MSFT-1
Well Known Member
I have a flying RV-8 (that I didn't build) with the O-360 engine and 35 amp alternator. With the engine running, my ammeter always reads approximately zero (+/- 2 amps) which I think means that the alternator is charging the battery in response to the various loads on the system. Here's my question:
How can I determine how much load I have and more importantly how much capacity I have left? I am considering adding a heated pitot tube that draws 3 or 4 amps, but before I do I would like to know that I am not running up against my limit.
Here is what I have in my system so far:
position lights
instrument lights
cabin lights
landing and taxi light
GNS 430 radio/nav
Garmin 327 transponder
Trutrak Digiflight autopilot
electric fuel pump (usually not on)
PS Engineering intercom
standard guages including an electric T&B
electric flaps
thanks for any insights.
bruce
N297NW
How can I determine how much load I have and more importantly how much capacity I have left? I am considering adding a heated pitot tube that draws 3 or 4 amps, but before I do I would like to know that I am not running up against my limit.
Here is what I have in my system so far:
position lights
instrument lights
cabin lights
landing and taxi light
GNS 430 radio/nav
Garmin 327 transponder
Trutrak Digiflight autopilot
electric fuel pump (usually not on)
PS Engineering intercom
standard guages including an electric T&B
electric flaps
thanks for any insights.
bruce
N297NW