[sdiy] when the going gets weird the weird turn pro (batterypower)

[Needham, Alan]

# -----Original Message-----
# From: synth-diy-bounces at dropmix.xs4all.nl
# [mailto:synth-diy-bounces at dropmix.xs4all.nl]On Behalf Of Roy J. Tellason
# Sent: 02 August 2007 6:06 PM
# To: Synth DIY
# Subject: Re: [sdiy] when the going gets weird the weird turn pro
# (batterypower)
# > car batteries at 80amp hours minimum is not bad and i could do 5 or 6
# > hours of modular playing in the park without needing to recharge or is
# > there something wrong with this picture?
#
# Car batteries are NOT meant for this type of application,  and won't last.  
# You want either deep-cycle ("trolling motor") batteries or gel cells...

Car batteries are heavy and can spill acid if 'sloshed' about or knocked
over, they are intended for high current, short duration loads (starter
motors)
* BUT *
I have a few normal car batteries and some 'leisure' (deep-cycle)
batteries, all around 60Ah, running electric fence energisers
(a very light, continuous load - something between a week and a month
between charges) and both seem to be doing fine after several years duty.
All I do is ensure I charge them as soon as or before they are flat
(measuring 12.0V) and charge them until I see about 14v on charge, they
then settle back to 12.7v off charge, which is fully re-charged. I just
use a cheap battery charger as sold at any car factors.

If due care is taken and there is NO chance of shorting the battery out
then I believe you would be fine doing outdoor gigs on a pair.

	Alan (in to sheep !)

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