Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #37448
From: <Sky2high@aol.com>
Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Re: Dual bus architecture
Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2006 15:28:24 -0400
To: <lml>
Robert,
 
Oh, on a further note.
 
The twin engine Skymaster I flew had a dual alternator, dual intercommunicating regulators and a single battery system (if one doesn't count the two D-cells used to power the alternator field in case an electrical system restart was necessary).  It was so sophisticated that the regulator was always checking to see which alternator should be supplying the power by adjusting the field voltage.  Many Skymaster pilots will remember the continuous "flickering light" problem at night as the regulator was unsure of which side should be in control. Night time flicker vertigo to lift one into a transcendental state.
 
Think about your electrical system carefully.  In the Skymaster, all the interior lights were off one circuit breaker (save for the wee map light on the bottom of the control wheel) - so one small short left you in the dark, very dark cockpit with no illumination of the instruments (they stopped using radium a few years before).  Luckily, the left wing had an ice detection light located near the cabin and on a different breaker.  Once it was switched on it provided enough light to see most of the instruments but played hell with looking outside. 
 
Ah, the good old days.
 
Scott Krueger AKA Grayhawk
Lancair N92EX IO320 SB 89/96
Aurora, IL (KARR)

PS: In my wee Lancair, low current draw electroluminescent strips (obtained as automotive pin stripes) provide dimmable panel lighting from the essential bus while all other lights originate from the main bus.
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