I sympathize with Bruce (EBB). Having an SLSA configured exactly like his (even the same color and delivered the same month 3 serial #s apart) I had the same problem as he did with auto-trim.
We both have the Knobs panel and the A/P Panel installed. When SV 12.0 came out it provided auto-trim (if you have the A/P panel). I thought the software itself would 'enable' the auto-trim. Checking SkyView it said it was 'enabled' but not installed which seemed contrary.
After a few phone calls to Vans and Dynon, and discovering that Dynon updates the User and Installation manuals with each firmware update (well SLSA buyers weren't told!), it became obvious that the pitch servos had to be calibrated in order to 'enable' the auto-trim feature and so the 'enabled but not installed' indication was misleading at best. At least now calibrating the auto trim made sense, but still had to call again and find out whether an SLSA owner could do this or did a mechanic have to do it? I did it under the watch of my mechanic anyway.
I finally got Vans to detail the calibration procedure and they added it to the ReadMe file that accompanied their version of the Dynon firmware update.
The calibration is simple and straightforward (once you KNOW) and I got my auto-trim to work.
There is definitely a disconnect between Vans and the SLSA buyers versus the builders. Buyers haven't gone through the lengthy building process and thus seen every aspect of their airplane under construction and calibration. Yes, it IS possible to 'learn' by going back and reading through the Installation manual. The issue for me, as a new SLSA buyer, was I didn't know there WAS an Installation manual at first and then when I did, believed it probably applied to builders not SLSA buyers.
However, as an SLSA buyer you're not sure if you 'need to know' other than out of interest. By this I mean, if you bought a car from a dealership (and didn't make it yourself) you would assume that everything works, everything is programmed and set up, and all the options are up and running. You don't expect to have to call the car dealer and have them say "oh, you need to set up Sirius radio, the navigation etc and if you like I'll mail you the lengthy manual that has the info in there if you look for it". Just saying. If I'd KNOWN I'd have made provisions to deal with this and I suspect Bruce would have too, so please don't be harsh with us!!
Similarly, with Dynon, their assumption is, and so they talk to you as if, you built the plane yourself. It's not their first thought that you bought an RV-12 as an SLSA and so initial conversations invariably have the tech guy say that he's confused. Then you say, it's an SLSA, and they say?.ooh, I get it..and then we start to make progress.
The result is that, in my experience with an SLSA, is that there is usually 'that one thing' that if told would make perfect sense and be of great help. If not it's a cause of some frustration and consternation, right Bruce?
I acknowledge, it IS a learning process, and now forewarned, and forearmed, moving along with an SLSA, as opposed to an ELSA, I'm aware that there is a 'builder culture' versus and 'owner culture' with some subtle things to be aware of.
Now that I am aware of this, things are easier.
Just saying guys! I've learned a lot and LOVE the RV-12 SLSA and think that VAF is the BEST owner site!
