Al O’Donnell:
I tried to locate B00306-2 and B00344-1 which are voltage regulator and over voltage relay respectively and cannot locate anywhere. My A&P is at a loss as well. I was told by Beech the B00349-2 is a good number for the volatage regulator and did not know about B00306-2. Remember this is the M2226 Sundowner with the 28 volt system. Bob Steward also mentioned Zefronics because they have a 28volt votage regulator with the over voltage relay all in one. I would like to go to that but would need approved data. Does anyone have that information and how I would do that? You both mentioned Zefronics but no part numbers. Yes…….I will be joining Bac but need to get this fixed as I need the plane asap.
Al, I’ve been gone all day and just got to your mail (in a huge list of mail).
RAPID shows the B00306-2 as a good number. They show it priced at $235.25. They are currently out of stock, with a re-stock date of December 9. This is the number shown in my parts books for the 19/23/24 and the 76 Duchess, for all the 28V planes.
RAPID also shows the B00349-2 as being a good part number, but I don’t know what the primary application is for that part. It is priced at $253.09, and is also currently out of stock, with a re-stock date of December 12. I have no idea what the application might be for this part, as it does not appear in any of my parts books. Perhaps it is a superseding part for the B00306-2, but I am a bit skeptical of that; the original number is still a current number, being restocked next month. I would not try to substitute the B00349-2 without definite confirmation from Beech Tech Support. You can contact them via RAPID.
RAPID shows the B00344-1 as a good number. They show it priced at $213.08. They currently have three in stock at RAPID in Dallas.
RAPID can be reached at 888-727-4344.
Frankly, I would try calling Rick Leatherwood at Arrell Aircraft first (805-604-0439), using the original part numbers I gave you, as they give us a BAC discount. If he doesn’t have them and can’t get them, then try RAPID, and verify that the B00349-1 would work before switching to that number.
While Zeftronics does not list the exact replacement for your numbers, it is a virtual certainty that they do have a suitable replacement unit with the combined function. While it may not be FAA-PMA’d, and would have to be submitted on a Form 337, it is also almost a certainty that they could provide you with either a sample of a previously approved 337, or with suitable data to put on a 337. They are a very respected manufacturer of electric controllers, and they have to have the data since they have an FAA-PMA on so many units. Call their Tech Support at 903-758-6661. If your questions get good answers, you can then ask your A&P-IA to take that same info to the regional FSDO, and see how they would feel about the proposed replacement.
Just an opinion on my part, but I think that the Zeftronics units are vastly superior to the Lamar parts. For example, they use highly integrated circuits, and usually have external indicator lights to aid in troubleshooting. Most also have internal protective circuitry. The Lamars are 40 year old designs, with circuitry on a par with the early transistor radios (discrete components), and they have a lousy reliability record in service. I have dissected a couple, and I consider the quality of their internal circuitry components to be very low. Again, just my personal opinion based on my experience with both brands.