Trutrak Pictorial Pilot Manuel d'utilisateur télécharger pdf (Page 15)

Pictorial Pilot First Flight

The first flight should be done after having completed all the setup and testing on the ground. For the first flight, it is important

that the GPS unit is properly functioning with the autopilot, so that the dynamics of flight can be set without consideration of

the calibration of the magnetic backup system. As discussed earlier, when there is proper connection to the serial input of the

autopilot, the display will show “OFF” when it is disengaged and valid GPS data is present. Once the GPS ground speed is

sufficient, the display will show switch to the digital DG and show the current gyroscopically smoothened ground track. If this

does not occur, it is best to diagnose and fix the problem prior to first flight of the autopilot.

The activity adjustment (setup screen 1) determines how briskly the autopilot responds to roll disturbances. The setting can be

adjusted, in flight, over a wide range; thus the autopilot can be tailored to adapt to any aircraft installation.

The activity adjustment covers a numeric range of 0 to 24. Unless the value for a particular aircraft is provided by TruTrak, it is

advisable to start with a setting of zero and work up from there. Most installations would ultimately require somewhat higher

settings.

On the first flight, manually fly the aircraft to a suitable area for testing. Engage the autopilot by clicking the knob. Observe

that the display now shows the captured GPS ground track as the selected direction of flight.

Press and hold the knob for approximately 4 seconds until the first setup screen is shown on the display. The digit “1” will be

flashing, followed by the activity value that was set earlier during pre-flight setup. Use the knob to select the value zero (0),

and observe the resulting control movement. Using the knob, increase the value one setting at a time, taking time to observe an

increasing level of control response. At some point, if too high a setting is chosen, the autopilot will be jittery and over-active.

Back the setting down using the knob until the autopilot is responsive but not over-active. It is best if these adjustments are

made in conditions of light to moderate turbulence (the TruTrak loves

turbulence) so as to make it easy to observe the response

of the autopilot to disturbances. It will be noted that a fairly limited range of activity setting will be acceptable; too low a value

will result in sluggish response, while too high a value will result in nervous, inappropriate response. Within this acceptable

range there is room for individual preference; some people prefer a more aggressive autopilot than others. It should be noted

that any builder can accomplish this adjustment procedure and no professional is required.

Once the desired activity level is established, click the knob to store the value and move to the second setup screen.

In the second setup screen, the digit “2” will be flashing, followed by the torque value that was set earlier during pre-flight

setup. Again, it is best that this be done in light to moderate turbulence. The reason is that more torque is required of the

autopilot in turbulence than is the case in still air, because the velocity of the servo is greater as turbulence requires more rapid

servo movement. This means that the higher the activity setting, the higher the required torque setting.

The reason for setting the torque to a setting less than its maximum (12) is to reduce the current draw of the servo and to make

it easier to override the autopilot should the need arise. Manual override is not normally required, as using the control-wheel

switch or the knob will disengage the autopilot, but it is best to have a setting of torque which can be comfortably overridden if

necessary. Starting with the maximum torque setting (12), gradually decrease the value using the knob, until it is observed that

the autopilot no longer has the necessary torque to respond to disturbances; then increase the setting somewhat from that level

using the knob until no more slippage of the servo is observed. The clearest evidence of servo slippage is that the autopilot is

no longer able to roll the aircraft back to a level attitude after a roll disturbance occurs.

Once the desired torque level is established, click the knob to store the value. Click the knob two more times to skip over setup

screens 3 and 4 and return to the primary flight display in which the selected GPS ground track appears on the display.

The setup procedure can be repeated whenever it is desired to modify the dynamic flight characteristics of the autopilot.

Manual Gyro Set operation

Occasionally the autopilot may not get a good gyro set when powering up. It is recommended that a gyro set be performed just

before takeoff as part of the final check list

While the autopilot is in its disengaged (off) mode, press and hold the knob. The display will now show “–| – |–” with the

center dash character blinking, indicating the Manual Gyro Set operation. Continue to hold the knob in for about 10 seconds

while the autopilot is not being moved about, to re-center the gyro manually.

TruTrak Flight Systems Pictorial Pilot Installation & User Guide

December 2009 13 8300-011 Rev B

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Trutrak Pictorial Pilot Manuel d'utilisateur Page 15

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