I'm nearing the finish of my phase 1 testing, and am now looking for replacement
batteries. right now, I am using two of these:
http://www.power-sonic.com/images/powersonic/sla_batteries/ps_psg_series/12volt/PS-12180_11_Feb_21.pdf
.
They are on separate contact-ors, so I can use either or both when flying. I use both
when starting. They are two years old, and today when I went flying I noticed that
the voltage was getting down to 11.6 volts. after landing, the voltage was up around
12.3 volts. Usually I show around 13~13.6 volts when running. I always use a float
charger specifically designed for these batteries when the plane is put away. Usually
the float charger shows a slow charge, but when I cam back from flying today the
charger was showing a fast charge, meaning that the batteries were discharged a fair
amount. Any comments on the suitability of these batteries and suggestions on how to
test them out for holding a charge or otherwise determining
their suitability or not for my plane. I have a 40 amp Nippondenso alternator, and
run an Xcom radio, a terra transponder, Dynon D10, Tracys EM2 and EC2, and one fuel
pump(at a time unless landing or taking off) that draws around 4 and no more than 6
amps.

Thanks,
Brian Trubee

The 11.6 V is normal for sealed lead acid battery when not charging.
Other people are using the same type successfully.
They need to be charged from time to time when sitting around.
My guess is every 2 weeks.

Paul Lamar

I'm pretty sure that this is a charging issue that just cropped up on this last
flight- I usually run in the upper 13s voltwise but noticed the low voltage while out
flying yesterday. My float charger will automatically go to float charge unless the
batteries are discharged when I put the charger on when I put the plane away. I will
then turn on the master to see if the charger goes to fast charge, which it will do
if there is a drain on the battery. So, what I deduce is that the charging system has
been working up until the last flight. It should be easy to troubleshoot the problem.
I'll post what I find after I find it.

Any comments on  the suitability of the Powersonic PS 12180 NB batteries? I use two
of them, they are 18 AH, so I suppose with the relatively small load I use in flight,
I should have a fair amount of reserve if the alternator quits.

Brian

The battery voltage when charging should be 13.5 to 14.8. Do you have an ammeter in
the circuit.

Paul Lamar

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