[W2CRA] Request

[Bill Powell]

With the power supply situation slowly coming under control, it's time to get going on the next power issue: the batteries.

In the next several weeks I'll be coming up with a way to temporarily and easily take the battery strings off line to allow for testing and maintenance.  (Secretly, I want to use a couple of those big knife switches like Dr. Frankenstein had in his lab...)

First order of business is to come up with the tools I'll need and, except for one item, I think I have that covered.

However, there is one item that is critical to success: a 2V 20A power supply.

With the battery string offline, I can test each cell individually to make sure there are none that are outright bad (finding a bad cell would be a VERY BAD thing) and then "recondition" all the cells to have the same level of charge.  

This is done by discharging each cell, individually and one at a time, to a set level and then recharging it, observing and recording both it's discharge and charge rates.  A "weak" cell is one that has become "lazy" due to lack of use, and can be "reconditioned" by several discharge and charge cycles.

A cell that won't "cycle" is probably bad and, again, I REALLY, REALLY hope I don't see that.

So - Anyone own or have access to a 2 volt (2.2V or adjustable from 1.9V to 2.3V would be ideal) power supply or charger that is rated at at least 20A that can be borrowed for several months?

Yes, the club "could" buy one but we haven't needed one up till now and, at the rate maintenance is performed, it's unlikely it would ever see use again.

So...  If you have a lead, or even a hint about such a beast, PLEASE let me know by E-Mail (preferrably) or by any other means if necessary.  Remember - it's a LOAN - to be carefully cared for while in my possession and returned in good order.

Thanks!
Bill Powell - WB1GOT