A320 Gnd Ctl

[Flyman35]

After you do the cockpit preparation and disconnect external power the blue light of the GND CTL push button will turn off I understand that I don’t have to push it again as it is already in automatic mode due to electrical transient as stated in (indicating-recording systems) 1.31.60 page 2 but I was advised by the safety pilot to push it again to get the blue light and we enter a debate any ideas..:rolleyes:

[doo]

The best way to action is to push the gnd pwr button prior to disconnect as the bus dosent like gnd pwr being pulled sometimes and will pull a fit with a few faults

[Ministry_Cork]

After a 13 hour day trying to identify why a cisco router decided it was going to pull a fit, only to decide later it wasnt in a sulk anymore, and having started down the road to a cpl/meri etc (only spl right now), im wondering if i should rethink my options! it seems only the simplest of technology works as described consistently. Not really relevant i know and not making a comment on any piece of technology in any aircraft but that post has made me laugh thank you.

[aristoclis]

Hello Flyman35,

The aim here is that voice recorder is operating when you read the checklist. During preflight GND CTL is selected to ON. When you select EXT PWR to off, GND CTL might go off also (not always) due to power brake transfer. Then you have to press it again in order for the checklist to be recorded. If you don't do it, recorder starts at the first engine start, so the checklist reading might not be recorded.

Regards.

[Flyman35]

good but how you interpret this (( The system automatically switches from ON to AUTO in case of electrical transient)) 1.31.60 page 2.

[aristoclis]

In case of electrical transient means for example when you select EXT PWR off. Although APU is running you still get a short break power (blinking). In this case (again not always) as well as in other possible transients (electrical failures for example), if GND CTL was ON it goes off. GND CTL to OFF (ON legend on switch not lit) means AUTO mode is active. In AUTO mode (ON not lit) recorders operate: for first 5 minutes after power applied or at first engine start and onwards on ground / always in flight. Hope this helps.