RCA 2600 Attitude Indicator (in lieu of TC). Any feedback ?

[OR75]

Anyone installed the RCA 2600 electric Attitude Indicator ?

 

I like that it is lightweight.  (space / weight behind the panel is always on my mind)

 

On a recent trip, my vacuum pump failed (rather suddenly with the shear coupling breaking). It had over 500 hours on it , so I cannot complain. Fortunately that was in VFR conditions.  The previous one had failed a lot more gradually on me (probably with the vanes wearing).  So I am considering replacing the TC with an electric gyro.

 

I know the Aspen would get me there too but I also know that the price difference buys me a lot of fuel !!!. 

 

Thanks !

[Z W]

I have not installed it, but I've looked into it.  You can install it as your primary AI, but a 337 and/or field approval may be required.  You can find an extensive discussion here:

 

http://www.beechtalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=75676&hilit=RCA+2600

 

Supposedly a great little unit if you can get it legal.

[OR75]

Thanks for the link.  However, I am clearly not looking at installing it as my primary AI. (Primary is a whole different ball game FAA wise) but rather as a substitute to the Turn coordinator based on the FAA AC  91-75 (see link below).

 

I believe I saw a thread here about keeping a TC or replacing it with an electric AI (with a slip / skid indicator) 

 

http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/22444

[Bennett]

I replaced my TC with a Mid-Continent "Life Saver" electric AI with inclinometer and back-up battery. Not inexpensive , but a beautifully built instrument. It was done in a reputable

avionics shop as part of my new panel. No problems with the FAA about this. Really like the unit - agrees perfectly with my primary (vacuum) AI (which was failing two weeks ago, and is now

replaced with a Mid-Continent rebuilt AI).

[OR75]

The MC unit looks good but it is, as you mentions, a lot more expensive and also a lot heavier and larger. I like the size of the RCA unit.  

As far as back up battery, my primary gyro is vacuum driven and will continue to be.  

If both vacuum and electric fail in IMC .... then fate is hunting ! 

[wishboneash]

I can see getting rid of the TC, but not the slip-skid indicator. Seems like these instruments are rather expensive for a backup role.

[OR75]

to replace the TC , you need an AI with a slip / skid indicator

[Bennett]

The reason for a backup AI. I have an electric backup vacuum pump, but if the AI itself fails, then the backup vacuum unit is of little use I've had two vacuum pump failures in IMC One was easy: turn on the electric backup pump and land as soon as reasonable, and have the primary pump replaced. The second situation had the failed pump sending debris through the filter which affected the AI. I know, the filter is supposed to stop this, but Murphy's Law struck again.

I have to say that I like the ball presentation in the MC Lifesaver inclinometer. Quite easy to read. I agree it is an expensive unit, but compare the costs with Trilogy. If I win the lottery, Trilogy will be in my panel.

[jetdriven]

We replaced the TC with a Castleberry electric attitude indicator. It is lighted and has the skid ball. I put this backup attitude indicator front and center, and relegated the vacuum attitude to the lower left hole in the sixpack.  I bought it for a grand on eBay, and had it recertified at Castleberry for 200$.  It did fail once, the wire to the circuit board internally broke.  They blamed it on being wired to the main bus. Another 200$ its working again.

[OR75]

looks good. What AI is driving you CIIB ?  some electric AI have A/P output.

 

I like the RCA because of it light weight: 6.5 oz and 1.1 in deep.  If you have a "vintage" J, you know how those panels sag (I do change the shock mounts once in a while).

 

The others MC or Castleberry are 2 to 3 lbs and 6-7 inches deep.

[jetdriven]

The Vacuum AI drives the Century IIB. We just changed the shock mounts, all ten, they were totally shot. The DG was precessing a lot, I think the new mounts helped.

[laytonl]

I installed an rca2500 with a slip skid indicator. It works great.

Lee

[OR75]

you mean 2600 ? is the screen crisp ?

[laytonl]

Sorry, 2600 and yes, the screen is sharp. Very nice. Lee

[dougmilam]

Another vote for the 2600-3.  Took out my ADF/NDB and installed the 2600-3 in the existing hole to the right of the altimeter.  That places the backup AI near my scan and gives both a vacuum AI and an electric AI.  Have flown with it for 4 months and it really increases confidence in the clouds.  Best $2,500 plus easy install that I have ever spent in an aircraft.

[chrisk]

I looked into getting a RCA 2600, as well as a GPSS thing.   Quickly I realized I was half way to the cost of an Aspen, and decided to go that route.

 

For those that have the RCA2600, do you get nose high attitude on acceleration?  Some on beechtalk.com have issues.  http://www.beechtalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=68566&p=763278

or for the video http://youtu.be/Lu4evWYxij0

[Bennett]

The Mid-Continent electric AI has a slip/skid (inclinometer) as an option. This is well made, and doesn't look like some sort of add on kludge. Most importantly, the ball is well damped, and easy to read.  This unit is expensive. No doubt about it, and the battery back-up option adds additional cost, but it is a really sold, steady, high quality instrument that deserves its name: The LifeSaver. It erects quickly upon power up, which is something that some electric AIs do not.  The Aspen is a nice primary unit, while the Mid-Continent is a back-up, and a TC substitute.