No, two similar batteries have virtually no ability to cross charge like
that. People take introductory EE classes, learn about ideal voltage
sources, and assume batteries are like that. They're not.

Years ago, in a previous incantation of this same discussion, I
suggested someone take a charged and discharged battery, connect them
through an ammeter, and report the results. They did, and couldn't even
see a flicker of the needle. They concluded that ampere hours of charge
had instantly transferred from one battery to the other, before the
needle had a chance to twitch. I pointed out the ammeter would be
nothing more than a smoking hole in the table if that were true.

Mark can use his procedure if he wants, or better yet just keep both
switches on an forget about flipping switches. Unless he's a former 747
captain, who likes to fiddle with lots of switches.

Dave

P.S. Assumes batteries of the same chemistry



On 4/15/20 8:38 AM, David S wrote:
Your procedure generally works, but while both batteries are connected, battery #2 will be recharging battery #1 and powering your panel, so there's a chance you could blow the fuse on battery #2. That leaves you to finish your flight with only one nearly depleted battery.

Cheers,
...david


On Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 9:18:08 AM UTC-4, wrote:
While I am reading these posts with interest, I confess to being an electrical illiterate. I just use two batteries, each with a fuse, and two switches. When switching, I turn on #2 before turning off #1.

If these circuits with diodes, resistors, make-before-break switches and so on are superior, please explain why, and if the case is compelling, a circuit diagram would be appreciated so that I might take advantage of the information.

After all, in aviation "R & D" actually stands for "Ripoff and Duplicate."