Auxilliary Power Connection

RaiderDog

RaiderDog

Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2023
Messages
10
Location
Lubbock, Texas
Wondering how many here have installed an Auxiliary Power connection to trickle charge or jump their American Champion aircraft? American Champion sent me an existing solution, but wondering if anyone else has another.

See Attached American Champion "Battery Charger Installation" drawing.
 

Attachments

My Citabria had a Battery Tender wired into it. My understanding is that it is legal to leave the charge harness attached even though the device is not TSO'd. As for a jump start, the wiring would have to be more robust for the amps involved so maybe jumper cables directly to the battery positive and a ground point would be best for that?

With the lithium batteries becoming more popular, I'm not sure what would be appropriate for trickle charging them.
 
The Citabria had the battery on the firewall so, yes, the tender connector was inside the cowl. My soon-to-be-finished 8KCAB will have a rear battery and baggage door so the tender connector will probably go back there.
 
Apologize to bring up a dead thread but I figured its better than starting new with a similar question..

Bartman - are you referring to a generic type motorcycle battery tender?

I am considering this as well on my 7ECA with the battery on the firewall, and would like to leave the harness in place as you mentioned.

I have a series of Stanley Fat Max's from Lowe's for various vehicles I can sling from my motorcycle or car, would be nice to get the airplane in on the loop.
 
Yes, I have been using a generic Battery Tender to keep my airplane battery charged between flights, especially in the winter.
 
Don't dare put a standard charger on a lithium battery,they need a special lithium charger
 
I have one in everything.

On my 180, I installed a noco cable, that I can hook up a noco battery charger, or better, a noco jump pack.... Which I've used several times over the years.
 
Gallagher aviation sells this. It says it is made up of aircraft grade components. The pic is for 28v but they also have 14v.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1094.webp
    IMG_1094.webp
    69.5 KB · Views: 10
I have a tender ring connector on my electric system plane, I also have a GPU plug for ground starts.

There is a mile of difference between a setup for a trickle vs ground start
 
Just crimp a couple of eyes onto a 10 or 12 AWG SAE 2-pin connector. Leave attached to your battery. Matches the end on most chargers.
Jump starting can be just swinging the prop, or to get a fancy Lithium jump pack to the solenoid through the oil dipstick door. If your battery is still (!?!) in the back then practise hand swinging the prop.

IMG_2373.webp
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top