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Ground power ?

Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2018 3:38 pm
by Sling 2 Pilot
I don’t have a ground power receptacle on my Sling. While programming or updating my G3X panels, would attaching a Battery Minder to the battery, in lies of a ground power unit, be an acceptable alternative?

The map/sectional downloads could take up to 30 minutes. I’d hate to weaken the battery while doing so.

Re: Ground power ?

Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2018 11:46 pm
by roger lee
Yes. I always hook up the battery with a charger and plug in my computer when I do updates. This is usually recommended by the instrument factory. If one fails mid stream you may be sending the instrument back to the factory. Better safe than sorry.

Re: Ground power ?

Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2018 9:45 am
by ShawnM
I dont know about the Garmin panels but Dynon states this on their software/firmware update page. As Roger stated, always plug in your laptop to a/c power and make sure the plane has sufficient power meaning a charger hooked to it as well. With the Dynon products if either the plane or laptop die during a firmware update the Dynon instrument becomes a brick and has to be sent back to Dynon.

Always a good idea to have external power if available to avoid any issues.

Re: Ground power ?

Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2018 9:55 am
by Sling 2 Pilot
roger lee wrote:Yes. I always hook up the battery with a charger and plug in my computer when I do updates. This is usually recommended by the instrument factory. If one fails mid stream you may be sending the instrument back to the factory. Better safe than sorry.
Thanks again Roger, IYO, does the battery minder fit the bill? Is there another unit better suited for the job? Some say I need a regulated power source. I just want the battery to not drop too low, causing a crash, if the download takes longer than expected.

Re: Ground power ?

Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2018 10:04 am
by ShawnM
Sling 2 Pilot wrote:
roger lee wrote:Yes. I always hook up the battery with a charger and plug in my computer when I do updates. This is usually recommended by the instrument factory. If one fails mid stream you may be sending the instrument back to the factory. Better safe than sorry.
Thanks again Roger, IYO, does the battery minder fit the bill? Is there another unit better suited for the job? Some say I need a regulated power source. I just want the battery to not drop too low, causing a crash, if the download takes longer than expected.
I understand you are asking Roger's opinion, wise choice, but to help put your mind at ease I use a "Battery Tender" brand charger (12v, 1.2 amp model) on my plane and never had any issues with updates or low battery readings while doing updates. I think any charger, no matter how small the rating, on the battery is good insurance.

I ran mine like this for over an hour and a half one time recalibrating the fuel level senders on my Dynon.

Re: Ground power ?

Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2018 3:53 pm
by Sling 2 Pilot
ShawnM wrote:
Sling 2 Pilot wrote:
roger lee wrote:Yes. I always hook up the battery with a charger and plug in my computer when I do updates. This is usually recommended by the instrument factory. If one fails mid stream you may be sending the instrument back to the factory. Better safe than sorry.
Thanks again Roger, IYO, does the battery minder fit the bill? Is there another unit better suited for the job? Some say I need a regulated power source. I just want the battery to not drop too low, causing a crash, if the download takes longer than expected.
I understand you are asking Roger's opinion, wise choice, but to help put your mind at ease I use a "Battery Tender" brand charger (12v, 1.2 amp model) on my plane and never had any issues with updates or low battery readings while doing updates. I think any charger, no matter how small the rating, on the battery is good insurance.

I ran mine like this for over an hour and a half one time recalibrating the fuel level senders on my Dynon.
Execellent Shawn! Just what I want to hear. I’m going to order a Battery Minder for my Sling. TAF got back to me and they agree also.

Roger is always spot on and we can usually get an answer from him quickly. I can’t wait to take the course, hopefully next year after I retire.

Re: Ground power ?

Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2018 6:08 pm
by ShawnM
Sling 2 Pilot wrote:Execellent Shawn! Just what I want to hear. I’m going to order a Battery Minder for my Sling. TAF got back to me and they agree also.

Roger is always spot on and we can usually get an answer from him quickly. I can’t wait to take the course, hopefully next year after I retire.
Great, the battery minder will do the trick as well. I'm also taking the 16 hour class next April here in Florida. My annual is next month so I need to pay my mechanic one more time. Then the first 2 Rotax classes in Sebring. :mrgreen: