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TruTrak Sorcerer AP

 
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docclv(at)windstream.net
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 29, 2020 4:54 am    Post subject: TruTrak Sorcerer AP Reply with quote

Guys: I built a second RV10 a year ago and installed a Sorcerer AP. In
completing Phase I fly off and getting all the bugs out of it, we found
out that the Sorcerer would laterally track intermittently. Called
TruTrak in February to see about getting it fixed. Stephen at TruTrak
said I needed to send it to MidContinent in Wichita for repairs as
TruTrak was now owned by Bendix King (I found out as of last July).
Stephen Told me that TruTrak no longer makes, sells or supports the
Sorcerer but would see that I got my Sorcerer fixed. Bruce at
MidContinent says that Stephen has not sent them the repair manuals.
Here I am with with out a Sorcerer AP head.
Would any of you have a Sorcerer head (used or new) that you would part
with? Stephen tells me that the TruTrak xCruze uses the same servos but
has a different wiring harness PIN-OUT in case any of you have the
servos installed but might have reservations about installing the
Sorcerer head. Knowing what I know now, I certainly would not install a
Sorcerer if I had it on hand and not done so already. I am not sure I
would install any TruTrak AP. Doc N784DC docclv(at)windstream.net


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rleffler



Joined: 05 Nov 2006
Posts: 680

PostPosted: Wed Apr 29, 2020 5:20 am    Post subject: TruTrak Sorcerer AP Reply with quote

What EFIS do you have?


With most of the major vendors, you can swap out the Trutrak servos with the EFIS vendor servos for less than$2k.  For many of us, that want an option when we built. But it’s an option available now. I’ll avoid the debate about redundancy and having an external AP head.


I think the blunder that Andrew made is that Bendix King reduce their dealers significantly last fall. Many of those left aren’t EAB friendly or charge rates that only corporate flight department can afford. This isn’t a support model that is going to be well received by the EAB community, in which Trutrak built their business upon.


I am of the opinion that not only does the gear need to continue to work, but access to quick, reasonable support, with reasonable costs is a requirement. Eliminate one of these options for me and I’ll start look for other solutions.



Get Outlook for iOS

From: owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com <owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com> on behalf of Doc <docclv(at)windstream.net>
Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 8:52:36 AM
To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com <rv10-list(at)matronics.com>
Subject: TruTrak Sorcerer AP

--> RV10-List message posted by: Doc <docclv(at)windstream.net>

Guys: I built a second RV10 a year ago and installed a Sorcerer AP.  In
completing Phase I fly off and getting all the bugs out of it, we found
out that the Sorcerer would laterally track intermittently. Called
TruTrak in February to see about getting it fixed. Stephen at TruTrak
said I needed to send it to MidContinent in Wichita for repairs as
TruTrak was now owned by Bendix King (I found out as of last July).
Stephen Told me that TruTrak no longer makes, sells or supports the
Sorcerer but would see that I got my Sorcerer fixed. Bruce at
MidContinent says that Stephen has not sent them the repair manuals.
Here I am with with out a Sorcerer AP head.
Would any of you have a Sorcerer head (used or new) that you would part
with? Stephen tells me that the TruTrak xCruze uses the same servos but
has a different wiring harness PIN-OUT in case any of you have the
servos installed but might have reservations about installing the
Sorcerer head. Knowing what I know now, I certainly would not install a
Sorcerer if I had it on hand and not done so already. I am not sure I
would install any TruTrak AP. Doc N784DC docclv(at)windstream.net
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partner14



Joined: 12 Jan 2008
Posts: 540
Location: Granbury Texas

PostPosted: Wed Apr 29, 2020 6:24 am    Post subject: TruTrak Sorcerer AP Reply with quote

I had the right servo fail on my TruTak DigiFltII. Ran into the same issue.... MidContinent was nice enough, but had none of the stuff needed for necessary repairs. Bought a new motor on ebay for $40, and had a friend trouble shoot the circuit board. It had 2 components that had failed. He replaced those, and resoldered some other areas that wern't done originally to his satisfaction. Works great now. But maybe at some point will have to addres this issue again. This appears to be exactly the same scenario everyone is running into with Plane Power and Skytech, when they were sold. Both companies were VERY EAB friendly. I live in Granbury Texas, which where the two companies were located, and it's owners and workforce were my neighbors. Since I didn't live here when building the 10, I had installed B&C alternators and starter. I'll be their sales increased not long after Hartzell purchase Plane Power and Skytech.
Don 1,200 hours and still loving it.

On Wednesday, April 29, 2020, 08:31:33 AM CDT, Bob Leffler <bob(at)thelefflers.com> wrote:




What EFIS do you have?


With most of the major vendors, you can swap out the Trutrak servos with the EFIS vendor servos for less than$2k. For many of us, that want an option when we built. But it’s an option available now. I’ll avoid the debate about redundancy and having an external AP head.


I think the blunder that Andrew made is that Bendix King reduce their dealers significantly last fall. Many of those left aren’t EAB friendly or charge rates that only corporate flight department can afford. This isn’t a support model that is going to be well received by the EAB community, in which Trutrak built their business upon.


I am of the opinion that not only does the gear need to continue to work, but access to quick, reasonable support, with reasonable costs is a requirement. Eliminate one of these options for me and I’ll start look for other solutions.



Get Outlook for iOS

From: owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com <owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com> on behalf of Doc <docclv(at)windstream.net>
Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 8:52:36 AM
To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com <rv10-list(at)matronics.com>
Subject: TruTrak Sorcerer AP

--> RV10-List message posted by: Doc <docclv(at)windstream.net>

Guys: I built a second RV10 a year ago and installed a Sorcerer AP.  In
completing Phase I fly off and getting all the bugs out of it, we found
out that the Sorcerer would laterally track intermittently. Called
TruTrak in February to see about getting it fixed. Stephen at TruTrak
said I needed to send it to MidContinent in Wichita for repairs as
TruTrak was now owned by Bendix King (I found out as of last July).
Stephen Told me that TruTrak no longer makes, sells or supports the
Sorcerer but would see that I got my Sorcerer fixed. Bruce at
MidContinent says that Stephen has not sent them the repair manuals.
Here I am with with out a Sorcerer AP head.
Would any of you have a Sorcerer head (used or new) that you would part
with? Stephen tells me that the TruTrak xCruze uses the same servos but
has a different wiring harness PIN-OUT in case any of you have the
servos installed but might have reservations about installing the
Sorcerer head. Knowing what I know now, I certainly would not install a
Sorcerer if I had it on hand and not done so already. I am not sure I
would install any TruTrak AP. Doc N784DC docclv(at)windstream.net
===========
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===========
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matronics.com
===========
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p;   -Matt Dralle, List Admin.
http://www.matronics.com/contribution
===========


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Dave Saylor



Joined: 11 Jan 2015
Posts: 207
Location: GILROY, CA

PostPosted: Wed Apr 29, 2020 8:29 am    Post subject: TruTrak Sorcerer AP Reply with quote

Doc,

I had a similar scenario and ended up talking to Bruce at MCI as well.  He offered to upgrade my (AFS branded) TruTrak to the AeroCruze for $750.  I was told that my 12 year old servos are compatible.  As for the connector, Bruce said he difference was only one wire, moved to a different pin.  I could move it myself, or buy their $150 adapter.  Personally the upgrade would make sense.  YMMV.
--Dave
On Wed, Apr 29, 2020 at 5:58 AM Doc <docclv(at)windstream.net (docclv(at)windstream.net)> wrote:

Quote:
--> RV10-List message posted by: Doc <docclv(at)windstream.net (docclv(at)windstream.net)>

Guys:  I built a second RV10 a year ago and installed a Sorcerer AP.  In
completing Phase I fly off and getting all the bugs out of it, we found
out that the Sorcerer would laterally track intermittently.  Called
TruTrak in February to see about getting it fixed.  Stephen at TruTrak
said I needed to send it to MidContinent in Wichita for repairs as
TruTrak was now owned by Bendix King (I found out as of last July). 
Stephen Told me that TruTrak no longer makes, sells or supports the
Sorcerer but would see that I got my Sorcerer fixed.  Bruce at
MidContinent says that Stephen has not sent them the repair manuals. 
Here I am with with out a Sorcerer AP head.
Would any of you have a Sorcerer head (used or new) that you would part
with?  Stephen tells me that the TruTrak xCruze uses the same servos but
has a different wiring harness PIN-OUT in case any of you have the
servos installed but might have reservations about installing the
Sorcerer head.  Knowing what I know now, I certainly would not install a
Sorcerer if I had it on hand and not done so already.  I am not sure I
would install any TruTrak AP.  Doc N784DC docclv(at)windstream.net (docclv(at)windstream.net)
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Bob Turner



Joined: 03 Jan 2009
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 29, 2020 10:38 am    Post subject: Re: TruTrak Sorcerer AP Reply with quote

IMHO new builders now have just two choices: an EFIS driven autopilot, or a Trio Pro for an independent autopilot. I think TruTrak shot themselves in the foot. BTW, I have nothing but praise for the Trio autopilot and the company.

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brunk



Joined: 08 Jan 2013
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Location: Corpus Christi, texas

PostPosted: Wed Apr 29, 2020 10:55 am    Post subject: TruTrak Sorcerer AP Reply with quote

I still love my trutrak after all these 12 years. I hope it never goes out on me. But if it does I’m going to AFS for help.

Robert E Brunkenhoefer

Quote:
On Apr 29, 2020, at 12:49 PM, Bob Turner <bobturner(at)alum.rpi.edu> wrote:



IMHO new builders now have just two choices: an EFIS driven autopilot, or a Trio Pro for an independent autopilot. I think TruTrak shot themselves in the foot. BTW, I have nothing but praise for the Trio autopilot and the company.

--------
Bob Turner
RV-10 QB




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