[DARARepeater] Batteries

[Bob Baker N8ADO]

I have access to a small supply of sealed lead acid batteries that are 
being sold at fire sale prices. These are very lightly used batteries 
that are about a year old. Retail price for new ones is around $150, but 
I think I can get them for $25 -- $30 each. Rough specs: "12 V" 55 AH 
Sealed AGM type ("spillproof")

For detailed info, look up data for FIAMM 12FLX200 at 
http://www.fiamm.com/media/218892/flx-na-140306.pdf

These are heavy (about 40 lbs), so don't expect free delivery. If you 
are interested, let me know and we'll discuss it.

I do have a few rules:

-- You must agree to recycle all lead acid batteries when they are no 
longer wanted. Lead is a neurotoxin and must be disposed of in 
accordance with the law, which means recycling. (WalMart, Batteries 
Plus, Interstate have been willing to take them in the past).

-- You must agree to use appropriate fuses to protect the wires that are 
attached to the battery. These batteries can deliver in excess of 2000 
Amps into a short circuit; way more than needed to make a small wire 
white hot and certainly more than needed to start a fire. (Don't be stupid).

-- Don't just let the battery sit there waiting for you to get a round 
tuit. Batteries must be boosted (charged back up) to replace charge lost 
to self-discharge at least every six months. Otherwise, the battery will 
develop irreversible sulfation which reduces the capacity of the battery 
to where it is no longer useful. Most people would be well served by a 
"float charger" that keeps the battery at 13.5 to 13.8 V. Most 
automotive type chargers are generally only useful for recharging a 
battery after a significant discharge and must not be left attached 
after the charge is restored. I am looking into one unit from China that 
is cheap and claims to maintain the proper float voltage; check with me 
later to see what I find. I have a device from Harbor Freight that 
claims to be a float charger, but does not keep the voltage at the right 
level, so be careful (use that $2 H-F voltmeter to verify).

Bob Baker N8ADO  n8ado at woh.rr.com







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