Alternator STC
Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2022 3:29 pm
Considering replacing the generator on my '55 170B with an alternator. Looking for recommendations from those who have done this. Which package/STC is the best for our airplane? Thanks.
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.4 volt is what I’ve always been aware of. Can confirm.hilltop170 wrote:Thanks for bringing up the portable battery option for a dead battery and alternator situation.
I have asked every person I know that understands these systems better than me how much voltage and power does it take to excite an alternator? Nobody so far can even make a good guess.
And it hasn't been a high enough priority for me to run an exercise to find out.
My thought is a 9v transistor radio battery plugged into the cigarette lighter should do it assuming the lighter is wired direct and not thru the master switch relay.
Anybody care to take a guess if that will work?
There are those with piano keys that have never left the master on and there are those that haven't yet done so. I'm in the later camp and I have good company.wabuchanan wrote:One of the truly nice things about having Piano switches, is not leaving the Master on. Just a quick glance at the switches confirms all are off. If any doubts, just run your hand under them. I've never left it on since buying the plane.
When I bought my 170 in 1992 it had the Ford alternator installed. It did not have any paper work for the installation so I bought the Barnstormer STC for $75, this was in 1999. I don't know it they are still around.n2582d wrote:My plane has a Ford alternator installed with a field approval using an early C-172 wiring diagram as an example that was duplicated. This was back when field approvals were relatively easy to come by. If you decide to use SK 172-22M make sure you've got FAA approval before commencing with the conversion. Does anybody know if Barnstormer Aviation SA00202NY is still available? It was discussed here years ago. Having an STC such as this would save a lot of hassle over trying the field approval route. But if you do go the FA route, Neil Wright of the Cessna 120-140 Association has an excellent write up on things to consider when doing such a conversion. You'll find that article here. If you don't need 60 amps or all that weight I'd be tempted to go with B&C's alternator but realize you may need a new drive gear which could be pricey. I also see that on B&C's website these alternators are "out of stock".