The International Cessna 170 Association

Have a alternator problem so trying to solve two issues and to aid T/S , I’ve put in a device I’ve needed for awhile, a USB port for my Ipad. I’m using a MC1101 which has the added benefit of showing bus voltage, comes with a standard Chinese Aviation Authority Seal of approval.https://www.amazon.com/Charger-ADSDIA-A ... B07PN5YZX3
Weird issue with my alternator, initial start up alls good, voltage around 13 volts ( analog gauge ) and charging amperage. Amp Needle eventually centres but then it seems the alternator quits and voltage drops. Cycling the field breaker brings it back online with a high current charge but then the cycle repeats.

Last year I bought an almost identical unit... almost identical... The one I bought is a ready-made for a cigar-lighter-receptacle so all I had to do was “plug it in”... didn’t have to hard-wire it and so it’s “Loose equipment” and needs no mx entry or engineering-study for a basis of approval such as I know you did...

The problem I have with it is those BLUE LED numerals. I simply cannot see them in daylight and only barely in the dark. (My son/student-pilot can read it just fine.... It may be an early indicator of old- errr, I mean.... mature-eyes...).

Jim, I’m thinking your voltage regulator might be the issue, either that or your alternator could be heating up and a circuit-device is failing. Any way you could “borrow” a regulator from someone?

George I haven't had the time to dig in yet but will. The gear was new in 84, owes me nothing, I’ll do the T/S and if its more than brushes, I’ll renew the lot.
The 787 CMC screens use blue coloured graphics which I can barely read, causes a bit of consternation from the pilots when they see me trying to read them, can’t understand why.
I have not tested this unit to see whether it creates any interference yet, so maybe I’m a bit premature (hate that word ) with giving it a go.

I'm glad to find out its not just me! I purchased one like George did, and while its way over on the rh side of my instrument panel, I cannot read it from my position. Even if I lean over its mostly not readable. Guess we need to find one with a brighter display.

I tried removing the lens.... figuring it was a blue lens that removed, would allow white or yellow LEDs to be easily-read.
Nope...they’re blue LEDs and so no bueno. Still useful as a USB port, however. (This is in our Skyhawk that is mainly for the benefit of our son to obtain his private and his 40-ish year-old-eyes see it fine, even in daylight.... I’m beginning to recognize mortality... )

George-
Get your cataracts fixed! I went from practically blind to 20/15 in two easy trips to the eye surgeon. Passed my 2nd Class Medical 3 days after the 2nd eye was done and the FAA sent me a letter of approval. I had both corrected for best distant vision, note, the FAA does not like one close and one far combo for the new lenses.

You'll be amazed!

I have my eyes checked annually and do not have cataracts ....yet.* The Dr. is always surprised as he says most people do at my age. The little blue LED is just dim and hard to read.

* (My ophthalmologist says, “If you don’t get cataracts...... You died too soon!”)