Piper CHEROKEE D - Page 18

SECTION II
CHEROKEE
"D"
Standard accessories include a starter, electric fuel pump,
stall warning indicator, cigar lighter,fuel gaugeand ammeter. The
navigation lights, anti-collision light, landing light, instrument
lighting and cabin dome light are optional. Circuits will handle
an entire complement of communications and navigational equip-
ment.
The alternator system offers many advantages over the gen-
erator system both in operation and maintenance. The main ad-
vantage is full electrical power output at lower engine RPM.
This is a great improvement for radio and electrical equipment
operation. Since the alternator output is available at all times,
the battery will be charging for a greater percentage of use. This
will make cold-morning starting easier.
Unlike previous generator systems, the ammeter does not
indicate battery discharge; rather it displays in amperes the load
placed on the alternator. With all electrical equipment off (except
master switch) the ammeter will be indicating the amount of
charging current demanded by the battery. As each item of elec-
trical equipment is turned on, the current will increase to a total
appearing on the ammeter. This total includes the battery. The
maximum continuous load for night flight, with radios on, is about
30 amperes. This 30 ampere value, plus approximately two am-
peres for a fully charged battery, will appear continuously under
these flight conditions. The amount of current shown on the
ammeter will tell immediately if the alternator system is operating
normally, as the amount of current shown should equal the total
amperage drawn by the equipment which is operating.
If no output is indicated on the ammeter during flight, reduce
the electrical load by turning off all unnecessary electrical equip-
ment. Check both 5 ampere field breaker and 60 ampere output
breaker and reset if open. If neither circuit breaker is open, turn
off the master switch for 30 seconds to reset the overvoltage
relay. If ammeter continues to indicate no output, maintain mini-
mum electrical load and terminate flight as soon as practical.
Maintenance on the alternator should prove to be a minor
factor. Should service be required,'contactthe local Piper Dealer.
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680415