KFC-150 Problem

[0TreeLemur]

Rather than resurrect a thread from 2015 that had some thread creep, I'm starting a new one.   Seeking advice from those with KFC-150 A/P experience.  

Problem statement:  Today when I went flying I pressed the "Test" button, the FD chevron appeared on the Aspen, TRIM light on the computer flashed four times then FD chevron and all lights went out with no audible beeps.  It's never done that before.   I used the electric trim a lot during this flight and it seemed to be working fine.  After refueling and starting up again, same behavior.

Has been working fine until today.  Worked fine on last flight three weeks ago.   Suggestions?  Any shops recommended to troubleshoot in MS, AL, GA, TN, FL?

This old thread points out possible issues with yoke-mounted trim switch, electrical contacts on back of KFC-192 computer, bad trim motor or position sensor, or mainboard on the KFC-192.  That's a lot.

Old thread here:

 

[LANCECASPER]

You could hear from us, or you could hear from someone that really knows this autopilot  @Jake@BevanAviation

[PT20J]

Bevan is in Wichita. 

Mid-Continent is a Bendix-King repair partner (fixed my KAP 150) also in Wichita.

Autopilots Central is in Tulsa. 

[0TreeLemur]

2 hours ago, LANCECASPER said:

You could hear from us, or you could hear from someone that really knows this autopilot  @Jake@BevanAviation

That would be a great outcome.   I think he once recommended a shop in MS to me, but I don't remember the name of it.  KS is a bit far for me.

[Pinecone]

Larry at Sarasota Avionics at the Sarasota location used to work for BK and has a LOT of knowledge of these autopilots.

[LANCECASPER]

11 hours ago, 0TreeLemur said:

KS is a bit far for me.

You own a Mooney 

[Jake@BevanAviation]

Check the disconnect voltage at the flight computer P2 pin B to aircraft ground.  See print for details.

KFC 150 M20jk 14-28v.pdf

[0TreeLemur]

6 hours ago, LANCECASPER said:

You own a Mooney 

Yeah, but...  Five+ hours with a headwind and no functioning A/P sounds like a lot of work.  Did that for a couple of years after we bought our C.  Looking back on it, hand flying for long x/c's just isn't that fun, especially if IFR.   And if I need to leave the airplane for service, how do I get home?  For service, I'd prefer someplace closer.

[LANCECASPER]

2 minutes ago, 0TreeLemur said:

Yeah, but...  Five+ hours with a headwind and no functioning A/P sounds like a lot of work.  Did that for a couple of years after we bought our C.  Looking back on it, hand flying for long x/c's just isn't that fun, especially if IFR.   And if I need to leave the airplane for service, how do I get home?  For service, I'd prefer someplace closer.

99% of the time I’d agree with that, but a shop close-by that knows a little bit about a KFC150 will often do more damage than good. 

Autopilots Central years ago used to be the place to go but they lost some good people and their prices are crazy. These days there are a handful of shops that really know what they are doing on this autopilot and Jake will be fair and their shop does excellent work.

[Bob Weber]

Jake is the best for the repairs, I work with him regularly while guiding fully capable shops navigating thru issues with systems unfamiliar to them, some times even requiring an interpreter.

Once we diagnose the issue, I have the suspect component/s sent to Jake often discussing the project with him before he receives it.

For far less than the cost of the trip, I can guide your local shop thru the tasks needed, once diagnosed, you will be well on your way to the resolve.

Let me know if I can help.

Bob Weber

Autopilot Consultant

https://webairconsulting.com/

 

[LANCECASPER]

On 11/5/2023 at 8:17 PM, 0TreeLemur said:

That would be a great outcome.   I think he once recommended a shop in MS to me, but I don't remember the name of it.  KS is a bit far for me.

This guy flew to @Jake@BevanAviation from Idaho to get his fixed and is satisfied

https://www.beechtalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=224836