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In a message dated 8/8/01 12:23:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Micah Froese
writes:
In planning for my panel, the question has come up whether to use 12 or 24
volts. For those who have already figured this one out, what is the answer.
What are the pro and cons of each?
Micah, as with most things in this business, there is no "right" answer.
We're using 24 volts in our IV-P's. The rationale was that we'd need the
power for all the avionics and other things we might want to install. For
alternators with the same power rating (100 amps in our case), you get twice
as much power with the 24 volt sytem as with the 12 (Power = Amps x Volts).
Having said that, I'm now having to add 24 to 12 volt converters to reduce
voltage for some components that are not available in 24 volts--the MAC/RAC
trim system is one example; some older radios are another. Adds complexity
and weight! Further, the total power required for our pretty elaborate
systems is not yet close to 100 amps, so right now, the 24 volt system seems
to be overkill. One reason is that each generation of avionics (and even
things like landing lights) tend to use less power--this is a trend that will
almost certainly continue.
My bottom line recommendation would be to add up the power requirements for
the equipment you intend to install and operate simultaneously--it's a bit of
research, but you'll have to do it sooner or later. Allow a small amount for
reserve, and see if you can live with the output of a 12 volt system. If you
can, the benefits are weight savings, simplicity, and better availability of
less expensive components.
Keep us posted on your project. Brother Ed from Fort Worth just placed a
deposit on a Legacy. Would you be working in that neck of the woods? I'm
trying to find a building and/or consulting partner for him--the best
decision I made on this project was to build two IV-Ps in partnership with my
neighbor.
Bob Pastusek
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LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html
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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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