Electric Pattern - Charging issues

[ArestiPattern at aol.com]

I had an interesting conversation with a fellow flyer last night that I 
thought would be relevant to this discussion.  This guy is a top notch auto 
mechanic that is also a craftsman model builder and flyer.  I described the fact that 
my 2002 Ford Windstar battery went dead after I recharged my two 1600mah 
nimhs and one 2300mah nicad and one 550mah nicad at the flying field.  Granted, I 
did have some interior lights on for a couple of hours too.  The concern here, 
as voiced by my friend, is that you can easily burn up these late model 
lightweight alternators if you let your engine idle for an extended period while 
you are charging your packs.  He has seen the new 'heavy duty' 100 amp 
alternators turn blue from simply recharging a dead car battery!

E-Pattern newbies beware, charging from your car battery at the flying field 
is not an option.

Food for thought........

Rick Hannah
St. joseph, Michigan
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