BillC

UPDATE: I had the local shop charge the batteries and was able to get them back up to 24 volts. Unfortunately, they failed the capacity check coming in at 55 and 65 respectively. Looks like another pair of Concordes are in the stars. Hopefully, they can still use the batteries to troubleshoot the discharge problem. Stay tuned.....more to follow

Thanks Paul. I tried to charge the batteries with my BatteryMINDer and it wouldn't charge even though they now show 6.7 volts. I'm in a new home and don't have access to extra 12 or 24 batteries so I got the mechanic at my airport to charge them and troubleshoot the problem this morning. He thinks he may be able to save the batteries. I relayed the info you gave me and also mentioned the SB M20-275 for the addition of fuses to preclude the possibility of a spike wiping out the diode(s). Thanks so much for all the info. I'm sure it will help in diagnosing the problem. I'll post when the problem is resolved and let you know what it was. Thanks again Paul.

Thank you for the offer Mike. I just bit the bullet and called American Aviation in KBKV. They think they may be able to save the Concordes because they are now showing 6.7 volts each. Keeping my fingers crossed. Also, I called Arnold in Leesburg and, although he would love to help me, he is about 2 weeks out with all the work he has. I'll keep you posted with the progress as soon as I hear. Thanks again for the offer. Once I'm up and running I'd like to meet you and buy you lunch.

What do you consider a 'slow ' charge. The charger at Northern Tool charges at 30 amps for 24V setting. Is that too much for these batteries? Update: I got both batteries out and just checked them at home. They have recovered somewhat and now show 6.7 volts each. Should this give me a glimmer of hope that they can be salvaged?

I just looked up Arnold in Leesburg. He's only 40 miles from me. He would be a great choice. I'll need to get the batteries charged or replaced before I could get it to him. Thanks for the info Mike.

Thanks again Paul. I did find the schematic in my Maintenance manual. I also found a Service Bulletin M20-275 that recommends adding 3 fuses to the charging circuit because of the possibility of a spike causing a diode to fail. I'll bring this to the attention to the mechanic on Tuesday. I'll be using American Aviation in Brooksville Florida (KBKV). They advertise as being Mooney mechanics but I haven't seen one in their hanger yet. All the info you gave me should help troubleshoot the problem. You have an incredible knowledge of this system. Thank you for sharing it. I'll post when the problem is resolved and let you know the outcome.

Yes Cruiser. I'm sure the #2 was good. I regularly switch batteries when starting and also keep an eye on the engine monitor. Thanks again, Bill

Yes, I switch Batteries Paul. I do the same as you. Could you tell me where the diodes are located ? I have some experience with diodes and will be able to tell if there is a bad one. Thanks again, Bill

Thank you so much for the info Paul and Cruiser. That's a lot for me to digest. I'm not up to troubleshooting the electrical system so it sounds like a mechanic with better skills is needed to correctly diagnose the system. I will have both batteries serviced, if they are salvagable, on Tuesday when the mechanics are back to work. Again, thanks for the replies. Merry Christmas, Bill

I accidentally erased the original post so I'll try to repost the original question. I flew my 1997 Ovation to Florida a few weeks ago and all was well. After three weeks sitting I tried to start it today. There was no power. Switched to number 2 battery and it was still dead. Pulled both access panels and checked battery voltage. Both batteries were reading .5 volts! you read that right...point 5 volts. I thought that the batteries were independant of each other so one battery would always remain charged. I have two Concordes that are about 1 year old. I do have a Concorde Batteryminder and tried to charge one of the batteries today for about two hours. It never went into the charge mode. I was afraid to leave it on overnight unsupervised for fear of a short. My question is: Shouldn't one battery be protected while using the other? Is there a relay that connects both batteries that could fail and drain both batteries? Thanks and Merry Christmas!

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FAA? FAA? We don't need no stinking FAA....I think we were talking about giving someone a ride when the aircraft owner is going your way. Either way, FAR 61.113(c) clearly states sharing costs equally is completely legal as long as the pilot is going that way anyway. For me, I was talking about giving a free ride to anyone who needed it.

That's a great idea Jason. I go to Florida and Maine once or twice a year. I stop at Duplin County (KDPL) North Carolina each way for fuel. If someone needed a ride, I would be happy to take them. But, I won't join Facebook to do it.

I realize this is an old post but carusoam had asked if anyone has spoken with Bob Bramble. I just spoke with him. He is still repairing BK products and has my KI-525A for repair. I needed a new stepper motor, two gears and thorough cleaning. $625.00.

One more time and I'm done. I never 'seriously objected' to the use of 'handles' on this forum. I merely asked why a lot of people don't use their FIRST names. It was a simple question that only needed a simple answer.

I'm afraid you missed the point and have apparently taken offense to my question. That's unfortunate for you. If you read the original post you would have seen that I asked why people on this forum don't use their FIRST name. I wasn't asking any more than that. I don't care or need to know anything about your last name, private life, or personal information. And really....you think I'm being anonymous using my real name?

Actually, I wrote that giving last names or any other personal information in not necessary. Please read the question before you post a response. I merely asked why first names aren't usually used. I understand privacy and agree with it.

I wonder why a lot of people choose to use an alias when submitting questions or responses on this board. It seems awfully cold to have to refer to someone using an alias instead of their real first name. No need to use you last name or give up any personal information. I'd rather talk to "Joe" than to "ABQ201". It just doesn't seem very friendly. Is there a reason why some of you choose to hide your identity?

Nice plane.....excellent photo.

OK, I gotta ask. Who is your insurance company and do they have a US office.

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Your right. I should mention that this bulb (GE 400) is for the Ovation. I mistakenly looked up the bulb in my old M20J maintenance manual.

Please disregard... I found it. It's a GE 400. Is there no way to delete a post minutes after it's published?

Would anyone have the correct number for an Ovation 24V overhead map light bulb? It is NOT a GE 327 or GE 1818 as shown in the maintenance manual. It is a wedge base bulb as pictured below.

I see your in the Northeast. I'm in Maine at 63B in the summer.