alpinelakespilot2000
Well Known Member
I just replaced my Plane Power with one of Vans traditional automotive alternators, the 35A 14184. Have been flying successfully with it for about 5-6 hours and under normal circumstances and under full load, it provides a steady14.3-14.4V to the bus.
However, I've noticed one scenario under which it can't hold that voltage. If I try to run everything electrically, including BOTH of my 100W landing and taxi lights and allow the rpms to drop below 750, my voltage drops to about 13.3-13.4V. If I turn off just one of the landing lights, OR if I leave both lights on but increase my rpm to >750, my voltage returns to the normal 14.3-14.4V.
Put differently, if I keep the rpms above 750, I have no problems at all, no matter how much load is on the system. If I allow the rpms to drop below 750, I must turn off one landing light in order to maintain the 14.3-14.4V. If I don't it will drop to about 13.3-13.4V.
FWIW, with everything on + one 100W landing light I seem to run about 20-21A. With everything running + both 100W landing lights, I seem to run about 27-28A.
Is this to be expected from my setup, is this just the "real" capacity of a 35A alternator coming into play, or should I be looking further for a problem?
Thanks.
Edit: See post #7 for solution.
However, I've noticed one scenario under which it can't hold that voltage. If I try to run everything electrically, including BOTH of my 100W landing and taxi lights and allow the rpms to drop below 750, my voltage drops to about 13.3-13.4V. If I turn off just one of the landing lights, OR if I leave both lights on but increase my rpm to >750, my voltage returns to the normal 14.3-14.4V.
Put differently, if I keep the rpms above 750, I have no problems at all, no matter how much load is on the system. If I allow the rpms to drop below 750, I must turn off one landing light in order to maintain the 14.3-14.4V. If I don't it will drop to about 13.3-13.4V.
FWIW, with everything on + one 100W landing light I seem to run about 20-21A. With everything running + both 100W landing lights, I seem to run about 27-28A.
Is this to be expected from my setup, is this just the "real" capacity of a 35A alternator coming into play, or should I be looking further for a problem?
Thanks.
Edit: See post #7 for solution.
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