GPSS options with 400A

[cessnadriver]

TO: Patrol Pilot.
Thanks for the reply.
A hangar neighbor suggested Autopilot Central, as he had them do some component work for him. So I contacted them. Randy the old mechanic said "we no longer work on the 400!" Yep, that's what he said, he mentioned that they WOULD work on it but basically if I needed parts I'd be screwed?? So I contacted Mayday Avionics in Grand Rapids, MI. Suggested by a SOAPA member. The main tech there called me and said he had a lot of experience with the 400s. He also said that they have an electronic engineering company that makes several problem components in the amplifier, ie, transistors and resistors, that are the usual replacement parts needed. I'll have to ask about the test flight. As I said earlier, that shop is much closer. I haven't decided which shop I'll be going to. Have to ask more questions to each shop before making my choice.
Thanks for your assistance.
Regards, BILLS
PS: I live in NW Pennsylvania, between Erie and Pittsburgh.

[patrolpilot]

Originally Posted by cessnadriver

TO: Patrol Pilot.
Thanks for the reply.
A hangar neighbor suggested Autopilot Central, as he had them do some component work for him. So I contacted them. Randy the old mechanic said "we no longer work on the 400!"

Ahhh... the straight 400, no A or B.

[wslade2]

I am trying to attach a PDF file of a few salient pages from the manual to see if this helps find the parts you need.

Handwritten on the front of the manual is "1968 AF-520A" which I surmise represents the straight Nav-o-matic 400 model this manual is for. You will see the Amplifier is "CA-520A", the number you have on your amplifier.

Hopefully, if I am successful, there is a PDF file attached to my post.

[wslade2]

Also, here is a listing of the proper actuator numbers.

Attached is another PDF

[cessnadriver]

wslade2.
Thanks, that is part of the manual I was looking for. I'd assume the avionics shop will have the rest for when I send them my components.
TO ALL: Many thanks to you guys' help!! Many think I'm crazy trying to get an an OLD straight 400 autopilot back in my airplane? But I always enjoyed flying(Civil Air Patrol's airplanes) with at least a single axis autopilot on long trips.
Any other thoughts or help from my fellow SOAPA members would great.
Regards.
BILLS

[saxbill]

Originally Posted by cessnadriver

TO: Patrol Pilot.
So I contacted Mayday Avionics in Grand Rapids, MI. Suggested by a SOAPA member. The main tech there called me and said he had a lot of experience with the 400s. He also said that they have an electronic engineering company that makes several problem components in the amplifier, ie, transistors and resistors, that are the usual replacement parts needed.

Our Skymaster is at Mayday right now. We have a Bendix FCS810 that has been intermittent. They told us when to drop it off and started working on it the next business day. As you mentioned, we had a FET fail and their electronic company is making some replacements. They've been great to work with.

Bill

[cessnadriver]

Patrol Pilot.
Thanks for the reply.
I have a straight 400. The earliest model. NO A or B. I do have another 400 which I'm trying to determine which one it is? I'm sending the pictures and serial numbers to Mayday Avionics, hopefully they can figure this out. I have a dual knob DG I'm hoping that will work with the second 400?? Who know!