[NSRCA-discussion] Electrics

[John Pavlick]

Yeah, and the glow motors are more environmentally friendly (emissions-wise)
than the gasoline motor in the generator. And they don't generate waste oil
which has to be recycled. Not to mention the lead in the deep cycle
batteries that will eventually have to be recycled as well. How loud is the
generator compared to a glow pattern plane? Don't forget, even when you
charge from the wall using a power supply, THAT energy probably didn't come
from hydro-electric power plants or solar cells. Geez, the more you think
about it...

John Pavlick
http://www.idseng.com


  -----Original Message-----
  From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org]On Behalf Of Earl Haury
  Sent: Friday, April 14, 2006 7:51 PM
  To: NSRCA Mailing List
  Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Electrics


  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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