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OK, I was thinking of a two battery setup like the Z-14.
Having to add a couple of ANLs would kinda defeat the purpose of an "all in one" box (I thought the box was supposed to provide the protection). Perhaps there is some logic that only allows one alternator to run at a time, allowing the use of internal overload protection. It wouldn't help you if there was a catastrophic short in either alternator or B-lead though. And, you would be throwing away capacity in a dual battery system. I guess I'll just have to wait for some documentation. |
No ANL's will be needed. Logic in the box eliminates the need.
I will post more details and specs as soon as I can...my wife and I are just about to head out on a cruise but I wanted to get pics and some initial info out here before we left. I will answer all questions, I promise!! |
I love cool new stuff, but ...
Ok, if this gives me something magic, I might see dropping the significant cash they are talking. I just haven't seen anything $1000 worth of wow (delta between what are talking and the cost of doing it the old way). Seriously, how is this going to make my life all rainbows and unicorns?
Anther issue. The battery connector is on the engine side of the firewall. My battery will be in the back. So I have to go through the firewall with the battery lead anyway. The main bus lug on the back doesn't really save me much by itself. If there was an alternate battery lug on the back, it would at least make that simpler. Or am I just misreading the intentions? I love that you guys are looking to dragging aviation forward, just help me justify the dramatic difference in cost. Thanks, John |
I am younger then the average home builder and love the technology advancements. I have a microcomputer onboard that converts my Android tablet's bluetooth signals to speak to the VPX. I can turn on any device (or combos) any way that suits me. My next step in my tablet program is to create a check list program like the old vp-200 had by grabbin data from EFIS and turning on vpx devices automatically.
We are building/flying 2015 planes, not the Wright brothers. If you feel more comfortable with switches and relays, then this isn't for you. Myself, am very comfortable with technology and applaud companies coming out with advancements. My only issue is the battery lugs as well, my battery will sit inside firewall. Plug on back would help. |
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Recall that when this product development project was announced (with a request for feedback), a lot of us asked for a good solid state contactor instead...a high-tech replacement for mechanical master and starter contactors. With them a builder could configure wiring and component locations any way desired, as well as replace mechanical contactors in existing aircraft. Now that Ballard owns the product, maybe we'll see that. An STC'd solid state contactor could be a big seller. Modular component consolidation is a growing trend in the auto industry. It's not driven by consumer advantage, but rather the ability to outsource, ditch employees and overhead, and make a larger chunk of the end product subject to bid competition. Yep, some of it it is more reliable...but when a modular component needs replaced, the consumers scream at the checkbook hit. Oh, by the way...old does not equal luddite. |
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I will be using power MOSFETs in place of relays for several high-current switching tasks. The replacement parts are cheap, small and light -- I can carry a full set of spares that will cost me $10 and about an ounce, and replacing one will take two minutes with a flat blade screwdriver. I feel that's an acceptable level of hassle when (not if) something fails when we're away from home and need to depart on Sunday morning. Having the plane grounded for a few days while I try to get a replacement for a failed "black box" bought from a vendor... I find that to be unacceptable. You have to assume that everything will eventually fail, and at the worst possible time, and have some way to deal with it. EFIS fails? Well, that sucks! I'll have enough backup instruments to get me home. Alternator fails? No problem, if it's a commonly available alternator. Relays (of any flavor) fail? No problem, they're either common automotive relays or I carry spares. |
You guys at Vertical Power seem to know what you are doing. Would you consider making a replacement voltage regulator for the Rotax (RV-12)? One that works, lasts, and is heat tolerant?
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I really love the VP-X. Cost is in the same ballpark as all the items it replaces, it's probably more reliable and it makes the wiring job much easier.
While very cool, the PPS manages only one of these benefits. So I imagine the market will be considerably smaller than that for the VP-X. |
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