STEC 3100 Test Flight

Radar Contact

Radar Contact

Pattern Altitude
Joined
Dec 10, 2016
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2,305
Location
Illinois
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Display name:
Kevin
For those that are interested in the new autopilots that are hitting the market, here is my initial test flight with the STEC 3100. The first 2:22 was an intro of me getting to the airport it was at.

I think I convey my thoughts pretty well in the video but after flying 15 hours with it back and forth across the country a few times, I am very impressed and happy with it. Lots more flying with it to follow.

 
Now you'll understand what is happening when you clear a flight direct to a fix and they respond but never make the turn! LOL
 
Larry in TN said:
Now you'll understand what is happening when you clear a flight direct to a fix and they respond but never make the turn! LOL
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Ha ha...I have long ago figured out how to combat that...on my working side. I tell them to fly my best guess heading to the fix and then say when able proceed direct to. :)
 
Radar Contact said:
Ha ha...I have long ago figured out how to combat that...on my working side. I tell them to fly my best guess heading to the fix and then say when able proceed direct to. :)
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Yeah, I get a lot of those headings + when able. Smart for the controller.

Also, when did you go from swivelhead to radar puke?

SinkorSwim said:
Did they use any of your previous system or did they just put in a complete new one?
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I'm pretty sure he didn't have a working AP, at all, and I'm guessing the bones were an ancient Cessna 400, so STEC wasn't going to use any of that.
 
N1120A said:
I'm pretty sure he didn't have a working AP, at all, and I'm guessing the bones were an ancient Cessna 400, so STEC wasn't going to use any of that.
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Ah. Makes sense. I have a STEC50 and was thinking of upgrading to the 3100 if it was a complete or partial.
 
SinkorSwim said:
Did they use any of your previous system or did they just put in a complete new one?
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SinkorSwim said:
Ah. Makes sense. I have a STEC50 and was thinking of upgrading to the 3100 if it was a complete or partial.
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@N1120A was correct. I had the Cessna 400 IFCS autopilot with mode selector. It worked okay when I bought it but got real goofy and I didn't want to waste any money on a 40 year old computer/autopilot. Man that stuff weighed a ton...I have it all in a box. :) They gutted all the old components and did a full new install. It's 3 axis (has yaw damper) 4 servo system with the trim having the 4th servo.

STEC has an awesome upgrade package for people with their existing autopilots that will save you a bunch of money and make installation a lot easier. It's worth looking into so you can take advantage of all the really nice features it has. All my new videos will obviously show it doing its thing if it helps. If there's anything I can help answer for you, let me know.
 
Radar Contact said:
@N1120A was correct. I had the Cessna 400 IFCS autopilot with mode selector. It worked okay when I bought it but got real goofy and I didn't want to waste any money on a 40 year old computer/autopilot. Man that stuff weighed a ton...I have it all in a box. :) They gutted all the old components and did a full new install. It's 3 axis (has yaw damper) 4 servo system with the trim having the 4th servo.

STEC has an awesome upgrade package for people with their existing autopilots that will save you a bunch of money and make installation a lot easier. It's worth looking into so you can take advantage of all the really nice features it has. All my new videos will obviously show it doing its thing if it helps. If there's anything I can help answer for you, let me know.
Click to expand...

Did you gain any UL in the process? There are quite a few guys out there who are getting their Cessna 400s refurbished and apparently they talk to the Garmin GPSS stuff really well, but I totally get why you got the STEC3100 - that's a really nice kit. STEC makes underrated products - even my STEC30 does an awesome job with the GPSS module. I bet you'll fly a lot more IFR and skip the ILS for the LPV approaches when available.

Radar Contact said:
10 years ago. I had some fun years in towers and at times I miss seeing the planes but I think I enjoy the TRACON a bit more. :)
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My uncle was the opposite. Spent most of his 28 years in towers. Did some time at Santa Barbara, where you go up and down, and radar wasn't for him.

Also, 10 years ago? You start when you were 15? LOL
 
N1120A said:
Did you gain any UL in the process? There are quite a few guys out there who are getting their Cessna 400s refurbished and apparently they talk to the Garmin GPSS stuff really well, but I totally get why you got the STEC3100 - that's a really nice kit. STEC makes underrated products - even my STEC30 does an awesome job with the GPSS module. I bet you'll fly a lot more IFR and skip the ILS for the LPV approaches when available.

My uncle was the opposite. Spent most of his 28 years in towers. Did some time at Santa Barbara, where you go up and down, and radar wasn't for him.

Also, 10 years ago? You start when you were 15? LOL
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I don't recall the exact number but I think it was around 30 lbs UL gained. Not too bad. I plan to put all my old parts on eBay, as you mention, there are a lot of people keeping those things going and I'm sure some of my stuff would be useful to someone.

STEC has been the leaders in the retrofit autopilot game for several decades. Everyone I know that's had a 30, 50, 55, 55X, 60 has had nothing but good things to say about them. I'm excited to have that kind of longevity support and focus from them. I much prefer the LPV to the ILS anyway...can't remember the last ILS I shot (although the 3100 will handle them just the same).

Ha ha...I've been doing ATC for about 17-18 years now. It's weird in this career as it's considered the same job but usually people have a better mindset for one or the other. I truly enjoyed both but I'm digging the TRACON. I do miss controlling Airventure though. :)
 
Hey Kevin, I’m going to be flying the wife up to Chicago this summer for a conference. I’ve never been up to that area and would love to visit with you about some of my options. If you would be willing to visit, shoot me an email at Stannance45@gmail.com. I’d appreciate it. Thanks!
 
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