Installing a wind generator elec system

[Tony Johnson]

I have searched the threads here and found some information that relates to this point but I am still left with some questions.

I have a 1942 DC65 (L2) that was converted from a T6 glider. I am considering putting in a wind generator electrical system to power a radio, transponder and GPS.

My aircraft records include a document from the FAA, entitled Aircraft Specification No. 746, Rev 4, dated 1 Nov 1969. which makes reference to 2 PCLM approved 25 Nov 1941.

Under "electrical equipment" sec 305 it specifies battery (4 choices which I have never heard of including three 6 volt batteries and one 12 volt battery made by Willard and Reading).

Under sec 311 it specifies "generator, wind driven" including the 6 volt General Armature Co., which I have. I do not have the mounting hardware.

Sec 301 "position lights" it specifies only one, grimes...which I have.

I confess to being clueless as to what this document means. Does it give me the right to install those components? Do I need a 337?

I can tell that position lights were once installed on my aircraft and were removed. I think the wiring may still be in place, although old. The aircraft records do not show a 337 for an electrical system installation.

If I install the wind generator I would like for it to be like an original installation. I do not have the mounting hardware. I do not know where the battery would have been installed.

When I bought the wind generator years ago, the guy who sold it to me had a schematic of how you hook up a voltage regulator that was made for a car. I lost that document.

Any advice that you tribe members can provide would be appreciated.

[astjp2]

Re: Installing a wind generator elec system

If its in the Type Certificate, then its a logbook and weight and balance update only. If you have a part made, you need would need a 337 for an owner produced part. Personally I would just install a sealed lead acid battery on the floor board below the pilots seat and just run a GPS off of AA batteries and the radio/transponder off the battery on the floor board. There is a 337 listed in the technical section that you could use to get a battery and radio installed. If you have any problems give a shout. Tim

[fearofpavement]

Re: Installing a wind generator elec system

regarding the nav lights, I believe that most of the t-craft were produced with the mounting boss for the nav lights but many of them never had nav lights. I think that most people used the nav lights with a battery but didn't have a generator installed. Just charged up their batteries between flights. Regulations didn't require anti collision lights back then. Not sure if that would be required now for night flying or not... I am sure someone on here knows that. We don't fly ours at night so I never looked up the reg on that. I do know that you don't need a landing light for night flying (unless it is commercial flying)

[Ron Greene]

Re: Installing a wind generator elec system

Tony,

I suggest you buy the L-2 Blueprints, the battery and generator installs are shown in them. If you do not want to buy the blueprints you can view them on the taylorcraft.org website.

Here is a link to one of the battery drawings:

http://www.taylorcraft.org/l2_blueprints/cd1/images/D-(A)703.jpg

The 4 CD set is available for $25.00 where $20.00 will go to the Taylorcraft Foundation and $5.00 will be used to cover shipping and material costs.

A new section has been added to the L-2 CD's thanks to Claude Underwood, it includes a compilation by Claude Underwood of L-2 history, all L-2 Army Technical Manuals including, Erection and Maintenance Manual, Airplane Parts Catalog, Pilots Flight Operating Instructions, and Structural Repair Instructions, also has WWII history, AAC Technical Orders and more. I would like to thank Claude for providing all this information. This is only available on the CD set and not online.

Send check or money order to:

Ron Greene
40336 Calle Medusa
Temecula, CA 92591

[Howard Wilson]

Re: Installing a wind generator elec system

regarding the nav lights, I believe that most of the t-craft were produced with the mounting boss for the nav lights but many of them never had nav lights. I think that most people used the nav lights with a battery but didn't have a generator installed. Just charged up their batteries between flights. Regulations didn't require anti collision lights back then. Not sure if that would be required now for night flying or not... I am sure someone on here knows that. We don't fly ours at night so I never looked up the reg on that. I do know that you don't need a landing light for night flying (unless it is commercial flying)

If you want some entertainment, search 'anti collision' and read the 'beacon help' thread. It's educational too..................Norm where are you?

[astjp2]

Re: Installing a wind generator elec system

Short and sweet, the airplane does not require an anti collision light under car 4, but the pilot must have one to fly at night under part 91 Tim

[Ron Coleman]

Re: Installing a wind generator elec system

By golly Howard you are amazing.....I didn't think that anyone remembered the sweet days of the old forum and the beacon and the Taylorcraft brick. I sure miss Storman Norman and the Cap"n. Good thing that Forest is still around.

Maybe I'll see you again at the reunion.
RonC

[Howard Wilson]

Re: Installing a wind generator elec system

By golly Howard you are amazing.....I didn't think that anyone remembered the sweet days of the old forum and the beacon and the Taylorcraft brick. I sure miss Storman Norman and the Cap"n. Good thing that Forest is still around.

Maybe I'll see you again at the reunion.
RonC

Hi Ron, I'm planning on being there, look forward to talking with you. Remember that Sunday a few years ago when we tried to get out heading east and bounced off of that wall of clouds???
My favorite thread from the old forum was "How to get rid of wasps" Can't find it anywhere and don't remember who wrote it, one of the tribe from down south ??

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Installing a wind generator elec system

You all have made my day, I still have MY Taylorcraft Brick, presented to me at Sun-N-Fun ...... , and we can go way back to Stormin, Capt Jon; Tom Young , Rich Horrigan, Merton Meade ,Edwardo Escallon and many, many others...... It has been a great ride. Hope to amke it a few more years. Sorry to be off line for about 10 days , Hell broke loose here in Alliance, not weather either. I am back and catching up again.