GPSS Roll Steering

[Marauder]

Yep that's it, thanks. Digital to analog adaptor. It negates the savings from going with an Aspen instead of using the DAC box.

Unfortunately the avionics shops don't always do a great job of explaining what you get and what you need. The Aspen PFD has a lot more built into it that adds value. In addition to the GPSS function, you get a 4 source HSI. As well as two additional RMI needles. The HSI also is capable of autocourse which is great for GPS waypoint tracking.

What I really love about the Aspen is the GPSS, really added a whole new dimension of functionality to my STEC autopilot.

[Top Heavy]

After inquiring further, the avionics shop strongly recommended against the Icarus maintaining that the display was not reliable and often had to be replaced after a short time. He strongly recommended the GDC31. Fewer bells and whistles but much more reliable and less expensive.

[flyboy0681]

After inquiring further, the avionics shop strongly recommended against the Icarus maintaining that the display was not reliable and often had to be replaced after a short time. He strongly recommended the GDC31. Fewer bells and whistles but much more reliable and less expensive.

 

 

Four years and going strong.

[Piloto]

Not to undermine the value of GPSS Roll Steering but I never found a need for it. I have a Century 31 that can intercept a new wpt 45deg course line with minimum overshoot (no more than a dot on the CDI) on NAV mode. On APPR mode there is practically no over shoot. And it does it without my intervention. Besides roll steering what other advantages GPSS offers? Is paying over $1,000 worth for not touching the HDG bug knob? It takes away the fun of rotating knobs.

 

José

[ArtVandelay]

Not to undermine the value of GPSS Roll Steering but I never found a need for it. I have a Century 31 that can intercept a new wpt 45deg course line with minimum overshoot (no more than a dot on the CDI) on NAV mode. On APPR mode there is practically no over shoot. And it does it without my intervention. Besides roll steering what other advantages GPSS offers? Is paying over $1,000 worth for not touching the HDG bug knob? It takes away the fun of rotating knobs.

José

What's the point of having a great GPS system and not connect it to the autopilot? For the stec 50, it can track VOR course but cannot intercept it, with GPSS, it can intercept the course, cycle thru waypoints, while I check weather, engine monitor, and look for traffic. 1 AMU is nothing in grand scheme of things

[Marauder]

Not to undermine the value of GPSS Roll Steering but I never found a need for it. I have a Century 31 that can intercept a new wpt 45deg course line with minimum overshoot (no more than a dot on the CDI) on NAV mode. On APPR mode there is practically no over shoot. And it does it without my intervention. Besides roll steering what other advantages GPSS offers? Is paying over $1,000 worth for not touching the HDG bug knob? It takes away the fun of rotating knobs.

José

The real advantage is the AP automation including flying holding patterns and complicated routings. May be too much automation for some folks, but after flying behind what I had and seeing first-hand what I now have, it is well worth it for the price.

Add in the Aspen auto course capability, it is a powerful combination.

[flyboy0681]

Not to undermine the value of GPSS Roll Steering but I never found a need for it. I have a Century 31 that can intercept a new wpt 45deg course line with minimum overshoot (no more than a dot on the CDI) on NAV mode. On APPR mode there is practically no over shoot. And it does it without my intervention. Besides roll steering what other advantages GPSS offers? Is paying over $1,000 worth for not touching the HDG bug knob? It takes away the fun of rotating knobs.

 

José

 

 

I can think of one great use. You have to hold after going missed and the GPSS takes care of all of the turns while the pilot is fumbling around trying to figure out his next move.

[Piloto]

Maybe I has been lucky, but only maybe a one holding pattern (due to rwy closed temporarily) I had to do in 4000 hrs of flying. And only one missed IFR approach due to strong crosswinds (no holding) just flew back to the FAF for another try. Most (almost all) ATC clearances I get is "vectors to FAF or ILS intercept". My flight plans to TJBQ or KAGC (900nm) have at the most 4 wpts and ATC usually clears "Direct to ___". In many occasions I have to fly parallel to the course line because of weather. I guess GPSS is not for me.

 

José

[Piloto]

Question:

 

When you are in GPSS mode following a course line and you need to deviate around weather, don't you need to disengage NAV mode and go to HDG mode to deviate around?. This will require turning the HDG knob back and forth. With my luck in weather I have to do this for half of the flight.

 

José

[ArtVandelay]

Question:

When you are in GPSS mode following a course line and you need to deviate around weather, don't you need to disengage NAV mode and go to HDG mode to deviate around?. This will require turning the HDG knob back and forth. With my luck in weather I have to do this for half of the flight.

José

If you have GTN, you can just rubber band the route.

[Piloto]

If you have GTN, you can just rubber band the route.

 

OK so is either $20K for the rubber band and GPSS or $1 for 32 extra calories of potatoes chips for rotating the HDG knob. Have to think about it.

 

José

[Marauder]

Question:

When you are in GPSS mode following a course line and you need to deviate around weather, don't you need to disengage NAV mode and go to HDG mode to deviate around?. This will require turning the HDG knob back and forth. With my luck in weather I have to do this for half of the flight.

José

The GPSS mode uses the HDG mode on the autopilot. You engage HDG then the GPSS and it will follow the GPS flight plan. When you turn off the GPSS the autopilot is back in HDG only mode and you use the bug to manually fly the autopilot.

The first time I flew with GPSS, I turned on the HDG mode expecting it to follow GPSS, I was surprised to see it turn but then realized I had not activated GPSS.

[ArtVandelay]

The other gotcha is if you are off the magenta line because you deviated via HDG, then return to GPSS mode, it will make for a 45 intercept of the magenta, it won't just go directly to the waypoint like you might expect, so you'll need to direct-to to establish a new magenta, you could do the same to deviate around weather

[Marauder]

The other gotcha is if you are off the magenta line because you deviated via HDG, then return to GPSS mode, it will make for a 45 intercept of the magenta, it won't just go directly to the waypoint like you might expect, so you'll need to direct-to to establish a new magenta, you could do the same to deviate around weather

I've been playing around with the OBS feature to see if I can run a straight line back to the waypoint. Will be out tomorrow playing around with it again.

[Piloto]

I've been playing around with the OBS feature to see if I can run a straight line back to the waypoint. Will be out tomorrow playing around with it again.

 

+1 That is an elegant way of going around weather. I know on my 530 will work but don't know if it will work between two waypoints. Would be like rubber banding. Still you have to rotate a knob.

 

José

[Top Heavy]

Unfortunately the avionics shops don't always do a great job of explaining what you get and what you need. The Aspen PFD has a lot more built into it that adds value. In addition to the GPSS function, you get a 4 source HSI. As well as two additional RMI needles. The HSI also is capable of autocourse which is great for GPS waypoint tracking.

What I really love about the Aspen is the GPSS, really added a whole new dimension of functionality to my STEC autopilot.

[Top Heavy]

Given all of the advantages noted above, $2500 does not sound like too much of an investment in a $200,000 airplane. I have been told that increase in resale value of the plane would significantly exceed the investment in The GPSS box.

[carusoam]

Increase in plane's value by adding a box...?

I'll take two...

There is also this lovely bridge for sale in NJ...

Are you selling planes or avionics?

Best regards,

-a-

[flyboy0681]

The other gotcha is if you are off the magenta line because you deviated via HDG, then return to GPSS mode, it will make for a 45 intercept of the magenta, it won't just go directly to the waypoint like you might expect, so you'll need to direct-to to establish a new magenta, you could do the same to deviate around weather

 

That's one of the things I don't like about it.  I wouldn't expect it to go to the next waypoint directly but would expect it to intercept at a "reasonable" angle.

[ArtVandelay]

That's one of the things I don't like about it. I wouldn't expect it to go to the next waypoint directly but would expect it to intercept at a "reasonable" angle.

I tried the OBS method, don't like it either,best method IMHO is,

Use a heading bug to deviate, then direct-to to waypoint, the GPS will then continue sequencing.

[flyboy0681]

I tried the OBS method, don't like it either,best method IMHO is,

Use a heading bug to deviate, then direct-to to waypoint, the GPS will then continue sequencing.

 

Depends on how far from the magenta you are. I use the heading bug to "merge" into the magenta lane.

[JohnB]

On 1/19/2015, 4:24:05, Top Heavy said:

On 1/19/2015, 4:24:05, Top Heavy said:

I am planning on installing GPSS roll steering in my Mooney Bravo. I have a K-150 autopilot and a Garmin 530W/430 GPS. There are a number of GPSS options on the market (e.g. Icarus, S-Tec, GDC31, etc).

Does anyone have an opinion/experience with the pros or cons of the available options?

 

I want a GPSS system as well, and I have similar equipment in my Bravo (K-150/ 430W). I tried to contact Icarus, no joy.. are they out of business? That's a shame as I was interested in looking into it as some of those audible callouts might be helpful.  Anyone know of any products like it?

 

Anyway I think our options are limited to an STEC ST 901 or a DAC GDC31 for an addon GPSS without doing a panel PFD/MFD with it like Aspen.

My installer mentioned the DAC product. Both the DAC and the STEC product look identical to me from initial viewing.

[flyboy0681]

19 minutes ago, JohnB said:

 I tried to contact Icarus, no joy.. are they out of business? That's a shame as I was interested in looking into it as some of those audible callouts might be helpful. 

 

News to me. I swear by that unit and would be heartbroken if anything happened to it and I couldn't get it serviced. Let me know what you find out.

[DonMuncy]

I have a KAP 150 and a GDC31. The GPSS works flawlessly, with no failures, repairs or problems. I consider it in the top three all time best bang for the buck purchases on my plane.

[Bennett]

I am using the Icarus SAM GPSS unit with a KAP 150. Great combination