Valin Thorn wrote:

Could I get some advice on the best way to get a 28 VDC 50 = Amp power supply set up in our hangar?

Valin,

I have a 0-60 Volt, 0-15 amp adjustable Hewlett Packard = bench power supply that I used to build my panel and test the airplane = systems. I’d sell it at a good price as it’s just taking up space in = Judy’s laundry room.

This was well more power than I needed for all system = testing-except the heavy current draw items such as the hydraulic pump, landing light, = pitot heat, etc. For initial aircraft system testing, I used a pair of Odessey = 680’s wired in series, and recharged them with the HP power supply as needed. = I’d strongly recommend that you include batteries in any high current draw switching/testing to buffer/stabilize the system. Almost all power = supplies will generate surges when switched at high loads.

After testing, I used the Odessys for one of my two (independent) electrical systems, and bought two new ones for the other = system when I was ready to fly—they are about two years newer. I’m planning on replacing the two oldest batteries every two years. So far, = this concept has worked very well. I’d strongly recommend Odessy = batteries for your airplane. They have proven extremely reliable and trouble-free, and = can be mounted in any location/orientation.

If you go with the Odessys, I’d also recommend you = get a small battery charger made specifically for them. I used one of these to = keep the batteries at full charge while we were doing final checks and = multiple ground engine runs, etc before first flight and it worked flawlessly; = never short on juice. The big deal with these chargers is that they reduce = charge to a “float” as the battery comes up to full charge; some, to = include the above power source, just put out the current until you turn them = off. EASY to “cook” an Odessy by overcharging with one of these units. = (I have not hooked up the battery charger to the airplane since our first = flight; the two alternators keep the batteries up to snuff, even with extensive = avionics ground runs during airshows, etc.)

I also did not install the ground power plug I bought for the airplane. = To date (230 flight hours) I have had no use for one… J Another item I’d sell at a good price, along with the jumper = cable/plug.

How close to flying are you? I saw a picture of your = panel at a booth at Sun&Fun; sorry we missed you if you were = there!

Bob