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11-11-2007, 06:36 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Abilene, TX
Posts: 725
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DC Power Supply
I have a DC power supply and was wondering if it would be suitable for testing avionics & instruments rather than using a 12v battery. Here?s the info that is on the power supply:
Trippe Mfg. Co. Model PR-4.5
Trippe Lite Powerverter
Precision Regulated DC Power Supply
Output 13.8VDC 4.5amp
Fully Regulated
Low Ripple
Electronic Overload Protection, Automatic reset
It has positive & negative screw posts.
I checked the voltage with a VOM and it reads as specified.
Thanks for any feedback on this.
__________________
Sam Evans
RV7-A O-360 C/S
VAF#812
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11-11-2007, 06:46 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Pagosa Springs, CO
Posts: 130
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Perfect!
The key is to not use an old fashioned battery charger without a battery.
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11-11-2007, 08:01 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Merritt Island, FL
Posts: 602
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It sounds like it will be ok. It may not support testing a landing light, but it ought to power up a few instruments.
__________________
Jeff Rosson
Repeat Offender
RV14 - Working on Empennage/Tail Cone
RV9A - Completed! First flight on July 18, 2012!
Based at Merritt Island, FL (KCOI)
VAF Number: 1170
----
Star Trek Quote: "Logically, it could work. Also, logically, there are a hundred variables, any one of which could put us in a worse position than we're in now." Mr. Spock in Return to Tomorrow
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11-11-2007, 08:27 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
Posts: 5,686
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I wouldn't do it..
Unless it a high dollar supply I'd run it with a battery hooked up to it to smooth the output. Many of the cheaper supplies will not be able to smooth the output adequitly with any kind of load, and the higher the load the worse it gets. When I was doing this I went and bought a cheap mower battery from walmart to use for testing.
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Walt Aronow, DFW, TX (52F)
EXP Aircraft Services LLC
Specializing in RV Condition Inspections, Maintenance, Avionics Upgrades
Dynamic Prop Balancing, Pitot-Static Altmeter/Transponder Certification
FAA Certified Repair Station, AP/IA/FCC GROL, EAA Technical Counselor
Authorized Garmin G3X Dealer/Installer
RV7A built 2004, 1700+ hrs, New Titan IO-370, Bendix Mags
Website: ExpAircraft.com, Email: walt@expaircraft.com, Cell: 972-746-5154
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11-11-2007, 11:15 AM
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VAF Moderator / Line Boy
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Dayton, NV
Posts: 12,256
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Since I was building an "all-electric" airplane, I did a lot of power-up testing. I used a supply similar to what you described when all I had was a sinlge EFIS or radio powered - the first time I hit the flap switch or powered on the strobes, I blew the fuse and undervolted the system. I traded up to a 55 Amp Pyramid supply and was a much happier camper. I think if all I had was a 4.5 Amp unit, I'd use a battery instead.
__________________
Paul F. Dye
Editor at Large - KITPLANES Magazine
RV-8 - N188PD - "Valkyrie"
RV-6 (By Marriage) - N164MS - "Mikey"
RV-3B - N13PL - "Tsamsiyu"
A&P, EAA Tech Counselor/Flight Advisor
Dayton Valley Airpark (A34)
http://Ironflight.com
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11-11-2007, 01:58 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posts: 97
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Also, some of the really cheap supplies have poor regulation at low load conditions, so you might overvoltage when not drawing a load.
Trippe Lite is usually a decent brand. Don't draw more than rated current and you'll be ok.
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-Jeff B.-
Albuquerque, NM
RV-7A (Preview Plans Stage), VAF# 1149
Assisting/designing panel for flying RV-6A
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11-11-2007, 06:18 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Abilene, TX
Posts: 725
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I'll stick with the battery method
Thanks for the input guys. I think I'll just get me a cheap Walmart battery as suggested. I don't want to risk goofing-up some expensive piece of electronics.
__________________
Sam Evans
RV7-A O-360 C/S
VAF#812
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11-11-2007, 06:56 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Dallas, TX (ADS)
Posts: 2,180
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If the output of the electronics (and other stuff) is less than the rated output, then go ahead. If it's more, yes, use a battery in parallel - plain old deep cycle RV battery from your favorite big-box store will work fine - about $50.
TODR
__________________
Doug "The Other Doug Reeves" Reeves
CTSW N621CT - SOLD but not forgotten
Home Bases LBX, BZN
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11-11-2007, 07:10 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 293
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I Googled that model number but couldn't find it. I'd try it on something disposable first, like an old car radio or CB. If they don't blow up, I'd go for it. A cheap battery will work too, just be sure to put a fuse in the line. A car battery will source a tremendous amount of current in the event of a short circuit. Enough to cause a bad burn at best, or a big fire at worst.
Hope this helps.
__________________
Tom Costanza
RV-7A Fuse
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