I have a 400B in my C310R.  It is a great autopilot.  Shoots coupled approaches nicely, ties into my GNS 430 with no problem, and it generally is not hard to get repaired. I put about 700 hours a year on my aircraft and in the last six years I have only had it worked on twice.  Both times were for less than $1000.  Compare that to a Bendix FCS 810 that is my other 310 that I just spent $4600 on at Autopilot Central.  I think you will find that most places that work on autopilots, know how to fix the ARC 400.  I hear parts are starting to get a little harder to come by.

Great article I think that its a good a/p but its just to old of technology. The search continues

I own a Cessna 206 and I want to buy an autopilot for it.
I need your advice in which brands, types are the best for this plane.
Searching I found the Garmin System 55 X and the KAP 140 from Bendix System. ar
But I really apreciatte your advice in wich are the ideal. If you can send me information of models, also where can I find them
Waiting for your soonest reply.
Thanks.

[i]I have read the information that I can find on the 400 A/P however, I find very little on line. I tried the link but could not access the "article" referred to. I am sure there are a lot of 400's out there, do the convert or easily replaced if significant repairs are needed?

Easily, in that they can be ripped out and replaced with new.  Easy... yes.  Cheap... No.


Do they couple with GPS systems?

Yes... two ways.  Most GPS units can act as an analog nav source - which works fine for tracking a single leg.  Alternately you can buy a GPS Steering adapter that will convert a digital signal from a modern WAAS GPS (like Garming 430W) to an analog heading bug signal. This will allow the old A/P to follow any pre-programmed flight path, procedure turns, holds and all.

Hello,"
   I have a 1960 C-210 and have a 400 "Navomatic" system I inherited in a box.   There are two control heads, one says 400-A.   Where might I find info. on this system as I'm considering rebuilding it for my airplane?
   Any info would help.
                      Thanks, 
                             Chuck,
                                   972 207 0985

Have a 76 cessna T210 with a 400 a autopilot. Works great except lately from time to time it will suddenly bank over to the right without any input command. It does it even if I just pull out the detent knob to command a left or right turn and leave it in this mode not tracking the heading bug or the GPS. Extremely unnerving in IMC condition. Have spoken to avionics shop and they said probably impossible to find until it goes completely.
any suggestions?

does anyone know where the acceleration sensor for a 400B autopilot is mounted in a Cessne Caravan?

always trim your aircraft for wings level with the a/p roll trim knob with turn knob pulled out and in detent ,THEN push it in for heading hold

i HAVE A 400B IFCS AND THE YAW DAMPER WILL NOT ENGAGE WHEN SWITCHED ON. THE PROBLEM STARTED GRADUALLY TAKING A FEW SECONDS BEFORE THE YAW DAMPER WOULD ENGAGE. i TALKED TO A COUPLE OF AVIONICS GUYS BUT I COULD TELL THEY HAD NO CLUE AND A LARGE BILL FOR DIANOSTICS WOULD FOLLOW. i LIVE IN FLORIDA ANY CLUES?