Finally placed my B and C Specialty order!!!

[captain_john]

I am so happy! It is the small things in life... really.

I just ordered some stuff from Bill Bainbridge at B and C today. He is a great guy. I met out at OSH and was really impressed with everything he does.

I ordered some contactors, fusible links and the LR3C-14 voltage regulator that goes with his alternator. I will buy that later with the starter when the engine is on the floor.

I don't know anyone locally who has used the LR3C regulator, but that doesn't scare me. Does anyone here use his linear regulator?

CJ

[cjensen]

Very cool CJ! B&C is a fantasic company...I just about split all my electrical stuff down the middle between them and Stein. Both are great!

No experience here with the VR from them...I went Plane Power, but my bud Rob here in town has the setup you are using. I'm sure he'll chime in...if not, I'll let him know to check this thread.

Very cool!

[captain_john]

You know what is kinda interesting is that the starter contactor specified on the Z-13 diagram (http://www.bandc.biz/pdfs/Z13withBoMRevA.pdf) is the S702-1 relay (http://www.bandc.biz/intermittentdutyst ... actor.aspx).

I have seen people using the Ford style ones. Are those the Vans ones?

Looks like I will have to put a twist on the copper bar or use a wire with clocked terminals in order to connect the 2 of them... no?

Here is a pic of the master:

http://www.bandc.biz/pdfs/S701-1_Wiring.pdf

...and here is a pic of the starter relay:

http://www.bandc.biz/pdfs/S702-1_Wiring.pdf

CJ

[bullojm1]

CJ-

Just as a heads up the B and C starter and master relays don't align with the firewall forward plans from Van's. So make sure you don't drill the holes in your FW before you get the relays.

Also, why are you going with the B and C alternator? The Plane Power is so dirt simple to wire with its internal regulator. I know with my scheme I would of been a little screwed if I needed to find a place to put the regulator between my firewall and subpanel. All these electronic gizmos take up space!

[captain_john]

Mike, Thanks... I did notice that and will get the goodies before I go punching any holes!

I like the design of B and C's alternator. He removes the diode pack from the standard Nippondenso alternator making it much more heat resistant. It is also very well balanced. While the unit is on the bench, he goes to the extent of high speed balancing the rotor by hand.

I also like the linear voltage regulation of the LR3C. I really don't know if the Plane Power units are any less smooth or linear, but Bill seems to have these things pretty well thought out.

I know that it uses up precious real estate. I don't think it will be something that I will be servicing much. Once the voltage output is confirmed acceptable, it should be problem free.

As a senior builder... where would you park this thing if you were to use it?

CJ

[rob]

Just as Chad said, CJ, I've got the B&C alternator and the external reg -- in over a year of flying, never experienced a single glitch with either. Wiring the reg is no big deal, and the built in "crowbar" overvoltage protection is a nice benefit of it. I don't think you can go wrong with these -- from my research on them, they are very, very reliable and last quite a long time.

I mounted nutplates on my regulator and have it screwed to one of the subpanel ribs. Yes, it is out of the way and would be a PIA to get out (anything under the panel is less than comfortable to access, in my opinion), but it isn't too bad for a once a year inspection.

[captain_john]

Rob, That is good to hear. I know that it is more costly but it has such a great track record... I couldn't NOT install it!

I plan on doing MANY LOOOOONG cross country trips with this machine during the summer months (mostly because I don't work then) and don't want to suffer any mechanical issues while I am on tour.

Thanks for your input! This is an exciting stage of building!

CJ