I like the Plane Power kits the best. The Jasco is a wiring nightmare and harder to fit overall.

Bringing this subject back to the top. Didn't want to start a new thread and was wondering if there is anything new or 'a better mousetrap" out there

.My 172A with an O-300 is going to it's new home in the spring and the new owner is wanting to upgrade the generator to an alternator. Larger amperage and better reliability are two benefits. Eventually I would guess he will be installing more 'stuff' that requires more amperage so the more the merry I guess. The current generator is working fine, albeit, has the typical oil weeping issue that I can't seem to resolve. New seal and gasket last year, but still weeps.

Which is the easiest to install or cost effective option? Thanks!!

I’ve been happy with my Plane Power ER14-50 and I doubt you’ll find anything easier to install. I was hesitant to buy a plane power unit because of some reviews from guys here but options are limited and this unit was the best on paper.

AirPower likely has the best price.

I'm a B&C fan. Good people and I prefer the external regulator design.

Zzz wrote:I'm a B&C fan. Good people and I prefer the external regulator design.

I'll echo this. I have the B&C 40amp on my Lycoming and it has been rock solid. Their tech support is amazing, that is what solid me.

I wanted a B&C but their only offerings for a gear drive Continental are the permanent magnet versions, 12A or 30A. I wanted more than 30A so I went with the plane power. It sounds like WWs buyer wants more than 30A.

Thanks guys!

Zzzz, plane is headed to your neck of the woods!

Whee, yes, I believe he wants more than 30 amps. Heck, I already have the 35 amp generator and think it might be good enough, but the future 'care-taker' of the plane is planning IFR suite basically just to keep current so he feels the lighter weight alternator would be a better fit for his needs. Shooting for his CFI and eventually CFII so he's thinking ahead.

Heck, I'm strictly a VFR, single engine type of guy and have never had a desire for IFR so ended up pulling lots of old IFR stuff out of the plane many years ago to save weight.

whee wrote:I wanted a B&C but their only offerings for a gear drive Continental are the permanent magnet versions, 12A or 30A. I wanted more than 30A so I went with the plane power. It sounds like WWs buyer wants more than 30A.

With everything being solid state now (that term probably dates me),
and all lighting being low-draw LED,
even with an extensive avionics package how much juice do you really need?

hotrod180 wrote:

whee wrote:I wanted a B&C but their only offerings for a gear drive Continental are the permanent magnet versions, 12A or 30A. I wanted more than 30A so I went with the plane power. It sounds like WWs buyer wants more than 30A.

With everything being solid state now (that term probably dates me),
and all lighting being low-draw LED,
even with an extensive avionics package how much juice do you really need?

Thats my question. Running all my lights, my electronic DG and horizon, GPS, radio, Xponder, and engine monitor, and I show about 1.5-2 amps on my 206.

A1Skinner wrote:

hotrod180 wrote:

whee wrote:I wanted a B&C but their only offerings for a gear drive Continental are the permanent magnet versions, 12A or 30A. I wanted more than 30A so I went with the plane power. It sounds like WWs buyer wants more than 30A.

With everything being solid state now (that term probably dates me),
and all lighting being low-draw LED,
even with an extensive avionics package how much juice do you really need?

Thats my question. Running all my lights, my electronic DG and horizon, GPS, radio, Xponder, and engine monitor, and I show about 1.5-2 amps on my 206.

I calculated a max load of ~22A on my plane. A 30A would have been just barely big enough. Add in a nav radio, gps, whatever else you end up plugging into the aux power ports and 30A is no longer big enough.

You have to consider max load of each device not just what they draw when everything is up and running. For example, my com radio draws like .8A when it’s on and receiving. When I transmit it draws about 8A.

Cessna/Ford from a later model 172 or Plane Power. Jasco is heavy and poorly geared for O-300 RPM's.