Dynon vs. Aerocruze 100 (TruTrak) Autopilots

[SoCal 182 Driver]

Friends - I'm contemplating updating my panel to a Dynon Skyview HDX system. I currently have an Aerocruze 100 (TruTrak) autopilot installed in my C182K.

I had a conversation with someone in Dynon sales today, and he told me that the autopilot servos in the Aerocruze are the same servos as used in the Dynon system. At the time it didn't register with me as a significant comment. However, as I've been thinking about this, a question came to mind -- Is the Dynon Skyview HDX autopilot system compatible with my existing autopilot servos and, if so, can they legally be used with the Dynon autopilot system?

The reason this question came to mind was looking at pricing for the Dynon autopilot. It's about $6,500, plus labor to remove the Aerocruze and install the Dynon autopilot. By the time I'm done, it's well over 10 AMU. Now, I'm sure I'd be able to get a decent price if I sold the Aerocruze after removal, but the bottom line to install the Dynon autopilot is still going to be a decent chunk of change. It would save me a ton of money, both in hardware and labor, if I could legally use the existing servos with the Dynon system.

Does anyone know anything about this? I'd appreciate help and comments.

Thanks!

 

[Jesse Saint]

You misunderstood or talked to someone who didn’t know what they were talking about. The Dynon sales people should know the difference, unless you were talking to a “installer” who hasn’t installed both systems. The aerocruze servos are most definitely not the same as the Dynon servos, and are not compatible with the Dynon auto pilot system. They are both using stepper motors, but that is about all that is the same. The Aerocruze uses a gearbox to increase torque with an arm and pushrod to attach to the flight control bellcranks. The Dynon uses a capstan and bridle cable to attach to the control cables. In the experimental world the servos look almost identical, and are all the same size, so the brackets are compatible between the Aerocruze (actually XCruze) and the Dynon.
You can reuse the Aerocruze wiring harness, as the servos are in similar locations (roll is almost exactly the same location). The roll brackets are very similar, but I don’t know if they are compatible. It’s possible you can use the same screw holes that hold the brackets in place, but I don’t know for sure as I have never tried. The wiring harness can be time-consuming to install, so that should save some time. You will likely want to sell the brackets with the Aerocruze unless someone wants to install it in a different model, in which case they would need to buy the wiring harness and install kit for that model.
The Dynon auto pilot is a MUCH more complete package than the Aerocruze. It is approved for coupled approaches (RNAV and Radio Nav/VLOC) whereas the Aerocruze is not approved for approaches and can only fly based on GPS information. The Dynon can also climb on indicated airspeed, whereas the Aerocruze can only use vertical speed. The Dynon can fly Magnetic Heading or GPs Ground Track. The Aerocruze can only fly Ground Track unless it has a third party system to drive the heading.
I would be happy to discuss this on the phone or via private message if you would like to know more, especially how to reuse the already-installed wiring harness and Disconnect/CWS button.

 

[SoCal 182 Driver]

I was hoping you would chime in, Jesse. I will call you on Wednesday.

Thanks so much!

 

[MountainDude]

You misunderstood or talked to someone who didn’t know what they were talking about. The Dynon sales people should know the difference, unless you were talking to a “installer” who hasn’t installed both systems. The aerocruze servos are most definitely not the same as the Dynon servos, and are not compatible with the Dynon auto pilot system. They are both using stepper motors, but that is about all that is the same. The Aerocruze uses a gearbox to increase torque with an arm and pushrod to attach to the flight control bellcranks. The Dynon uses a capstan and bridle cable to attach to the control cables. In the experimental world the servos look almost identical, and are all the same size, so the brackets are compatible between the Aerocruze (actually XCruze) and the Dynon.
You can reuse the Aerocruze wiring harness, as the servos are in similar locations (roll is almost exactly the same location). The roll brackets are very similar, but I don’t know if they are compatible. It’s possible you can use the same screw holes that hold the brackets in place, but I don’t know for sure as I have never tried. The wiring harness can be time-consuming to install, so that should save some time. You will likely want to sell the brackets with the Aerocruze unless someone wants to install it in a different model, in which case they would need to buy the wiring harness and install kit for that model.
The Dynon auto pilot is a MUCH more complete package than the Aerocruze. It is approved for coupled approaches (RNAV and Radio Nav/VLOC) whereas the Aerocruze is not approved for approaches and can only fly based on GPS information. The Dynon can also climb on indicated airspeed, whereas the Aerocruze can only use vertical speed. The Dynon can fly Magnetic Heading or GPs Ground Track. The Aerocruze can only fly Ground Track unless it has a third party system to drive the heading.
I would be happy to discuss this on the phone or via private message if you would like to know more, especially how to reuse the already-installed wiring harness and Disconnect/CWS button.

You are such a great resource. Thank you.

 

[SoCal 182 Driver]

Friends - I just spent some time on the phone with Jesse Saint from SAINT AVIATION. What a great guy! Helpful and knowledgeable, especially about the Dynon system.

If you're within flying distance of his shop in Ocala, Florida, I highly recommend him, especially if you're thinking about a Dynon panel.