Peter Costick
Well Known Member
Hi
I have noticed in recent months that on start up my charge current reads high, for example 25 amps. The ammeter is configured to measure charge into the system, that is if the engine is not running it reads zero.
As I sit there warming the engine the charge declines over say 5 minutes to a normal amount, say around 11 amps. If I switch power loads such as AP servos, landing lights and such on and off the reading responds accordingly.
When I check the current draw for devices listed on the VPX, and switch them on and off, there is nothing suggesting a large draw for any item.
I suspect then this could be an alternator or battery related issue. The battery is an Odyssey pc680 which is about 4 years old and still spins the engine over very well when starting. The alternator is a 60 amp Plane Power unit and certainly seems to keep the battery charged.
I have had the cowls off and looked for any loose connections or tell tale signs but so far I have seen nothing.
So my question to those in the know is ....what do you think this could be?
Thanks
Peter
I have noticed in recent months that on start up my charge current reads high, for example 25 amps. The ammeter is configured to measure charge into the system, that is if the engine is not running it reads zero.
As I sit there warming the engine the charge declines over say 5 minutes to a normal amount, say around 11 amps. If I switch power loads such as AP servos, landing lights and such on and off the reading responds accordingly.
When I check the current draw for devices listed on the VPX, and switch them on and off, there is nothing suggesting a large draw for any item.
I suspect then this could be an alternator or battery related issue. The battery is an Odyssey pc680 which is about 4 years old and still spins the engine over very well when starting. The alternator is a 60 amp Plane Power unit and certainly seems to keep the battery charged.
I have had the cowls off and looked for any loose connections or tell tale signs but so far I have seen nothing.
So my question to those in the know is ....what do you think this could be?
Thanks
Peter