Todd
Since you are thinking of the g3x, like you, I sat on the fence until the recent auto pilot features came online. I cannot say enough about the system in terms of integration, features for the money, simplicity and ease of use (see an earlier post on this topic). It has more auto pilot features than the main stream Garmin gfc 700 yet it is built on the same servos and similar software platform to the g1000. The servos are very powerful by the way and very compact
I understand there will be more goodies announced at sun n fun for the g3x and I knew this before I switched out my analog system. I felt the g3x had matured enough that I wanted to realize the value sooner rather than later. Hopefully, I can benefit from some of the new features!
If I were you I would pass on the Stec unless the cost and time is inconsequential and pick a system that at least offers a digital auto pilot where there are far more software levers that can be used to match the system to your airframe
Tom
Lnc2 360 300hrs 99.99%
Sent from my iPad
Thanks for the replies. The 55x was in my IV-P. Pulled it for a TruTrak. The 55X didn't play nice with the AFS I have installed. Trutrak works ok but I think needs the stronger roll servo. Eventually I'd like to upgrade the whole hing to Garmin only. Just waiting to see what direction they go with the G3X system. Last year they added a bunch of functionality. My friend has a 320 that has an STec 30. Roll only. So thought it might be a use for it and upgrade his a little. He has no glass problems to deal with for integration. 55X isn't worth very much on the market. 14v
Sent from my iPhone Todd
I recently had a 55x and replaced it with the Garmin g3x. I found it to be an excellent en route autopilot but there were some issues that frustrated me terribly that forced my decision to move to a modern digital system. I found at certain frequencies the pitch servo would be disturbed when keying my mic. Others on lml have experienced this also. I shielded the hell out of the servo and made sure my power and signal grounds on the aircraft were perfect but I still could not keep rf out of the damn thing. In addition, I could not get sufficient roll rate for intercepting an ils for instance.
I am an electronics engineer by training and am pretty handy with a soldering iron. S-TEC were reasonably helpful in directing me to the right components to change out on the computer boards to better match the system to the lnc2 flight dynamics but I was never fully satisfied with the results. Pitch control was good but as pointed out earlier, roll left something to be desired.
I have also owned a certified aircraft (Tobago) with the s-TEC 30 and found it to be very reliable with no gain/control issues. Be sure to order the GPSS module
Thanks
Tom
Sent from my iPad
Todd, I'm far from an expert, but I had in my LNC2 360 (chronological order): -wing leveler (I forget the brand) -50X (not a typo- interesting story- only a few of these made it out into the field)
-55X -TT Digiflight 2
The Trutrak was the standout performer in pitch (and roll). Not even close. I never had the S-Tec 30, but likely you would be disappointed in the amount of improvement in pitch.
Regards, Clark
|