REFLECTOR: Using the starter supply(+) wire as a charge wire

[Terry Miles]

Hi all, 

 

I thought the sanding would never end, now I can't seem to get out of the
electrical design stage and actually start wiring this thing.  Here is a
topic I want to run by the group to see if anyone has any experience with
this.  

 

I have a Grand Rapids EFIS and engine monitor system.  The EFIS gives
digital voltage readout of the V that it is sensing in its own input power
line.  Additionally there are 3 available power inputs so I will have a 2nd
and even a 3rd Voltage taps elsewhere (like a hot batt bus) if I want it at
the expense of using up my user defined auxiliary inputs.  I mention this
because if I go this route,  I will not install an ammeter.  I can't easily
wire in an ammeter now if I have my #2 starter supply wire as a charging
wire too.      

 

I talked w/ Skytec starters today.  On their web site they talk about an
alternative wiring scheme that eliminates the normal firewall starter
contactor which is required on certified span cans.  I can wire my starter
button directly to the coil/contactor that is bolted to the Skytec starter
instead doing the conventional route of contactor in the nose that then
ports juice to the Skytec contactor and its starter motor.

 

Other facts:  The control to alternator output is a manual on/off switch on
the overhead.  I will wire in a 60a current limiter between the B-lead and
the starter lug as described below.  

 

I will wire the B lead of the alternator over to the now dead Skytec input
lug and use it like a terminal to the #2 starter (+) wire in the utility
duct and will now carry juice back to master relay and from there to normal
bus distribution.  .  

 

This is not a new idea.  Nuckols mentions it in chapter 7 is his book on how
to home builts.  The Skytec tech support guy saw nothing wrong with it, as
long as I made sure to cut the jumper wire that now exists between that
input lug and a (+) jumper to their contactor coil.  

 

Am I missing anything?  Is anybody running this way?  

 

Thanks,

Terry 

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