looking for an electric trim switch

[aerobert]

My electric trim/autopilot (the a/p is a KFC-200) disconnect switch has died in my 231.  No warning and other than having to rotate the trim wheel by hand no other apparent adverse effects - other than seeming to make my wallet about 1000 dollars lighter. 

 

Any guidance on a possible salvage switch?

 

 

[Marauder]

We talking about this switch?

 

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/trimSwitches.php?clickkey=5126

 

They were supposed to get direct replacement approval and I thought they had. But it still shows pending. Is this what you have on the KFC 200?

[Rwsavory]

The one selling at Aircraft Spruce is the elevator trim switch for S-tec systems.  No FAA approval yet, btw.

[Marauder]

Man that is an expensive switch! And I thought our Klixon switches were expensive.

[Rwsavory]

If you have to buy a new one one from S-tec it will set you back about $600.

[OR75]

is it the trim switch you are looking for ? or the trim disconnect ?

those are two different switches.

[Cruiser]

did you try Wentworth? www.wentworthaircraft.com

[KSMooniac]

I've got one from a KFC-200 salvage J.  PM me if you're interested as I've given up trying to sell the entire system as a kit.

[FoxMike]

aerobert,

Make sure that it is the trim switch that has failed.  My KFC150 quit working and we traced the problem to the autopilot disconnect button.  If the button closes and does not completely release your electric trim will not work.  Since King parts are expensive best to make sure before you  buy what you do not need.

[aerobert]

Marauder - Unfortunately the image of the aircraft spruce trim switch is it.  But I am sure going to mention it to my avionics guy.

 

FoxMike - In this instance the switch no longer has any resistance on either side - it just flops around.  It will no longer operate the trim or disconnect the autopilot.  It does not appear to have any other effect upon the autopilot.  Otherwise, the A/P continues to operate normally.

 

Haven't tried Wentworth but have tried LASAR.

[OR75]

Aerobert:

 

The overpriced switch on the picture is a not a "Trim Disconnect".  It is a trim switch that engages the motor (up or down).

 

On the yoke, you must also have an Autopilot disconnect button (push button) that simply deactivates the autopilot if you press it. 

[aerobert]

Marauder, funny how a single word changes the meaning. What I meant to say was that the picture from Spruce was NOT the correct switch.

OR75 - Overpriced is definitely a correct identifier for this switch. You are correct, the switch is the up and down for the trim. It is not the on or off for the trim. However, if you split it so that half is up and the other half is down then it will disconnect the autopilot. I have other ways to disconnect the autopilot in the short term (such as the switch on the panel to name one) so I am not particularly worried about the autopilot aspect for now. It is annoying to have electric trim and have to reach for the wheel though - I like to have a hand on the throttle during landing - not fussing with cranking the trim.

[Alan Fox]

There was a new one on ebay , I think he is trying to get 600 if he didn't sell it yet.....

[OR75]

So if it is not the switch on the picture or the autopilot disconnect ? What is it that is broken ?

All the trim switch are pretty much the same (split switches)

[Jamie]

I was going through the paperwork that came with the plane. The trim switch had been replaced. I simply couldn't believe the cost... almost $800. wtf. So I started using the trim wheel instead. I know it's an individual preference kind of thing, but I really like using the wheel over the switch. I feel like it happens faster and with more control.

[jrcalvert]

Did you find your switch?

 

I have a similar need - KFC 200 autopilot - need the Autopilot disconnect / interrupt switch

 

New member: john.calvert1@ca.rr.com  John Calvert.  Thanks

[KSMooniac]

John, I have a disconnect switch from my salvage J.  PM if you're interested.