Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
Online Community of Zenith Builders and Flyers
Regulator/Rectifier Replacement
My R/R connector burned last week and I have been doing a lot of research on this topic. Has anyone changed their R/R from the factory supplied one to a "better" one like a Shindengen Mosfet? I have exchanged emails with a Motorcycle guy who has sold several to kit plane builders with great success. He was also a test pilot for another airplane manufacture for many years and knows our business. He had to give me the obligatory "they are not designed for aircraft" but still spoke highly of them. He recommended a 50-amp R/R even though I only have a 30-amp Stator as it will handle up to 50 amps and he says it will be easier on the Stator as well...Thoughts?
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by David J. Beaulieu on
-
MOSFET is the way to go to reduce heating of the R/R - esp in comparison to the SCR shunt type R/R ULPower supplies with the 30A PMA. The ULPower R/R associated with the larger 50A PMA is a MOSFET type R/R and I recall it having a Harley Davidson part number! I say "give it a go" - if you can make the connections I think it will be just fine. Just for grins, run the idea through the AeroElectric forum - you will get a good response that will help you decide yes or no.
-
Permalink Reply by Scott Miller on
-
Thanks, I am leaning that way. Regarding connections basically the only difference is that there are two connectors into the R/R one for the three Stator wires and one for the Battery, which I think is a better design as it separates and hopefully reduces the heat potential. They are only a few dollars more than the Wicks R/R for the 30 Amp Stator
-
Permalink Reply by Brian Tollefson on
-
what was the model number for the R/R you got? I see 2 different model numbers suggested in this post.
-
Permalink Reply by Douglas Kupersmith on
-
Hey Scott,
Are you looking to use something like the R/R from Amazon in the link below? I've had some anomalies with my original ULPower 30 amp R/R and would like to replace it with something more reliable.
https://www.amazon.com/Universal-regulator-SHINDENGEN-Motorcycle-Sn...
-
-
I just had another burned connector last week and just yesterday. Installed a new (better) R/R (Mosfet) that I purchased from Roadstercycles.com. Basically it is about 3 times bigger and heavier than the stock R/R and it has much better connectors for the Stator and Battery (they are separate and more robust)...
-
-
Scott, when I had a similar issue, I upsized my GND and BAT wires to 10 ga. Connections were soldered versus crimped. I typically draw approx 21 - 22 amps with fully charged batteries and everything going. Running Pitot heat bumps it up to 29 amps when cycling. No crispy connectors or sign of thermal stress at the RR so far...
-
-
I purchased one of Roadster Cycles R/R last week after the factory one burned for the second time. I flew it for the first time yesterday and it was running 21 Amps on take-off with everything running. When I landed I checked it with a thermal gun and it was only a little over 100 degrees. Moving it to the firewall and upgrading was the right move. Jack at Roadster was very helpful in all this...
-
-
Another source for the RR...
-
-
Thanks Scott for starting this thread ans to you too David for the additional advice. My R/R failed on my 20th test flight so I went the Roadster Cycle route for a replacement. It arrived in my mailbox 3 days later and two days after that I flew it on a test flight. Of note: My original ULPower-provided R/R used to vary in voltage considerably depending on electrical load and throttle setting (from 13.2V to 14.7V). The new Mosfet R/R is a solid 14.4V at all power settings and Amp loads (typically 18 Amps with every electrical device on at full throttle). After 4 flight hours since replacing my old R/R I couldn't be more pleased.
-
-
Glad to hear that. I am very pleased with the upgrade as well...
-
Permalink Reply by Perry Hyden on
-
Can you tell me what part model/number you ordered?
Thanks
-
-
I ordered the "SH847 SUPER KIT $207.95". But it is a personal choice. The biggest differences are in the accessories that you get with the SH847. Contact Jack Fleming (jack@roadstercycle.com) at Roadstercycle.com he was a great help...
New from Zenith:
Classified listing for buying or selling your Zenith building or flying related stuff...
Custom Instrument Panels
for your Zenith:
Custom instrument panels are now available directly from Zenith Aircraft Company exclusively for Zenith builders and owners. Pre-cut panel, Dynon and Garmin avionics, and more.
Zenith Homecoming Tee:
Flying On Your Own Wings:
A Complete Guide to Understanding Light Airplane Design, by Chris Heintz
Builder & Pilot Supplies:
Pro Builder Assistance:
Transition training:
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty for all your building and pilot supplies!
How to videos from HomebuiltHELP.com
Developed specifically for Zenith builders (by a builder) these videos on DVD are a great help in building your own kit plane by providing practical hands-on construction information. Visit HomebuiltHelp.com for the latest DVD titles.
© 2024 Created by Zenith.Aero.
Powered by
