Summary of Contents for TruTrak Vizion PMA Autopilot
Page 1
Operating Handbook For Vizion PMA Autopilot TRUTRAK FLIGHT SYSTEMS 1488 S. Old Missouri Road Springdale, AR 72764 Ph. 479-751-0250 Fax 479-751-3397 www.TruTrakap.com...
1. Revisions Rev Number Notes Date Initial Manual Created 13-Jun-17 Changed click to momentary press 19-Jul-17 and release Added Aspen and G5 interface 19-Jun-19 Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
2. General Introduction 2.1. About Trutrak and your Vizion autopilot Thank you for purchasing this Trutrak product. At Trutrak, we strive to provide the highest quality avionics and autopilots available in the Standard Category Aviation market. The team at TruTrak are not only committed to quality, but to industry leading customer service and support. We believe that the Vizion is the best stand-alone autopilot that we have ever created. This is no small accomplishment considering the huge success of the Digiflight II product line. The Vizion capitalizes on the simple user interface and supreme flight dynamics that were established by the Digiflight II. Your new Vizion autopilot was created with both the VFR and IFR pilot in mind. The new Emergency Level Mode was designed...
2.2. Definitions This section will define terms used throughout the operation manual to help with clarification regarding user interfaces, mode usage, and display annunciation. MOMENTARY PRESS AND RELEASE– Refers to user interface. A momentary press and release of the noted button or knob. PRESS – Refers to user interface. A press and hold of the noted button or knob. ROTATE – Refers to user interface. A rotation of the knob. GPS Nav – Refers to mode usage. A point to point navigation type that does not anticipate upcoming turns in a flight-plan. Typically used with portable GPS units. GPSS – Refers to mode usage. A turn anticipating navigation type that flies smooth intercepts to the next waypoint. Requires an IFR GPS. ASPEN HDG – Refers to mode usage. The autopilot is receiving and following a heading bug command from an Aspen product. EXT HDG – Refers to mode usage. The autopilot is receiving and following an external heading bug command. EXT ALT – Refers to mode usage. The autopilot is receiving and following an external altitude bug command. Altitude Select – Refers to mode usage. Selects a target altitude for climbs or descents with the autopilot already engaged. Altitude Pre-select – Refers to mode usage. Selects a target altitude for climbs with the autopilot disengaged. Cursor – Refers to display annunciation. An underlined value can be adjusted by using the knob to select. Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
The display incorporates a cursor that underlines an adjustable value. The cursor can be moved to other adjustable values by a momentary press and release of the KNOB. The cursor moves in a counter-clockwise direction from the selected track value; i.e. from track to vertical speed to selected altitude. Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
The autopilot and software versions are shown for three seconds, after that time the display will show AP OFF, as shown in figure 3b. Figure 3b Note: Before using the autopilot, an altimeter sync must be completed. See section 5.1 for altimeter sync instructions. Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
GPS Signal Status 4.1.1. Autopilot Not Engaged The current GPS signal status is indicated in the top left corner of the display. NO GPS is displayed when no valid signal is being received. This is shown in Figure 4.1.1a Figure 4.1.1a A flashing period is displayed in the upper left when a GPS signal is detected but no position information is available and the words NO FIX are displayed. This is shown in Figure 4.1.1b Figure4.1.1b A flashing asterisk (*) and GPS OK is displayed when the GPS position information is valid. This is shown in Figure 4.1.1c. Figure 4.1.1c Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Page 11
A flashing plus (+) AND either an (A) or (E) is displayed when GPS flight plan information is received via RS232 AND the autopilot is connected to either an Aspen or G5. The (A) denotes ARINC communication with an ASPEN. The (E) denotes ARINC communication with a Garmin G5. These are shown in Figure 4.1.1f. Figure 4.1.1f Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
A flashing plus (+) shows when GPS flight plan information is received via RS232 or GPS Steering information is received via ARINC 429. This is shown in Figure 4.1.2d. Figure 4.1.2d 4.2. DG Display The upper left display shows TRK and the current GPS ground track only when there is at least 10 kts of ground speed and a valid Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
This mode is accessed by a momentary press and release of the KNOB while turning on the autopilot master switch. Once power is applied, release the KNOB to show the contrast setup screen. Rotate the KNOB to set the desired value. Momentarily press and release the KNOB to advance to the minimum backlight adjustment. Figure 4.4.1a shows the contrast adjustment screen. Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
It is accessed after the contrast adjustment (section 5.3.1). Rotate the KNOB to set the desired value. Momentarily press and release the KNOB to exit the minimum backlight adjustment screen. This will advance to the setup enable screen. Figure 4.4.2a shows the Minimum Backlight Adjustment. Figure 4.4.2a 4.4.3. Setup Enable The setup enable screen is used only by installers. It has no role in the operation of the autopilot. Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Rotate the KNOB to set the altimeter to the aircraft altimeter reading, in feet, and then momentarily press and release the KNOB. Each time the power is cycled on the autopilot, the altimeter will return to an equivalent baro setting of 29.92. When the autopilot is disengaged, the transition to altimeter sync setup screen is shown in Figure 5.1a. Momentarily press and release ALT Momentarily press and release ALT Rotate KNOB then momentarily press and release KNOB Figure 5.1a NOTE: If the sync page is entered by accident, momentarily pressing and releasing the MODE button will exit back to the normal operation screen. Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Page 16
Figure 5.1b shows the transition from a normal autopilot engaged operating home screen (TRK mode and SVS mode in this case) to the altimeter sync setup screen. Momentarily press and release ALT Momentarily press and release ALT Rotate KNOB then Momentarily press and release KNOB Figure 5.1b Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
5.2. Engaging/Disengaging the autopilot 5.2.1. Engaging the autopilot The autopilot can be engaged in one of two ways: 1) Momentarily press and release the KNOB on the autopilot face; 4) Using the AP LEVEL button. (See section 8.5.1 for Emergency Level Mode). When engaged using the KNOB, the autopilot will synchronize to the current ground track and the current vertical speed, as shown in Figure 5.2.1a. The aircraft is flying a track of 200 degrees and a positive vertical speed of 1000 fpm. Figure 5.2.1a Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
2) Momentarily press and release the CWS button. 3) Removing power from the entire autopilot using the AP MASTER or AP Circuit Breaker. When disengaged, the autopilot will release control of both servos. An example of a disengaged autopilot is shown in Figure 5.2.2a. Whenever the autopilot is disengaged, it will send three short tones to the buzzer (if equipped). Figure 5.2.2a Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
The track select mode, or TRK mode, is the default lateral mode that is activated when the autopilot is engaged. When the autopilot is engaged it will synchronize to the track being flown at that time. This mode allows the user to select a desired track for the autopilot to fly. The selected track can be adjusted by rotating the KNOB. 1) 5° increments when rotating the KNOB. 2) 1° increments when pressing and rotating the KNOB. To access the TRK mode from GPS NAV mode (see section 5.3.2) or GPSS mode (see section 5.3.3), momentarily press and release the MODE button on the autopilot. Figure 5.3.1a shows the transition from GPS NAV mode to TRK mode. Momentarily press and release MODE Figure 5.3.1a Figure 5.3.1b shows the autopilot in TRK mode and SVS mode (see section 5.4.1 for SVS mode). Figure 5.3.1b Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Page 20
Figure 5.3.1c shows the autopilot in TRK mode and ALT HOLD mode (see section 5.4.2 for ALT HOLD mode). Figure 5.3.1c Figure 5.3.1d shows the autopilot in TRK mode and SEL mode (see section 5.4.3 for SEL mode). Figure 5.3.1d Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
GPS. This mode uses only RS232 data and will not anticipate any turns or fly any procedure turns/approaches. This mode is accessed from the TRK mode by a momentary press and release of the MODE button. To access the GPS NAV mode from TRK mode, momentarily press and release the MODE button. Figure 5.3.2a shows the transition from TRK mode to GPS NAV mode. Momentarily press and release MODE Figure 5.3.2a Figure 5.3.2b shows the autopilot in GPS NAV mode and SVS mode (see section 5.4.1 for SVS mode). Figure 5.3.2b Figure 5.3.2c shows the autopilot in GPS NAV mode and ALT HOLD mode (see section 5.4.2 for ALT HOLD mode). Figure 5.3.2c Figure 5.3.2d shows the autopilot in GPS NAV mode and SEL mode (see section 5.4.3 for SEL mode). Figure 5.3.2d Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
GPSS on the display. If ARINC 429 steering inputs are present, GPS Nav mode will be skipped. To access the GPSS mode from TRK mode, momentarily press and release the MODE button. Figure 5.3.3a shows the transition from TRK mode to GPSS mode. Momentarily press and release MODE Figure 5.3.3a Figure 5.3.3b shows the autopilot in GPSS mode and SVS mode (see section 5.4.1 for SVS mode). Figure 5.3.3b Figure 5.3.3c shows the autopilot in GPSS mode and ALT HOLD mode (see section 5.4.2 for ALT HOLD mode). Figure 5.3.3c Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Page 23
Figure 5.3.3c shows the autopilot in GPSS mode and SEL mode (see section 5.4.3 for SEL mode). Figure 5.3.3c Figure 5.3.3d shows the autopilot in GPSS mode and GS ARM mode (see section 5.4.6 for GS ARM mode). Figure 5.3.3d Figure 5.3.3e shows the autopilot in GPSS mode and GS CPLD mode (see section 5.4.6 for GS CPLD mode). Figure 5.3.3e Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Figure 5.4.1a shows the movement of the cursor from TRK to SVS. Momentarily press and release KNOB Rotate KNOB Figure 5.4.1a Figure 5.4.1b shows the autopilot in TRK mode (see section 5.3.1 for TRK mode) and SVS mode. Note: in this figure, the cursor will have to be moved to change the SVS. Figure 5.4.1b Figure 5.4.1c shows the autopilot in GPS NAV mode (see section 5.3.2 for GPS NAV mode) and SVS mode. Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Page 25
Figure 5.4.1d shows the autopilot in GPSS mode (see section 5.3.3 for GPSS mode) and SVS mode. Figure 5.4.1d NOTE: There is a special case of vertical speed when zero (0) is selected. This is not altitude hold, but will maintain zero vertical speed. This mode allows the aircraft to vary in altitude, and in heavy turbulence will give a smoother ride to the occupants. The SVS zero mode is shown in figure 5.4.1e. Figure 5.4.1e To get back to the SVS zero mode from altitude hold mode, simply momentarily press and release the KNOB: Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
100-foot increment. It is recommended that the altimeter be synced prior to using altitude hold. This mode is accessed from SVS, SEL, or GS ARM mode by a momentary press and release of the ALT button and then a momentary press and release of the KNOB. The transition from SVS to ALT HOLD mode is shown in figure 5.4.2a. NOTE: A momentary press and release of the ALT button when in GS CPLD mode will initiate the Missed Approach! (see section 5.4.7 for Missed Approach mode) NOTE: A momentary press and release of the ALT button while in GPSV mode will not change any vertical modes! (see section 5.4.5 for GPSV mode) Momentarily press and release ALT Momentarily press and release KNOB Figure 5.4.2a Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
This mode is accessed by a momentary press and release of the ALT button. With the autopilot engaged, momentarily press and release ALT, rotate the KNOB to select the target altitude, momentarily press and release the KNOB, select desired vertical speed, momentarily press and release the KNOB. The sequence for entering altitude select is shown in Figure 5.4.3a 1) 500 foot increments when rotating the KNOB. 2) 100 foot increments when pressing and rotating the KNOB. Momentarily press and release ALT Rotate KNOB then momentarily press and release KNOB Rotate KNOB then momentarily press and release KNOB Figure 5.4.3a. NOTE: The selected vertical speed will default to the last selected. Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Page 28
Note that zero vertical speed will NOT keep the aircraft locked at a specific altitude, but will certainly hold fairly close for several minutes. If the autopilot is in GPS Nav or GPSS mode, the cursor will reside underneath SVS. In this case there will be no need to move the cursor to adjust the selected vertical speed. Momentarily press and release KNOB Momentarily press and release KNOB Figure 5.4.3b Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
This mode is accessed by a momentary press and release of the ALT button once while the autopilot is disengaged. From autopilot disengaged, momentarily press and release ALT button, rotate the KNOB to select the target altitude, momentarily press and release the KNOB. The sequence for entering an altitude pre-select is shown in figure 5.4.4a. 1) 500 foot increments when rotating the KNOB. 2) 100 foot increments when pressing and rotating the KNOB. Momentarily press and release ALT Rotate KNOB Momentarily press and release KNOB Engage AP (Momentarily press and release KNOB) Figure 5.4.4a Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Page 30
This requires simply moving the cursor, which normally resides beneath the SEL track, to the value to be edited. To move the cursor momentarily press and release the KNOB and the cursor will move to SVS, momentarily press and release the KNOB again to move the cursor to SEL altitude. If the SEL altitude is moved to the current altitude the autopilot will enter ALT HOLD. The SVS can be adjusted to ANY value during a transition, even the opposite direction. Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
GPS LPV approach. This mode is only available in GPSS mode. To access this mode, the autopilot must be in GPSS mode and have zero vertical speed selected (section 5.4.1) or ALT HOLD (section 5.4.2) selected. Once ALT HOLD or zero vertical speed is selected the approach mode will automatically engage. It is displayed by sequencing GS ARM initially to GS CPLD, once the glide slope is intercepted, on the lower right of the display. Figure 5.4.5a shows the sequencing on the display. Figure 5.4.5a In the event that the GPS sends out a flagged vertical steering signal, the autopilot will display GS FLG and maintain the current altitude. Figure 5.4.5b shows the GS FLG display. Figure 5.4.5b Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
(if equipped). Figure 5.4.7a shows the CWS mode screen. Figure 5.4.7a When the button is released, the autopilot will hold the new track and the new vertical speed, if greater than 400 fpm in either direction. If the vertical speed at time of release is less than 400 fpm, then the autopilot will hold zero vertical speed. Figure 5.4.7b shows the screen after release at a vertical speed of 800 fpm up. Figure 5.4.7b Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Note: If the autopilot is connected to an Aspen or G5 and the display is showing the (A) or (E) next to the flashing + or *, the altimeter synchronization will be automatic and manual altimeter synchronization is not required. Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
With the autopilot engaged, momentarily press and release MODE, the display will show EXT HDG and EXT ALT. The vertical speed selection will still be done on the autopilot. This will be done using the KNOB as usual. The sequence for entering G5 mode is shown in Figure 7.1.2a. Momentarily press and release MODE Figure 7.1.2a Figure 7.1.2b shows the autopilot in EXT HDG and EXT ALT and in altitude select, following a commanded vertical speed. Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Page 35
Note: If the autopilot is connected to an Aspen or G5 and the display is showing the (A) or (E) next to the flashing + or *, the altimeter synchronization will be automatic and manual altimeter synchronization is not required. Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
After approximately 15 seconds the autopilot will revert back to TRK mode and hold the current track. At this time, other autopilot modes can be selected. Figure 8.1a 8.2. AEP (Automatic Envelope Protection) This mode serves as a passive protection system while the aircraft is being flown with the autopilot disengaged. AEP monitors the aircraft bank angle; if the bank angle exceeds 40°, AEP will show AEP ACTIVE on the display of the autopilot as well as use the autopilot roll servo to both nudge the aircraft back to a safe bank angle and to inform the pilot that the bank angle limit has been reached. There will also be a long, single tone sent to the buzzer (if equipped) when AEP is active. Figure 8.2a shows the AEP ACTIVE on the display. Figure 8.2a While the autopilot is disengaged, AEP is in a standby mode while monitoring the bank angle. This is indicated on the display by showing AEP STBY in the lower left area of the display. Figure 8.2b Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Rotate the KNOB to select the desired bank angle. Figure 8.3a shows the gyro backup mode screen. Figure 8.3a Altitude select, altitude hold, and vertical speed select modes are still accessible when no GPS signal or fix is available. Figure 8.3b shows a 10 degree left bank and altitude hold at 7000 feet. (see section 5.4.2 for ALT HOLD) Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Page 38
Note: the autopilot may momentarily switch to the AP OFF screen while performing the press of the KNOB, rotating the knob left of right will bring the normal display back into view and the autopilot will not disengage. Figure 8.3c Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
If a sensor fault is detected, the autopilot will disengage, flash a warning on the display, and provide three short tones to the buzzer (if equipped). Figure 8.4a shows the flashing warning sequence on the display. To clear this mode, the power must be cycled on the autopilot. It is recommended to have the autopilot inspected before returning to service if this error occurs. Figure 8.4a 8.5. Minimum and Maximum Airspeeds The autopilot includes minimum and maximum airspeed protections. This prevents the autopilot from flying the aircraft into a stall or past V If the aircraft reaches the minimum airspeed (in knots indicated airspeed) with the autopilot engaged, it will flash a warning on the display, send one long tone to the buzzer (if equipped), and lower the nose of the aircraft to maintain the minimum setting. Figure 8.5a shows the minimum airspeed display warning. Figure 8.5a Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Page 40
If the aircraft reaches the maximum airspeed (in knots indicated airspeed) with the autopilot engaged, it will flash a warning on the display, send one long tone to the buzzer (if equipped), and raise the nose to maintain the maximum setting. Figure 8.5b shows the maximum airspeed display warning. Figure 8.5b Once the aircraft returns above the minimum airspeed or below the maximum airspeed, the autopilot will resume its previous modes before the limit was reached. Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
9. Quick Reference Arm AEP (Automatic Envelope Protection) With Autopilot NOT engaged, momentarily press and release MODE button – CAUTION: AEP shall not be engaged prior to take-off. Disconnect AEP (Automatic Envelope Protection) With Autopilot NOT engaged, momentarily press and release MODE button Remove power using Autopilot MASTER switch or Autopilot circuit breaker Engage Autopilot Momentarily press and release knob Momentarily press and release Emergency Level (AP LVL) button Disengage Autopilot Press knob for 2 seconds Momentarily press and release CWS switch Remove power using Autopilot MASTER switch or Autopilot circuit breaker Lateral Modes Track Mode Rotate knob to select desired track GPS Nav Mode (GPS navigators without GPSS output) Momentarily press and release MODE button to follow flight plan from GPS. GPS Steering Mode (GPS Navigators with GPSS) Momentarily press and release MODE button to follow flight plan on GPS. Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Page 42
Momentarily press and release MODE button to follow heading bug / altitude bug from G5. Gyro Back-Up Mode (Bank) – Only with GPS failure Rotate knob to select desired bank angle (up to 30 degrees) Vertical Modes Altitude Hold Mode Automatically entered when target altitude is reached 1. Momentarily press and release ALT button 2. Momentarily press and release knob (without adjusting target altitude) Altimeter/Barometer Sync – MUST BE DONE PRIOR TO ALTITUDE SELECT! 1. Momentarily press and release ALT button two times 2. Set altitude to match barometer corrected aircraft altimeter 3. Momentarily press and release knob Note: If AP connected to Aspen 1000, Aspen E5, or Garmin G5, and AP ARINC source switch is set to Aspen or G5, Altimeter is automatically synchronized to the Aspen 1000, E5, or G5 and the altimeter sync menu will not be available. Altitude Select Mode 1. Momentarily press and release ALT button 2. Select altitude, Momentarily press and release knob 3. Select vertical speed, Momentarily press and release knob Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Page 43
Altitude Pre-Select Mode (AP disengaged) 1. Momentarily press and release ALT button 2. Select altitude, momentarily press and release knob 3. AP will sync to current vertical speed when engaged, or default to 500 fpm if current vertical speed is less than 500 fpm Vertical Approach Mode 1. Momentarily press and release MODE button for GPSS 2. Select zero vertical speed or altitude hold (must be underneath the glide slope) Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Page 44
This page intentionally left blank Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Page 45
This page intentionally left blank Rev: B Vizion PMA Operation TruTrak Doc: 167...
Page 46
TruTrak Flight Systems, Inc. (06-19) Printed in U.S.A.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Vizion PMA Autopilot and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers