While doing some more aircraft systems studying, ran across a question:

Was the Alternator PARALLELING system an option for the PA-30?

What was the advantage of the PARALLELING system over the "regular" system?

I'm assuming that since I don't have the Alternator Inoperative Lights, that I have the NON-PARALLELING system.

Thanks.

Paralleling was not an option in Twin Comanches, but was installed standard on about the last eight produced. From the mid-60's until 1972, Piper was in love with using a single regulator to control two alternators. One problem is that in the case of an overvoltage, both alternators are shut off. Given the lack of a warning system, and the poor instrumentation of the electrical system, the pilot doesn't typically notice the problem right away. I hate the system and have had a lot of trouble with it in various Piper twins over the years. I got rid of it in my PA-30 by going to the Plane Power system. Much better.

Thanks, Kristin.

Since the full Aspen glass panel system is going into the bird next month, guess I'd better look at an electrical system upgrade.