I'd start with the batteries, they should easily hold any variance.  Whelen uses charging capacitors so it makes sense they would draw variable and cyclical amps.

Paul
On 2013-02-17, at 2:16 PM, Charles Brown <browncc1@verizon.net> wrote:

> Amigos,
>
> My 24V strobe light systems draws 3-4 amps like Whelen says it should, but seems to do it cyclically, i.e., a 0-4 amp sine wave with period equal to the flash rate (about 3 sec).  Can anyone tell me if that is normal, or should it be a steady 3-4 amp draw?  (12V guys, same question only 12V Whelen strobes should pull around 7 amps)
>
> < I ask because it's making prime alternator amps cycle up and down; bus voltage cycle up and down, only about 0.1V; but it may be related to the demise of two successive regulators for the backup alternator, which starts kicking in at 3-sec intervals, with loud "BONG" alerts from the Garmin.  You are invited to enjoy the mental spectacle of the Garmin BONGING me into insanity while I hurl epithets at the instrument panel as I alternately shut off ALT 1, then ALT 2, then both, trying to figure this out when I SHOULD be sitting back, smoking a stogie, and watching the Texas hill country scenery slide by. PS -- Alternator one regulator checks out good with good ground and power paths etc >
>
> Charley
> --
> For archives and unsub http://mail.lancaironline.net:81/lists/lml/List.html