14-19-2 Alternator Conversion

leadsledfan

leadsledfan

New member
I have searched the forum and seen conflicting advice.
My new Cruisemaster has the original generator on the 0-470k. It has been updated with a skytec starter, and a host of other weight saving measures, and I believe the alternator is next.
Here is the other problem, while taxiing at low power, the generator is not putting out enough power to keep my avionics happy. The panel is fairly full, with a 430W, PMA 6000, Secondary com, transponder, EDM 700 engine monitor, and PMA 450 fuel flow, along with an electric turn and bank.
Even with the NAV lights, beacon, and turn and bank off, the fuel flow will reset due to low power when taxiing, and it takes a significant amount of time for the 430W to warm up.

I am thinking that an alternator is a good solution.
Thoughts?
Advice?
-Adam
 
Plane Power (now owned by Hartzell) has a great small alternator; comes with an installation kit. I have one on my Citabria. Works great and not expensive.
 
First of all, I don't think your battery is up to par. I've gotten away from the traditional lead acid battery
and had good luck with the Concorde series.
The Plane Power alternator conversion is a good option.
Dan
 
Alternators put out more amps at low rpm than generators so adding it makes sense.
You may want to load test the battery. A good battery should be able to keep things running while you taxi. A week one could leave you with brown outs.
I had some corrosion on several of the battery connections that caused all sorts of bad behaviors until we found them all. The connections at the ends of the long aluminum main buss bar were a particular problem.
 
Thanks!
I agree about the battery. I'll look into a replacement. One problem I see is that a new battery will most likely be lighter than the one i have, which given its position will have a dramatic effect on CG. Thoughts?

The plans power conversion is roughly 1000 bucks all said and done. Seems worth it to me for 70 amps.also should save me 7-9 pounds up front.
-Adam
 
My -2 has the 35 amp generator along with a Zeftronics generator controller. I also have the Concord sealed 35 amp XC battery. Never had an electrical issue. I also made sure during the rebuild no aluminum wiring in plane. The generator comes online at 750 rpm and the battery does the rest. Lynn the crate
 
The solution to the lighter battery is lead sheet (no, seriously, it's explicitly called out in some of the -3 docs because of all the weight up front). Although if you've taken enough weight off the nose, it's probably worth doing some W&B calculations before you resort to lead sheet.

I upgraded the -3's generator to the plane power alternator because I got sick of the JPI engine monitor squawking every time the generator kicked off. The voltage alarm is set high enough (at the factory, not changeable, because mine's a primary instrument) that even a fully charged battery would not keep it from going off. Which, I suppose, is the point of the alarm. I haven't regretted it, although installation was a bit of a pain in the butt. I ended up having to pull the engine off the mount (but not far enough to have to unhook anything serious) to get one of the bolts in. Not sure if the clearance is any better on the back of the -2. Don't forget to look at the wire sizes from the B+ lead on the alternator before assuming you're good at 70 A; that was all sized for 35 A max current and may be too small for the extra output.
 
Thanks for the info.
I am guessing that since I save about 8 pounds with the skytec starter, and another 7-8 with an alternator that it will more than compensate for the weight saved with a lighter battery.
I am going to get with my IA and order an alternator conversion soon.
In the meantime, I am converting all of my lights to LED's so that should help with current draw.
-Adam
 
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