Install Accutrak with PC

[Rob Lair]

I am new to the forum and new to Mooney as well (and a new pilot for that matter).  I bought a 1968 Mooney M20F last year.  The PC system works well as far as I can tell.  I have to adjust the roll trim every 5 mins or so to stay on track which is fine.  I am just wondering how much work it is to install an Acutrak I or II and couple it to my newly installed 430W.  I have read several topics on the Acutrak and it seems to work well as long as the PC is working ok but I have no idea about the work / $$ to install one from scratch.

[DCarlton]

15 years ago when Brittain was still servicing airplanes in Tulsa it was 2-3 grand and a day or twos work.  Now it’s a matter of understanding exactly which system you have and then finding salvage parts to do the upgrade and someone willing to do the work.    Mine only tracks the DG.  Mine uses a TC100EVT turn coordinator with inverter, a DG adapter and DG with a heading bug output.  I think it’s a 4000-D1.  The DG adapter is hard to find.  The turn coordinators can still be overhauled by Kevin Westbrook at Porter Strait in Tulsa.  Kevin might be able to ask a few questions, figure out what you have and then tell you what parts you need to find on the salvage market.  I’m no expert and I’m only guessing but I suspect the output from the 430 that drives the CDI will drive the Acutrack.  

[Rob Lair]

Thanks for the reply.  I am pretty sure that the 430 will drive it as long as I have the right interface.  I have an HSI and not a DG but I assume it works the same.  Thanks for the info.  I will reach out and see what I can find.

[takair]

@Kevin Westbrookfrequents the site.  Here is a shout out.  I’ve had my 430 driving the system for years.  Works great.  Start scanning eBay and MS for parts.  

[Echo]

The DG does NOT drive an AccuTak.  The DG drives the AccuFlite.  The analog left right from Garmin goes to a pneumatic Brittain controller and then to the AccuTrak controller (Same controller is used with AccuFlite) and then to the panel mounted on off/left right turns on the panel controller.

[Rob Lair]

That is great info.  I will start scouring ebay.

[bigmo]

Check with @Alan Fox too

[0TreeLemur]

We installed Accutrak II, Accuflite, and PC/AH in our M20C, and because of the status of Brittain I hoarded parts.   We've since sold our C.  I've got a spare parts for all of it, except I don't have a spare Accuflite. I even have two spares of the elusive BI-805 valve.  PM me if interested.

[DCarlton]

8 hours ago, Echo said:

The DG does NOT drive an AccuTak.  The DG drives the AccuFlite.  The analog left right from Garmin goes to a pneumatic Brittain controller and then to the AccuTrak controller (Same controller is used with AccuFlite) and then to the panel mounted on off/left right turns on the panel controller.

Just FYI, I don't even think my system has a name.  Jerry Walters installed it in Tulsa.  Basically he took the PC system, and added the TC100EVT, DG Adapter, and DG.   It tracks the DG heading bug.  If it has a name, I'd have to dig it out of the records.  The only thing added to the instrument panel was an on and off switch for the heading bug and a pneumatic cut off switch that does the same thing as the one on the yoke . 

[Echo]

12 hours ago, DCarlton said:

Just FYI, I don't even think my system has a name.  Jerry Walters installed it in Tulsa.  Basically he took the PC system, and added the TC100EVT, DG Adapter, and DG.   It tracks the DG heading bug.  If it has a name, I'd have to dig it out of the records.  The only thing added to the instrument panel was an on and off switch for the heading bug and a pneumatic cut off switch that does the same thing as the one on the yoke . 

As described this is an AccuFlite system.  I prefered this to the accuTrak (also installed) as you could make turns using DG vs. just following the magenta line.  I am installing the AccuFlite n my "new" Mooney this winter.

[Kevin Westbrook]

Rob call me Kevin Westbrook 539-292-0474 yes I worked at Brittain 

[sdmideas]

Not to hijack the thread;) May I call too? I am in the same situation as the OP.

[Kevin Westbrook]

Sdmideas yes of course happy to help