Does anyone use a ground power source?

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BlackMammoth
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Re: Does anyone use a ground power source?

Post by BlackMammoth »

Nigel wrote:There is also a Concorde bulletin warning against Battery Tender for aircraft use on some batteries.
http://www.thebatteryminder.com/manuals ... tender.pdf
Looks like they make a product specific to Concorde AGM batteries.

Image

Thanks for the link!
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Nigel
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Re: Does anyone use a ground power source?

Post by Nigel »

BlackMammoth wrote:
Nigel wrote:There is also a Concorde bulletin warning against Battery Tender for aircraft use on some batteries.
http://www.thebatteryminder.com/manuals ... tender.pdf
Looks like they make a product specific to Concorde AGM batteries.

Thanks for the link!
BTW, if you tell Diversified that you have a DA40 they will ship it with the correct length cables. I ran mine so the connectors dangle just inside the Ground Power access door.
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I'm STILL in a state of serious withdrawal.

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gordsh
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Re: Does anyone use a ground power source?

Post by gordsh »

When using an external Ground Power Source with the DA40, you plug the GPU into the aircraft, power up the GPU and then turn on the Master. Is there a way to verify that you are in fact running on the GPU and not the aircraft's internal battery? I was not able to find any GPU details in the POH.
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Re: Does anyone use a ground power source?

Post by CFIDave »

Another idea to consider if you're willing to spend big $$$ is to get a Best Tugs electric tug for your plane that comes with an optional built-in 24V GPU. They have models that contain 2 to 4 12V car batteries internal to the B5 or B8 tug.

My new Best Tugs B8 is powerful enough (about 70 amps at 24V) to actually run the DA62's air conditioner on the ground! It's more than adequate for playing around with the G1000, performing Austro engine Wizard downloads, or starting an engine. And of course it also pulls the plane in/out of the hangar.
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Re: Does anyone use a ground power source?

Post by CFIDave »

gordsh wrote:When using an external Ground Power Source with the DA40, you plug the GPU into the aircraft, power up the GPU and then turn on the Master. Is there a way to verify that you are in fact running on the GPU and not the aircraft's internal battery? I was not able to find any GPU details in the POH.
No need to turn on your plane's Electric Master switch; the G1000 will initialize as soon as you apply external power.
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Former DA40XLS, DA42-VI, and DA62 owner
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Re: Does anyone use a ground power source?

Post by RMarkSampson »

I purchased a couple of single pole connectors and then snipped off one end of a set of automotive jumper cables and also a automotive jump power unit. The jumper cables are nice because I can throw them in in the plane if I am concerned about the battery strength and if heading to a field without power cart services - jump from any car. I’ve used the power unit in the hangar to power avionics but I always need to keep it plugged into the wall - it was not a real robust (or expensive) unit.

I don’t use a battery minder which I find helps me with those list of excuses why I need to go flying...
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