rbridges Posted June 1, 2020 Report Posted June 1, 2020 (edited) I have an stec 50 which works well except for the altitude hold porpoising. I've just learned to keep it trimmed and hand fly the altitude. Anyway, I'm thinking about redoing the aluminum panel. Is the 55x superior to the 50 as far as how it performs? The avidyne and 3100 were on my list but don't seem to be options in the near future. I guess I just need to know if it's worth upgrading. They have refurb upgrades for $3200. Edited June 1, 2020 by rbridges
David Lloyd Posted June 1, 2020 Report Posted June 1, 2020 Can't answer your question about the upgrade. However; a 60-2, I think, has the same absolute pressure transducer and maybe servos. Mine holds altitude within feet most of the time. A bumpy day may see 50' up or down. Very much satisfied with the altitude control. You might want to spend some money investigating the porporsing problem before upgrading. On mine, the altitude control, heading holc, glideslope capture and glideslope track are all perfect or near so. Nav tracking, is a zig and zag affair to capture, once captured it is slow to correct. Once on approach, if I flew this way, I wouldn't ride with me. Any reccomendations on a shop that really knows S-tec? 1
Ragsf15e Posted June 1, 2020 Report Posted June 1, 2020 2 hours ago, rbridges said: I have an stec 50 which works well except for the altitude hold porpoising. I've just learned to keep it trimmed and hand fly the altitude. Anyway, I'm thinking about redoing the aluminum panel. Is the 55x superior to the 50 as far as how it performs? The avidyne and 3100 were on my list but don't seem to be options in the near future. I guess I just need to know if it's worth upgrading. They have refurb upgrades for $3200. Try the simple first... “lube the control shaft.” I only have a -30A, but setting a good trim before engaging altitude hold and lubing the control shafts help it stay smooth.
MIm20c Posted June 1, 2020 Report Posted June 1, 2020 The 50 is basically a 30. The 55 is a big step up with glideslope capability and automatic trim. Where is the refurb upgrade info? Sounds like a good deal to me.
rbridges Posted June 1, 2020 Author Report Posted June 1, 2020 (edited) 6 minutes ago, MIm20c said: The 50 is basically a 30. The 55 is a big step up with glideslope capability and automatic trim. Where is the refurb upgrade info? Sounds like a good deal to me. The rep from Stec sent it to me. The porpoising isn't why I'm changing. If there isn't much difference, I'd just keep the 50. The form factor is different, and I'm planning to cut a new panel. Don't want to pay to cut twice. The automatic pitch trim is another $3700. I have manual trim, So I don't know how simple that is to install. Edited June 1, 2020 by rbridges
Oscar Avalle Posted June 1, 2020 Report Posted June 1, 2020 I have a STEC55X. I like it. It works well and it is reasonable precise. I don't know the 50 so well, I had a 30 before I upgraded to a 55X. I understand that one key difference is the capacity to intercept and track GS. It is also nice that the GS intercept also works with GPS approaches...
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