Message-ID: <004301c11f4a$2558c4a0$1493b3d1@cms2j01>
From: "Skip Slater" <skipslater@earthlink.net>
To: "List Lancair" <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
References: <000701c11ede$e13674e0$0b01010a@compuzone.net>
Subject: Re: aircraft voltage
Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2001 07:06:17 -0700
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
	charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com

          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
          <<  Lancair Builders' Mail List  >>
          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>
I got this from Lancair a long time ago.  I'm sure there are many advantages
to 28 volt systems too, but thought I'd pass this along for grins.

Skip Slater


Here are Lancair's Top Ten Reasons for 14 Volt Systems:

10.  Voltage Converters Not Needed-
Many radios operate at 14 volts and need adapters for 28

9. Light Bulbs Easy To Find
Automotive light bulbs are more common and less expensive

8.Alternators, Regulators, Pumps, etc. Are Cheaper
Automotive common parts make components affordable and available

7.  Portable Gear Fourteen Friendly
CD players, laptops or anything else that runs on car power likes 14 volts

6.  Lower Voltage Components Equal Less Weight
With fewer windings, 14 volt parts are lighter

5.  More Batteries For The Buck
14 volt batteries are cheaper, take up less space and weight less than a
similar 28 volt

4.  Fourteens Live Longer
Cell for cell, 14 volt batteries have a longer life expectancy due to fewer
plates to warp and short

3.  No Excess Transmitter Power To Create Havoc
Modern 14 volt transmitters have plenty of power.  20 watt units that need
28 volts can interfere with onboard systems, particularly on non-metal
aircraft

2.  Can Be Jump Started By Your Chevy -and- Share A Battery Charger Too
Try that with a 28-volt system.  Better yet, dont!

And The Number One Reason To Make Your Lancair 14 Volts-

1.  So You Can Use Your Plane To Jump Start The Chevy!

They went on to add:

There are some valid reasons to choose 28 volt systems.  Maybe you haven't
spent as much money on the plane as you wanted.  28 volt lamps cost more, as
do the alternators.  But they can produce more electricity, pound for pound.
Unless you plane to install a conventional glass cockpit EFIS, you don't
need that much juice in your machine.

With the higher voltage systems, you can use smaller gauge wire to deliver
the same energy to the avionics and accessories.  This saves weight with
smaller wire and terminals.  Still, wire size is only a consideration in lon
g runs, say over 100 feet.  In a Lancair, the difference is negligible.

A 28 volt starter is more efficient thann a 14 volt one.  The more juice,
the faster the motor spins.  The faster the motor spins, the faster it
starts, at least in theory.  At Lancair there have been no problems starting
aircraft in even the coldest weather with 14 volt systems.  If you keep your
engine maintained well enough, you don't need a heavy duty starter.


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html
LML Builders' Bookstore:   http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair

Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>