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Electronic Ignition: Two alternators or two batteries
Looking for electrical power and backup for electronic ignition and I am asking for the pros and cons of a two battery system with one alternator or a two alternator system with one battery. Thoughts?
Dave |
Which electronic ignition?
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Based on my personal choice and safety assurance;
Two alternator, one main alternator that runs/supports the whole ship's power and one that is built-in to the EI and works a self generating EI. |
I'm planning on an SDS CPI2 ignition. My intent is to have two alternators, as well as the integrated backup battery solution offered with the CPI2. I'm leaning towards the two-alternator system because, to me, it offers fewer concerns in the case of a primary alternator failure. That is, rather than needing to worry about battery capacity, I can effectively fly indefinitely. If I have both alternators fail, then the backup battery will give me enough juice to get on the ground.
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I wonder how many of us have actually used that second alternator that we haul around 100% of the time. I have. It allowed us to continue a week long trip without a care in the world until we got home. ONCE. We're all different, and I've gone back and forth, but I think that one use, saving our vacation enjoyment, was worth it to haul around the ballast for the last 12yrs. Hmm, or was it. A personal choice that the math can't always support.
I've also failed both at the same time in a distant foreign country across a big body of water... (which we won't talk about). |
Install two P-mags and you will not have to ask because you won't need either.
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Quote:
A) Batteries are a short term reservoir of electrical power with decreasing capacity over time, capable of high loads for a short period of time, and topped up by the alternator. B) Alternators are a constant supply of electrical energy good for supplying some/all constant loads and recharging the battery (reservoir). Choosing one or the other involves considering failure modes of components and of the electrical system in general. I have 2 Pmags (they self generate electrical power) one lithium battery, one main alternator, one smaller standby alternator. That makes 4 alternators total and one battery, which is easily changed during routine maintenance. To each their own but these are my choices. Bevan |
Do those alternators work well with the battery disconnected?
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One battery, one alternator, one electronic ignition, and one engine. A man?s man.
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Thanks for all the quick replies. Leaning towards two alternators and one battery.
Dave |
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