Re: Check this out if you have a Garmin GTR 200 or 200B com radio
Dave,
Yup that is the only solution that I can think of if it fails in the TX? mode.? ?I tried to protect that wire from chafing in any areas where the stick moves (wire comes up through the stick) but I am sure it could happen.
thanks
Keith
|
Re: Check this out if you have a Garmin GTR 200 or 200B com radio
I actually had a stuck (to ground) PTT problem! Couldn¡¯t use the passenger PTT - the TX is stuck on. Solution? Pull the fuse/breaker for the radio and grab your portable hand held radio (if you have one) and use that.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mar 26, 2025, at 5:23?PM, Keith Klos via groups.io <kloskeith@...> wrote:
The GTR200 and 200B has the ability to configure one of the 2 soft keys to work as a PTT button in case your one on the stick fails. I guess I knew this when I first got the radio but didn't configure it until I started looking at my little "micro switch" on the stick for PTT. I realized if that fails, I might have a problem transmitting. It is VERY easy to configure that soft key as a PTT function. Just go to the configure menu (access by powering up while pushing the small knob on the right side). Select "soft key configuration" and select PTT and then go "back" and then shut down the radio and power back up.
Since the little PTT switch on my sticks just grounds a wire, I am guessing if it failed in the grounded mode then the soft key would not work and all we would get is a notice of a "stuck mic". But if it failed open then the soft key would work great. I hardly ever use those soft keys so this was a no brainer for me. Just thought I would let everyone know that it is a nice function should you need it.
?
Keith
--
Dave
N365ED
Wittman Buttercup
|
Check this out if you have a Garmin GTR 200 or 200B com radio
The GTR200 and 200B has the ability to configure one of the 2 soft keys to work as a PTT button in case your one on the stick fails. I guess I knew this when I first got the radio but didn't configure it until I started looking at my little "micro switch" on the stick for PTT. I realized if that fails, I might have a problem transmitting. It is VERY easy to configure that soft key as a PTT function. Just go to the configure menu (access by powering up while pushing the small knob on the right side). Select "soft key configuration" and select PTT and then go "back" and then shut down the radio and power back up.
Since the little PTT switch on my sticks just grounds a wire, I am guessing if it failed in the grounded mode then the soft key would not work and all we would get is a notice of a "stuck mic". But if it failed open then the soft key would work great. I hardly ever use those soft keys so this was a no brainer for me. Just thought I would let everyone know that it is a nice function should you need it.
?
Keith
|
Mike and Keith,? all of this information is great and thank you for making it understandable.? Congratulations on the installation and the flying update with adjustments.??
Steven B
|
BTW - GRT did respond.? They have added an indicated airspeed adjustment to their latest software.? I've attached the instructions they sent me.
On Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 06:41:11 AM CDT, Keith Klos via groups.io <kloskeith@...> wrote:
Mike,
Thanks for the answers.? You have a nice set up.? ?It is interesting about the MGL CDI.? ? I suppose they were trying to make it "more" intuitive for people that have never flown a VOR.? ? I wonder if when flying a back course, the little airplane stays on the correct side???
?
Have fun
Keith
?
?
|
Mike,
Thanks for the answers.? You have a nice set up.? ?It is interesting about the MGL CDI.? ? I suppose they were trying to make it "more" intuitive for people that have never flown a VOR.? ? I wonder if when flying a back course, the little airplane stays on the correct side???
?
Have fun
Keith
?
?
|
Hi Keith,
The two units are fed by a Y on the pitot and static just behind the panel.? I meant that the AHRS (gyros and accelerometers) and air data (altitude and airspeed sensors) are independent sensors in each unit. The challenge for me has been trying to determine what data is shared between the two EFIS over the data link and what is not.? The sensor data does not seem to be shared.? And GRT confirmed that the magnetometer data is not shared either.? I connected the magnetometer serial output to both units with a Y connection per their direction.? I had to calibrate the magnetometer independently in both units, but they agree very closely.? The altimeter calibration has both units agreeing very closely.? The IAS does not seem to be adjustable, but true airspeed can be calibrated.
My ops limits do allow for night and instrument flight, once properly equipped.
I do have a Piper blade-type heated pitot.
For the MGL nav, only the VOR is reversed.? The glide slope and localizer are correct.? This is probably because they use a stupid, intentionally backward CDI for the VOR on the control head display.? They use a moving airplane instead of a needle.? When the airplane is to the? right it means you are right of course.? With a traditional CDI when the needle is to the right it means you are left of course.? For me this is like trying to fly a localizer back course and is a poor human factors design, for someone who had learned on VORs? 48 years ago.? As a side note, I decided to see what AI could do writing software.? Chat GPT wrote over 90% of the Arduino code for the converter (amazing, but scary).
I don't have any steam gauges, thus the backup EFIS..? The mini EFIS has an internal backup battery in case everything else goes dark.? The one thing that scares me is an overvoltage situation.? That could take out everything and for airplanes with electronic ignition, or fuel injection who knows what would happen.? I've done a lot to mitigate that possibility.? That might be worth a separate post.
The transponder, comm and nav radios are remote mounted.? The square unit in the upper right is the MGL Razor control head for the nav and comm.? The transponder is controlled by the EFIS.
I do have a handheld electronic CO detector, but I may need to replace it.
Thanks for the nice comments!
On Monday, March 24, 2025 at 07:01:36 AM CDT, Keith Klos via groups.io <kloskeith@...> wrote:
Mike,
WOW!!? Very impressive!? ? I have a few questions/comments:
- You mention that the air data and AHRS are independent for the two units.? What does that mean especially with the "air data"?? ?I am assuming the AHRS data is derived/displayed from the internal parts of each EFIS,? but for the pitot static data,? how is each unit "fed" that data?? Assuming you have each unit plumbed to a common pitot system and static line with some sort of a "wye" connector?? ?Or do you have them in series?? That is the line(s) come into one unit and then "T" off and go to the other?? I wouldn't think it would matter if the line was "split" some distance away from each unit or split "right on the unit".? There is no real "flow" of air so as long as there are no leaks in the fittings I would think that they should read the same.? ?I seem to recall there was some sort of setting on my GRT that had to do with airspeed although I don't remember where.
- Does each unit read the same altitude?
- Does your Operating Limitations document have the correct verbiage to include flying IFR as long as it is equipped with the proper instrumentation?? I don't remember the exact verbiage but when they did mine they accidentally left out the part that says that.? Mine just simply said something like "VFR day or night only".? ? When I called the FSDO they said it was an omission and they changed the OL to reflect that IFR flight was approved as long as the proper equipment was installed.? They actually issued a new Airworthiness Certificate along with the change in the OL.? Wasn't a big deal but glad I discovered it.
- Do you have pitot heat?? If so,? how did you do it?
- I am VERY impressed with your programming of an Arduino Nano to change the sensing.? Was the glideslope also reversed?
- I see you have no steam gauges either.? ?I lost a little sleep originally because of all the "what if" scenarios (especially for airspeed) but glad I did it and haven't looked back.
- Your panel looks nice and clean.? I see the one rectangular unit in the upper right.? ?Assuming that is an MGL something?? ?Is your com radio and transponder mounted remotely and controlled through the EFIS or does that rectangular unit do it all?
- Get yourself a good CO detector? :)
- It is no wonder your airplane is a major award winner!! Nice job.
Sorry for all the questions.? As an aside when you get to 200 MPH,? I would choose the display that is 5.5 MPH faster.? ?What the heck,? why not? :)? Sounds better.
Keith
|
That's a great looking layout Mike. These aircraft always have ramp appeal but you even wow the judges and bring home trophies! You are amazing ??
|
Mike,
WOW!!? Very impressive!? ? I have a few questions/comments:
- You mention that the air data and AHRS are independent for the two units.? What does that mean especially with the "air data"?? ?I am assuming the AHRS data is derived/displayed from the internal parts of each EFIS,? but for the pitot static data,? how is each unit "fed" that data?? Assuming you have each unit plumbed to a common pitot system and static line with some sort of a "wye" connector?? ?Or do you have them in series?? That is the line(s) come into one unit and then "T" off and go to the other?? I wouldn't think it would matter if the line was "split" some distance away from each unit or split "right on the unit".? There is no real "flow" of air so as long as there are no leaks in the fittings I would think that they should read the same.? ?I seem to recall there was some sort of setting on my GRT that had to do with airspeed although I don't remember where.
- Does each unit read the same altitude?
- Does your Operating Limitations document have the correct verbiage to include flying IFR as long as it is equipped with the proper instrumentation?? I don't remember the exact verbiage but when they did mine they accidentally left out the part that says that.? Mine just simply said something like "VFR day or night only".? ? When I called the FSDO they said it was an omission and they changed the OL to reflect that IFR flight was approved as long as the proper equipment was installed.? They actually issued a new Airworthiness Certificate along with the change in the OL.? Wasn't a big deal but glad I discovered it.
- Do you have pitot heat?? If so,? how did you do it?
- I am VERY impressed with your programming of an Arduino Nano to change the sensing.? Was the glideslope also reversed?
- I see you have no steam gauges either.? ?I lost a little sleep originally because of all the "what if" scenarios (especially for airspeed) but glad I did it and haven't looked back.
- Your panel looks nice and clean.? I see the one rectangular unit in the upper right.? ?Assuming that is an MGL something?? ?Is your com radio and transponder mounted remotely and controlled through the EFIS or does that rectangular unit do it all?
- Get yourself a good CO detector? :)
- It is no wonder your airplane is a major award winner!! Nice job.
Sorry for all the questions.? As an aside when you get to 200 MPH,? I would choose the display that is 5.5 MPH faster.? ?What the heck,? why not? :)? Sounds better.
Keith
|
I've done a little panel work on my tailwind the past few weeks
I've installed a GRT Mini II EFIS as a backup EFIS.? The Tailwind is now technically equipped for IFR (VOR/LOC/ILS).
It will take me a while to get current, and I'm not sure that I will yet, but the capability is there.
I've stumbled through the setup as there is no published documentation yet.? The two EFIS are coupled together so that most settings are shared between the units, but the air data and AHRS are independent.
I noticed on the initial flight that the indicated airspeeds are different between the units. Below 60mph they are identical and at 200mph they are about 5.5mph different.
The question then is which one is right?? I made a manometer based on an article by Jim Weir in Kitplanes and found that the new mini EFIS matches the theoretical, based on inches of H2O, very closely.? So it is my old EFIS that reads low at speed.? I'm asking GRT, but I don't think there is an adjustment to correct this, at least not accessible to the user.
Another issue I had was with the nav radio.? ?The MGL nav radio and Razor control head output SL-30 data to the EFIS with reversed VOR CDI deflection.? I notified MGL about this back in November and they have not issued a fix yet, so I programmed an Arduino Nano to intercept the serial data from the control head and correct it and send the corrected data to the EFIS.? This seems to work and I was even able to couple the VOR to the autopilot and fly a course with it.
|
Re: New FlyingTailwind on the Block!
Dan,
You ask a very good question.? On past trips we have borrowed a crew car at the airport and drove about a 1/4 mile to the Family Restaurant in Viroqua.? Today when we got there there were fire trucks and police cars in the parking lot.? ? Apparently the place burned up inside last night.? ?One of our group knew about Beanies Diner in Westby about 4 or 5 miles from the airport.? It was really great.? I will go there again in a heart beat.
?
Always some fun excitement when you take a trip with friends!!
Keith
?
|
Re: New FlyingTailwind on the Block!
Keith,? where did you guys eat in Viroqua ?
Dan
On Sat, 22 Mar, 2025 at 1:24 PM, Keith Klos via groups.io <kloskeith@...> wrote: ? Eight people in 6 airplanes met at Viroqua WI (Y51) this mid morning for breakfast.? ?Had a great time.? Two Tailwinds (Karl and Keith) plus another Tailwind lives on that field (Randy).? ?I really encourage everyone to try getting together with a few people to do this.? Doesn't have to be far and sometimes we only have two people but boy is it fun and feeds our aviation passion.? Plus we get a chance to solve all the worlds problems.
?
Spring is on the way although we had about 6 inches of snow on Wednesday.? ??
Keith
|
Re: Schultz Tailwind N957JL has a new caretaker
|
Re: Schultz Tailwind N957JL has a new caretaker
We now have two active Ag Pilots that I know of who own Tailwinds. Both airplanes rescued from years of hibernation. Paul Book in Oroville CA rescued the Clement 0 360 W10 a while ago. Congratulations to Brian.
|
Re: New FlyingTailwind on the Block!
Eight people in 6 airplanes met at Viroqua WI (Y51) this mid morning for breakfast.? ?Had a great time.? Two Tailwinds (Karl and Keith) plus another Tailwind lives on that field (Randy).? ?I really encourage everyone to try getting together with a few people to do this.? Doesn't have to be far and sometimes we only have two people but boy is it fun and feeds our aviation passion.? Plus we get a chance to solve all the worlds problems.
?
Spring is on the way although we had about 6 inches of snow on Wednesday.? ??
Keith
|
Re: Schultz Tailwind N957JL has a new caretaker
Congratulations Brian! I bet you're going to enjoy flying the W10...that will give your right leg muscles a break from that Airtractor?
|
Re: Schultz Tailwind N957JL has a new caretaker
Dan- Thanks for all your help getting the plane going again. Lori and I really enjoyed getting to know you and your wife. I think we are in for some great times with it once we are retired in a few months. Now you need to finish up that RV so maybe we can meet up at a fly-in somewhere.
Brian
Brian,
I would like to thank you and your wife for becoming the new caretakers of my Dad¡¯s W-10.? I am sure ya¡¯ll will have many fun adventures as did my Dad.? Looking forward to hearing about those adventures.
Blue skys and calm winds Lawrence ¡°Dan¡± Schultz ? Brian,
Congrats!!? ?You and your wife are in for some enjoyable adventures.
Keith
|
Re: Schultz Tailwind N957JL has a new caretaker
Brian,
I would like to thank you and your wife for becoming the new caretakers of my Dad¡¯s W-10. ?I am sure ya¡¯ll will have many fun adventures as did my Dad. ?Looking forward to hearing about those adventures.
Blue skys and calm winds Lawrence ¡°Dan¡± Schultz
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mar 21, 2025, at 9:23?AM, Keith Klos via groups.io <kloskeith@...> wrote:
? Brian,
Congrats!!? ?You and your wife are in for some enjoyable adventures.
Keith
|
Re: Schultz Tailwind N957JL has a new caretaker
Brian,
Congrats!!? ?You and your wife are in for some enjoyable adventures.
Keith
|
Re: Schultz Tailwind N957JL has a new caretaker
Brian, it's great that you got the W-10 up and running.? Hope it is a good plane for you and your wife.? Thanks for letting us know you are home ok.
Steven B
|
Keith Klos
David Lamphere
Steven Becker
John Frisbie
