C-172 landing light switch

Do you have a voltage regulator (either internal or external)? That's
probably where I would look based on everything you pointed out.

Very "rule of thumb", volts times amps equals watts...


"JFLEISC" wrote in message
...
I don't know very much about light aircraft electrical systems, but they
are
very similar to automobile systems, which I do know something about.

Well Bill, I appreciate the advice, however I also know a bit about cars
having
been a NAISE certified auto mechanic for over 20 years. First rule of auto
mechanics is listen to the customer's complaint. I said the generator
breaker
was tripping. The landing light breaker is fine and never trips. The give
away
here is that (with the fully charged battery, as you surmised) the landing
light does not go out. Neither of them do. In fact more lights come on,
namely
the 'no charging' light. Think about that one for a minute. Breaker pops,
landing lights still on...aka landing light circuit working.
One thing I'm not is an electrical engineer. How does it work?...something
like
if the draw (wattage) is the same and the voltage drops, the current goes
up?...or I've got it backwards or upside down or inside out etc? :-)

Jim

Do you have a voltage regulator (either internal or external)? That's
probably where I would look based on everything you pointed out.

Oh yes, it definately has a voltage regulator. A BIG heavy one. (I never saw a
'generator' with an internal regulator. Wish I could afford the alternator
STC). Admittedly its been some time since I worked on 'generator' voltage
regulator circuits. Any suggestions on what to look for? Are Delco Remy
aircraft regulators the same as the automotive versions for 1/3 the price?

Jim

I'm afraid I'm at the end of the line on this one; this is where I'd usually
just head to the NAPA store and buy something!

But your Delco comment reminded me of something...

Years ago I needed some 1/4" plastic tubing for something, so I went down to
my local "seal and gasket" place. I told the clerk what I needed, and he
asked me if I wanted "medical grade", "aircraft grade", or "industrial
grade".

I asked him what the difference was between the various grades, and he told
me the "medical grade" was $1.20/ft, the "aircraft grade" was $1.10/ft, and
the "industrial grade" was $1.00/ft. I asked him what the actual difference
was. He told me to lean across the counter and he showed me the spool. It
had three different part numbers on it. The clerk told me that it was all
"medical grade"; they just charged different prices based on what grade you
asked for!

But I would recommend a bit more investigation before you bolt up the Delco!

"JFLEISC" wrote in message
...
Do you have a voltage regulator (either internal or external)? That's
probably where I would look based on everything you pointed out.

Oh yes, it definately has a voltage regulator. A BIG heavy one. (I never
saw a
'generator' with an internal regulator. Wish I could afford the alternator
STC). Admittedly its been some time since I worked on 'generator' voltage
regulator circuits. Any suggestions on what to look for? Are Delco Remy
aircraft regulators the same as the automotive versions for 1/3 the price?

Jim

I asked him what the difference was between the various grades, and he told
me the "medical grade" was $1.20/ft, the "aircraft grade" was $1.10/ft, and
the "industrial grade" was $1.00/ft. I asked him what the actual difference
was. He told me to lean across the counter and he showed me the spool. It
had three different part numbers on it. The clerk told me that it was all
"medical grade"; they just charged different prices based on what grade you
asked for!

I absolutly believe that!

On Mon, 03 May 2004 19:53:04 -0500, Bill Denton wrote:

I asked him what the difference was between the various grades, and he told
me the "medical grade" was $1.20/ft, the "aircraft grade" was $1.10/ft, and
the "industrial grade" was $1.00/ft. I asked him what the actual difference
was. He told me to lean across the counter and he showed me the spool. It
had three different part numbers on it. The clerk told me that it was all
"medical grade"; they just charged different prices based on what grade you
asked for!

Personally, I'm amazed that the "medical grade" was cheaper than the
"aircraft grade". Guess they were stilling working out their price
structure.