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A few other facts / comments to help with the decision:

Hot starts. My 28 volt starter cranks my high compression 540 noticeably
faster than than a 14 volt, low compression 550. As a result I have never
had a hot start problem (dead battery).

Conversion.  If you must install 14 volt hardware, Vicore (www.vicr.com)
makes an inexpensive (~$120) industrial DC-DC converter (VI series) that
will produce 12 from 28 volts at 5 amps. It weighs 0.18 lbs and measures
2.25" x 2.25" x 0.52".

Noise. Electrical noise can be lower in 28 volt systems due to lower
currents. Amps make magnetic interference, not volts. I say "can" because
noise is highly dependent on installation details.

Existence proof. Virtually all cabin class aircraft are 28 volt. Why? I'll
bet there is a good reason(s).

Availability. If you are planning an all electric airplane, you may want to
check into the availability of electric gyros. As I recall, 28 volt gyros
were significantly cheaper than 14 volt. The only 14 volt system on my
airplane is the Mac trim and it needs a converter regardless, if you want
variable trim speed.

Doesn't matter. It has been said that decisions that are difficult to make
don't really matter. That is to say that if two choices are comparable,
either will work just fine. IMHO 28 volt is the better choice. If you do
chose 14 volts, however, then you won't be too far wrong ;)

Regards
Brent Regan

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