Thanks for the correction. Good to know.
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PlanePower Alternator Alternative?
- Thread starter AirplaneDetective
- Start date
I also have an internally regulated Plane Power alternator and show a rock solid 14.4 volts on my GRT EIS system. I also have a corrugated black cooling tube from my cowling inlet ramp to the rear cover of the alternator.
Keith
BoydBirchler
Well Known Member
I often wonder why a car, like my daily driver, can easily go 150,000 miles with it's original internally regulated alternator. With no over volt protection; you never seem to hear of a car ruining it's electronics with an over volt situation.
One thought here is the relative RPM is much higher when bolted on my Lycoming. Or maybe it is heat not being dissipated properly. Or maybe our aircraft run too high of a percentage of maximum ampere rating...The answers are out there somewhere...
I have full glass IFR panel and decided on automotive alternator, with TCW IBBS as a backup/brownout battery. I have over about 400hr on this setup.
If you worried about reliability and dispatch, I would recommend saving money and go automotive, then spend difference on a Monkworks backup.
The only downfall to internally regulated automotive alternators is over voltage protection. Even with a crowbar OVM installed, the internal regulators can still get field current internally. You can physically modify the regulator to prevent this though...that's essentially what PP does to the ND alternators...
https://www.myrv10.com/n104cd/maintenance/20191213_Fall_Winter_Projects/index.html
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My Plane Power alternator (internal regulator) seems to just now be crapping out after nearly 13 years and 1,185 hours on the tach. My aircraft’s log books are very thorough and there is no mention of the alternator being changed. Belt a few times, but no mention of the alternator itself. I have a full glass panel.
Now after reading various posts I’m wondering if I just got lucky with the best PP alternator ever made. I will likely replace with the same unit unless B&C is cheaper. PP prices are around $1,4k someone on here said they paid $400 just a few years ago.
You can buy just the internal voltage regulator on Spruce. Yes on 400 a few years ago. Very sad...
I have installed the new B&C SF601 internally regulated 60amp alternator to replace a PP failed unit on my io-360 in a 7a. It was a direct replacement using their bracket. Did not have to change belt or electrical connection. I have 10 hours on it and it functions perfectly, It was $595 and no core charge which makes it a no brainer. Additionally, the B&C people are outstanding to work with.
I seem to be having trouble finding the B&C SF601 internally regulated 60amp alternator. Where did you get it?
Purchased from B&C directly by calling them. 316-283-8000. Ad is on page 27 of January 25 EAA magazine. Good luck!
Insane price gap. I was told yesterday by PP tech support that a replacement 99-1012 unit is $1,600. A grand between the PP and B&C units does make it a no-brainer.
As an update, someone on here suggested checking for grounding. Through that process, I found that the terminals for the cable grounded to my engine block were very loose. They were wiggling inside of the terminal and one pulled out of the terminal quite easily. Since using a hydraulic crimper to rescue terminals I have been unable to recreate the issue. Hoping it was in fact that simple!
My PP 99-1012 crapped out at 300 hours. I took it apart and found the rectifier leads were burned off. No way I am spending $1600 on a new alternator! After much research, I found a new rectifier from DB Electrical for $52 on Amazon. Works perfect and was easy to change. The part number is 172-52047
Rectifier assembly for the 99-1012 is an INR724.
That, plus the regulator/brush assembly from 'Spruce and you can rebuild your 99-1012 for not a whole lot...assuming nothing else is wrong with it (burned wires, bearings are toast, etc.).
Some additional knowledge -- see https://www.myrv10.com/n104cd/maintenance/20191213_Fall_Winter_Projects/index.html (Kudos to Tim)
Turns out my alternator was just fine. It was a shunt problem. Plane power alternator still kicking after almost 1,200 tach hours.
Swiss14A
Active Member
Yesterday on our flight back home from a small unlicensed field in Italy (Aviosuperfici) my wife heard a louder than normal noise on the intercom after engine start. We quickly discovered it was the standard Planpower alternator. While we always had a little noise, it was indeed a little more, but Voltage and Ampères seemed to be in the normal range and we took off for our first leg. On final in Milano Bresso the „Batt High“ alarm was triggered, because the voltage was over 14.5V. We never had that before and discussed options over lunch for our coming second leg home to our homebase. We decided to fly home, but shut down the alternator if there was a high voltage again or any other problem, and also shut down the master for the parts of the flight we didn’t need the radios… the noise in the intercom was still there, but Voltage was steady at 14.4 as always…
Still we decided to switch to B&C and I wrote an eMail to them, inquiring about the internally regulated 60A alternatior this thread talked about. Here is what TJ replied wihtin only a couple of hours:
Our 60A SilverFlite SF601 would be the most similar to the 60A Plane Power alternator typically supplied by Vans. While it was never really intended to be a direct (or "plug-and-play") replacement for the PP unit, it is similar electrically, and has a similar size and output characteristics. There are differences between our alternators and the PP alternators in terms of the attachment bracket and belt tension arm (but these are provided, along with a belt and pre-wired field plug assembly). Also, the SF601 does not support the optional "alternator out" light found with some PP units, so you would need to configure your EFIS or glass panel display for an ALT OUT or LOW VOLTS alarm, if that sort of thing is desired. Here is a direct link to the SF601 on our website with more information: https://bandc.com/product/sf601-silverflite-alternator-60-amps-homebuilt.
Regarding your question concerning belt size: a new YIO-390 EXP119 should be equipped with a 9-3/4" flywheel pulley; so the FK5416-1 installation kit would be the one I would suggest. It should provide you with the size belt that would be needed.
We ordered the B&C now and looking forward to do the switch. Ah yes, one more datapoint: it costs $595
Cheers
Fabian
Still we decided to switch to B&C and I wrote an eMail to them, inquiring about the internally regulated 60A alternatior this thread talked about. Here is what TJ replied wihtin only a couple of hours:
Our 60A SilverFlite SF601 would be the most similar to the 60A Plane Power alternator typically supplied by Vans. While it was never really intended to be a direct (or "plug-and-play") replacement for the PP unit, it is similar electrically, and has a similar size and output characteristics. There are differences between our alternators and the PP alternators in terms of the attachment bracket and belt tension arm (but these are provided, along with a belt and pre-wired field plug assembly). Also, the SF601 does not support the optional "alternator out" light found with some PP units, so you would need to configure your EFIS or glass panel display for an ALT OUT or LOW VOLTS alarm, if that sort of thing is desired. Here is a direct link to the SF601 on our website with more information: https://bandc.com/product/sf601-silverflite-alternator-60-amps-homebuilt.
Regarding your question concerning belt size: a new YIO-390 EXP119 should be equipped with a 9-3/4" flywheel pulley; so the FK5416-1 installation kit would be the one I would suggest. It should provide you with the size belt that would be needed.
We ordered the B&C now and looking forward to do the switch. Ah yes, one more datapoint: it costs $595
Cheers
Fabian
$595 vs $75 in parts (replacement regulator and rectifier)...Yesterday on our flight back home from a small unlicensed field in Italy (Aviosuperfici) my wife heard a louder than normal noise on the intercom after engine start. We quickly discovered it was the standard Planpower alternator. While we always had a little noise, it was indeed a little more, but Voltage and Ampères seemed to be in the normal range and we took off for our first leg. On final in Milano Bresso the „Batt High“ alarm was triggered, because the voltage was over 14.5V. We never had that before and discussed options over lunch for our coming second leg home to our homebase. We decided to fly home, but shut down the alternator if there was a high voltage again or any other problem, and also shut down the master for the parts of the flight we didn’t need the radios… the noise in the intercom was still there, but Voltage was steady at 14.4 as always…
Still we decided to switch to B&C and I wrote an eMail to them, inquiring about the internally regulated 60A alternatior this thread talked about. Here is what TJ replied wihtin only a couple of hours:
Our 60A SilverFlite SF601 would be the most similar to the 60A Plane Power alternator typically supplied by Vans. While it was never really intended to be a direct (or "plug-and-play") replacement for the PP unit, it is similar electrically, and has a similar size and output characteristics. There are differences between our alternators and the PP alternators in terms of the attachment bracket and belt tension arm (but these are provided, along with a belt and pre-wired field plug assembly). Also, the SF601 does not support the optional "alternator out" light found with some PP units, so you would need to configure your EFIS or glass panel display for an ALT OUT or LOW VOLTS alarm, if that sort of thing is desired. Here is a direct link to the SF601 on our website with more information: https://bandc.com/product/sf601-silverflite-alternator-60-amps-homebuilt.
Regarding your question concerning belt size: a new YIO-390 EXP119 should be equipped with a 9-3/4" flywheel pulley; so the FK5416-1 installation kit would be the one I would suggest. It should provide you with the size belt that would be needed.
We ordered the B&C now and looking forward to do the switch. Ah yes, one more datapoint: it costs $595
Cheers
Fabian
Rdog420
Active Member
Hartzell doesn't sell to customers, ( or maybe they do? QAA website redirected me to hartzellaviation, but price is still 659) so Im not sure how they gave you a purchase price of 1600.. but they seem to be available to under $700
99-1012: ALTERNATOR ONLY FOR AL12-EI60 KIT - Hartzell Aviation
hartzellaviation.com
99-1012 - ALTERNATOR ONLY, AL12-EI60 KIT - McFarlane Aviation
Find the right Hartzell Engine Technologies 99-1012 ALTERNATOR ONLY, AL12-EI60 KIT for your aircraft at McFarlane Aviation. This product replaces 991012, AL12-EI60, and AL12EI60. Buy now!
www.mcfarlaneaviation.com
Price had been in the $ 1,600 and builders have been selling the NIB units on this web site in the $ 1,200 range. ACS pricing below. Maybe PP decided to become competitive? The B&C units still outlast the PP units the majority of the time.Hartzell doesn't sell to customers, ( or maybe they do? QAA website redirected me to hartzellaviation, but price is still 659) so Im not sure how they gave you a purchase price of 1600.. but they seem to be available to under $700
99-1012: ALTERNATOR ONLY FOR AL12-EI60 KIT - Hartzell Aviation
99-1012 - ALTERNATOR ONLY, AL12-EI60 KIT - McFarlane Aviation
Find the right Hartzell Engine Technologies 99-1012 ALTERNATOR ONLY, AL12-EI60 KIT for your aircraft at McFarlane Aviation. This product replaces 991012, AL12-EI60, and AL12EI60. Buy now!
PlanePower - Alternator For AL12-Ei60 Kit - New - 99-1012 | Aircraft Spruce ®
PlanePower - Alternator For AL12-Ei60 Kit - New - 99-1012 An alternative to high-priced, marginally-performing, rebuilt used replacement aircraft alternators.
Not everybody wants to rebuild - a lot of us just want reliability & now with the new B&C at $565? It’s a game changer IMO
Roo747
Active Member
Here is another offering for internally regulated alternator similar to the PP and Silverflight.
www.indyalt.com
12 V 60A Deluxe Alternator Kit With Over-voltage Protection | IndyAltLLC
Upgrade your alternator system with our Deluxe Alternator Kit With Overvoltage Protection, with additional features and accessories for a more advanced setup. This kit includes everything you need to enhance the performance and functionality of your alternator system. Proudly made in the USA...
www.indyalt.com
Why?
"No return of parts that were shipped as part of an RV kit"
Lots of builders sell their NIB PP alternator on this site although now with B&C offering an alternator with internal VR retail pricing probably has gone down.
FYI.
"Arxis, Inc., an Arcline Investment Management-backed aerospace and defense components maker, is launching an Initial Public Offering (IPO) expected around April 16, 2026, targeting a valuation over $11 billion. The company plans to list on the Nasdaq under the symbol "ARXS," offering 37.7 million shares at a projected price of $25 to $28."
"Arxis, Inc., an Arcline Investment Management-backed aerospace and defense components maker, is launching an Initial Public Offering (IPO) expected around April 16, 2026, targeting a valuation over $11 billion. The company plans to list on the Nasdaq under the symbol "ARXS," offering 37.7 million shares at a projected price of $25 to $28."
Is this post relevant in anyway? Or, is it just an ad for an IPO?
It answers the question of the exit strategy for this firm; they were either going to sell off the parts or do an IPO...guess we have an answer...
I've looked up Arxis and Arcline Investment Management and I still haven't figured out what they have to do with PP alternators or Hartzell. How are they relevant?
Sounds like your alternator is working pafect and you have a faulty high voltage indication. You mention that the warning was because the volt was higher than 14.5 but did you check that and confirm? I ask because you said the second leg you never saw more than 14.4Yesterday on our flight back home from a small unlicensed field in Italy (Aviosuperfici) my wife heard a louder than normal noise on the intercom after engine start. We quickly discovered it was the standard Planpower alternator. While we always had a little noise, it was indeed a little more, but Voltage and Ampères seemed to be in the normal range and we took off for our first leg. On final in Milano Bresso the „Batt High“ alarm was triggered, because the voltage was over 14.5V. We never had that before and discussed options over lunch for our coming second leg home to our homebase. We decided to fly home, but shut down the alternator if there was a high voltage again or any other problem, and also shut down the master for the parts of the flight we didn’t need the radios… the noise in the intercom was still there, but Voltage was steady at 14.4 as always…
Still we decided to switch to B&C and I wrote an eMail to them, inquiring about the internally regulated 60A alternatior this thread talked about. Here is what TJ replied wihtin only a couple of hours:
Our 60A SilverFlite SF601 would be the most similar to the 60A Plane Power alternator typically supplied by Vans. While it was never really intended to be a direct (or "plug-and-play") replacement for the PP unit, it is similar electrically, and has a similar size and output characteristics. There are differences between our alternators and the PP alternators in terms of the attachment bracket and belt tension arm (but these are provided, along with a belt and pre-wired field plug assembly). Also, the SF601 does not support the optional "alternator out" light found with some PP units, so you would need to configure your EFIS or glass panel display for an ALT OUT or LOW VOLTS alarm, if that sort of thing is desired. Here is a direct link to the SF601 on our website with more information: https://bandc.com/product/sf601-silverflite-alternator-60-amps-homebuilt.
Regarding your question concerning belt size: a new YIO-390 EXP119 should be equipped with a 9-3/4" flywheel pulley; so the FK5416-1 installation kit would be the one I would suggest. It should provide you with the size belt that would be needed.
We ordered the B&C now and looking forward to do the switch. Ah yes, one more datapoint: it costs $595
Cheers
Fabian
You didn't look far enough.
Arcline -> Arxis -> Signia -> Hartzell Aero -> Hartzell Propellor, Plane Power, Surefly, SkyTech, EMag...
Didn't realize that hartzell's parent also owned surefly. So much for competitive forces regulating the market.
You are very correct. I got to Signia and stopped. Thanks. Now the question is - is it good or bad for us? Usually, these result in price increases but I just can't see how they could do that with the B&C competition.
I am jaded because of my 35 years in product development in the PC industry. That's a discussion for over beer, maybe whiskey.
I believe that the public company will be more focussed on shareholder value than on product quality, customer satisfaction. Thus - metrics that are immediately relevant to the former (the shareholders) will dictate the company's behavior (i.e. reduce costs, increase margins, financial engineering, etc.) vs investments in product quality, new products, product support, documentation, etc.
It's been interesting to see the consolidation in our industry -- Look at Victor Sierra when you have time.
Yup - The Pecan Plantation / Granbury Mafia
Edit: Same folks, and they haven't sold it to Hartzell...(yet
)
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You could probably do that but you will take hit to the wallet in the process. If you have it, use it. You will probably get a few hundred hours out of it.
Rdog420
Active Member
I talked to Jason at Sun and Fun, he said that Surefly is still independent and not owned by Hartzell
Just installed the SF601 Silverflite Alternator 60A on my RV9-A. Had it flown in overnight from Kansas. I was stuck in Georgia. Customer Service at B&C is fantastic.
Here is the link - https://bandc.com/product/sf601-silverflite-alternator-60-amps-homebuilt/#installation-kit.
I also bought the kit - FK5416-1 : Boss mount, single groove pulley, 9-3/4" belt size which is listed on the same page.
Rdog420
Active Member
Surefly LTD is owned by Wingover holdings Inc. Which is owned by Jason.
