Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #39405
From: Brent Regan <brent@regandesigns.com>
Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: AHRS
Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 12:42:13 -0500
To: <lml>
To correct statements, ask some questions and answer some question's in Michael Smith's post.

<<
Brent clearly has a stake in the success of the Pinpoint unit .>>>

Incorrect, we do not receive royalties or commissions from this product.

<<Brent did not have direct involvement of the development or production of the NAV425EX unit and is not fully aware of its capabilities or functionality.>>

Correct. No involvement, including indirect involvement. None. Nope. You won't find my name on that product.

<<Crossbow is glad to provide answers about NAV425EX design and functionality>>

Excellent. What happens when you lose GPS in flight? What happens if there is a power off reset in flight and GPS is slow to lock? This is the third time I asked these questions and only received a response without an answer, and you know what they say, there is no such thing as a stupid question, just inquisitive idiots.

How long are the "periods of time" before the "accurate data" stops being accurate?

<< It may be more helpful if Regan/Pinpoint could provide more information about the following information since we believe these are all items that should be seriously considered before installing an AHRS into an aircraft:

 Look over there! Is that Britney Spears getting out of a Limo? Holy Kojaked HuHu's!

Nice try. Why is talking about Pinpoint "more helpful"? OK, I'll  play.

1)       Is it produced in an ISO9001 and FAA approved manufacturing facility?

I could tell you but then I'd....well you know the rest.

2)       Is a technical support staff available to assist customers? Is there a data sheet?

Yes. Pinpoint is now supported by CFS. D2 didn't get you a data sheet?

3)       Has testing for GPS and airspeed data loss been completed and/or published?

The GPS was added at D2s request. It passes it's serial data out the main connector but GPS is not used, at all, by the ADAHRS. Testing showed GPS aiding to be inferior.

4)       Has Pinpoint been successful selling their product to any customers other than Chelton/D2A?

I can't say. Why does that matter?

  <>
<<In response to the questions below, the NAV425EX uses a combination of magnetometer input and patented algorithms to provide the best possible solution.>>

But the manual say it uses GPS. Has that changed? If so, why?  <>

<<We have specified the accuracy of this unit with and without GPS on the data sheet and although the unit will safely allow customers to fly the aircraft without GPS we feel that a solid GPS solution is optimal.  One of the main advantages of the GPS solution is that it reduces cost for the installers since you are not required to mount a pitot static tube to the AHRS.>>

Yes, that Nylaflow is so much more expensive than coax, GPS antennas and an air data computer.  Sorry for the sarcasm but you have to know that is a crock.  GPS is cheaper for the manufacturer, not the customer. 

<<The AHRS500 can accept optional air data input to further improve the accuracy of the product, and is an FAA certified platform.  Similar to the NAV425EX, the AHRS500 can provide accurate data without air data aiding for periods of time due to its reliance upon patented algorithms and magnetometer input. >>>

It almost sounds like you are saying the 500 could pass the FAA test requirements without the Air Data aiding, but we know better.

Mr. Regan’s suggestion that the fixes have not been detailed and explained is inaccurate. 

If you inferred this, it was not my intent. Not being involved with the 425 development, in any way, at all,  put me in a position of not being aware of the document you reference. I was just filter feeding on the crumbs that drifted down.

<><<Crossbow has publicly detailed the fixes and procedures established to correct the bugs initially found in the NAV425EX on our website in February and March of 2006.  http://www.xbow.com/Support/Support_pdf_files/Service_Letter_NAV425-06-02.pdf 

Crossbow will happily assist our customers in resolving installation issues and we encourage any of our customers that are having performance problems to contact us directly for further assistance.>>

Good news for your customers! Wait, I have a 500 in my Lancair IV. You better be nice to me too.

Truce. I am so freakin worn out by this D2 mess I'm starting to mumblelelelsodosdohasvoha..............

Regards
Brent Regan
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