MGL autopilot servos

MGL's own servo development is now in final prototype stage. The MGL servo does not replace the current support for the Trio Avionics Gold standard servo which will remain the mainstream choice but complements application to higher specification areas that require a choice of bellcrank, capstan or linear drives. The MGL servo is fast, not restricted to any particular angles (i.e supports multiple turns if required) and powerful. It has contact free (zero wear), highly accurate and repeatable position feedback to less than 0.2 degrees and is able to measure force for real time trim feedback. Output shaft is supported by two ball bearings for high axial loads.

The stepper motor based servo is mounting compatible to Dynon/Trutrak format but has a thicker main body to allow for oversized gears and fully integrated electronics.

The MGL servo supports MGL's open servo control protocol either via CAN bus or RS232 and will be freely available to third party users.

Final pricing is not yet known but is expected to be less than $1000 per unit. MGL expects release of first units in 2nd quarter 2010.

Rainier
CEO MGL Avionics

Sounds great! Does it have fail-safe mechanical disconnect of the motor? Is there a slip clutch? Can you post any specs such as response time, max torque, etc? Thanks,

Alex

Alex said:

Sounds great! Does it have fail-safe mechanical disconnect of the motor? Is there a slip clutch? Can you post any specs such as response time, max torque, etc? Thanks,

Alex

Click to expand...

It is stepper motor based so there is no need for a clutch. The stepper motor turns freely if it is not energized and there is a single stage reduction gear. In a way the motor can be viewed as a contactless magnetic clutch. The less there is - the less can go wrong.
Final figures will be published when we release the unit. Torque is electronically adjustable and ranges to nearly 5Nm for the standard version and rougly 7-8Nm for a higher powered version (larger stepper motor, all else the same). The unit can also be used on 24/28V bus systems.

Rainier
CEO MGL Avionics