CharlieWaffles
Well Known Member
What size cables are people using for their external/ground power jumper plugs to the battery?
Are you intending the wiring to handle the load of starting the engine if the battery is dead?
Or, are you only looking to use a charger or maintainer??
Wire size will be driven by the current load needed.
" Our relatively small engines are easy to hand prop when cold.
If you have mags. Electronic Ignitions will require battery power.
You most likely need some battery power as mentioned for the alt. field to work anyway regardless of ignition type. So I don't see the difference.
An external jump plug does not necessarily mean you will be going anywhere even if you get it started, mags or EI.
JonJay;590465 Most systems require some charge on the battery to allow the alt. field to work. Depending on the charging system at hand said:Very true, but that's why I didn't off a simple answer to the question. It's mission and requirements.
Charlie has a IO-540 which may take a few more amps to get going with cold oil in the winter. With a dead battery and a couple hour charge, you may still want the APU connected through start up. Granted, the shouldn't be a frequent operation or you have other major issues.
In either case, you'll want a common connector that most FBOs can provided. Typicall that will be either the Cessna or Piper style plug. Otherwise you'll have to bring your own conversion cables.
I personally don't like the size and weight of the Cessna connector, but it is the one that is probably most widely availabe if you are stuck someplace away from home.
If you have a VP product, you can take a look at their schematic for a ground plug (regardless of whatever adapter you choose)
bob