[NSRCA-discussion] Electrics

[Earl Haury]

The AGM (absorbed glass mat) deep cycle batteries are probably a better choice than gel. At least the AGM can be charge at high current (less time) than the gel cell and can cost less. I have an Optima 55 Ahr AGM (120 min @ 25A reserve rating) that works well for 3 charges using a pair of Astros, will do a 4th charge if  single chargers are used. It accepts 55A @ 14.2V from the Iota, current tapers as batt voltage rises - takes about 3hr until charge rate drops to 1A.

Also picked up a Honda EU2000i generator. This thing is barely off idle running 4 Astros from an Iota supply. Picks up a little if a 400W soldering iron and shop fan is added. Living in a hurricane area I justified it as being able to also handle a few (select) household items. It does seem a bit ironic to change to E for airplanes and buy a gasoline fueled device to charge them -ugh!

Earl


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Nat Penton 
  To: NSRCA Mailing List 
  Sent: Friday, April 14, 2006 2:08 PM
  Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] Electrics


  The only battery giving me a problem is the lead acid Marine 'deep discharge'  battery used for field charging of the lipos. It has lost about 70% of it's capacity in seven months.

  It provided six 12min flts when new and was purchased from Academy Surplus for $40. It has provided a total of maybe 80 flights ( 30 cycles ??? ). The problem is likely due to my maintenance ( lack thereof ). I left the battery in a partial discharge state sometmes for weeks. You can find maintenance needs on Google at agmbatteries, courtesy Earl Haury.

  West Mountain sells a gell cell, 54#, 84ah, rated for 500 cycles @ 100% discharge ( 20hr discharge rate ), $149 del. I will see how it performs under our conditions.
                                                        Nat


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