B and C Regulator now replacing the Ducati?

mwtucker · #1 05-21-2022, 06:19 PM

I see in several posts that the standard voltage regulator being supplied for the 912ULS is the B and C? Is this correct? Any data yet as to the reliability?

Thanks!
Mike

pstraub · #2 06-17-2022, 05:18 AM

Hi Mike, I don't have any data for you but I was hoping there would be a few responses to your question. I have a new B&C sitting in the hangar that I bought from B&C at Oshkosh last year. I am still on my original Ducati (240 hrs), mounted under the avionics on passenger side. I don't want to use the Van's install method because I have no plans of cutting my cowling for the vent. I would also love to hear some feedback from B&C owners so giving this thread a bump.

DaleB · #3 06-17-2022, 06:57 AM

Our B&C has been working fine since I installed it last summer. Still way too soon to pass judgment on whether it's going to be good long term. For what these things cost, they should last a very long time, and so far... not so much. Hopefully the B&C will do better.

mdoyle · #4 06-17-2022, 07:39 AM

I installed the new B+C regulator using Van’s installation kit. I did cut my cowling, add the scoop and mount the regulator on the firewall. I did notice a lot more electrical noise, so I installed the B+ C recommended filter capacitor and that solved the problem. You can purchase a wiring kit and capacitor from B+C.
My RV-12 is 2010 vintage, and was on my third Ducati regulator. I hope this regulator is more dependable.

mwtucker · #5 06-18-2022, 01:20 PM

Thanks for this information... I'm still on the fence about installing the regulator on the cockpit side of the firewall--clearly cooler there but don't want any smoke in the cockpit should it overheat/melt... Also not decided on the B&C versus Ducati... I am still maybe a year away from having to make that decision.

Mike

bobg56 · #6 06-19-2022, 11:40 AM

Is there a way to wire in a warning light for a Ducati VR? I thought there was a way but can't remember where I read it...

Mitch757 · #7 06-19-2022, 11:46 AM

I had a slight whine with the new B&C regulator. The schematic shows a 16 gauge ground wire from the regulator to the ground post of the battery. After adding the ground wire, no more whine.

Mitch

mwtucker · #8 06-19-2022, 04:11 PM

Hi Bobg56,

Attached is the wiring diagram from the Rotax 912 (carbureted versions) installation manual (section 24). There is provision for adding a warning indicator. To use this feature, a 12-volt indicator (bulb or LED) would be connected between the "L" terminal of the regulator and the "C" (+12V) terminal. If using an LED, the anode must be connected to the "C" terminal and the cathode connected to the "L" terminal (possibly through an external dropping resistor, see caveat below). When an error condition occurs, the regulator connects the "L" terminal to ground, causing current to flow from the "C" terminal through the indicator to ground. NOTE: There is a current limit in the indicator circuit. The manual says a 12V/3W indicator can be connected. That would mean that 250mA would flow if a 12V, 3W indicator was connected. If you use an LED make sure the LED is 12-volts (has a built-in current limiting resistor) or you will need to add a resistor to limit the current to 250mA max.

bobg56 · #9 06-21-2022, 07:24 AM

Thanks for the info!

DaveWelch · #10 06-21-2022, 09:14 PM

Mike, I just had my Ducati fail at 115 hours. I had noticed some odd behaviors for an hour or two prior but they seemed to clear up. This weekend the thing failed completely luckily we were almost back to home airport after a trip. We wouldn’t have made it back if it quit halfway there. I know there are some who have many many hours on their Ducati, but there are too many failures at too few hours to trust one if you’re planning to fly any distance. If you have a B&C put it in.