Looking for a Century IIb

[201er]

Hey guys, my avionics guy couldn't fix the problem which has disabled my Century IIb but has pinpointed it to the actual autopilot unit. Does anyone have a system lying around or an idea where I could buy a replacement?

[jetdriven]

send the both to autopilots central in Tulsa they will fix it.  Frequently the autopilot output transisitors blow because the servo is worn out and takes excessive amps at startup.  My advice, ship the computer head and then roll servo to AC.

[OR75]

what do you mean by being disabled ? nothing happens in any mode selected ?

Are you looking for the coupler (1C388M) ? or the console (1C385)

 

 

[201er]

Nothing happens as in regardless of mode or roll selected, it keeps ailerons at same somewhat neautral position. Tension is felt in the controls but nothing causes it to turn. My avionics guy spent a while diagnosing it and is trying to convince me it's cheaper to replace than repair. Anyone have any replacement suggestions for me? It's the acutal auto pilot box that is in the center pedastal that needs replacement. A temporary swap operated fine.

[OR75]

is it the 1C385 console unit ?

 

[201er]

I don't know what to call it but it's the unit on the bottom right of this picture (not mine):

http://images04.olx.com.br/ui/2/07/68/20749968_2.jpg

[OR75]

I may sound like one of those IT folks asking you if you rebooted your computer ....

You may want to check the following:

1) The Cannon type connectors (aluminum/blue color) are known to wear out and not make good contact with DG and AI, etc ...

2) The consol unit 1C385 may have slide off its connector in the back. Make sure it is pushed and makes contact (especially if you it is located on the quadran bellow the throttle.

3) there are adjustment screws that you can access and there may be some threshold you may need to adjust. To access those you need the rmove the center knob (hex key needed), remove the faceplate, and the 4 holes where the screws are will be on the right hand side. Helps if you have the maintenance manual to see which screws adjusts what (degree bank, sensitivity, yaw, ....) . You will need a tiny screwdriver. 

4) If the above fails,  these units come often for sale on ebay (I do not know what they are going for these days)

5) I have a spare

 

 

[John Pleisse]

Lancaster Avionics has one of the largest stockpiles of Century Edo-Aire AP parts excavated, anywhere. Sadly at a price. They know these AP's well. OR75's comments are dead on, especially the AI-DG connectors. I would add checking the computer board for corrosion.

[DaV8or]

Wasn't Jim Y (MooneyPilot here on the forums) talking about taking his Century IIB A/P out during his panel redo because he never uses it? Maybe you guys can help each other.