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.

But not this one - electrical engineer for 33 years.

If your current batteries were working so well, I don't suppose you'd be
needing to add yet another one. Seems like the people who run 12 volts
are the ones always looking to find somewhere to cram more batteries
into their glider. Gee, I wonder why??

Maybe this will clear it up: they've added an Ipaq (250-500 ma), a
logger (100-200 ma), another vario (50-100 ma), a transponder (450-650
ma), a TPAS (50 ma?). Or they screwed up, left a switch on overnight,
ran the battery down, and decided they needed a backup. Or it's simply
inconvenient to charge everyday. Or they are obsessive. Or they needed
tail weight, and thought the lead back there might just as well be doing
something useful in a battery instead of just sitting there.

And since most glider pilots are using 12 volts, it isn't so strange
they are the ones we hear from. Also, it's my observation that the
gliders with the older radios and 14 volt battery, besides being a
smaller number each year as these radios die, simply aren't getting the
new equipment I've listed. They typically belong to a club or local
flyer that has no need for more equipment.


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Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA