Auto pilot for a Kitfox???

[herman pahls]

I am almost afraid to ask about auto pilots (AP) for a Kitfox and this is the reason why.
Years ago when I was shopping for a Van's RV-6, I asked a seller if his RV-6 had an AP.
He scolded me as if it was blasphemy to consider an AP for a sport airplane.
I do not want an AP for going gravel bar hopping, its for when I go to 11,500 and stay there for 4 hours in the same heading.
Tru Trac has a 2 axis AP called the ECO including servo operated trim tabs for $1000.00 .
This design reduces the cost considerably.
I talked to John McDean regarding the the ECO and he personally does not care for trim tabs.
I also would prefer conventional AP servos but they weigh approx. 3 pounds each and sell for $750 each.
For those that have AP's in a Kitfox, I would appreciate hearing from you about the installation and how it is working for you and which one do you suggest.
For example; if it is a 2 axis AP, which control surfaces do you attach the servos to for wing leveling?
Seems like the obvious answer would be the flaperons but it seems like i use the rudder for small wing leveling adjustments.
How challenging is it to install the servos?
Would you do it again?
Thanks
Herman

[DesertFox4]

Herman, there have been many times on long cross country flights I would have liked an auto pilot for brief intervals. Like you I've yet to justify the cost unless you have a glass panel already that will operate one like MGL or Dynon. Then all you need is the servos which as you say are pricey. I would hook up to the flapperons and elevator push pull tubes under the baggage areas of most late model Kitfoxs. My elevator trim tab moves too slow to be reliable for bumpy flights. No way it could keep up.

I've flown in a model 5 that had a wing leveler and that was nice while reading a map or reaching for something behind the seats.

I would like an AP in my new 7 SS but I'll likely have to spend funds on ADS-B out first.

[Dorsal]

I have a Dynon AP which I find really nice for longer flights.
http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/album.php?albumid=207

[mr bill]

I have a Dynon 74 autopilot with servos connected to flaperons and elevator, Haven't flown yet, in the late spring, I hope.

[jmodguy]

Check out the GRT Mini AP. Went to the factory and checked it out. I'll be installing the Mini-AP in my KF 5.
Regards
Jeff

[herman pahls]

It is nice to know that others would consider an AP has being handy in a Kitfox.
The Tru Trac for $1000 seems like a bargain for a stand alone unit.
The negative is adding more trim tabs.
The Tru Tracs have been installed on Vans RV's so why not a Kitfox?

Jmodguy
Do you mind sharing the pricing of the GRT system and what it takes to drive it?

Thanks for the photos showing how the servos get installed.
Herman

[wcwoodell]

I have a Dynon 74 autopilot with servos connected to flaperons and elevator, Haven't flown yet, in the late spring, I hope.

Mr Bill

just looked a your posting of your Dynon autopilot in your kit fox. Did you make your servo pan or did purchase it. I have kit fox that I want to put a Dynon autopilot in.

Wcwoodell
Hummelstown, PA

[aviator79]

Kitfox sells a mounting kit for Garmin Servos. It works just as well for Dynon servos (It's what I used.)

The mounting bolt pattern for Dynon and Garmin servos is the same. Garmin servos have through-holes, and Dynon have threaded, so you'll have to buy some extra screws, but everything else from the Kitfox kit will work just fine.

[wcwoodell]

Mr Bill

just looked a your posting of your Dynon autopilot in your kit fox. Did you make your servo pan or did purchase it. I have kit fox that I want to put a Dynon autopilot in.

Wcwoodell
Hummelstown, PA

I made my own using 2x2x0.125 AL angle as shown in teamkitfox forum.