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AutoPilot Engage/Disengage switch

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2022 5:47 am
by webutler
So planning my EFIS install and curious about various switches and other items to go in the new panel.
Installation instructions for the EFIS mentions some pins available for auto-pilot engage/dis-engage switch, which makes sense and I'll be adding in the pitch/roll GRT servos as well. What I'm trying to figure out is if it should be an intermediate contact push toggle switch, or a on/off flip switch. Is it programmable within the EFIS or expecting a specific type?
Do I go with a momentary contact switch on the control stick, or a on/off flip switch on the panel?

--Bill

Re: AutoPilot Engage/Disengage switch

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2022 9:22 am
by GRT_Jeff
The engage/disengage input is designed for a momentary contact switch on the panel that grounds when pressed (normally open). The button press is sent to the EFIS to decide what action to take. If the servos aren't engaged, then it engages. If the servos are engaged, it disengages. Placing this button on the control stick is not recommended to avoid accidentally engaging at a critical time. Engaging with this button brings up the special engage menu with HDG/ALT, NAV/ALT, S&L, and 180 buttons on screen. You can have one switch that goes to one or both servos, or you can have separate switches for roll and pitch to be able to engage and disengage them separately.

There is a separate, optional "Disengage" switch input on the roll servo that only disengages both servos. This is also designed for a momentary contact switch that grounds when pressed. This function is designed for a control stick.

The switches are shown on the servo wiring diagrams.

Re: AutoPilot Engage/Disengage switch

Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2022 4:12 am
by webutler
Thanks! Sounds like I'll go with a momentary switch on the stick wired to the DISENGAGE input, and that should satisfy my needs for external switches on the autopilot. I imagine I'll be fine for engaging the autopilot via EFIS alone.