Trying to power devices in general aviation aircraft

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around powering devices in a small general aviation aircraft, specifically a Piper Arrow. Participants explore the feasibility of using a 12V power source to run multiple devices, including a laptop and a GPS puck, while addressing potential power limitations and connection issues.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their setup using a Cobra CPI1550 inverter to power a laptop and GPS puck from the aircraft's 12V source, noting issues with power loss.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of using a 110Vrms inverter, suggesting that 12V adapters for the devices might be available.
  • A participant inquires whether the single 12V source can support multiple devices without overloading, expressing uncertainty about their understanding of the electrical system.
  • One participant proposes using a 1-3 adapter to connect all devices to the 12V source, indicating they have not yet tried this solution.
  • Another participant asserts that if the 12V source cannot support the devices, using a 1500W inverter will not work either, while providing information about the Piper Arrow's alternator capacity and suggesting potential upgrades for better efficiency.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best approach to power the devices, with some advocating for direct connection to the 12V source and others discussing the use of an inverter. There is no consensus on the optimal solution or the adequacy of the existing power setup.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions about the aircraft's electrical system, including the alternator's capacity and the potential for upgrades. There are unresolved questions regarding the total power requirements of the devices and the implications of using an inverter versus direct connections.

yipk4
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Hello,

Don't know if anyone out there can help, but thought this would be a good place to ask.

I have a small aircraft (piper arrow) that I would like to run a few devices in while traveling.

These devices include a laptop, a GPS puck (GPS18) and custom unit that retains postions received by the GPS puck. The aircraft has a 12v power source (cigarette adapter). I have tried connecting an inverter to the aircrafts power source, then connecting an iGo to the inverter that powers the laptop. The GPS puck is connected a cigarette adapter run from a power supply connected to the inverter.

I am using a Cobra CPI1550 inverter, 1500 watts continuous and 3000 peak. This doesn't seem to be enough power as either the laptop or the GPS lose power. Or is there possibly an issue in wire connections? I am no electrician and this is just a hobby type thing I'm putting together.
 
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yipk4 said:
Hello,

Don't know if anyone out there can help, but thought this would be a good place to ask.

I have a small aircraft (piper arrow) that I would like to run a few devices in while traveling.

These devices include a laptop, a GPS puck (GPS18) and custom unit that retains postions received by the GPS puck. The aircraft has a 12v power source (cigarette adapter). I have tried connecting an inverter to the aircrafts power source, then connecting an iGo to the inverter that powers the laptop. The GPS puck is connected a cigarette adapter run from a power supply connected to the inverter.

I am using a Cobra CPI1550 inverter, 1500 watts continuous and 3000 peak. This doesn't seem to be enough power as either the laptop or the GPS lose power. Or is there possibly an issue in wire connections? I am no electrician and this is just a hobby type thing I'm putting together.

Welcome to the PF.

Why do you need to use a 110Vrms inverter to power those devices? Seems like they should each have a 12Vdc adapter available that can run them off of a car-style plug.
 
Would the single 12v source in the aircraft power the GPS puck, the iGO for the laptop and another 12v source without overloading it? Sorry if I don't make much sense, I will be the first to admit I don't know much about all of this. Thanks for the help!
 
I suppose I could get a 1-3 adapter to plug all devices into the 12v aircraft source...I have yet to try that
 
yipk4 said:
Would the single 12v source in the aircraft power the GPS puck, the iGO for the laptop and another 12v source without overloading it?

If it won't, then connecting it to a 1500W/3000W inverter will ABSOLUTELY not work. The Piper Arrow comes standard with a 60A alternator, this should be sufficient to power your inverter (~30A max), if there is no other load (Lights, radios, etc), but it would be FAR MORE efficient to directly power your devices from the 12V source.

A quick google on the Arrow's charging system suggests many owners have chosen to upgrade their alternators to 75A-100A versions. You might consider this next time the alternator maintenance comes up on your check list.

Fish
 
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