What Battery are you using and why?

[carusoam]

I am borrowing this one from Bruce's topic of slow drainage and dying batteries....

OK, Flame suit on....

Last battery I bought was for my M20C. 

I purchased the Gill 35-S  (sealed).

Used it with a 50amp 12V generator and modern zenith controller.  I enjoyed the lack of acid spilled within the battery compartment.  Seamed no different in operation as the normal unsealed version.

What battery are you using for your plane and why?

Do you get more than 2 years out of your battery, how do you do it?

I now have a 2 battery system (M20R).  The logs indicate a steady stream of replacements over the years......

Thanks,

- Anthony -

[N6843N]

I have always used Gill batterys. I get five years from them, and most have been replaced while they were still servicable, they make great starter batterys at the R/C field. I follow Gills maintenance instructions to the letter. I also make sure my charging system is operating correctly at least once a year. I don't know if it helps, but I use the battery box liner material that Spruce sells which is similar to 'felt'. I think the added insulation provides protection from vibration and temperature variations.

[mjc]

I'm on my 2nd Concorde RG-35A sealed battery, installed last year. The one before this one lasted six years. I suppose the keys to its longevity were frequent flying, living in a temperate area, and not discharging it completely more than once (left master on).

[piperpainter]

I have a concord with extra cranking....why....because its awesome! KNock on wood I have yet to have a problem with it dying even when its cold outside it puts out plenty of juice to get her going!

 

Ps: My mechanic had one first and highly recommended it/I borrowed his when my GIll *$(# the bed!

[Immelman]

After scrubbing the battery box out to remove corrosion from split acid, neutralizing what acid was left with baking soda, priming, and painting with this really weird rubberized paint my A&P gave me, I yanked out the G35 that was getting long in the tooth and put in a sealed Concorde battery. It is now 2.5 years old and I have had no problems with it what so ever.

[Ned Gravel]

All:

My experience mirrors Immelman's. Had a Concorde RG-35AXC installed in June of 2007.  Never looked back.

[Guest Anonymous]

Quote: piperpainter

I have a concord with extra cranking....why....because its awesome! KNock on wood I have yet to have a problem with it dying even when its cold outside it puts out plenty of juice to get her going!

 

Ps: My mechanic had one first and highly recommended it/I borrowed his when my GIll *$(# the bed!

[fantom]

Concorde RG-35AXC for about 4 years, with never an issue...knock wood.

[markejackson02]

I have had the traditional G-35 and found that keeping it well charged and conditioned is the best defense against it leak all over.

Mine is 2.5 years old and still going strong.  I keep it on a charger when not flying.

[kallend]

Quote: carusoam

[meddesign]

On the Concord,...any issues with the battery box?  Did you guys put it in your self or did the credit card do it?

[scottfromiowa]

I replaced my second Gill battery (two years out of each) with a Concorde RG-35AXC (did myself) on 2/23/08 with 2125 Tach time.  Now with 2279 hours ( plane does NOT get flown every week, so battery sits) and soon to be 3 Iowa winters under the belt I have had ZERO problems.  I remember watching my A&P overfill the battery water...and having to re-do my battery box due to corrosion.  THAT is a thing of the past.  This is a great product that stands up.

[meddesign]

Quote: scottfromiowa

I replaced my second Gill battery (two years out of each) with a Concorde RG-35AXC (did myself) on 2/23/08 with 2125 Tach time.  Now with 2279 hours ( plane does NOT get flown every week, so battery sits) and soon to be 3 Iowa winters under the belt I have had ZERO problems.  I remember watching my A&P overfill the battery water...and having to re-do my battery box due to corrosion.  THAT is a thing of the past.  This is a great product that stands up.

[scottfromiowa]

Yes, No, No. A&P.

[meddesign]

Thanks

Don B

A&P

[piperpainter]

Concord. They have extra cranking power and they are fully sealed. I had  GILL and it died on me after about a year. So Forget the GILL go with a Concord! (more expensive but worth it in the long run)

[durrance]

Agree with Bryan. Just bought the Concorde - very pleased - glad to have a sealed battery in the aircraft.  Spruce has good price and will get fully charged one to you quickly.

[donshapansky]

I have used Concorde batteries, the RG series for the past 6 yrs and 1000 hrs, I have left the master on once and got it recovered with no damage to the battery. I believe the most important item is maintaining a full charge with occasional desulfation cycles being done with a Battery Minder that floats at 13.5 vdc, the aircraft certified version desulfates and monitors the ambient as part of the operating cycle. I currently have dual 12 vdc's in the Rocket with excellent reserves for cranking.