In case of alternator failure |
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cavu
Senior Member Joined: 17 Apr 2015 Location: KRME Status: Offline Points: 152 |
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Posted: 15 Feb 2016 at 10:18am |
In an attempt to pre-plan such an event as an alternator failure, I wanted to discuss electrical load shedding with an IFD540 installed. I also have a KX155 navcom and of course a handheld. How does the IFD 540 compare with a dedicated transceiver such as the KX155? I could use the iPad for navigation in an emergency so really don't need the GPS. If I needed the RNAV approach capability, I could cycle it on later. Does booting up the IFD use a lot of power going through its checks, is it better to just leave it on? Are there features within the IFD 540 that can be turned off to preserve power in any meaningful manner (for example does it save that much by turning the brightness way down)? I also have the AXP340 transponder, which I would turn off in cooperation with ATC. Perhaps you could comment on the AXP 340 as well. Hopefully you can get the gist of my question. I realize it's kind of an open-ended question but don't want to go down the rabbit hole of dual alternators etc, just wanted to keep it a discussion of what alternatives do I have to cope with an electrical failure. Thanks |
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DavidBunin
Senior Member Joined: 20 May 2015 Location: Rockwall, TX Status: Offline Points: 742 |
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Dimming the screen does save a meaningful amount of power. This is one of the things the IFD does by itself in case of low voltage.
I think your best bet to maximize electrical minutes (assuming safe visual navigation is possible) is to turn everything off, and then turn one radio (the KX155) on when you are ready to talk and land. I would not use a transponder or autopilot. Those both consume more power than you'd think. David Bunin |
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paulr
Senior Member Joined: 24 Jan 2014 Status: Offline Points: 547 |
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Good point re the transponder-- lots of folks don't realize that transponders are nominally rated at 250W transmit power, and that they can be a significant drain. Depending on location and circumstances, I might suggest squawking 7600
instead of just turning the transponder off altogether. It will drain the battery faster but it will also clearly signal ATC what's going on.
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oskrypuch
Senior Member Joined: 09 Nov 2012 Location: CYFD Status: Offline Points: 3058 |
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... and then in five/ten minutes you could turn the transponder off if need be, the message would have gone out. * Orest |
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