VariEze Alternator & O-235

[Gilbert DRIEUX]

Do some of you here experiment MODEL SD-8 ALTERNATOR & REGULATOR on VariEze & Lyc O-235.
It is light (3,7 lb) and close to firewall (better for CG..).
I'm flying for 60 hr now, w/o alternator. GC is OK, (midle of flying box w shortened canard)
I'll appreciate to have an alternator on board, instead charging the battery after landing.
Electrical consumption : I have a light starter and a strobe on top cowl (not always on...)

Regards.

[Drew]

If I remember right, the SD-8 goes on the vac pump pad?  If so, I originally had it on my Longez with the O235.  It worked very well for what it was designed for.  Later on, I went to an IFR cockpit and needed the vac pump pad for vacuum---then put on a belt driven Suzuki alternator

[Gilbert DRIEUX]

Thank you Drew,
Yes, SD-8 goes on the vac pump pad.
I'll never go to IFR cockpit, so, I'll order a SD-8 from Spruce.

[slk23]

I have the what I think is the old version of that alternator on my Lyc. 235 -- it's belt driven and produces a little more power (12 amps?) due to higher RPM.  The weight is low so CG is not a problem (I don't have an electric starter or flywheel).

The model I have, and I think the same applies to the SD-8, is a two wire alternator (dynamo?).  One drawback is the power output drops drastically when the RPMs go down, such as on final approach to land.  If you have lights on the system voltage can get so low you can't use the radio  :x The three wire alternators maintain higher output at low RPM.