24 volt power supply in a 12 volt aircraft.

Hi folks,

I have access to a very good aircraft radio, at a very reasonable price. The problem is that the aircraft that needs the radio is a 12 volt system, and the radio is 24volt. Are there any reasonably inexpensive options? I guess we could add another 12 volt battery, charge them in parallel, and take power off in series. Are there step up voltage modules out there that would support a 5 watt transmitter? Any Ideas?

Thanks in advance,

Al G

Reply to
Al G
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The most direct method of powering your radio would be to get a 12V-24V DC-DC converter. That method involves connecting the input of the converter to the

12V power system in the airplane, and then connecting the output of the converter to the power wires on your radio. Simple, easy, but, alas, likely to be quite expensive. I did a quick search of some of the major parts houses, but came up empty for anything close to your requirements. The next best, and probably the cheapest and easiest to buy at retail, is to buy a 24V DC power supply and a small (50W or so) DC-AC inverter. You can buy a power supply like the one here
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Very reasonably priced. And at that price, I'd advise to buy a couple... have a spare, just in case. The inverter can be found at dept stores such as Wal-Mart. You don't need anything more powerful than about 15 watts, but most likely the smallest inverter you will find is around 50 watts. This is OK, since the radio will use only the power it needs, and modern inverters are pretty efficient, so you won't be wasting a terrible amount of power. At 5W RF power, the radio probably needs only about 10W or so from the power source, so don't go looking for something that can power a small naval vessel. {:>) Cheers!!!
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Dave M
MasonDG44 at comcast dot net  (Just substitute the appropriate characters in the 
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Reply to
DaveM

Yes, there are. I'm guessing 5W is broadcast power, how many amps does the radio need.

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I think they can be paralleled safely if one isn't enough

Bye. Jasen

Reply to
jasen

Those are intreresting converters, but unfortunately, on the home page, "NO SALE TO PRIVATE PERSONS!".

That kinda puts them out of reach

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Dave M
MasonDG44 at comcast dot net  (Just substitute the appropriate characters in the 
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Reply to
DaveM

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Go to:

http://vicorwebapps.vicorpower.com/upc/FirstGenDCDCAction.do
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Reply to
John Fields

Are there any restrictions on doing this? Regulations?

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ED1075-24 DC to DC Converter

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Reply to
Homer J Simpson

I don't know the draw(amps), the specs didn't say. See:

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The DC->DC converter looks like it might work.

Al G

Reply to
Al G

Since they make a 12 V model, have you considering modifying yours to the 12 V design?

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Reply to
Homer J Simpson

I've got two of them, but no I've stopped at the case.

Al G

Reply to
Al G

SALE

sorry, they are available elsewhere.... here's where I first encountered them:

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Bye.
   Jasen
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Reply to
jasen

b vry careful of the grounding required for this setup.

you must generally have a secure and patent ground from the radio to the chasssis (of the plane) to provide efficeint RF output and reliable receiver sensitivity.

and as the antenna xmit/receive internal circuitry attempts to switch from full xmit power and then back to recive mode, ther may be some offsetss generated.

as the power may be adaptable when just clamping the radio ground to the same 12 volt ground, the inter mingling systems may genereate some dc offsett at the ground level.

i would just find a convenient place to lash a good extra 12v battery in place and then attach the radio to the battery plus, and the battery negative to the planes 12dc power system. maintenance of the battery should be minimal.

if this is your only comms unit onthe plane, be sure u alway file a good flight plan ;-))

while all this may save u a few buks, you really should consider getting a brand new plane to make sure your radio is correctly installed ;-))

price.

Reply to
<hapticz

Thanks, I am inclined to agree. I can always sell this one, and buy a 14 volt system.

Al G

Reply to
Al G

A cheap and simple solution might be to just buy a power supply that gives 24v from a 12v input. For example Altronics sell a 'Car Laptop Power Supply' which provides a choice of output voltages from 15v to 24v fully regulated at up to 3.5 amps (from a 12v input) for only $49.95

Catalog number M8626

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I should think other stores like DSE and Jaycar will have similar units on offer

David

Reply to
quietguy

price.

Do you hold an A&P certificate to legally make such modifications, and sign off in the maintenance logbook of said aircraft ?

what's the local FSDO have to say about it ?

unless you enjoy receiving FAA enforcement letters, you should review FAR part 43 of the regulations & the relevant references to other chapters that delineate what you can & can't do.

Reply to
PreacherMan

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