Idea for Next "Aircraft Wiring Guide" Book

[MCA]

I'm looking for feedback from those that have read the Aircraft Wiring Guide (see link in the signature below) and wanted to get any input about:
- new topics to include
- updates to existing topics
- fixes
- useful comments in general to improve the book

Please comment below or send me a PM.

Thanks!

Marc

[Steve Crewdog]

Just ordered one. Looks good, since I'm in the middle of redoing my wiring.


Suggestions:
What a shunt is and why you do/don't need one in your system.

Service loops: leaving wire so you can remove stuff for repair later.

Allow the option to have both a print and electronic version for one price. I'd love to keep the print version at the hangar so I can write notes on it, etc., but don't want to take it along on a trip, I'd lose the dang thing, and on a crowded airplane it's easier to read an e-book.


Thanks,

[BlndRvtr]

Digital version for my iPad.

I'm re-reading now, will make content suggestions when I finish.

George

[DanH]

Marc, perhaps much expanded sections on alternators, regulator types, and over-voltage protection methods. Lithium-iron batteries too.

[A1AVIATON47]

one on the way

[rockwoodrv9]

Marc,
I really appreciated you and your book when I was wiring up my plane. I agree with Dan that alternators, voltage regulators, and the new batteries. For alternators I would like more info on the substitute auto or tractor units and how they match up with the airplane units. That may not be what your book is geared for so thats fine.

Good luck with the new book. I will buy one even though I am finished with my wiring!

[N941WR]

I have not had the pleasure of reading your book, so I can't comment directly on it.

However, watching the forums, it is obvious that many homebuilders go crazy with the backup systems and that should be addressed.

In my case, my SkyView has a battery backup, my PocketPanel has an internal battery to backup the SkyView, and I have kept a handheld GPS in the panel to back that up. Not to mention P-mags (standard magnetos will do the same) so no need for a backup power source for those, or the electronics.

In my situation, I wouldn't care if the transponder and ADS-B went dark but would like a battery to keep one radio alive.

I fear that people make their electrical systems so complex that they introduce failure modes when they need the system to function properly the most. Having multiple switches to flip isn't a good solution as people get stressed and talk themselves out of going to their backup system.

Good luck with your changes!

[AlpineYoda]

I have a copy on the desk next to me! It is a great reference for the basics of things like busses and the layout of fundamental components.

If you wanted to significantly expand it, you could include discussion of the wiring of various avionics, lights, antennas, etc. I realize that each system is different and it may be hard to make general comments, but some examples of the actual hardware and how to wire it could be interesting.

[riseric]

Hi Marc,


Suggestions on how to integrate different electrical options or systems.


For example, although most venders provide detailled instructions to install their products, there are few if any suggestions or "watch-out" when more than one system is installed. One realises that they cannot predict what a builder installs or not...



I did a lot of head scatching and asked questions when planning/installing an electronic circuit protection (such as VPX) system and Flyefii's Bus Manager so that neither system would interact negatively between each other.

[JoopSJ]

I have the AWG and also the AeroElectric book.

AeroElectric is a bit to amplified for me and AWG is too superficial.
So I would appreciate something in between.
And I agree with DanH's list.

Originally Posted by DanH

Marc, perhaps much expanded sections on alternators, regulator types, and over-voltage protection methods. Lithium-iron batteries too.