Return-Path: Received: from [24.25.9.100] (HELO ms-smtp-01-eri0.southeast.rr.com) by logan.com (CommuniGate Pro SMTP 4.2b3) with ESMTP id 99009 for flyrotary@lancaironline.net; Tue, 01 Jun 2004 10:34:26 -0400 Received: from EDWARD (clt25-78-058.carolina.rr.com [24.25.78.58]) by ms-smtp-01-eri0.southeast.rr.com (8.12.10/8.12.7) with SMTP id i51EXJfP001877 for ; Tue, 1 Jun 2004 10:33:20 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: <001301c447e5$66e87610$2402a8c0@EDWARD> From: "Ed Anderson" To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" References: Subject: Re: [FlyRotary] Re: Subaru Cozy has an eventful first flight. Date: Tue, 1 Jun 2004 10:33:26 -0400 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 6.00.2800.1409 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2800.1409 X-Virus-Scanned: Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine The possibility always exists that you will lose your alternator output at some point, regardless. It could be temp overload blows the fuse, the diodes die, armature contacts, loose connection, belt break, mechanical problem, whatever. Therefore, I believe it prudent to have some "NOTICEABLE" - can't fail to get your attention - indication of the problem. All the more important, because alternator loss can be subtle as the case of the subie problem - unlike when a connecting rod lets go. I flew six years with two batteries due to the critical nature of the electrical system in an all-electric aircraft before finally deciding the extra 16-22lbs of battery was not necessary PROVIDED you had a good indication of system failure, had a already thought-out decision about what you could turn off (essential bus can make that a one switch decision) AND you swapped out the battery each year or otherwise ensured its capacity (Load testing, etc). My alternator normally puts out 14.6 volts in flight, the last couple of flights its been only putting out 13.8 volts - right at the edge of my lower voltage limit. While that is marginally enough to keep the battery charged, the main point is something has changed. I initially found the belts to be loose and thought that was the problem, tightening them seem to help for one flight, but the 13.8 volts returned on the next flight. So while I am grounded awaiting my new gear box and prop, I will yank the alternator and take it in to have it tested. I don't like things that change without me knowing why - especially with the electrical system. FW Ed Ed Anderson RV-6A N494BW Rotary Powered Matthews, NC ----- Original Message ----- From: To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 2004 10:00 AM Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Subaru Cozy has an eventful first flight. > He probably has # 6 wire on the system ( 65 amp ). > 80% of that being 52 amps makes everything OK. Right ? > Larry Mac Donald > > On Tue, 1 Jun 2004 09:35:52 -0400 "John Slade" > writes: > > > Can I ask a question? Why does he have a 50 amp fuse on a 60 amp > > alternator? > > Apparantly he got BAD advice from an electrical guy. > > > >> Homepage: http://www.flyrotary.com/ > >> Archive: http://lancaironline.net/lists/flyrotary/List.html >