mickjoebill: I think the problem chopjock describes is a "cargo" problem rather than electric load. (Although quite how anyone can safely plug gyros into a 4-amp rated R44 cigarette socket is beyond me....)
A lot of computer-based equipment (like FADEC systems) is susceptible to voltage drop - and the drop encountered when gimbals and gyros are switched on can cause a flutter even with a totally healthy alternator.
As for your stills photog friend and his unrestrained camera........maybe that's why we need alert FOIs !
Last edited by JimBall; 31st July 2009 at 13:30.