Which is the best coupler for me?


Smart Coupler II	Smart Coupler II LE
(click on image for a closer look)
Which Is the Best Coupler for Me?

Feature table:

Features	Original Smart Coupler	Smart Coupler II	Smart Coupler II LE
Course mode	Yes	Yes	Yes
Heading mode	--	Yes	Yes
Intercept mode	--	Yes	--
Panel space required	Minimal*	Larger*	Minimal*
Ease of installation	-- Pre-wired harness --
Weight	-- 3.5 ounces --
Case	-- Fire-resistant ABS plastic (UL94-V0) --

* For details, see How are the couplers installed?

All couplers include a pre-wired harness and a complete user/installation manual. Installation consists of mounting the components into your aircraft and connecting 5 to 7 wires. If your autopilot is already wired to your VOR or LORAN, you may have to install an autopilot source-select switch. This switch is not included in the Smart Coupler.

If your autopilot has a heading bug, you don't need the heading feature in the Smart Coupler II, as it is built into your autopilot. Simply choose the Original Smart Coupler. This has the advantage of easy installation, as the only panel-mounted objects are the GPS OK indicator and the connector where you plug in your hand-held GPS receiver.

If your autopilot doesn't use a heading bug, you should choose one of the Smart Coupler II models so that you can hold heading as well as follow a GPS course. Your first choice is the Smart Coupler II as it is self-contained and has heading, course and intercept modes. If the Smart Coupler II is too big for your panel, choose the LE model. You will give up intercept mode for a much smaller control panel.

Which Is the Best Coupler for Me?