Panels lights pulsating

[lowlevelops]

I noticed recently that all the panel lights pulsate when the engine is at idle, as the rpm increases the panel lights even out but the VM1000 still pulsates but at a higher frequency. It doesn't seem to change when I load the electrical system, by turning everything on. I was wondering if the regulator is giving up on me or is this normal?

Thanks in advance for any information.

 

[mvivion]

Not normal, but I have no idea why it's doing it.

Mike

 

[bumper]

At what rate it is pulsating?

Is is pulsating at the same rate and the strobes flash? The strobe power pack presents a varying load to the electrical system.

If you turn all the other stuff off, or most of it, does the pulsing continue?

bumper

 

[lowlevelops]

No, the pulsing seems to be correlated to RPM. All of the panel lights, the digital thermometer, the VM1000 and the Garmin stack pulse at a low idle, as you bring the RPM up it gets quicker, until you don't notice it anymore at anything over 1600 RPM on everything but the VM1000. The VM1000 continues to pulse very quickly.

 

[ttreed]

Same here. A1C with gyro panel and post light option. The post lights pulsate, I didn't notice a cycle but maybe more random. I am thinking it is a poor ground because of the rubber gyro isolators?

 

[lowlevelops]

tt, mine are definitely correlated to RPM not the strobes or random. Thats what is making me wonder about my alternator/regulator.

The "amp meter" on my VM1000 is less than helpfull because it indicates anywhere from 0 to 25 amps at night with everything on. I am not that impressed with the performance of VM1000, I have removed all of the crimp connections on my faulty "gauges" and that has helped alot, but the oil pressure and amp gauge are intermittent at best. Thats probably for a different thread though.

It is probably time for a good ol' multimeter attached to the system to see what is actually going on with the voltage and load.

Thanks for the input folks.

 

[Larson]

Trace

I noticed tonight that my lights "pulsed" at idle. It made me think of your post. I have one bad earth, but thought i fixed that ... maybe not? Let us know what you find is your problem?
My bad earth or ground was with the EI oil press/temp gauge ... would go blank till it was grounded properly!!

Cheers Lars..