auto pilot up grade

[Mike Kiester]

[kflyer]

[jeffrey aryan]

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

[jeffrey aryan]

One more thing about the Stec company.

FYI,

You cannot install used equipment. They will not issue you an STC. According to the current managment practice, when you purchase their equipment.

It has to come from an authorized dealer and installed by an authorized dealer and is serial number specfic for your aircraft no transfers are allowed. Makr sure you call Stec first if any of these conditions apply.

Good Luck,

Jeff

[Scott Ducey]

I recently had someone demonstrate the S-Tec 55X to me in their twin comanche. I have to say I was pretty impressed. The gps steering was pretty cool. The only prob with the S-Tec is they are not cheap and the previous post is correct, you can't put a used one in your plane. Irrespective of the aforementioned items, I was impressed enough that I am having one put in my Twinkie.

[Jay]

Take a look at the Century 2000. It is somewhat modular in nature, so features like altitude pre-select and GPS Steering can be added later.

Jay

[ics-12766]

Am I wrong or does S-TEC still use the turn coordinator for roll atititude?

Century depends on the vacuum-driven attitude indicator, right?

S-TEC, in spite of other "problems", would probably get my vote, just for the IFR back up capability.

[Jay]

Rich, you are correct, S-Tec is rate based from the turn coordinator, Century is attitude based from the AI.

Century does a better job in turbulence, but you'll lose it completely if vacuum fails. S-Tec still provides roll control (but not heading) when the vacuum fails, but it isn't quite as solid as the Century.

Best,

Jay

[9144p]

I have the S-Tec 40. The electric turn-coordinator base unit gives much more reliability than vacuum systems and wins out in my opinion.

If I was doing it over, (and couldn't afford the 55), I'd put in the S-Tech 30 even if I just used 2 axis like the '40. The 30 saves panel space since it's contained in the turn co-ordinator and I could easily add the 3rd axis later. I do have the GPSS addition which is much better than it sounds and worth it.

[jeffrey aryan]

Talk to Hans. He just installed a Century 2000 and a Aspen Avionics unit. He is tickled pink about his stuff.

Jeff

[Mike Kiester]

[T210DRVR]

I put an S-Tec system 30 in my plane. I've had the same system in my 182 and been very pleased with both installs. I do fly IFR and really like the idea of having the autopilot being independent of the vacuum system.

In the 182 the system 30 is linked to a Garmin 430 and GPSS steering. Now, that's really nice. However, it's overkill for the Comanche that sees lite IFR.

Though the S-Tec systems are a bit expensive they make a terrific reliable autopilot. I make 1160 NM trips about every other week and the autopilot makes all the difference in arriving fresh and ready for work.

[9089P]