FlyDave Posted November 24, 2015 Report Posted November 24, 2015 After being away on vacation for 2 weeks, I got in my plane on Saturday, turned the key and "click". Switched to the other battery, turned the key again and "click". Both Gill 243S's failed the load test at annual this year so it was just a matter of time. They both lasted 2 years and 7 months. I ordered 2 Concord RG24-15's (~ 1AMU - OUCH!!!!) today from Chief Aircraft and may have them on Wednesday, possibly Friday, more likely Monday. I usually fly my plane weekly so I've never used a battery minder. I called Concord about using a battery minder and got a call back from Skip. He said to get the multi-battery kit for the battery minder from Audio Authority (looks like https://www.audioauthority.com/product_details/BM-AIK2 is the right one) instead of the unit from Battery Minder because it's made with aviation grade components and can legally be mounted in a certified aircraft. No field approval or 337 is required. Has anyone used these in a Mooney? Also, I believe it was David McGee from All American that said to switch batteries on each start to avoid using one battery for starting all the time. Does anyone else do this? Quote
StevenL757 Posted November 24, 2015 Report Posted November 24, 2015 Yes. I have two RG24-15 Concordes in the airplane, no batt minder, and switch batteries after every engine start. Airplane is flown at least weekly. Batteries are 3 years and three months old. No issues. Quote
carusoam Posted November 24, 2015 Report Posted November 24, 2015 +1 on switching to the stronger battery (before start), if there is one... If you fly often enough, change for the sake of change. If it is on Battery One, switch it to Battery Two.... I don't think there is a downside to switching batteries. Evens the use and recharging loads. I'm not a big fan of switching batteries while all the electronics are on. The relays don't always operate as nicely as you may like. Best regards, -a- 1 Quote
PMcClure Posted November 24, 2015 Report Posted November 24, 2015 53 minutes ago, carusoam said: +1 on switching to the stronger battery (before start), if there is one... If you fly often enough, change for the sake of change. If it is on Battery One, switch it to Battery Two.... I don't think there is a downside to switching batteries. Evens the use and recharging loads. I'm not a big fan of switching batteries while all the electronics are on. The relays don't always operate as nicely as you may like. Best regards, -a- This is part of my starting flow. I flip the battery switch before hitting the master. PS - my Gill went out after about 2.5 years. Replaced and it failed again after 1 start. Gill is processing the warranty now, but taking a long time to get it done. Quote
Shadrach Posted November 24, 2015 Report Posted November 24, 2015 3 hours ago, PMcClure said: This is part of my starting flow. I flip the battery switch before hitting the master. PS - my Gill went out after about 2.5 years. Replaced and it failed again after 1 start. Gill is processing the warranty now, but taking a long time to get it done. So the Gill drycells aren't any better than their wet cell batteries? Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.