Re: Autopilot Question

Great post JimC-- do you know where I could get the same information about
my Century 2000?

Thanks!
John Clonts
Temple, Texas
N7NZ

"JimC" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Jay,
>
> You can adjust the bug centering.  I posted a note several months back
> (maybe more than a year) regarding the Autocontrol IIIB and its various
> adjustments. Do a search on "Autopilot Oscillation Fixed" and you'll find
> the whole posting.  I've attached part of the post below covering the
> location of the bug centering adjustment potentiometer.
>
> JimC
>
> <start>
> Making the Adjustments:
>
> The adjustments required access to 4 potentiometers located on the
> front of the autopilot, behind the faceplate.  Removal of the
> faceplate required two tools.  One Allan wrench to first remove the
> roll knob, and a small screwdriver for the faceplate screws.  The roll
> knob screw is on the bottom of the knob, and the two faceplate screws
> are visible after the roll knob is off.
>
> The potentiometers are quite small, arranged horizontally, and are
> found directly under the right rocker switch.  These pots will not be
> visible if you are of normal height and are sitting up in the pilot
> seat.  A small jeweler-type flat screwdriver is required to adjust
> these pots.  The pots are 20 turns for full range.
>
> From left to right, the potentiometers adjust the following functions:
> gain/threshold, left roll, heading bug centering, right roll.
> <end>
>
>
> "Jay Honeck" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
> news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > We have the Piper Autocontrol IIIB in our '74 Pathfinder.  It has worked
> > fairly well since Day One, failing only when our vacuum instruments each
> > went Tango Uniform, in the space of six weeks.
> >
> > However, the "heading bug" on our DG has always off by about 10 degrees.
> If
> > we wanted to fly 180 degrees, we had to set the bug to 170 on the DG.
> This
> > was mildly annoying, but easy to work around.
> >
> > When the DG died, and we got our newly rebuilt unit (from the Gyro
House),
> I
> > was expecting the heading bug to be PERFECT.  Well, imagine my surprise
> when
> > the NEW heading bug is ALSO off -- by exactly the same amount!  We
*still*
> > have to set the bug on 170 to fly 180!
> >
> > It's apparent that there is some other adjustment out of whack. But
what?
> >
> > Even my A&P (who admits he's no autopilot expert) was completely
surprised
> > that our new DG didn't fix the problem.
> >
> > What the heck is up?   What needs to be adjusted, if not the DG?
> >
> > Thanks!
> > --
> > Jay Honeck
> > Iowa City, IA
> > Pathfinder N56993
> > www.AlexisParkInn.com
> > "Your Aviation Destination"
> >
> >
>
>