On Sunday, June 3, 2018 at 6:48:44 AM UTC-6, krasw wrote:
On Sunday, 3 June 2018 08:20:42 UTC+3, jfitch wrote:
Got it at the beginning of the 2014 season, 12AH Starkpower. Last year I got the CBA battery tester. At the beginning of last year it tested at 11..908 AH (down to 11 V) at a 1.5A load. Just tested it again and got 11.820AH. My panel is drawing about 1.3A if I don't turn on the solar charger, so I'm limited to 9 hour flights. It would be 14 hours with the solar, but of course the sun is gone by then. Oh well.

I've had 12AH AGMs made by Panasonic and others last about 3 seasons at most, best to replace them after 2, and generally they would be below 11.5 volts by the end of the 6 hour day even in the first season.

Now I know I take my life into my hands every time I load the LFP into the glider, but I intend to continue taking the risk.

Last week there was (to my knowledge) first case of LFPs catching fire in glider. Luckily the glider was close to airfield and landed immediately. Primary structures were not damaged but it was a matter of minute or two, and pilots considered using parachutes. I thought LFPs were pretty safe but now we know better.

Interesting...I am very glad they landed safely. Can you tell us where this event occurred?