" wrote in message
ups.com:

David Kinsell wrote:
Happy?? With a fresh battery, they work for a while, but die after only
part of the rated capacity is used up. Understanding such a complex
issue is way beyond the comprehension of most glider pilots, apparently.

Dave,

I prefer 14 volt batteries and used them for many years. But I've used
12 volts in my ASW 24 for nearly 14 years with no problems. Currently
(no pun intended), I'm running a Dittel radio, LNAV, GPS-NAV, and
Compaq Aero 1550 with a common 7 amp-hour sealed lead-acid cell. If I
add a transponder, I'll be looking to add a battery but until then I'm
OK. The second battery in the vertical fin (i.e., what Mike is seeking)
is a backup that I've only used a few times when my primary battery was
failing (as in: I had to buy a new one). I've had experts tell me
(somewhat more politely) that 14 volts doesn't really buy me much
unless I increase the amp-hour capacity of the battery pack. My
response was always that radio transmitters start to perform badly
below about 11 volts even if everything else works OK down to, say, 9v,
so 14 volts gives me a little more transmit time (and I think that's
what your point is). The battery box in my '24 holds a 12v cell nicely,
however, so that's what I use. I saw a slightly taller 12v battery with
significantly more amp-hours recently that would also fit but haven't
heard whether it's real or just marketing hype. [Larry, were you going
to report on the PowerSonic PSH-12100 10.5 AH battery?]






Chip,



I bought and installed a couple of these before Uvalde. Have not had a
chance to 'characterize' them but they certainly lasted a lot longer
than the previous (admittedly older) smaller batteries.



So far, I am pleased.



Larry