AP Altitude Preselect Interface for the Aspen

[Magnum]

My avionics shop developed an interface to use the altitude bug in the Aspen as altitude preselect for the autopilot. A nice small box with an switch to arm it. It is cheaper than most preselectors (around US$1900 + installation + paperwork). They don't have an STC yet but the quote for the paperwork is quite low. If someone is interested send me a PM.

[mooniac58]

Peter could chime in here but my understanding is that Aspen is working on building this into the PFD1000 but I don't know what the ETA is or costs.  PM heading your way!

[Magnum]

Quote: mooniac58

Peter could chime in here but my understanding is that Aspen is working on building this into the PFD1000 but I don't know what the ETA is or costs.  PM heading your way!

[John Pleisse]

I queried Aspen and they said it was going to be a future software unlock. I would also add, I find the altitude alerter very sufficient and it is already in the Aspen unit. I have an Stec 55X. In fact, between the mins and altitude alerters, I don't feel the need for pre-select. If I were flying an AC with performance around 2k fpm....I would then want it.

[Magnum]

Quote: N4352H

I queried Aspen and they said it was going to be a future software unlock. I would also add, I find the altitude alerter very sufficient and it is already in the Aspen unit. I have an Stec 55X. In fact, between the mins and altitude alerters, I don't feel the need for pre-select. If I were flying an AC with performance around 2k fpm....I would then want it.

[John Pleisse]

I like GPSS...helps with napping (just joking...ok, no I am not).

[mooniac58]

The only thing about the alterter is they are not permitted to put the beep in the headset (isn't the FAA great?!).  I am often times listening to music and find that I cannot hear the dashboard speaker for the alt alert.  It is easy to overshoot an altitude on a really long climb/descent...and looong climbs are pretty normal out here in the mountains with a NA engine!

I like the pure software solution Aspen is doing for the Stec-55X - but knowing Aspen it might be 2 years until we see this.

[David Mazer]

I really love the altitude preselect on my KFC 150.  Set a rate of climb, an altitude, and pay attention to other things.  It never seems to fail that just as I approach the assigned altitude, ATC gives me a string of instructions.  No problem with the altitude preselect.  Make sure it captures and go on with other tasks at hand.  I have a two tube Aspen setup but it isn't in the loop with this as far as I can tell.

[peter]

Aspen is in the process of certifying a third party altitude preselect box for use with our system. Approval fo the use of the box will be provided under our AML STC.  This approval has been in process for well over a year, as we required the manufacturer of the device to make some minor design changes to ensure appropriate operation of the equipment.  We anticipate approval this fall.

[peter]

Quote: Magnum

It seems Aspen is developing the Preselector for Stec. With a Bendix/King or Century AP that is the only solution.

[Guillaume]

Quote: peter

It seems Aspen is developing the Preselector for Stec. With a Bendix/King or Century AP that is the only solution.

[peter]

Quote: Guillaume

[jhbehrens]

Peter

So - if I install ACU2 now all that will be required is a software upgrade when this feature becomes available and probably some new wiring between the ACU and the 55x?

Jorgen