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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Earl</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=natpenton@centurytel.net href="mailto:natpenton@centurytel.net">Nat
Penton</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A
title=nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org
href="mailto:nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org">NSRCA Mailing List</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Friday, April 14, 2006 2:08
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> [NSRCA-discussion]
Electrics</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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. </FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2>You can find maintenance
needs on Google at agmbatteries, courtesy Earl Haury.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial
size=2>
Nat</FONT></DIV>
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