing a gap either.)
I mentioned this to the manager and he said that some people wouldn't
notice it.

He is kind of hinting that the unit 30, which replaces the TC would be a
better option.

Does anyone remember seeing a aircraft with this style setup and
noticing a gap? Was it really unsightly?

Is there a source for a fresh cover panel that I could specify where the
AP is going to be and they could fabricate a nice cutout for it?

We are having a S-TEC30 installed in a couple of weeks in our '79 Mooney
201. We have a Garmin 430 so we went with the GPS Steer option that will
couple to the 430 and fly your flight plan. If you are anywhere close to
Georgia (we are in Indianapolis) then call Tim Matheson in in Lafayette
GA. This is all he does for a living and noone can come within several
thousand of his quotes. He can install a S-TEC30 in 3 days not the 2
weeks I was getting quoted for around here. This must be where all the
savings come from. All those hours at $60 or so an hour add up quick.
You can email me offline and I'll give you his # and what he quoted us.
I kid you not he is one of the best.

Jon Kraus
PP-ASEL-IA
'79 Mooney 201
4443H @ TYQ

Jimmy B. wrote:
Hey all, I'm getting quotes to put an autopilot in the bug smasher. Of
course S-Tec is the big dog in the field. I was looking at their units
that fill one of the 3" holes.

My bird has a plastic panel to cover the instrument cluster.

One shop recommended against 50/60 unit because they said that its
really not round and they would have to cut away the plastic panel to
fit it in. Because the panel is molded to bevel down to the instrument
face, they said that there would be a gap between the panel and the AP.
The shop said that some people consider it unsightly.

Now, I've seen aircraft with the overlay panels and S-TEC APs and don't
remember seeing a gap. (But I don't remember not seeing a gap either.)
I mentioned this to the manager and he said that some people wouldn't
notice it.

He is kind of hinting that the unit 30, which replaces the TC would be a
better option.

Does anyone remember seeing a aircraft with this style setup and
noticing a gap? Was it really unsightly?

Is there a source for a fresh cover panel that I could specify where the
AP is going to be and they could fabricate a nice cutout for it?

Matheson is simply the best. The paperwork is approved before
he even sees the airplane. Most of the wiring is done too.

Bill Hale A-36

I went with the model 30 because panel holes are always scarce - maybe
I want an electric AI some day.

I also installed the GPS steering with my Garmin 430. I programmed a
flight plan a while back with a 160 degree turn, and it was just
awesome to see the system handle that with maybe only 40 ft of altitude
adjustment.

I also have the DG connection, but the GPS connection is just the best
thing ever.

The Model 30 also requires that you be within 10 degrees of the
localizer heading before you engage it. It's absolutely solid on track.