REFLECTOR: Bus, Battery & Back Order

[Keith Hallsten]

Terry,

That low-voltage warning light is the key item of electrical system
instrumentation.  I have decided against an ammeter - I don't think it tells
me anything I need to know in flight.  I'm using a little SD-8 backup
alternator on the vacuum pump pad, so my "main alternator out" drill will be
to turn on the SD-8 and shed load until the low volts light goes out.  At
that point I know that I'm not draining the battery, so it will be available
for the approach and landing phase.  A voltmeter and ammeter may be of some
use in troubleshooting on the ground, but I have no intention of
troubleshooting in flight.

We have plenty of panel real estate in the XL, so I don't see any problem
with 3.125" backup gauges.  My panel layout shows a lot of blank panel!

Keith



-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On
Behalf Of Terrence Miles
Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2005 8:16 PM
To: reflector at tvbf.org
Subject: RE: REFLECTOR: Bus, Battery & Back Order

Keith,
Thanks.  I should have mentioned that I also plan a big--very bright low 
voltage warning and guage.  That is the best argument for splitting off the 
aux batt in flight and running only the the main batt---I mean the situation

when the alternator goes inop, you don't notice, now the batt drains off and

your first indication is a dark silent cockpit.  Also planned is an ammeter 
so I can watch the download and know what I have.

Also on the GRT.  I have found to drop the EIS altitude and airspeed is 
looking like big dials 3.12 inch versus 2.25 inch versus none at all if I 
stay w/ the EIS.  My choice for Big dials due little are cheaper.  Little 
altitude mean a single needle, little IAS means 180 kts max.  To get over 
about 220 kts you to buy tso'd stuff.  I am looking at $275 ias and 155 alt.

Check out Stein air on autopilots.  TruTrak is announcing soon a retangular 
shapped autopilot.

see ya
Terry