Voltage Regulator (OECO)

[OR75]

i believe my 77J still has its factory installed OECO voltage regulator.

the POH is very vague: it says Oeco and refers to a drawing number but there is no part number.

i wonder if anyone had experience replacing one of those with a more compact solid state type of device (zeftronics).

zeftronics has a few options but i am not sure about what i currently have and what kit would be needed to convert.

it is a pain to get to and i could not take a picture to clearly identify. ( i wish the regulator was installed on the firewall on the engine side.

[carusoam]

Zeftronics has supplied many devices and may be searched here...it's been a while though...

I had one on my dc generator in my 65C. Nice modern device with led outputs for status available to the cockpit...

Vast improvement over the OEM device. Made the generator a near better technology than an alternator...

The plane could be started from a dead flat battery, not that I would though, anymore...

Best regards,

-a-

[N601RX]

I replaced mine last month. The Plane Power unit is about $100 cheaper than the Zeftronics, so I used it.

[OR75]

I did not know that plane power had an option. What did you replace ? Is it a direct replacement ? Do you need an adapter to replace the old oeco ?

[N601RX]

I used it to replace the old interav regulator and overvoltage relay on my F model. I'm not sure if it is PMA approved for the J or not.

I used the plane power R1224.

[OR75]

The plane power R1224 does not apply to J model

[KSMooniac]

The Zef unit is a direct replacement as far as I understand and it plugged right in on my '77 J.

 

If you want to save some money, I have a Kelly unit from 2004 taken out of my salvage plane that I plan to list here this evening after I get the details from it.

[OR75]

except the plane power part is not approved for Js

[preinke]

I replaced an Oeco in a 77J with a Zeftronics. There is a model that has the same connector as Oeco but back when I replaced it the J wasn't on the approved list. They have a converter cable that interfaces between the approved unit and the Oeco connector. It allows you to mount it in a more convenient place. I mounted it where the Oeco was - a bit of a pain to remove. It seems like it needs the ground connection from the mounting screw.

[OR75]

thanks. very helpful. i believe the zeftronics part is the R15300 and it is now PMA'd.

need to check if i still need the converter cable.

[NotarPilot]

If I'm replacing the alternator and the voltage regulator at the same time do they or should they be the same brand? The Plane Power, as stated, isn't available for my J. Looks like I'm going with a Plane Power alternator and a Zeftronics VR unless someone suggests otherwise.

[laytonl]

Notarpilot, Plane Power alternator and a Zef regulator is a good choice.  I believe the VR15300 from Zeftronics has a standard canon plug for the J model.  I suggest you call them to be sure.  Lee

[NotarPilot]

I appreciate the response. Thanks, I will call them tomorrow.

[OR75]

i made the call you are going to make tomorrow a few months ago.

the zeftronics VR that will work for your plane will be an R15300 or R1530B depending on the voltage regulator you currently have. the difference will be the type of plugs your current one has. it should be a plug and play replacement.

did you identify which VR you currently have ?

the access to the VR is really a pain and i could not identify which one i had. i did not take it further as my electrical problem was solved without having to change the VR.

if you do move forward with changing the VR, i really would appreciate a picture of the one you remove so i can see what i may be coming across in the future ( i like to know what parts are on my plane and the VR is one of the very few parts i have not identified yet)

thanks.

[carusoam]

I can hear the C guys giggling in the back....

The access panel right over the VR is spectacular for this project!!!

-a-

[NotarPilot]

It seems I have an Oeco AR-2495 but I'm having trouble figuring out which one is a compatible replacement for it.

[NotarPilot]

The part number on the OEM VR in my 78 J is 800270-505.  The Zeftronics replacement is the R15300.  Oddly, mine is zip-tied to a bar on the panel in front of the co-pilot's seat.  Looks very easy to replace.

[OR75]

Thanks for the picture.  Odd way of attaching a part but easy to replace indeed !.

Not a factory setting (I would hope).  I am betting the old one is still in its original location (other side of that plate that has BUS written on it) and someone found it to be easier to just disconnect the plug and zip tie a new one.

Maybe worth asking a MSC on how to do it right.

[carusoam]

The Zeftronics part probably has an identical footprint to the original, from my aged memory...

Best regards,

-a-

[NotarPilot]

I'll wait and see what and A&P IA says next week.  If he doesn't like the zip tie location I'll let him make the call on what to do.