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DFC90 and the Aspen PFD

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AviJake View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: DFC90 and the Aspen PFD
    Posted: 10 Oct 2012 at 9:44pm
Yes, we're done with A-36 characterization testing.   That means we have a TSO-ready autopilot model for the A-36.

As a side note, we now have full autopilot models for all three variants of the Bonanza (33, 35, 36) and both main variants of the Baron (55, 58).   We are now transitioning to certifying those autopilot software models.  It'll take a few months to get them all STC'd.  We're starting with the V-tail Bonanzas.
Steve Jacobson
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mry110 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Oct 2012 at 2:38pm
Is the flight testing finished for the A36?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Oct 2012 at 8:31pm
For those of you asking about PA32 support, I've started a new thread on AvidyneLive for PA32.



Edited by AviJake - 04 Oct 2012 at 8:32pm
Steve Jacobson
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tindseth Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Oct 2012 at 4:45pm
Looking forward to the install. What is it they say about "Best equipped, best served" these days?
Tom Indseth
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote PA32N3QQ Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Oct 2012 at 1:27pm
BTW; I do have electric trim
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote PA32N3QQ Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Oct 2012 at 1:26pm
What's the STC status for the DFC90 on retrofiting to 1976 PA-32  lance   -N3QQ
Currently have IIIC with AP DG. No Alt hold or pitch servo currently. No Aspen PFD yet as well.
If approved what would be required to install the DFC90 and estimated cost?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jester Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Oct 2012 at 1:10pm
Is there a timeframe for the STC for the PA32 series?  I'm looking to upgrade to a glass panel and new autopilot ASAP.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Oct 2012 at 10:17am
Good news Tom.   Then you should be able to take the 1st Bonanza STC we do and install under that.

The DFC90 does fully support CWS so if you already have that wired in your airplane, it will just work.  If an airplane isn't wired for CWS, that's a fairly straight-forward add for those who want it. Either way, it's part of the baseline DFC90.  Was it the Ragu tagline that said "It's in there...."
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tindseth Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Oct 2012 at 10:11am
Good memory - I will be installing the electric trim soon or concurrently with the DFC90. I have discovered the trim to be desirable now regardless of autopilot or not. As I recall in some of the earlier FAQ data, control wheel steering may or may not be available for the Bonanza/Baron. Has that been decided yet?

Thanks for the follow up. No doubt I will run in to the sales group at ABS/AOPA next week. That should be a major topic of interest for the membership.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stevea Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Oct 2012 at 12:21pm
I thought that might be the case, but I saw where Aspen had provided the data in their STC (FAA approved data) to allow people to get field approvals (or attempt them) on non-approved models.  Obviously it's a different thing.  I would 100% agree if you didn't have the R182 already STC'd, but thought there might be a glimmer of hope since going from R to TR shouldn't be that big of a deal.
 
Just curious on the process though - why did you have to exclude the turbo models? 
 
Oh and goes without saying, but...  congrats on the STC!  That's a big win, and nice to see some real competition heating up and promoting new ideas and new players.  It's too bad it's such an uphill battle.  Something like this in my opinion really provides a big safety margin that is currently not available.  Flight envelope protection, straight and level button, etc.  
 
It's too bad that there isnt' a differentiation for something like this which would provide a fast track approval. 
 
Too late to run for President though.
 
Best,
 
Steve
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Oct 2012 at 11:39am

Reference stevea's post on 2 October, we like your thinking but unfortunately, no one we've ever dealt with or heard about in any FSDO will sign off on an autopilot field approval.  We had the same thought but hit a brick wall with that attempt.

 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 10:06pm
Thanks Tom,

If I recall correctly, you have a 14V V-tail but didn't have electric trim.  Is that still true?  If so, that would be a problem.

We expect the V-tail to be the first of the Beech aircraft certs we seek.  We expect to start the end-phase of that effort in a few short weeks.  If all goes well, and so far that has proved to be a big "if", that would translate to a STC approval sometime in Q4 this year.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tindseth Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 9:48pm
Congratulations on the STC. That is a major milestone and hopefully the Bonanza and Barons will be down hill from here. Do you have any WAG or feeling for the timeline to Bonanza/Baron cert based on experience with the 182? Are we talking end of the year or 1st qtr of next? I already have the Aspen 2.6 software on mine, just need  the hardware.

Regards,

Tom Indseth
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stevea Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 7:39pm
Oh man, back of the line?  Bummer.  At least u made the Aspen / G500 decision for me.

What about a field approval?  Is that an option?  I would think the altitude envelope would be the difference so could that be placarded to prohibit anything above the non turbo or is it way more complicated than that?


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 7:06pm
Hi Steve,

Confirmed  I'm sure that's not the news you'd like to hear now and I feel for you having to pay for STec service.

As for when, it'll have to wait until we're through our first pass of the 182, Bonanzas and Barons.  Once we've got the initial certs on those airframes, we'll take a 2nd pass and pick up additional configurations (like Turbo) and other servo support (like Century and Avidyne).

As for your earlier post, yes, the bright side is you can still do a pre-cert deposit!

We also have no program to integrate with the G500/600.  Garmin has expressed no interest in supporting that.

The same Aspen software that supports the DFC90 (v2.6) also supports and is certified to work with their ConnectedPanel.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stevea Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 5:13pm
Jake - to confirm though, this will not apply to TR182's?  The turbo-normalized RG's?
 
I'm literally in the shop right now about ready to troubleshoot my STEC.  Would love to get rid of it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 4:41pm
DFC90 -  Aspen PFD Integration Status Update (2 Oct 2012):

It's official.  We have STC and TSO approval for the DFC90 in Cessna 182s with the Aspen PFD.  This is the first certification of the DFC90 with the Aspen PFD.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stevea Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Sep 2012 at 8:57pm
Jake-

So, I'm in the TR182 crowd.  Bummer.  I was looking forward to swapping out this STEC.

I guess the good news is I can still get a pre-STC deposit/price???  ;)

Also - if I go with the Aspen separately for now, are there any special concerns or options there that I'd need to address to be fully compatible with the DFC-90 when it's available?  Specifically I'm interested in the connected panel features.

FWIW - I'd like to do the IFD540 too when it comes out if that matters.

To be clear though - if I were to do a G500, I could not use the DFC-90 under the planned STC's, correct?

Good to see you guys rolling this stuff out there.


Edited by stevea - 25 Sep 2012 at 9:06pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote duncang Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Sep 2012 at 6:57pm
Thanks - looks like we're in :)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Sep 2012 at 10:56am
Yes.  What is your aircraft serial number?  As an educated guess, I've included a few serial number ranges below that you hopefully fall into.  Note that turbocharged variants are not expected in the initial STC.

R182
Skylane RG
(turbocharged models (TR182) within s/n range excluded)   

R18200002 – R18201628

R18200975,  R18201629 – R18201798   

R18201315,  R18201799 – R18202041  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote duncang Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Sep 2012 at 5:42pm
Great news guys -  will the C182 STC include -RG models?

Cheers,
Duncan
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2012 at 6:55pm
DFC90 -  Aspen PFD Integration Status Update (13 Sep 2012):

Another big milestone was achieved today.   We now have TSO approval for the Avidyne DFC90 autopilot for the DFC90 - Cessna 182 combination.   That's a big step but there's still one more step to go - we are awaiting the FAA to issue STC approval.   We're close.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Sep 2012 at 9:25am
DFC90 - Aspen PFD Integration Status Update (6 Sep 2012):

Another big milestone was just achieved yesterday.  Aspen received official TSO and STC approval for their DFC90 Activation Utility from their FAA yesterday.  That means every road block has been lifted and the final step in the FAA approval process is now with the local FAA office that Avidyne works with.  They have all the material they need, have already reviewed it and noted it all looks fine and now we are in the final waiting game for the final FAA approval signature.   In the recent past, it has typically taken about 2 weeks for those signatures to come once we hit this stage in the process.

The next post here from me *should* be a very good one...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TurboPA30 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Aug 2012 at 12:09am
I just wish your Avidyne PFD were ready, I am really getting concerned about Aspen with several key people quitting in the past weeks and them adopting Garmin-type practices (DFC-90 activation for a fee, while supporting legacy autopilots for free) which likely contributed to this delay.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Aug 2012 at 7:55pm
DFC90 - Aspen PFD Integration Status Update (24 Aug 2012):

We've run into a new challenge with this certification project.   The FAA is holding Aspen to a different standard than what Avidyne was originally held to.   This is resulting in a delayed certification approval.

By way of background, (and this is summarized due to some real complexity), there are 6 players involved with this certification:  Avidyne, Aspen, Avidyne's assigned Aircraft Cert Office (ACO), Aspen's assigned ACO, FAA Small Aircraft Directorate, and HQ FAA.   The current challenge is between Aspen and their assigned ACO.   Aspen understandably chose to minimize that impact by gaining approval (certification) for the Release 2.6 software but without the DFC90 activation utility approved.   Aspen is now shipping Release 2.6 software and is continuing to work with the ACO to gain approval for the DFC90 activation utility.   All the rest of pieces in this puzzle are complete and either approved or awaiting FAA signature with no known problems or open issues.

So now we wait while Aspen tries to comply with the new and late-breaking requirements imposed by their ACO.   The optimists in the group think this could be complete within a week.  Other schools of thought estimate it could take a few weeks.

We know it will be worth the wait and of course wish it were all resolved and behind us.   Needless to say, I'll make an updated post as soon as we hear something.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Aug 2012 at 5:14pm
DFC90 - Aspen PFD Integration Status Update (12 Aug 2012):

No news yet from the FAA.  We don't consider that to be bad or good news.   We do know they are churning through their various internal wickets and they would contact us if there were any problems or issues discovered.  We just don't know how far through the FAA-internal process they are at this point.

Will surely post an update if we hear anything this week.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gring Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Aug 2012 at 9:07pm

Awesome, great job. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Aug 2012 at 8:00pm
DFC90 - Aspen PFD Integration Status Update (3 Aug 2012):

Official FAA flight test (TIA) is complete and went very well. We had two planned sorties with FAA chosen test points but wound up completing both cards in a single long flight (2.5 hrs) out of KBED. Eval included overall Aspen/DFC User interface and performance checks, Straight & Level, Envelope Alerting/Envelope Protection (high/low speed, flaps, bank) and multiple approaches including published and assigned missed and one using FD only. There were no performance or UI issues identified - none. Expecting STC to go through in the next couple weeks as soon as the FAA processes the paperwork.

Edited by AviJake - 03 Aug 2012 at 8:52pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Aug 2012 at 7:44pm
DFC90-Aspen PFD Integration Status Update (2 Aug 2012):

Here we go.   The C-182 has arrived in Massachusetts tonight.  The FAA will be at Hanscom Field at 0830 Friday (3 Aug) morning to conduct their official flight test.  We and the FAA expect that to be completed in a single day.

I'll make a post when I know the results (but that could be delayed a day or two because I'm going out of town on family business).     

As for other airplanes updates, while we did take temporary possession of an A36 about two weeks ago, we haven't made any autopilot progress yet.  The airplane has been down for maintenance reasons since we've had it.   We think the airplane will be flyable sometime next week and if so, it'll take a few days of flying to finish up that autopilot tuning.

We should also be borrowing a IO-550 equipped B-58 Baron in August to do that tuning.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Jul 2012 at 9:27pm
DFC90-Aspen PFD Integration Status Update (23 July 2012):

Another important step finished today.  As of a few hours ago, we've completed all of our official company flight test for the DFC90 in the C-182.  The FAA is doing a remarkable job leaning forward to be ready to do their flight test later this week (Thurs-Tues).

The FAA is reviewing our company test report now and have already determined what test points they will fly during their evaluation.

On a different note, we're having quite a good and busy day here on the 1st day of Oshkosh.   A very large number of folks have stopped by the booth and told us to "hurry up and get that autopilot certified!"  (We got the same message about R9 SynVis, the IFD540 and the IFD440). We couldn't agree more.

Next expected post will be when the FAA has started or completed their official flight test.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Jul 2012 at 7:55pm
DFC90-Aspen PFD Integration Status Update (15 July 2012):

Closer but not there yet.  We had a few challenges last week with our company aircraft that kept us from flying enough to finish the test points.  We expect both aircraft (28V and 14V 182s) to be back fully airworthy this week so that we can finish the last 25% or so of the tests.

That does mean we will not be in FAA testing this week but we do have the FAA now booked for the week of 23 July.

On a different note, we also took temporary possession of a 14V A36 last week that we started doing characterization flight tests.  This A36 testing will take a week to 10 days after which, we'll have a full DFC90 software model for that airframe.

When we're finished with that A36 model creation, we'll have DFC90 software variants in hand for the BE33, 35, 36, and 55.   Next up will be the 58-model Baron.   All of these DFC90 cert programs are queued up behind the initial C-182 cert.

I'll make a post when we've completed our company flight test and turned the final report into the FAA, if not earlier.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jul 2012 at 11:21am
DFC90-Aspen PFD Integration Status Update (7 July 2012):

Getting closer.

Aspen found a defect during their official software test-for-credit that took a few days to fix and retest.   Then, during our company flight test, we found some behavior that we wanted to change with respect to the speed that we drove the existing aircraft servos in a 14V configuration.  That too has been resolved and we're in the middle of our company flight test as I type this.  We started that a few days ago and expect to fly repeatedly  this weekend to complete it.  We have about 250 total flight test points to hit and data log and then summarize in our company test report.  We're on track to finish those test points this weekend then spend a few days writing up the report.

The FAA is all queued up and waiting for us to declare we are ready for their test pilots.  At this point, they have blocked out the week of 16 July to conduct that FAA flight test.  The FAA has agreed to accept our company results for the 28V variant and they will fly the 14V variant.  We plan to ferry the 14V C-182 up to MA from FL next weekend to support the FAA flight test.  So it's all on us to get the rest of our tasks done prior to that so we can make that FAA window.

Next expected status update post will likely be a notification that we've started the FAA testing in the C-182.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jul 2012 at 11:08am
Hi Robert,

I love your enthusiasm, even if motivated by need more than anything.   We'll be thrilled to trade you a deposit for a certified autopilot and servo set as soon as we're done.

I'll make a certification update post in this thread in a few minutes.  While we're working at full-speed on the Avidyne servo development and certification, I suspect we're still 6ish months away from crossing that cert finish line and being able to ship it to you.

Steve
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TurboPA30 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Jul 2012 at 10:39pm
Steve,
I am ready to put a DFC90 deposit down for my 14V '68 Bonanza E33, Aspen EFD2000 configuration, NO autopilot currently except the Brittain wing leveler. I urgently need an autopilot....
Robert
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jun 2012 at 12:46pm
DFC90-Aspen PFD Integration Status Update (11 June 2012):

Aspen reports they are a day or two away from finishing their official software test-for-credit.

As soon as we hear it is complete, we will start our company ground and flight test for score and then onto the final STC data submission to the FAA for the C-182-Aspen-DFC90 combo.

Next expected status update post will likely be a notification that we've started the FAA testing in the C-182.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jun 2012 at 12:41pm
Hi Tom,

Thanks for the note.   We're currently trying to achieve a simultaneous cert of the 12/14 and 28V aircraft with the DFC90 and Aspen.  It is possible we'll have to separate the two as we hit the end-game but for now, they are a simultaneous cert.

We need to get through the initial Aspen cert on the C-182 and then we're going to pile on the Bonanzas and Barons.

As for your trim question, the DFC nor the PFDs will annunciate a need to manually trim.  In fact, it is a requirement of the DFC90 system to have a functional pitch trim system on-board.  The DFC90 uses the pitch trim system extensively as part of its precision flying in the pitch axis.

Steve
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jun 2012 at 12:33pm
Hi CW,

We think the PA30 is another great platform for the DFC90 autopilot.  However, as I'm sure you've read, we have not announced that, or any other airframes as the next in line for the DFC90 STC work.  We want to get through our pretty full plate before getting committed to any other airframes.  That being said, I will definitely add you and your airplane to PA30 list.

Steve
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote PA30 TC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jun 2012 at 10:56am
Hi Steve,

I have and IFD540 on order for my 69 model normally aspirated  twin Comanche PA30.  My plan is to have it installed with a panel make over when the Avidyne becomes available in late 2012.  I plan to install an Aspen Pro 1000 or Garmin 500 along with a new autopilot and was wondering if you might be considering an STC for the DFC90 for the comanches either single or twin(same basic airframe).  My existing autopilot is the original Altimatic IIIB(Century) with the original servos and electric trim and I will be replacing it with a new unit.  I would like to complete the entire project all at the same time if the STC would be forthcoming along that same time frame as the IFD540. I would certainly also offer my plane up for flight testing the autopilot as necessary to expedite the STC. I am not too far away in South Georgia. Any time frames you can offer up would be appreciated.  Please contact me if I can be of any support for the autopilot test flying. 
Thanks,
CW
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tindseth Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2012 at 5:56pm
Steve,
 
I have a G-35 Bonanza with single Aspen PFD with syn vision, S-TEC 50 autopilot and new GTN 750. I have been very interested in the upgrade since talking to Jared Butson at the ABS Convention in Las Vegas last year. My understanding is that certification for the older 12 vdc V Tails is not expected until late in the year.
 
Excuse me if I missed any earlier posts, but my aircraft does not have electric trim.  How will the DFC 90 annunciate the need for manual trim as the S-TEC 50 currently does?
 
I'm really looking forward to installing the system. It will provide incredible capability to a 56 year old airplane not to mention the safety factor.
 
 
Tom Indseth
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote quinn1520 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2012 at 9:46am
Steve,
             Thanks! Will a five spot make the truck go a little faster? ;-) I have only had the plane for less than a year so I am slowly working the bugs out. She is due an annual in August so I was hoping that the STC would be ready by then but no worries. Sounds like either way if I have servo problems they well need to be resolved whether the S-TEC or DFC system is installed. Thanks for your help on this.
 
 
Tom


Edited by quinn1520 - 31 May 2012 at 9:51am
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2012 at 9:18am
Hi Tom,

Hard to say for sure but here are a few thoughts:

1.  Not immediately helpful to you but the DFC90 does have extensive data logging such that we would most likely know within minutes of getting a copy of the data logs what the cause of that behavior would be, whether it be bad input from the navigator, bad signal from altimetry, or dirty/out of spec servos or trim system.

2.  My first thoughts turn to the health of your existing servos.   They are brushed DC motor type servos that can build up carbon deposits over time and affect the performance.  Do you known when the last time they may have been serviced/cleaned?

3.  In alt hold mode in your existing setup, there is a separate pressure transducer that serves as the target alt to hold sensor/device.  That entire set up goes away in a DFC90 install which, from all field reports I've received to date, has completely squashed those kinds of pre-DFC90 reports.

4.  If your airplane tracks the magenta line well in enroute cruise then I'd be inclined to first look at the roll axis servo system.  I'm not aware of Garmin navigators tracking well in cruise but not in approach - that phase of flight change is more often associated with autopilot roll control gain changing so it typically points to the flight control computer or servo setup.

5.  One relatively quick and easy way that we check the health of brushed DC servos is to measure the startup voltage - that's the voltage it takes to get the servo to start turning.  This is a ground based test and most savvy avionics shops that work with autopilots know what the startup voltage specs are for those servos and how to test it.

You definitely sound like a perfect candidate for the DFC90.   We trucking as fast was we can to have a certified solution for you.

If you'd like to continue the discussion off-line, my email is sjacobson@avidyne.com

Steve
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote quinn1520 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2012 at 7:14am
Steve, My F33A is a 1979 28 volt system. Every once and a while the aircraft will lose altitude even though alt hold is on. Also I notice that the system tracks to the left of the magenta line on the Garmin 530 when on GPSS during an approach. I realize this may be a Garmin issue but I figured I could solve everything one fell swoop when changing out systems.
 
 
Tom Q.


Edited by quinn1520 - 31 May 2012 at 8:48am
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 May 2012 at 3:59pm
Hi Quinn1520,

I think you should plan on trying to keep your STec 50 on life support for another 4ish months.  What year is your F33A - is it 14V or 28V?

The biggest unknown now with the schedule is the FAA.   We're certain they will be heavily involved in the first Aspen cert we do (Cessna 182) but they haven't decided on what level of involvement they will have with the follow-on certs (this includes the F33A).  We have our autopilot model created for the Stec equipped F33As so our plan is to submit that STC paperwork as soon as the 182 STC is granted.

Is there something specific on your STec 50 you're struggling with right now?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote quinn1520 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 May 2012 at 1:28pm
Any time frame when the STC will be available for the F33A? I'm about ready to put a bullet in the back of the head of my S-TEC 50
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 May 2012 at 11:33am
DFC90-Aspen PFD Integration Status Update (19 May 2012):

We had a productive week this past week.  

We were able to complete all of our characterization flight testing for the DFC90 in a Baron (B55) and are pleased to report that the autopilot flies the airplane as expected.  I had the the opportunity to fly the first test flight of the week myself and can personally attest to the autopilot performance in the twin.   We were able to cover all of the envelope including the toughest point of all: high altitude, high speed, max gross weight, max aft cg and then even did an engine chop.   We were very pleased with the performance.  The aircraft will be returned to Normal category this coming week and returned to the owner.

This means we now have autopilot models for the short body Bonanza (B33), the V-tail Bonanza (B35) and the short body Baron (B55) as well as the Cirrus, Matrix/Mirage, Cessna 182 and PA32s.  We still need to create the autopilot models for the long body Bonanza (B36) and long body Baron (B58) and will start those soon.

On the Aspen PFD front, we had found three more items needing correction early in the week and by the end of the week, we now have what both companies believe to the final software load.  We flew that final load and it has the "Avidyne signoff".  Aspen will spend a few weeks performing the official software-test-for-credit on that load and as soon as we hear it is complete, we will start our final STC data submission to the FAA for the C-182-Aspen-DFC90 combo.

As soon as that initial STC is granted, we'll immediately submit for those other models (Barons, Bonanzas, PA32).

Next expected status update post will either be a notification that started the FAA testing or have made our final STC submission.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 May 2012 at 7:39pm
DFC90-Aspen PFD Integration Status Update (10 May 2012):

Today we took delivery of the B55 Baron at our Melbourne facility for characterization flight testing.  We expect to be done with that by 18 May.

We also received what may be the final load from Aspen that we're now testing in the lab and the airplane.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Apr 2012 at 9:18am
DFC90-Aspen PFD Integration Status Update (28 Apr 2012):

No major milestones to report on in the last two weeks but wanted to post an update nonetheless.

On the Aspen PFD front, we have received a few more interim software loads from Aspen in the last two weeks.  They are making good progress on completing the punch list of remaining open items in their software.  We all have reason to believe the TSO-candidate software load will be delivered sometime next week.   As soon as we have that load, we'll be able to start the "for-credit" Avidyne ground and flight test points in our Cessna 182, leading to the STC submission package.

In parallel with that, tuning for more aircraft models on our previously announced list of aircraft continues.   

We expect to have a Baron (B55 variant) at our Melbourne facility the week of 14 May for characterization flight testing.  The outcome of that week should be a cert-worthy DFC90 for the short body Barons.

We expect to also be testing out a Century equipped V35B that same week to verify our Century servo driving models and compare them to the STec ones in flight.

This past week, I got to spend some time crawling all over the candidate P-Baron (B58P) that we plan to use for the long body Baron testing.

Next expected status update post will be either a notification that we have the "final" Aspen software or that we're flying the B55 with the DFC90.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ddgates Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Apr 2012 at 1:00am
Cool.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviJake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Apr 2012 at 9:18pm
Hi David,

Short answer = No.

Longer answer = It previously would have.  But, we recently think we've found a technical solution to support 14V servos as well as 28V systems as part of the initial release.  We are conducting those tests now to prove that supposition.  28V vs 14V is irrelevant when talking about the way the DFC90 flies the airplane but is critical in the installation details.   It's a complicated story and one that I'll spare you the details of in this post but we're very excited about the recent engineered solution.   

As an interesting sidebar, the solution came from one of our autopilot engineers who came up with an ingenious solution to the problem of driving 28V or 14V servos from the same autopilot.  He found the proverbial "Westward Passage" and it really exists.

You should see more in the way of posts when we make a few more internal milestones.   Overall, it is trending very, very well.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ddgates Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Apr 2012 at 9:00pm
When you get the 35 approval, is it going to matter 14 vs 28V?
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