The Navaid single-axis autopilot has been reported by Graham S and others to
be pretty good. I've also been looking at the SE5b autopilot from Empire
Development Avionics, San Jose, Calif (http://user.aol.com/chanik/ed). I'm
really surprised that there has been no web discussion on this product, as the
performance/price seems to be outstanding!!! Maybe nobody's aware of it--it's
a very small company, but then so is Navaid!
Briefly, it is a tri-axis trim-tab autopilot, implementing pitch, roll and
altitude control with 1/4- scale R/C servo motors. It takes GPS (NMEA-0183b)
RS-232 signals directly for heading/bearing control, and incorporates a solid
state pressure sensor and dual tilt sensors for altitude hold and improved
roll and pitch response, respectively. Reportedly holds altitude to 50 ft.
and heading to within 2 degrees. Draws 2 amps, and functions as pitch and
roll trim, wing leveler and altitude hold with no GPS or Loran input.
Apparently employs a microprocessor, since they claim that future software
upgrades will be offered, and that if necessary they will tailor the control
algorithms to your aircraft. It has apparently been in use in the designer's
Varieze for several years.
Price is listed at $699 complete for the 3-axis version and $599 for the
2-axis version, with a 60 day moneyback guarantee and 1-year warranty. This
strikes me as a pretty reasonable deal!
Whaddaya think, guys?
Pops
A-036
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