---------------------------------------------------------- AeroElectric-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Thu 03/25/10: 25 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 03:12 AM - Re: Electronic Circuit Breakers on your EFIS (Carlos Trigo) 2. 04:09 AM - Re: Batteries (icrashrc) 3. 04:17 AM - Metal Jacket (Tray) for PC680 (icrashrc) 4. 05:51 AM - An instrument question () 5. 06:56 AM - S-Tec 30 GPSS internal fuse (Ralph E. Capen) 6. 06:57 AM - Re: Electronic Circuit Breakers on your EFIS (marcausman) 7. 07:19 AM - Re: S-Tec 30 GPSS internal fuse (Robert L. Nuckolls, III) 8. 07:58 AM - Re: Re: Flap Motor lack of Oomph (George, Neal E Capt USAF ACC 505 TRS/DOJ) 9. 09:11 AM - Re: Flap Motor lack of Oomph (jonlaury) 10. 09:57 AM - Source for Schumacher 1562A (Charles Brame) 11. 12:06 PM - Re: S-Tec 30 GPSS internal fuse (Ralph E. Capen) 12. 12:50 PM - Re: Source for Schumacher 1562A (Robert L. Nuckolls, III) 13. 01:12 PM - Re: Source for Schumacher 1562A (thomas sargent) 14. 01:14 PM - Re: Source for Schumacher 1562A (thomas sargent) 15. 01:14 PM - Re: Source for Schumacher 1562A (Harley) 16. 02:27 PM - Re: Source for Schumacher 1562A (Neal George) 17. 02:28 PM - Re: Source for Schumacher 1562A (David E. Nelson) 18. 02:35 PM - On the subject of checking voltage..... (MLWynn@aol.com) 19. 02:35 PM - On the subject of checking voltage..... (MLWynn@aol.com) 20. 02:35 PM - Re: Source for Schumacher 1562A (RGent1224@aol.com) 21. 05:09 PM - Re: On the subject of checking voltage..... (BobsV35B@aol.com) 22. 05:23 PM - TCW product availabilty (Bob-tcw) 23. 05:51 PM - Re: On the subject of checking voltage..... (Dj Merrill) 24. 06:14 PM - Re: On the subject of checking voltage..... (Tim Andres) 25. 09:34 PM - How do I prevent starter engaged LED from failing? (rparigoris) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 03:12:38 AM PST US From: "Carlos Trigo" Subject: RE: AeroElectric-List: Electronic Circuit Breakers on your EFIS Hi Marc Let me ask a couple of questions, one about VP-X in particular, and its integration with the EFIS from GRT: why does it only work with the HX and not with the Sport? A second question, more general, about your product: which technical arguments do you have to not consider your box as a BIG single point of failure of the electrical system? Regards Carlos > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-aeroelectric-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-aeroelectric-list- > server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of marcausman > Sent: quinta-feira, 25 de Mar=E7o de 2010 0:41 > To: aeroelectric-list@matronics.com > Subject: AeroElectric-List: Electronic Circuit Breakers on your EFIS > > > > Vertical Power Announces VP-X > > The Electronic Circuit Breaker System that integrates with your EFIS. > > Vertical Power, along with its EFIS partners, is formally announcing the VP-X at > Sun n Fun next month but we wanted to give you an early preview. > > The VP-X uses proven electronic circuit breakers to simplify wiring and provide > advanced electrical system capabilities. Monitor the status of individual devices and > the entire electrical system right from your EFIS. Avionics, lights, trim, and flaps can > all be controlled using standard switches or the EFIS. > > The VP-X works with Advanced Flight Systems, Grand Rapids Technologies HX, > and MGL Voyager/Odyssey MKII EFIS products. > > For more information please see: http://www.verticalpower.com/VPX.html > > -------- > Marc Ausman > http://www.verticalpower.com "Move up to a modern electrical system" > RV-7 IO-390 Flying > > ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 04:09:50 AM PST US Subject: AeroElectric-List: Re: Batteries From: "icrashrc" I have a fair bit of experience with A123's and yes, they would work fine for starting your plane, or your car. I've used a 10oz [4 cell] pack to jump start a Rotax 912ul 4 different times this winter. All were at well below freezing temps. I have a 16 cell pack ready to install in my 912uls powered plane when it's completed this summer. LiFe battery packs are not as simple as just hooking up 2 wires. I doubt they will ever be mainstream until someone markets a complete drop in solution. [quote="jef.vervoortw(at)telenet."]In september 2007, some messages promoted the use of A123 Systems batteries. They should offer a substantial weight saving. Anybody heard of recent developments? Jef, 91031 wiring. > [b] -------- Scott www.ill-EagleAviation.com do not archive Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=291652#291652 ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 04:17:24 AM PST US Subject: AeroElectric-List: Metal Jacket (Tray) for PC680 From: "icrashrc" While everyone is thinking about batteries and mounting. I have a new Metal Jacket (Tray) for Odyssey 680 Amp battery. Aircraft Spruce shows part #11-02234 and sells it for $22.50 plus shipping. $10 plus actual shipping and it's yours. Scott icrashrc@aol.com Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=291653#291653 ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 05:51:53 AM PST US From: Subject: AeroElectric-List: An instrument question 3/24/2010 Hello Charlie, Thanks for your kind words. I applaud your desire to learn. You wrote: 1) ".......... some time down the road wish to have the aircraft IFR certified....." The FAA does not have a set process of having an aircraft IFR certified. The tests and inspections required by 14CFR 91.413 are commonly referred to as a "VFR cert". The tests and inspections required by both 91.411 and 91.413 are commonly referred to as an "IFR cert", but accomplishment and sign off of those tests and inspections do not constitute any total approval of an experimental amateur built aircraft for IFR flight. The attached table will give you an overview of what is required for IFR flight for an experimental amateur built aircraft. 2) "I must have installed instrumentation that is compliant to a TSO. Do I understand that correctly?" If we define instrumentation as a mechanical, electrical, or electronic device installed in an aircraft that gives the pilot information regarding the aircraft's internal status then the answer to your question is: No the instrumentation does not have to be TSO'd. But if you have devices installed that give information out externally to the aircraft, or obtain information from sources external to the aircraft, then the requirement for TSO'd hardware can become mandatory depending upon what the pilot is doing with the aircraft. One needs to turn to the regulations to determine which devices and which activities fall into the TSO required category. 3) "Also, if correct, is this limited to flight instruments or are engine management instruments (oil pressure, tach, etc) covered as well?" I think that the answer to 2 above responds to this question. 4) "I am in the process of putting my panel together now and really don't want to preclude IFR at some future time by putting a lot of cash into instruments that would have to be replaced should I wish to have an IFR airplane." Good thinking. If, for example, you buy a crappy altimeter that can not pass the 91.411 tests, or be adjusted or repaired to pass the tests sometime in the future, then you will either have to replace it or limit your flying to VFR. 5) "And if you don't mind, point me to the right place in the FAR maze so I may keep it for future reference." Unfortunately there is no one right place to look. I think that the little static system test exercise recently posted (now available on Bob Nuckolls' web site) showed us how interdependent the many different 14CFR provisions can be. Hopefully the attached table will give the reader a good head start on self education in this arena and this web site give us free almost instant access to those regulations: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title14/14tab_02.tpl 6) "Thanks again for your expert advice." You are welcome. I hope that your questions and the responses helped to educate others as well. I do not consider myself an expert in any area (except perhaps in trying to avoid annoying my wife and after over 50 years I don't seem to be doing so well in that arena either), but instead a willing, and sharing, student. 'OC' Says: "The best investment we can make is the effort to gather and understand knowledge." ======================================== ----- Original Message ----- From: "Charlie Smith" Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2010 7:30 PM Subject: An instrument question > OC, > > You're probably the ultimate guru of FAR's that I have contact with. May > I ask you a couple questions? > > I understand from what you have written on the subject previously that, if > I were so inclined, I am permitted to go to an auto parts store, purchase > and install junk instrumentation in my homebuilt. But, should I at some > time down the road wish to have the aircraft IFR certified, I must have > installed instrumentation that is compliant to a TSO. Do I understand > that correctly? Also, if correct, is this limited to flight instruments > or are engine management instruments (oil pressure, tach, etc) covered as > well? I am in the process of putting my panel together now and really > don't want to preclude IFR at some future time by putting a lot of cash > into instruments that would have to be replaced should I wish to have an > IFR airplane. I understand that there are a whole host of other > requirements (re. your static system recertification post) but for now I > am just concerned with the panel. > > Thanks again for your expert advice. And if you don't mind, point me to > the right place in the FAR maze so I may keep it for future reference. > > > Charlie ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 06:56:47 AM PST US From: "Ralph E. Capen" Subject: AeroElectric-List: S-Tec 30 GPSS internal fuse Anyone else out there with S-Tec 30 and GPSS? Any of you having issues with the internal fuse in the GPSS module? Mine blew once during construction and was a real pain to ship back and have S-Tec (whatever their name is now) solder in a new one. I attributed that to using a power supply (even with a battery) to run my panel during build testing. It has since blown again and I am trying to figure out a way to not have to go through this PITA another time. More importantly, what is causing this little critter to pop in the first place? The rest of the panel works fine with no other avionics issues. I have gone back to my engine monitor to look for any recorded voltage spikes....the highest I have is 14.0 which should be within the normal operating range of the system (?). I have spike catching diodes on my relays and have a process for powering up and powering down stuff like this to prevent it from happening for other reasons. Your thoughts please, Ralph Capen RV6A N822AR @ N06 55hrs ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 06:57:59 AM PST US Subject: AeroElectric-List: Re: Electronic Circuit Breakers on your EFIS From: "marcausman" We have a developer's kit and the EFIS vendor decides what systems to integrate with the VP-X. So, let them know your interest to help them prioritize their development resources. The way to plan for single-point failures it to have backups. Your EFIS may have a backup EFIS or gauges as a backup, for example. The same is true for the electrical system. The VP-X is your primary power switching system, but you can install backup circuits for critical avionics (and quite simple to wire). It's very similar to how Bob shows an e-bus which provides backup power if the battery contactor fails. Our installation manual explains it in detail here: http://www.verticalpower.com/documents.html Additionally, the VP-X has backup controls on the EFIS screen for all the electrical devices (including trim and flaps) if a mechanical switch or wire connection fails or position sensor goes haywire. Overall, you're replacing mechanical components with solid-state components and significantly reducing the number of connectors, modules, etc which we believe raises the overall reliability of the electrical system. There are numerous single points of failure in any aircraft design and with some (like the VP-X, battery contactor, EFIS) you can mitigate those risks if a failure occurs and some others (like the engine or the engine monitor) there are no backups. -------- Marc Ausman http://www.verticalpower.com "Move up to a modern electrical system" RV-7 IO-390 Flying Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=291667#291667 ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 07:19:24 AM PST US From: "Robert L. Nuckolls, III" Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: S-Tec 30 GPSS internal fuse At 08:33 AM 3/25/2010, you wrote: Anyone else out there with S-Tec 30 and GPSS? Any of you having issues with the internal fuse in the GPSS module? Mine blew once during construction and was a real pain to ship back and have S-Tec (whatever their name is now) solder in a new one. I attributed that to using a power supply (even with a battery) to run my panel during build testing. It has since blown again and I am trying to figure out a way to not have to go through this PITA another time. More importantly, what is causing this little critter to pop in the first place? The rest of the panel works fine with no other avionics issues. I have gone back to my engine monitor to look for any recorded voltage spikes....the highest I have is 14.0 which should be within the normal operating range of the system (?). I have spike catching diodes on my relays and have a process for powering up and powering down stuff like this to prevent it from happening for other reasons. It's likely that the problem has nothing to do with anything you are doing . . . or not doing. The fact that some electro-whizzy for airplanes includes and internal fuse is itself reason to query the skills/design goals of the manufacturer. I have on occasion included fusible link type performance inside a product . . . designed to prevent burning traces on an ECB should some downstream failure put a trace at risk. But real fuses (read fast acting and not particularly robust) does give pause to wonder why it's in there. If indeed the fuse is nuisance tripping because of a REAL transient event on your system, then I'm wondering if the electronics downstream of that fuse were tailored to live with transient events known to exist on the system (I.e. DO-160 style qualification). How much current does this electro-whizzy draw in normal operations? Do you know what size the fuse is? Bob . . . ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 07:58:58 AM PST US Subject: RE: AeroElectric-List: Re: Flap Motor lack of Oomph From: "George, Neal E Capt USAF ACC 505 TRS/DOJ" John - Which power supply are you using, and what does the amp meter indicate when the voltage is sagging toward the peg? neal Daniel, My bench power supply has analog meters for volts and amps. When I hook it up to the flap motor/linear actuator, the voltmeter almost pegs 0 volts. John ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 09:11:34 AM PST US Subject: AeroElectric-List: Re: Flap Motor lack of Oomph From: "jonlaury" Daniel, thanks for that. I'll check out the motor/actuator with a charged battery today. Neal, the power supply brand escapes me right now, but when the volt meter pegs, the amp meter shows approx 2 amps. I'll report back with the PS brand tonight. Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=291677#291677 ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 09:57:04 AM PST US From: Charles Brame Subject: AeroElectric-List: Source for Schumacher 1562A Where are you guys finding the Shumacher 1562 battery chargers? I looked at WalMart and they carry Shumacher battery chargers, but none of them are labled 1562. Charlie Brame RV-6A N11CB San Antonio ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 12:06:43 PM PST US From: "Ralph E. Capen" Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: S-Tec 30 GPSS internal fuse Good points Bob, This is a TSO'd device - part of an autopilot whose wiring is protected by a 5 amp fuse. I'll be taking a magnifying glass out to look at the markings on the unit to determine its ratings. I agree with your questioning of the potential lack of DO160 compliance from a common sense perspective. My initial research in to these types of fuses show that there are holders that could be installed to make the fuse ultimately field-serviceable...albeit painfully field serviceable. This would allow the retention of the fuse the manufacturer deemed required for whatever their reasons. I'll post the info on the ratings that I discover. Ralph -----Original Message----- >From: "Robert L. Nuckolls, III" >Sent: Mar 25, 2010 10:18 AM >To: aeroelectric-list@matronics.com >Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: S-Tec 30 GPSS internal fuse > > >At 08:33 AM 3/25/2010, you wrote: > > >Anyone else out there with S-Tec 30 and GPSS? > >Any of you having issues with the internal fuse in the GPSS module? > >Mine blew once during construction and was a real pain to ship back >and have S-Tec (whatever their name is now) solder in a new one. I >attributed that to using a power supply (even with a battery) to run >my panel during build testing. It has since blown again and I am >trying to figure out a way to not have to go through this PITA another time. > >More importantly, what is causing this little critter to pop in the >first place? > >The rest of the panel works fine with no other avionics issues. I >have gone back to my engine monitor to look for any recorded voltage >spikes....the highest I have is 14.0 which should be within the >normal operating range of the system (?). I have spike catching >diodes on my relays and have a process for powering up and powering >down stuff like this to prevent it from happening for other reasons. > > It's likely that the problem has nothing > to do with anything you are doing . . . or > not doing. The fact that some electro-whizzy > for airplanes includes and internal fuse is > itself reason to query the skills/design > goals of the manufacturer. I have on occasion > included fusible link type performance inside > a product . . . designed to prevent burning traces > on an ECB should some downstream failure put a > trace at risk. But real fuses (read fast acting > and not particularly robust) does give pause to > wonder why it's in there. > > If indeed the fuse is nuisance tripping because > of a REAL transient event on your system, then > I'm wondering if the electronics downstream of > that fuse were tailored to live with transient > events known to exist on the system (I.e. DO-160 > style qualification). > > How much current does this electro-whizzy draw > in normal operations? Do you know what size the > fuse is? > > Bob . . . > > ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 12:50:03 PM PST US From: "Robert L. Nuckolls, III" Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Source for Schumacher 1562A At 10:36 AM 3/25/2010, you wrote: > >Where are you guys finding the Shumacher 1562 battery chargers? I >looked at WalMart and they carry Shumacher battery chargers, but none >of them are labled 1562. I don't ALWAYS see them on the shelf at my various visits to Walmart but they're available more often than not. Bob . . . ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 01:12:42 PM PST US Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Source for Schumacher 1562A From: thomas sargent Amazon.com shows one for $17 and change. On Thu, Mar 25, 2010 at 8:36 AM, Charles Brame wrote: > > Where are you guys finding the Shumacher 1562 battery chargers? I looked > at WalMart and they carry Shumacher battery chargers, but none of them are > labled 1562. > > Charlie Brame > RV-6A N11CB > San Antonio > > -- Tom Sargent ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 01:14:00 PM PST US Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Source for Schumacher 1562A From: thomas sargent Amazon.com shows one for $17 and change. On Thu, Mar 25, 2010 at 8:36 AM, Charles Brame wrote: > > Where are you guys finding the Shumacher 1562 battery chargers? I looked > at WalMart and they carry Shumacher battery chargers, but none of them are > labled 1562. > > Charlie Brame > RV-6A N11CB > San Antonio > > -- Tom Sargent ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 01:14:41 PM PST US From: Harley Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Source for Schumacher 1562A > At 10:36 AM 3/25/2010, you wrote: >> >> >> Where are you guys finding the Shumacher 1562 battery chargers? I >> looked at WalMart and they carry Shumacher battery chargers, but none >> of them are labled 1562. Here it is on WalMart's website...and if they don't have it in your store, order it on the website and they deliver to your local store for free... www.walmart.com/ip/Schumacher-SpeedCharge-Battery-Maintainer-and-Charger/13005742 Harley... ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 02:27:38 PM PST US From: "Neal George" Subject: RE: AeroElectric-List: Source for Schumacher 1562A Charlie - My local Wal-Mart stocks them, but they're all the new style... neal -----Original Message----- Where are you guys finding the Shumacher 1562 battery chargers? I looked at WalMart and they carry Shumacher battery chargers, but none of them are labled 1562. Charlie Brame RV-6A N11CB San Antonio ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 02:28:44 PM PST US From: "David E. Nelson" Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Source for Schumacher 1562A Hi Charles, Just bought mine earlier this week. I had to open the box and visually inspect the unit to make sure it was a 1562A. The box itself is about 3" x 3" x 6" and was in the automotive section. Regards, /\/elson ~~ Lately my memory seems to be like a steel trap .... without any spring. ~~ On Thu, 25 Mar 2010, Charles Brame wrote: > > Where are you guys finding the Shumacher 1562 battery chargers? I looked at > WalMart and they carry Shumacher battery chargers, but none of them are > labled 1562. > > Charlie Brame > RV-6A N11CB > San Antonio > > ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 02:35:36 PM PST US From: MLWynn@aol.com Subject: AeroElectric-List: On the subject of checking voltage..... I have been following the Schumaker thread with some interest. I bought one of the units and placed my batteries on it to keep them happy prior to install in the airplane. It occurred to me that I ought to check the charging voltages. I plugged the unit it, made a harness to parallel the batteries and connected it up. It charged for about twenty minutes and then went into maintain mode. Seemed to be working exactly as advertised. I have a really cheap voltmeter from somewhere. I don't really think I can trust its reading to be all that accurate. I also have an IM-18 VTVM from Heathkit. I used to work as a repairman for them, about four decades ago. Great instrument, but when I fired it up, it was not working. Maybe a bad tube. I am not sure I could get it calibrated anymore. Anyone with any experience with that unit? If I wanted to buy a quality multi-tester, for the battery and other diagnostic uses, what would you suggest? What sort of price range do you need to spend to get a quality instrument? Regards, Michael Wynn RV 8 Finishing San Ramon, CA ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 02:35:36 PM PST US From: MLWynn@aol.com Subject: AeroElectric-List: On the subject of checking voltage..... I have been following the Schumaker thread with some interest. I bought one of the units and placed my batteries on it to keep them happy prior to install in the airplane. It occurred to me that I ought to check the charging voltages. I plugged the unit it, made a harness to parallel the batteries and connected it up. It charged for about twenty minutes and then went into maintain mode. Seemed to be working exactly as advertised. I have a really cheap voltmeter from somewhere. I don't really think I can trust its reading to be all that accurate. I also have an IM-18 VTVM from Heathkit. I used to work as a repairman for them, about four decades ago. Great instrument, but when I fired it up, it was not working. Maybe a bad tube. I am not sure I could get it calibrated anymore. Anyone with any experience with that unit? If I wanted to buy a quality multi-tester, for the battery and other diagnostic uses, what would you suggest? What sort of price range do you need to spend to get a quality instrument? Regards, Michael Wynn RV 8 Finishing San Ramon, CA ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 02:35:36 PM PST US From: RGent1224@aol.com Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Source for Schumacher 1562A Is this what you're looking for?? _http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=13005742&findingMethod =rr_ (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=13005742&findingMethod=rr) Dick In a message dated 3/25/2010 2:51:04 P.M. Central Daylight Time, nuckolls.bob@aeroelectric.com writes: --> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "Robert L. Nuckolls, III" At 10:36 AM 3/25/2010, you wrote: > >Where are you guys finding the Shumacher 1562 battery chargers? I >looked at WalMart and they carry Shumacher battery chargers, but none >of them are labled 1562. I don't ALWAYS see them on the shelf at my various visits to Walmart but they're available more often than not. Bob . . . ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 05:09:32 PM PST US From: BobsV35B@aol.com Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: On the subject of checking voltage..... Good Evening Michael Buy a Fluke meter. Something around sixty to seventy bucks should be a very good one, but I haven't purchased one in at least five years. Hopefully, someone else will have more recent information, but Fluke is the leader. If you are into nostalgia, Get a Simpson 260! Happy Skies, Old Bob AKA Bob Siegfried Downers Grove, IL Stearman N3977A LL22 In a message dated 3/25/2010 4:37:12 P.M. Central Daylight Time, MLWynn@aol.com writes: I have been following the Schumaker thread with some interest. I bought one of the units and placed my batteries on it to keep them happy prior to install in the airplane. It occurred to me that I ought to check the charging voltages. I plugged the unit it, made a harness to parallel the batteries and connected it up. It charged for about twenty minutes and then went into maintain mode. Seemed to be working exactly as advertised. I have a really cheap voltmeter from somewhere. I don't really think I can trust its reading to be all that accurate. I also have an IM-18 VTVM from Heathkit. I used to work as a repairman for them, about four decades ago. Great instrument, but when I fired it up, it was not working. Maybe a bad tube. I am not sure I could get it calibrated anymore. Anyone with any experience with that unit? If I wanted to buy a quality multi-tester, for the battery and other diagnostic uses, what would you suggest? What sort of price range do you need to spend to get a quality instrument? Regards, Michael Wynn RV 8 Finishing San Ramon, CA (http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List) (http://www.matronics.com/contribution) ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 05:23:56 PM PST US From: "Bob-tcw" Subject: AeroElectric-List: TCW product availabilty Fellow builders, Our new product, Integrated Back-up Battery System (IBBS) is now available and in stock. This new product provides back-up power for critical electronics in one simple and easy to install package. IBBS combines a Ni-mh battery pack, charging and switching circuitry in one convenient package for easy installation that weighs 1/2 of lead acid battery solutions. IBBS has been designed to provide back-up power to EFIS, Engine monitors, GPS and Auto-pilot systems. For those going to Sun-n-Fun we will have a working demo of IBBS as well as all of the other TCW products for you to see first hand. All the details are available at: www.tcwtech.com Thanks, Bob Newman RV-10 40176 TCW Technologies, LLC. ________________________________ Message 23 ____________________________________ Time: 05:51:02 PM PST US Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: On the subject of checking voltage..... From: Dj Merrill On 3/25/2010 4:14 PM, MLWynn@aol.com wrote: > If I wanted to buy a quality multi-tester, for the battery and other > diagnostic uses, what would you suggest? What sort of price range do > you need to spend to get a quality instrument? For basic battery tests and other simple diagnostics, about $3. These work fine for pretty much any type of diagnostic test we would need to do on our aircraft. I have about 4 of these kicking around in various places, and they are as accurate as the more expensive one I bought some 20 years ago. -Dj -- Dj Merrill - N1JOV Glastar Sportsman 2+2 Builder #7118 N421DJ - http://deej.net/sportsman/ Grumman Yankee Driver N9870L - http://deej.net/yankee/ ________________________________ Message 24 ____________________________________ Time: 06:14:29 PM PST US From: Tim Andres Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: On the subject of checking voltage..... You cant go wrong with a Fluke,- the 88 automotive model is a good bet bu t they make dozens of good quality meters.=0ATim A=0A=0A=0A=0A=0A__________ ______________________=0AFrom: "MLWynn@aol.com" =0ATo: aero electric-list@matronics.com=0ASent: Thu, March 25, 2010 1:14:38 PM=0ASubjec t: AeroElectric-List: On the subject of checking voltage.....=0A=0AI have b een following the Schumaker thread with some interest.- I bought one of t he units and placed my batteries on it to keep them happy prior to install in the airplane.=0A=0AIt occurred to me that I ought to check the charging voltages.- I plugged the unit it, made a harness to parallel the batterie s and connected it up.- It charged for about twenty minutes and then went into maintain mode.- Seemed to be working exactly as advertised.=0A=0AI have a really cheap voltmeter from somewhere.- I don't really think I can trust its reading to be all that accurate.- I also have an IM-18 VTVM fr om Heathkit.- I used to work as a repairman for them, about four decades ago.- Great instrument, but when I fired it up, it was not working.- Ma ybe a bad tube.- I am not sure I could get it calibrated anymore.- Anyo ne with any experience with that unit?=0A=0AIf I wanted to buy a quality mu lti-tester,-for the battery and other diagnostic uses, what would you sug gest?- What sort of price range do you need to spend to get a quality ins trument?=0A=0ARegards,=0A=0AMichael Wynn=0ARV 8 Finishing=0ASan Ramon, CA ======================= ________________________________ Message 25 ____________________________________ Time: 09:34:34 PM PST US Subject: AeroElectric-List: How do I prevent starter engaged LED from failing? From: "rparigoris" I think I remember reading if an LED is used instead of a bulb for starter engagement indication, that you best add a diode to prevent the LED from getting hurt when power is removed from starter motor. Where does the diode get placed, in series with the LED or in parallel? If answer is in parallel where would the dropping resistor for LED get placed, between the legs of the protection diode, or outside? What would the specs be for a diode to protect my LED (reverse voltage rating and wattage)? Could I use a Perihelion Snap-jack? Install will be on my Rotax 914 which has a 12 volt starter motor of approx. .6kW and the LED is yellow and draws ~ 30mAs. Thx. Ron Parigoris Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=291769#291769 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Matronics Email List Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post A New Message aeroelectric-list@matronics.com UN/SUBSCRIBE http://www.matronics.com/subscription List FAQ http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/AeroElectric-List.htm Web Forum Interface To Lists http://forums.matronics.com Matronics List Wiki http://wiki.matronics.com Full Archive Search Engine http://www.matronics.com/search 7-Day List Browse http://www.matronics.com/browse/aeroelectric-list Browse Digests http://www.matronics.com/digest/aeroelectric-list Browse Other Lists http://www.matronics.com/browse Live Online Chat! http://www.matronics.com/chat Archive Downloading http://www.matronics.com/archives Photo Share http://www.matronics.com/photoshare Other Email Lists http://www.matronics.com/emaillists Contributions http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.