OK, I've been doing a series of ground checks this past week on my RV-8 rebuild. I've migrated from flying a rented C-172x which has a split master and keyed ignition, to my own aircraft with separate magneto and ALT switches, and a starter button. Works well, but I have found / caught myself forgetting to switch on the right mag after start, and/or the ALT switch. I haven't developed a checklist yet - and that will help - but I'm wondering if I need to do some more engineering to add annunciators that will cue me when I'm doing something stupid. The VP-X will eventually indicate an alternator problem when buss voltage drops too low, but that seems to be a bit delayed to me (BTW, I have a Plane Power 60amp alt.) And nothing except for possible engine roughness would manifest a forgotten mag enabling.
My question is has anyone had the same issues, and done anything to mitigate the situation? Does the Plane Power "Alternator out" line illuminate an indicator light (if installed) if the alternator field switch is not turned on? Could/should a lamp be wired to illuminate when a mag switch is grounding? Is this a non-issue solved by checklist?
CA
My question is has anyone had the same issues, and done anything to mitigate the situation? Does the Plane Power "Alternator out" line illuminate an indicator light (if installed) if the alternator field switch is not turned on? Could/should a lamp be wired to illuminate when a mag switch is grounding? Is this a non-issue solved by checklist?
CA