Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by John Austin on November 1, 2011 at 4:07pm

Hi Jake,

I don't think I need a "21st century" power solution, so I'm sticking with plain 'ole 12v outlets! Besides, I don't think I'm putting cupholders in the 750!

I've stuck a bunch of those things into cars, tractors, atv's, etc. and have real good luck with a "Marinco" outlet sold by West Marine. They are much heavier-duty than the usual outlet and have a nice faceplate and cap. (They also have a twist-to-lock feature, but work with any 12v plug) I just bought some clones of them @ 2 for about $16 delivered on Ebay - can't tell the difference from the "Marinco" brand.

Just thought I'd suggest the cheapo alternative! LOL!

Regards,

John

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Permalink Reply by Jake Reyna on November 2, 2011 at 7:40am

John, most of the new gadgets I've acquired recently have USB power cords. I will still use a standard 12V outlet, but the adaptor will allow for expansion and with the USB ports can charge my cell phone, gps, camera, etc., while flying or driving.

The cupholder with inverter would be a nice unit for a car/truck.

Jake

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Permalink Reply by John Austin on November 2, 2011 at 8:35am

If you want a nice, heavy duty outlet to plug the gizmos into, check these out:

12v Marine Outlets

Regards,

John

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Permalink Reply by Jake Reyna on November 6, 2011 at 8:29am

John, I have some from Blue Sea. There is some excellent marine quality hardware that can be used.

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Permalink Reply by John Austin on November 6, 2011 at 8:44am

It's kind of funny and kind of maddening ... I had a socket installed in my 206 a few years ago, and although I must admit the price - for a Cessna part - was very reasonable, any marine-type socket is far better quality!

Have you looked into the appropriate wiring practice? Would it be best to run it directly off the battery (fused, of course)? I'm going to use a Composite Design Mini Power Panel, but I don't know if it really is intended to handle something like a 12v socket @ 10 amps? I'm going to ask Wayne Lanza when I order it soon.

 

John

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Permalink Reply by Ronald Steele on November 2, 2011 at 11:39am

Things change all the time, but right now a USB power supply seems most useful.  I friend disassembled a cigarette lighter USB adapter and put the guts into a box mounted behind the panel.  So he has a nice USB power plug in the panel for next to no cost, just a bit of metal work.  I think I'll be duplicating his approach.

 

Ron

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Permalink Reply by Jake Reyna on November 6, 2011 at 8:31am

Ron, haven't quite figured out if I will take the easy path and just plug into a standard 12V outlet or install a custom solution as you mention.

jake

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