MisfitSELF Posted July 25, 2022 Report Share Posted July 25, 2022 Any Mooniacs install one of those battery minder interfaces like the one in this link? https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/audioathaik.php If so, how did it work out for you and can you supply pictures of your installation? Thanks, Bruce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KSMooniac Posted July 25, 2022 Report Share Posted July 25, 2022 I just ran a fused 2-wire dongle that plugs into battery minder lead. Went thru a grommet in the baggage bulkhead and up to the hat rack. I plug in thru the baggage door while in the hangar and it has worked great for years. That kit looks unduly complicated and expensive when a simple solution with standard parts works great. Sent from my LM-V405 using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricJ Posted July 25, 2022 Report Share Posted July 25, 2022 56 minutes ago, MisfitSELF said: Any Mooniacs install one of those battery minder interfaces like the one in this link? https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/audioathaik.php If so, how did it work out for you and can you supply pictures of your installation? Thanks, Bruce Yes, our municipal landlord actually specifies that kit and specific minders. It's a good kit, and pretty easy to install. There's a small hole with a grommet at the back of the baggage area in a J and I ran it through there. I leave the hatch open slightly to connect to it in the hangar. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PT20J Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 I did something similar to Eric. I actually use the small plug and leave the large plug plugged in. But, this way it is signed off and legal. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carusoam Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 Many have been installed around here… Including splitters for two battery systems… Some people attach near the O2 door… Others use the ground power door… a few mount a socket in the back wall of the baggage area… See what the BatteryMinder people offer for additional ideas… Best regards, -a- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragsf15e Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 5 hours ago, MisfitSELF said: Any Mooniacs install one of those battery minder interfaces like the one in this link? https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/audioathaik.php If so, how did it work out for you and can you supply pictures of your installation? Thanks, Bruce I also have that exact interface. It’s run into the baggage with the main wire bundle and then under the baggage carpet to right under the baggage door. Easy to reach in and plug in the minder. I leave the baggage door cracked in my hangar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 Here is what mine looks like:Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadrach Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 So I understand using the fancy "Aviation interface kit" if you were going to actually fabricate an auxiliary port for the plug in the fuselage skin for external access (have not seen it done as of yet). Barring that, what's the advantage to adding a bulkier polarized plug in additional to the inline polarized plug that's already in the circuit? Is the hardware "Aviation Grade" and therefor superior? I used a simple fused and polarized ring terminal kit like the one below. It is secured via existing Adel clamps to the battery/equipment rack in the tail cone. I access it through the retractable step (realize this is not an option for everyone). My current Concorde AGM tended with a smart charger has been in service long enough for me to consider replacing it because of age as it does not really seem to be deteriorating in a meaningful way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M20F-1968 Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 30 minutes ago, Shadrach said: So I understand using the fancy "Aviation interface kit" if you were going to actually fabricate an auxiliary port for the plug in the fuselage skin for external access (have not seen it done as of yet). Barring that, what's the advantage to adding a bulkier polarized plug in additional to the inline polarized plug that's already in the circuit? Is the hardware "Aviation Grade" and therefor superior? I used a simple fused and polarized ring terminal kit like the one below. It is secured via existing Adel clamps to the battery/equipment rack in the tail cone. I access it through the retractable step (realize this is not an option for everyone). My current Concorde AGM tended with a smart charger has been in service long enough for me to consider replacing it because of age as it does not really seem to be deteriorating in a meaningful way. 1+ on this cable as well. It is fused, connects with ring terminals, and has the advantage of being small enough to fit through the space between the external power connector and the external skin. It can be folded and stored inside the external power connector. Signed off by when I did my rebuild. It can with the BatteryMinder when purchased. John Breda 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 So I understand using the fancy "Aviation interface kit" if you were going to actually fabricate an auxiliary port for the plug in the fuselage skin for external access (have not seen it done as of yet). Barring that, what's the advantage to adding a bulkier polarized plug in additional to the inline polarized plug that's already in the circuit? Is the hardware "Aviation Grade" and therefor superior? I used a simple fused and polarized ring terminal kit like the one below. It is secured via existing Adel clamps to the battery/equipment rack in the tail cone. I access it through the retractable step (realize this is not an option for everyone). My current Concorde AGM tended with a smart charger has been in service long enough for me to consider replacing it because of age as it does not really seem to be deteriorating in a meaningful way. I think the main reason most of us went with the FAA approved kit is because the wiring adapter you are showing is not approved for installation in certified aircraft. The BatteryMinder equivalent shows in the description that the straight adapter is not approved for certified aircraft. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fly Boomer Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 4 minutes ago, Marauder said: I think the main reason most of us went with the FAA approved kit is because the wiring adapter you are showing is not approved for installation in certified aircraft. The BatteryMinder equivalent shows in the description that the straight adapter is not approved for certified aircraft. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro Who sez? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 Who sez?They do. Why would the manufacturer state very clearly that it is not legal to be installed in certified aircraft? So they can sell a more expensive kit? When you see something like that in writing, it means at some point the FAA got involved. Either that or their lawyers felt there was a clear liability risk. Having used both, you can tell the components in the kit are better quality. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadrach Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 4 minutes ago, Marauder said: I think the main reason most of us went with the FAA approved kit is because the wiring adapter you are showing is not approved for installation in certified aircraft. The BatteryMinder equivalent shows in the description that the straight adapter is not approved for certified aircraft. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro Interesting. I had no idea that approval was necessary but I guess one could attempt to argue it’s permanent because it’s attached to the positive terminal. To my knowledge, this kit wasn’t even available when I started using a battery tender. Someone at Battery minder has an excellent mind for crest a captive market. Instead selling or certifying the standard ring terminals with modern blade fuse and polarized plug, they will sell you a collection of off the self connectors, wire and a 1950s era buss fuse and plastic holder so that you can fabricate the harness in the field. I can think of no better case study on how to take a simple and inexpensive solution and make it more complicated, labor intensive and expensive. Sooooooo much safety and utility happening here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fly Boomer Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 7 minutes ago, Marauder said: Why would the manufacturer state very clearly that it is not legal to be installed in certified aircraft? What gives SmarTECHnology regulatory authority? They tell me I can install the skinny connector on my Experimental. I appreciate that condescension, but I don't think I need it. The fat connector says "may be installed on FAA certified aircraft as a minor alteration, no STC or field approval required". I don't see where the FAA (or any other regulatory authority) is involved here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadrach Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 7 minutes ago, Marauder said: They do. Why would the manufacturer state very clearly that it is not legal to be installed in certified aircraft? So they can sell a more expensive kit? You answered your own question! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadrach Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 Just now, Fly Boomer said: What gives SmarTECHnology regulatory authority? They tell me I can install the skinny connector on my Experimental. I appreciate that condescension, but I don't think I need it. The fat connector says "may be installed on FAA certified aircraft as a minor alteration, no STC or field approval required". I don't see where the FAA (or any other regulatory authority) is involved here. It is indeed a minor alternation at best. The manufacture can say whatever they wish. I/As have been installing polarized quick connect harnesses on airplanes as a minor alteration for decades. This looks like an attempt to push them towards this “approved” kit. It’s the perfect space to do it as well because nobody really gives a shit about a one time $70 purchase. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 Interesting. I had no idea that approval was necessary but I guess one could attempt to argue it’s permanent because it’s attached to the positive terminal. To my knowledge, this kit wasn’t even available when I started using a battery tender. Someone at Battery minder has an excellent mind for crest a captive market. Instead selling or certifying the standard ring terminals with modern blade fuse and polarized plug, they will sell you a collection of off the self connectors, wire and a 1950s era buss fuse and plastic holder so that you can fabricate the harness in the field. I can think of no better case study on how to take a simple and inexpensive solution and make it more complicated, labor intensive and expensive. Sooooooo much safety and utility happening here.LOL! Hey, those of us who have owned airplanes for a while have seen the craziness with this stuff. My favorite was the “FAA approved” air filters used in the PC system. For years, I forked out $60 to replace those 3 filters only to see one day the “FAA APPROVED” label peeling off one and seeing a Fram fuel filter label underneath it. Checking out the prices at local Pep Boys I found they could be had for $1.97 each. Does anyone really think there was a special FAA inspection of those filters to make them “approved”?Yeah the kit is sold in pieces, but being sold that way allows you to build it to the length you need. I’m not saying that the standard adapter won’t work. But if the probable cause of my plane burnt to a crisp was due to “unauthorized” parts being used, it’s just a hassle with the insurance company I don’t want to deal with. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fly Boomer Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 3 minutes ago, Marauder said: it’s just a hassle with the insurance company Previous discussion notwithstanding, I'm in favor of keeping the insurance company happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 Previous discussion notwithstanding, I'm in favor of keeping the insurance company happy.I had 1 dealing with aircraft insurance in my 31 years of ownership. Some idiot in the hangar behind me decided to paint his plane in his hangar. I ended up with paint residue all over my plane. Fortunately my windows were spared because I covered them with a big sheet to keep the dust off. I remember how big of a battle it was to get insurance to address the issue. Weeks of phone calls to finally have a company come out and deal with it. Insurance is your friend until you need it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadrach Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 4 minutes ago, Marauder said: LOL! Hey, those of us who have owned airplanes for a while have seen the craziness with this stuff. My favorite was the “FAA approved” air filters used in the PC system. For years, I forked out $60 to replace those 3 filters only to see one day the “FAA APPROVED” label peeling off one and seeing a Fram fuel filter label underneath it. Checking out the prices at local Pep Boys I found they could be had for $1.97 each. Does anyone really think there was a special FAA inspection of those filters to make them “approved”? Yeah the kit is sold in pieces, but being sold that way allows you to build it to the length you need. I’m not saying that the standard adapter won’t work. But if the probable cause of my plane burnt to a crisp was due to “unauthorized” parts being used, it’s just a hassle with the insurance company I don’t want to deal with. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro I've heard that those PMA stickers are reusable but that the FRAM fuel...er um...I mean air filters should be changed biannually. As for increased quality of the FAA kit, what is it about the components that makes it better quality? It is obviously lighter gauge wire between the battery and plug end. The insulation is thinner and appears less durable. The installer was smart to shield those wires with spiral wrap though I'd ask them for approval and burn certs to be on the safe side.... The "non approved" version is built up heavier gauge wire and insulated as a single unit. It is likely strong enough to support one of your more "petite" ladies. I am not new to the ridiculous side of PMA approval. I expect to pay more for equivalent quality. I find it mildly annoying when asked to pay more for a less robust design. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeeBee Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 I can tell you my IA will down your annual if he finds an unapproved Battery Minder installation. Here is mine by the way 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 I've heard that those PMA stickers are reusable but that the FRAM fuel...er um...I mean air filters should be changed biannually. As for increased quality of the FAA kit, what is it about the components that makes it better quality? It is obviously lighter gauge wire between the battery and plug end. The insulation is thinner and appears less durable. The installer was smart to shield those wires with spiral wrap though I'd ask them for approval and burn certs to be on the safe side.... The "non approved" version is built up heavier gauge wire and insulated as a single unit. It is likely strong enough to support one of your more "petite" ladies. I am not new to the ridiculous side of PMA approval. I expect to pay more for equivalent quality. I find it mildly annoying when asked to pay more for a less robust design. Look, if there is that much interest in understanding how and why they developed this kit for certified aircraft, maybe a phone call to them is warranted. And if they don’t invoke their 5th amendment rights, maybe you’ll get a straight answer. Here is a video they posted. They clearly indicate regulations that were complied with. They even suggest your mechanic can build one with aviation grade materials to meet the regulation requirements. Did they quote those FARs as a marketing thing to sell their kit? Did they get nailed by the FAA for selling unapproved parts? BTW - the spiral thing I added because the FAA approved mechanic just ran the wire through that opening. I didn’t feel good about those wires running against the plastic trim. SO, I ran PA6 spiral wrap along the whole length. And for the record, here is a description of PA6. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadrach Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 4 minutes ago, GeeBee said: I can tell you my IA will down your annual if he finds an unapproved Battery Minder installation. Here is mine by the way It's aviation. Why do simple and safe when you can accomplish the same goal with invasive, complex and expensive. That's just good aviation maintenance. I'm just glad this kind of thinking has not infiltrated medicine... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeeBee Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 There is little that is simple and safe when it comes to attaching to the hot post of a battery circuit. Think about it. An analogy to medicine is there something simple and safe in plumbing to the aorta? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadrach Posted July 26, 2022 Report Share Posted July 26, 2022 6 minutes ago, GeeBee said: There is little that is simple and safe when it comes to attaching to the hot post of a battery circuit. Think about it. An analogy to medicine is there something simple and safe in plumbing to the aorta? Agree to disagree on that analogy and the "complexities" of attaching to the hot post of battery circuit but understand that there are different levels of aptitude. It's actually quite straight forward. Positive attaches to the battery input side of the master relay and ground goes to...ground. it's a ten minute installation. A competent high school shop student could likely manage it without instructions. There are millions of harnesses installed in countless applications across the globe without having to drill, cut, fab and insert custom plugs into the mix. However, I understand that one likes to have something to show for the AMU they spent on a $40 solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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