14 & 28-volt Mini GPU with 3-pin Oval Plugs (M1428-DV)

Safe, Affordable, Airframe Power for General Aviation and E/A-B Aircraft

The M1428-DV Mini-GPU is a specialized switching-mode power supply designed to provide pilots and aviation maintenance professionals with a portable, affordable source of stable, high-current, noise-free DC power that replicates the in-flight electrical environment. It contains discrete outputs for either 14 or 28-volts DC, selectable by a front panel switch. It only provides one output voltage at a time, switch-selected and indicated by the front panel voltmeter display. The GPU’s intended purpose is to energize an aircraft’s main electrical bus without using the ship’s battery or engine. It will safely provide continuous power for the most delicate electronics and airframe systems up to its full rated output.

The Model M1428-DV comes with two 6' airframe output cables – one with a yellow SB50 for 14V output, and one with red for 28 volts – to protect from damage due to accidental voltage mismatch. Both output cables have AN2551 3-pin oval plug that connects to the aircraft. For E/A-B connections, the 802-864 yellow to yellow SB50 may be purchased separately.

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Features

GPU Features

• Color-coded, keyed SB-50 type output connection to prevent accidental voltage mismatch. (YELLOW designates 12/14 volt compatibility, RED designates 24/28 volt compatibility)
• Dual digital output meters for voltage and amperage (load) 
• Front panel status indicator LED
• Programmable auto-shutdown timer and dual USB power ports for mobile device charging
• QuietFiltered™ output for interference-free COM radio operation
• Auto protection/recovery from short circuit, reverse polarity, over voltage/load/temperature 

Specs

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER & OPERATING LIMITATIONS

Audio Authority® authorizes this device for use ONLY by aviation professionals, such as licensed pilots and maintenance technicians, knowledgeable about their aircraft electrical system and batteries. The operational concepts, recommendations, and instructions presented in our manuals are necessarily general and make assumptions that do not apply to every aircraft, and may not be correct for your particular aircraft. Incorrect use of this device has the potential to damage the GPU and/or aircraft components. It is the operator’s responsibility to read completely and fully understand the included manual, plus those sections of the Aircraft Flight Manual and Maintenance Manual that pertain to their aircraft’s electrical system design, to determine the appropriate use of this, or any, external power source. If you cannot do this, do not use this product. Instead, consult the airframe manufacturer or a technician familiar with your specific aircraft type and configuration before connecting the GPU to your aircraft.

Applications

The Model M1428-DV provides 28 or 14-volt DC power for

• avionics demonstration and testing

• database and firmware updates 

• flight planning and cockpit procedures training 

• troubleshooting & maintenance 

• battery top-off charging 

• powered pre-flight inspections

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I swap one of the cables that come with the M1428-DV?

A: The M1428-DV GPU includes two oval 3-pin output cables, but if your aircraft has an SB50 receptacle, or a round 2-pin Piper connector, you can request a different cable at the time you purchase the GPU. Total purchase price will be adjusted accordingly. This option is only available for factory direct sales at the time of your GPU purchase.

Q: Can I use the M1428-DV to start an aircraft engine?

A: The M1428-DV GPU is inadequate for piston and turbine engine starting and should be used for airframe systems power only. 

Q: How does the M1428-DV connect to my aircraft?

A: The Model M1428-DV Mini-GPU includes a 6’ output cable for each output, with 3-pin oval AN2551 plug, connecting between the GPU and the aircraft. If your aircraft has a yellow SB50 plug or a single-pin "piper" plug, purchase the appropriate cable separately.

Q: What if I need a longer output cable for my situation?

A: The 6’ output cable, with yellow SB50 plug can be extended/doubled by plugging a  yellow SB50 extension output cable onto it. These are available as a replacement part. Contact Audio Authority tech support for assistance. 

Q: Can the M1428-DV be used with experimental and amateur-built aircraft?

A: Yes, the Model M1428-DV 14V output is compatible with certified and experimental aircraft that have a 12V battery and a 14V electrical/charging system. However, its output cable is incompatible with the external power receptacle on certified aircraft. If your aircraft has a yellow SB50 plug or a single-pin "piper" plug, purchase the appropriate cable separately.

Q: Can I use the M1428-DV to charge my battery?

A: The Model M1428-DV Mini-GPU is not designed for long-term battery charging. It has no circuitry for monitoring the battery’s state of charge or determining the precise charging voltage for various battery conditions and ambient temperature. So, the general answer is no. However, for short periods of time (an hour or two), the GPU’s output can be used to “top-off” the charge of a battery that is NOT serverely discharged. This is particularly useful during a powered preflight, allowing the pilot to take his/her time to check every airframe system and lights for proper operation without depleting the starting battery. 

To optimize battery capacity and reliability, we highly recommend full-time, maintenance charging desulfation, and recovery. Our preference is the aviation-specific BatteryMINDer products by VDC Electronics. The BatteryMINDer is designed to remain connected for long periods of time, and will never overcharge or damage your battery.

Q: Does the GPU work outside North America?

A: Yes, the input voltage and frequency ranges are very wide and universal for worldwide operation: 85-264 VAC, 47-63 Hz. The AC cord supplied is a North American grounded 5-15, which can be adapted, or replaced with an appropriate cord, sourced locally.

Q: Is it okay to use White Lightning™ (Enhanced Flight™) GPUs with a lithium ion or nickel-cadmium battery in the aircraft?

A: White Lightning™ GPU products are designed to power the airframe electrical system for routine maintenance and pre-flight checks without starting the engine or depleting the ship's battery. A charged aircraft battery of any chemistry may be safely used. If the ship's battery is not fully charged, follow the battery Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM) instructions to charge the battery prior to connecting any ground power unit. Note: It is the operator's responsibility to verify that the rated output voltage and current of the GPU does not exceed the maximum charging rate and voltage of the ship's battery. Connecting a discharged battery may cause the GPU to engage its internal protection (see Troubleshooting).

Literature

Manuals

M1428-DV Manual - 345.24 KiB Mini Ground Power Unit Manual. Revised Sept 28, 2022.