Yep, that was the problem.  I had it wired so that the field windings were active whenever there was power to the system.  I did that to cut down on audio noise, but have decided to bring the field lead back into the cabin so I can control it.  Will add a filter and live with the remaining noise.

 

Dave Leonard

 

On 8/5/07, Al Gietzen <ALVentures@cox.net> wrote:

Subject: [FlyRotary] Alternator drawing current at rest.

 

That current draw for the coils did seem high, so I checked further into it.  Turns out it is the alternator drawing the 3 amps, not the coils.  It gets warm to the touch.  Is that normal?

 

Dave Leonard

Sounds about right.  I measured the field winding draw at about 2.5 A, engine off.

 

Al