Sky Echo 2

[skippydiesel]

Underwood,

Skyecho is rather odd in its charging requirements.
There is a very full thread on Charging in the Flyer Forum here: https://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=119153&hilit=sky+echo+Charging

It's long but don't skip this post in particular: https://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?p=1864496#p1864496

 

Thanks Underwood,

 

It took some reading and I probably only understood a fraction of what was being discussed back & forth.

 

What I took away:

• Avoid charging my SE2 in the cockpit.
• If I must charge in cockpit,  do so with SE2 OFF and then only from  a USB-A source delivering more than 1 Amp, using the correct USB-A to C charge cable.

The reason for my question is simple - I intend to tour in my Sonex. Opportunities to charge my SE2 from a 240V source may be limited.

 

My Sonex is fitted with a Guardian Avionics, Panels mounted,  Dual USB-A, 2.7 amps/5 VDC Output / For 9 - 48 VDC Systems - with my limited understanding, this should be able to charge the SE2,  should no 240V system be available.

[skippydiesel]

Further:

• It would seem some people do charge their SE2 from aircraft power.
• Its not clear to me that they do this (or not), while the unit is being used ie transmit/receive.
• I suspect my SE2 will not operate while being charged - circuit protection?
• My UCB-A charge ports do not remain on, when the aircraft is shut down , so there is no way to charge the SE2 overnight.
• If my Guardian Avionics delivers what it claims (above) it should have enough power to charge the SE2 
• I have written to Guardian Avionics asking - do both USB A outlets deliver  2.7 amps/5 VDC Output OR is the 2.7 amps/5VDC the total delivery  - as seem to be common, with USA supplier's,  these days  - no response.

Helpful comments welcome😈

[Thruster88]

The SkyEcho2 battery life is pretty good, one  charge about  half way would get you to Perth in your 140knot machine. Charge when you can on the ground you will be fine. 

[pmccarthy]

I charge mine when flying on a 2.4 outlet. While it is on.

Edited September 29 by pmccarthy

[skippydiesel]

1 hour ago, pmccarthy said:

I charge mine when flying on a 2.4 outlet. While it is on.

What is a " 2.4 outlet"  - V, amps?

No problem with the SE2?

Does it get to full charge? OR  just maintain charge OR slowly loose charge??

Does the SE2 get hot?

😈

 

Edited September 29 by skippydiesel

[skippydiesel]

2 hours ago, Thruster88 said:

The SkyEcho2 battery life is pretty good, one  charge about  half way would get you to Perth in your 140knot machine. Charge when you can on the ground you will be fine. 

Econamy Cruise is 130 knots True.

My understanding is one charge is good for about 12 hrs.

I will want the SE2 to be operational/ charged when approaching more congested airspace.

I am trying to come up with a strategy to keep my SE2 charged, in the unlikly event that I need to resort to camping - no 240V wall socket to charge the SE2 overnight.

Pmccarthy's strategy will address my concern, as long as no damage to the SE2

😈

[BurnieM]

I understand 2.4 amps is the max output on a standard USB-A socket.

 

Not sure why Guardian Avionics is not being specific unless this is the max total output across both sockets.

I have seen this vagueness on cheaper mains/12v USB supplies.

 

I have an Anker Powerport 6 (A2123) mains to 6 port USB-A power supply and they clearly state that each port can put out 2.4 amps but the unit can only support 5 (of the 6 ports) pulling 2.4 amps each.

 

I also have SCOSCHE USBC242M cig lighter plug with dual USB-A that states that both USB-A ports will put out 2.4 amps when used together by two devices.

 

There are a few reasonably priced USB-A to USB-A meters that will tell you amps used and voltage.

 

Edited September 29 by BurnieM

[pmccarthy]

It’s 2.4 amps. It maintains a full charge with the SE operating if I start from a full charge at home. But if I am lazy and run the SE off battery for a couple of local flights, it will not return to full charge on aircraft power.

[BurnieM]

I believe all modes of USB negoiate between the charger and the device.

Just because your charger can put out 2.4 amps does not mean this is what the device is pulling.

 

Get one of the cheap USB amp/voltage meters and see.

 

From pmccarthy comments is seems you can charge it on the go but it only pulls enough to maintain to its state. 

This is a design decision by the manufacturer.

 

[skippydiesel]

Thanks gents.

 

I will investigate acquiring a USB-A to USB A volt/amp meter (any recommendations?)

 

😈

 

 

[skippydiesel]

I will investigate acquiring a USB-A to USB A volt/amp meter (any recommendations?)

 

From about $10 - $100++AU -Most cost effective???😈

[skippydiesel]

With little understanding, I tend to favour (testing) systems with specifications that appear to have/cope with higher loads. 

There are only a few small/cheap USB-A testers that go over 3 amps.

So far price contenders range from Mouser, Eaton Tripp, $ 11.42 to Big W, Eversame,  $80.00

 

HELP!

 

😈

[skippydiesel]

22 hours ago, BurnieM said:

 

Just because your charger can put out 2.4 amps does not mean this is what the device is pulling.

 

 

Hi Burnie,

 

Is it "better" to have a charger that can deliver more amps than required?

 

I ask because I notice that some car chargers get quite hot. I assume this is because they are "working" near/at capacity - is this correct?

 

I have always assumed that an electrical system that generates heat is to be avoided - next step being fire.

 

😈

[BurnieM]

1 hour ago, skippydiesel said:

Hi Burnie,

 

Is it "better" to have a charger that can deliver more amps than required?

 

I ask because I notice that some car chargers get quite hot. I assume this is because they are "working" near/at capacity - is this correct?

 

I have always assumed that an electrical system that generates heat is to be avoided - next step being fire.

 

😈

Yes, but...

Pretty much all USB chargers are made in China. Quality control varies enormously.

Some even put out what they claim 🙂

I would assume a hot charger is working closer to its capacity and will have a shorter life.

I am yet to see a charger that damages the device when it fails but others have seen this.

 

[onetrack]

Undersize components such as wiring diameter, would likely be the major cause of heat production in chargers. I have simple test policy, related to my skin.

 

Whatever the item is, if I can't hold my hand on it comfortably for 20-30 seconds when it's operating at full load, then it's definitely at risk of burnout - and fire potential.

 

I also have a policy of never leaving ANY charger unattended. After having lost a house to an electrical fire that wasn't even my fault (it was a voltage surge from the supplier), I'm rather paranoiac about fire starting from electrical sources.

 

Edited September 30 by onetrack

[skippydiesel]

Is "Quick Charge 3" (QC3 standard specified for SE2 charge cable)  a desirable feature ?

[BurnieM]

Yes, if the device can use it.

 

I have seen a lot of so called QC3 chargers that will only put out 2.4 amps.

[skippydiesel]

27 minutes ago, BurnieM said:

Yes, if the device can use it.

 

I have seen a lot of so called QC3 chargers that will only put out 2.4 amps.

As I understand (?) it the QC 3 capacity allows for up to 3 amps IF the devise will accept it.

 

EG 

 Single USB Outlet

- Current Output: 3.6-6.5VDC @ 3A

6.5-9VDC @ 2A

9-12VDC @ 1.5A

 

My interest is -

• If I plug my iPad Mini (Max charge 2.4 amps) into a QC3 capable charger, continuous use (as in multi hour flight), will the fact (?) that the QC3 is capable of higher charge rate, mean that it will run cooler & possibly be more reliable?????

OR

• In the above specifications (JayCar charger) will the charger limit itself to 2 amps, which may be below the iPads continues use requirement?

OR

• Should I try for a charger, with a claimed 2.4 amp output

Note: I have yet to find a non QC3 charger with a claimed output above 2.4 amps.

😈 

[BurnieM]

If a charger is capable of higher output than the device is using then I would expect it to run cooler and last longer.

Will it be more reliable and less noisey, maybe.

 

Check the specs of the iPad mini for what it can use.

 

A QC3 charger is supposed to put out 18w which at 5v would be 3.6 amps but QC3 chargers can also vary the voltage depending on what the device wants.

 

Edited October 1 by BurnieM

[skippydiesel]

Found; All are hard wired units, requiring mounting.

• Clear Prop - USB - A x 2 2.1 amp x 2 $15
• Aussie Car Supplies -  QC 3  USB-A x 2,  6 amp x 2 $50.00
• All Spark - QC3, USB-A 7.2 amp, USB-C 20.0 amp $50.00
• Campervan - QC3, USB-A 3.6 amp, USB-C 20.0 amp $64.00
• Campervan -  USB-A, 2.4 amp, USB-C 2.4 amp $35
• Campervan - QC3, USB-A 4.5 amp, USB-C 20.0 amp $48.00
• Campervan - QC3, USB-A 7.2 amp, USB-C 20.0 amp $48.00
• Jaycar - QC3, USB-A 3.0 amp, USB-C 3.0 amp $ 23.00

 

My current requirement, for my now quit old iPad, is for USB-A power plug. Future may be for a USB-C.

With the exception of the Clear Prop offering, all of the above would seem to meet the iPad 2.4 amp  Max demand.

IF claimed output suggests less "stress" on charger the two USB-A 7.2 amp units would be the best choice.

The most cost effective offering, meeting current & possible future needs, would seem to be the Campervan Builders $48 unit.

 

Comments ??

 

😈

[BurnieM]

What are their brand names ?

If they are generic brands with the sellers names on the label then the question is what is their actual output ?

 

Brands that I use; Scosche, Anker and Belkin (but check the specs as they use a variety of manufacturers).

 

I would probably put in a USB supply with 1 x QC3 USB-A and 1 x PD20 USB-C.

 

Edited October 1 by BurnieM

[skippydiesel]

2 hours ago, BurnieM said:

"What are their brand names ?"

 

 Seems to be a company called "TREKLO" . Doesn't come up on a Google search.

 

"If they are generic brands with the sellers names on the label then the question is what is their actual output ?"

 

The Caravan Builder ones don't look much like any others I have seen.

As for actual,as apposed to, claimed output - thats In The Lap of The Gods.

I would hope that with significantly higher claims than most, they will deliver at least the 2.4 amps required at the USB-A port.

https://campervanbuilders.com.au/products/100w-usbc-quick-charger-3-0-pd-12-24v

 

"Brands that I use; Scosche, Anker and Belkin (but check the specs as they use a variety of manufacturers)."

 

Belkin don't seem to have a hard wired model - all plug into cigarette type ports.

Anker no 12 volt chargers

Scosche  don't seem to have a hard wired model.

 

" I would probably put in a USB supply with 1 x QC3 USB-A and 1 x PD20 USB-C."

 

That seems to be the one I have picked out.

Just for comparison:

 

The Guardian Avionics, non functional one, currently  in the aircraft puts out 2.7 amps/5 volts & costs $269.O USA . It doesn't come wired (ready to go).

https://guardianavionics.com/products/smartpower-dual-usb-2-7-amp-power-dual-usb-a-port-front-panel-will-ship-august-1st

 

😈

[BurnieM]

Problem is that it is hard to judge the quality and endurance of these chargers.

 

Maybe pick one that has the same hole size as exists in your panel and suck it and see.

 

And have a backup;

either a second panel mount USB or if you have a cig lighter plug one of this style or a carry powerbank.

 

[skippydiesel]

The current charger is attached to the back of an iPad docking station ie its behind the panel. The new one will not be attached to the docking station but will still be behind the panel.

Docking station similar to this;

I have a second Guardian Avionics, two port panel mounted charger that I am currently using for the iPad. 😈

[BurnieM]

On 01/10/2025 at 1:25 PM, BurnieM said:

I would probably put in a USB supply with 1 x QC3 USB-A and 1 x PD20 USB-C.

In my search for a reasonably priced USB supply (as above) I only came across no name brands and $600+ devices (like Garmins GSB 15).

 

I did find a 2 x USB-A 2.4 amp per port (can supply 2.4 to both ports at the same time) supply from Blue Sea Systems.

Blue Sea make a lot of marine 12v components and have good reputation in the marine world.

I also found 2 reviews from plane owners who fitted them saying they did not generate noise.

I have no experience of this supply myself but it seems like it may be worth trying.

- https://www.bluesea.com/products/1045/12_24V_DC_Dual_USB_Charger_4.8A_with_Intelligent_Device_Recognition

 

The 12v shop have one for $70

- https://www.12volt.com.au/blue-sea-1045-12-24v-dual-usb-4.8a-chargers

 

Edited October 3 by BurnieM