On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 21:05:24 GMT, "Mike Rapoport"
wrote:

I have recently converted from NiCad to lead acid batteries which are supped
to have a life of 2-3 yrs. The batteries cost about $1500 for the pair and
I am interested in maximizing their life the extent practical. I have heard
about "pulse chargers" that reportedly reduce sulfate on the battery plates.
Would using one of these make a meaningful difference in battery life? I
plan to connect the charger through the external power recepticle. Any
thoughts/ideas/sources?

I am also interested in a larger source of DC power so that I can use the
cabin lights and have things turned on while cleaning/troubleshooting ect.
Again I plan to connect through the external power recepticle. I ahve 120V
and 240V availible. I am not looking to spend $000s on a GPU type cart.

Thanks for any input!

Mike
MU-2


I read this and thought I was on the Homepower NG g.

I don't know how well the pulse chargers will work on starting type
batteries. They are helpful for deep discharge cells, though.

For the type of battery you have, they are designed for starting. They can
produce a large amount of current for a short period of time. However,
they are NOT designed to be deep discharged. So you should take care not
to discharge them to any lower than about 20%. In other words, they should
always retain at least 80% of their full state of charge, and be maintained
at full charge as often as practical -- certainly at least every two weeks.

If you are going to run cabin lights and other appliances for any length of
time, you really should be using deep discharge batteries. These can
tolerate repeated 80% depth of discharge (DOD). Depending on your power
requirements (which can be calculated), you may be able to use second hand
fork lift or golf cart batteries. These are available inexpensively
through Sam's and other discount places, as well as at battery dealers.


Ron (EPM) (N5843Q, Mooney M20E) (CP, ASEL, ASES, IA)