D10A has developed a 'sideslip'

[Jim_Harris]

My D10A has worked fine for 2 years as an attitude indicator. When I flew yesterday, the instrument indicates slip ball way off to the right and horizon about 15 deg from horizontal when I'm flying in good viz, straight and level (confirmed by two mechanical slip indicators). Nothing has changed on the panel - nobody else flies the aircraft. Previous flight it was certainly OK - I had some poor viz to contend with and was very glad of its help.
Any clues as to what could be causing this, and what I need to do to get it right again?
Jim Harris

 

[dynonsupport]

Hi Jim, did you do any loads of product firmware between when it worked and when it didn't? The only way this is fixable in the field is if there was a problem in the upload that corrupted the calibration table. If that were the case, we could email you the original calibration table for your EFIS.

If there were no botched uploads or anything else like that, it's likely a sensor issue and we'd need to get your D10A back here on an RMA. If that's the case, give us a call at 425-402-0433 to get an Return Merchandise Authorization number. Once we have your unit in house, we can fix it and turn it around fairly quickly.

We apologize for the inconvenience, but we should be able to get you up and running again.

 

[TStaggs]

Oddly enough, mine has developed very similar symptoms after nearly 5 months without flying (major engine mods). When I returned to the skies, I found that I had almost full right ball and 3-degrees right wing down. I even landed and installed a yaw string to see if the plane was flying in a slip that I couldn't feel - no luck.

Could you please send me the same fix you are sending Jim?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[dynonsupport]

Hi Tom,

A software-only fix is only possible if the problem very definitively happened after a firmware upload.

Give us a call at 425-402-0433 and we can arrange to have your unit back for a look.

 

[Jim_Harris]

Following the 'sideslip' problem notified above I returned the unit to you; you repaired it, returned it to the UK speedily, and it worked fine again. Excellent service.

Alas after only 3 months of further flying the problem is back - when on the ground or flying straight and level the ball is about 2 ball diameters off-centre to the left, and the right horizon is down 10 degrees or so. You updated the software when it was being repaired; I have done nothing but install, calibrate and fly.

My plane has a Rotax 912S, noted for their roughness when starting and stopping; is it possible that the sensors are being mechanically dislodged?
If not what?
The unit was bought in UK on 14th October 2005 from Aviation Parts Supplies.
Many thanks
Jim Harris

 

[dynonsupport]

Hi Jim,

Give us a call at 425-402-0433 when you get a chance.