Autopilot success

[jim.mclaughlin924]

IMG_1701[707].jpg I installed an old Trutrak ADI Pilot II in my patrol primarily for the backup horizon. I did not have high hopes for the autopilot due to adverse yaw, and it did not work well at all. I built a little interconnect for the rudder that I can engage when needed. The autopilot now works very well and with the interconnect engaged, I can fly with my feet only if I want to. The entire installation weighs only 8 oz, a lot less than third servo.

[schu]

That's pretty clever, does it have the quick release on both sides? Do you have any sense of the ratios? How much rudder is added with how much aileron?

[jim.mclaughlin924]

Just needed on one side. I used shock cord for rudder pedal springs so direct connection when left turn and the spring on the right moves the rudder when the left pedal is pushed back. I just eyeballed the rudder pedal and stick movement when I was flying and decided to make both arms the same length which seems good, Never seems to be off by more than half a ball, I could probably optimize it, but it works pretty well as is.

[svyolo]

Is there any danger if you left it engaged while landing?

[jim.mclaughlin924]

I can overpower it, but it feels so odd when hand flying that it would be hard to forget about it.