Portable power from a post light

Monk

Monk

Well-Known Member
I flew with a guy that powered his GPS with a cord from a post light that had been removed, anyone know where to get something like that? I would like a way to power my i pad so I can watch movies waiting for freight!
 
1. Appropriate a bulb and post cover
2. Break the bulb and clean out all the glass
3. Slide the bulb cover over the power leads
4. Solder the power leads into the bulb case
5. Test for power
6. Glue it all together.
 
Capt. Chaos said:
1. Appropriate a bulb and post cover
2. Break the bulb and clean out all the glass
3. Slide the bulb cover over the power leads
4. Solder the power leads into the bulb case
5. Test for power
6. Glue it all together.
Click to expand...
Who do I go to for the STC on that? :D
 
Capt. Chaos said:
1. Appropriate a bulb and post cover
2. Break the bulb and clean out all the glass
3. Slide the bulb cover over the power leads
4. Solder the power leads into the bulb case
5. Test for power
6. Glue it all together.
Click to expand...
I dig it. good project for a weather day.
 
Roger Roger said:
I dig it. good project for a weather day.
Click to expand...

Done yet? Pretty sure you are not going anywhere today. I first saw this in use by a grey haired guy at your competition, back when your current master worked there and was anti GPS. It was developed to hide evidence of safety being used.
 
At least in the Caravan, it's a no bueno idea. When I first came on, a nastygram went out from ops and MX saying that more than one plane had been discovered with panel light problems tied to such shenanigans. Lol
 
Air Pirate said:
At least in the Caravan, it's a no bueno idea. When I first came on, a nastygram went out from ops and MX saying that more than one plane had been discovered with panel light problems tied to such shenanigans. Lol
Click to expand...
Was it burning out the rheostats?
 
Yes! THAT was it! Haha thanks! I couldn't remember what it was at first. Since our longest route that i know of is ONT->BIH at about 1.5-2.0, I never saw any need for Macgyver Alva Edison, so I didn't pay that much attention to the memo. LOL
 
Seeing the gauge of wiring back there(I'm going to guess 16), I'd be leery of drawing any kind of serious amperage through that. I'm not mechanic though, and I HATE anything with electricity, so I wouldn't know for sure. Might be something to consider though.
 
Pretty bad idea.. A gps with a depleted battery can draw some current, and exceed the rating on the transistor used in the dimming circuit. It would BAD if used on a 135 aircraft and a fed noticed it. It could power some anr headsets maybe. (but not legally)
 
UAL747400 said:
Seeing the gauge of wiring back there(I'm going to guess 16), I'd be leery of drawing any kind of serious amperage through that. I'm not mechanic though, and I HATE anything with electricity, so I wouldn't know for sure. Might be something to consider though.
Click to expand...
I'd say 16 is more than adequate for a GPS. Heck a panel mount GPS like a 430 or such usually only uses 20 gauge (MAYYYBE 18) for the power wirel. The transistors are the problem fo sho.
 
Roger Roger said:
I'd say 16 is more than adequate for a GPS. Heck a panel mount GPS like a 430 or such usually only uses 20 gauge (MAYYYBE 18) for the power wirel. The transistors are the problem fo sho.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I guess I'm not familiar with the current draw on the things. Can't say I've ever looked at the back of them to see. Skinny wires bother me in any application, if I see them and what they're connected to at least. I've had a few uhh... moments in life wiring extra accessories(sub woofers, lights, PA system) into cars. :) 4 gauge for everything if I had it my way. What a mess that would be! :D
 
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