I have suddenly developed an electrical problem with my favourite aircraft, Aeroworx King Air B200. I have posted on the dedicated forum for the aircraft, but am also posting here as more people will see this (I hope).

 

I am starting the engines as normal, and the battery and both generators are switched on. However when I check the electrical gauges on the overhead panel I notice that while the DC gauges are fine, the AC gauge is not. It should be showing 400 Hz and 118 volts. Instead I am getting only 300 Hz and barely 110 volts. A few minutes later this has dropped to 200 Hz and a similar drop in voltage. A few minutes later the needle on the gauge is not registering anything. And finally a few minutes later all of my panel instruments (apart from the EADI and EHSI) switch off and are completely dark.

 

This has now happened the last two times I have tried to fly the King Air. Now there is a very good reason why I am not an electrician - I have no idea about the difference between DC and AC or what each is used for. Please could somebody give me some advice about what could be causing this loss of AC power and how I can fix this. As things stand I am unable to fly this aircraft as I have lost most of my instruments by the time I am ready to taxi.

 

Thanks for your help.

Have you compared the "aircraft.cfg" file for the fully functional, default, Beech King Air 350, with your new King Air 200?

 

Maybe there is something obviously missing in the "Electrical Department" for the '200?

 

Paul..FS 2004... and Electrical Engineer...(Retired!)... :Bug: ...!

have suddenly developed an electrical problem with my favourite aircraft,

 

Adrian do you follow the checklist when starting from cold? Could it be that the inverter is not activated? Sometimes "familiarity breeds contempt."

Yes, I follow the checklist to the letter, and yes, the inverter is activated. I have tried both inverters, but it makes no difference.

Problem solved - I hope! It suddenly occurred to me to check FSUIPC for the battery life bug fix. I noticed that this option had somehow become switched off - no idea how, as I certainly didn't switch it off! I have switched it on again and tested the B200 startup. The AC is now working fine, I am getting the full 400 Hz and 118 V, and neither is dropping off. Fingers crossed I will now be able to take to the air again. B)

Glad you figured it out. Thanks for letting us know in case someone else has this problem.