szicree said:I know some folks don't like em, but I've decided I want an avionics master. My question is to the folks who've wired one, do you need a relay or will a switch do the job? I'm calculating my total current to be around 15 amps. So can I get by with a switch?
kentb said:If you are going to use a switch, you might think about wiring two in parallel so that when the first fails you can still continue with the second.
Kent
f1rocket said:It turns out that most of the stuff I want to protect with an Avionics Master are also on my Essential Bus!! That means that if my Avionics switch fails, by Essential Bus switch will turn them on.
Yep, Been flying since 1967 and the only switch I've had fail was the landing light breaker/switch on a Mooney. Switch still worked, it would just get warm and click off. BTW, the reason I used the DPDT switch for my AV mstr..that's what I had!gmcjetpilot said:Avionics switch a good idea. 15 amps! wow that is a panel. Rocker switches have more capacity. You may need a relay. I bought two 40 amp solid state relay's on eBay for cheap $15 each. They cost about $50-$60 normally. Sorry I'm going to use them.
As far as redundancy, DPST, two switches, Essential Buss backup..... really on a VFR single engine plane?
Well I guess with glass cockpits, which mine is, even a VFR plane with a dynon, GRT eis4000, gps does relay heavily on electricity. Back in the day..... GA planes had mechanical and VAC engine and flight instruments, so electrical redundancy was not as critical. Times have changed in just the last 10-15 years. No one had a PC 20 years ago. Now if you don't have a cable modem you are in cave technologically.
I have yet talk to any one who has had an avionics switch fail or who's day was saved by an essential buss.
gmcjetpilot said:Well I guess with glass cockpits, which mine is, even a VFR plane with a dynon, GRT eis4000, gps does rely heavily on electricity. Back in the day..... GA planes had mechanical and VAC engine and flight instruments, so electrical redundancy was not as critical. Times have changed in just the last 10-15 years. No one had a PC 20 years ago. Now if you don't have a cable modem you are in cave technologically.
Agree with first, only somewhat agree with the second, but is true ONLY when the pilot is intimately familiar with the electrical system and can quickly determine which devices to power off or breakers to pull to "shed the load."gmcjetpilot said:I have yet talk to any one who has had an avionics switch fail or who's day was saved by an essential buss.
uk_figs said:Interesting thread for me as I am just starting the wiring and have been reading the aeroelectric book trying to decide the appropriate circuit.
As I plan a dual Dynon (D100 and D120) and a straightforward SL30, GTX 327 and have a 496 it seems to me that I do not need an essential or backup bus as with the exception of the comms I have battery backup to get me home<SNIP>