Re: what batteries ?

[Frank Pittelli <frank-at-pittelli.com>]

ray schwartz wrote:
> what brand and size 12volt battery are you all using in working tanks
> only ?

My brothers and I are using 12v - 26Ah batteries made by Powersonic that 
we bought from Battery Warehouse.  Usually, if you chat with the person 
selling them and tell them a little about your tank they'll give you a 
break on the price.  Will Montgomery is using a 12v - 33Ah battery 
because he loves extra weight ;-)

According to the Tri-Pact Performance Laboratory, a 26Ah battery will 
theoretically allow our tanks to travel at XXXX mph for up to YYYYY 
hours without any speed degradation, assuming an average current drain 
of ZZZZ amps, which is a conservative estimate for the motors and drive 
pulley ratios that we are using.  Field tests indicate that our actual 
performance is within AAAAA percent of the theoretical numbers.

[Editor's Note: All figures provided above are for comparison purposes 
only.  Your mileage may vary.]

> 
> how about those speed controls guys , we need a update.. 
> 

We've successfully built 3 of the 5 prototype boards and they are all 
functioning properly (after a slight reversal of a few diodes). 
Unfortunately, with all of the rain we've been having, I haven't been 
able to give them a good test under heavy loads in the tank.  But, I 
should be able to complete those tests either this weekend or during the 
battle next weekend.

Joe Sommer's controller will also be tested during the upcoming battle 
and we may also try out his PIC-based mixing circuit with our 
relay-based controller to eliminate the two servos and 4 switches that 
we currently require as external connections.

Assuming that the heavy load tests are successful, Mike and I will order 
another batch of boards and components, and we can start distributing 
the kits to people who want them.  Our current price estimate for a 
complete kit (with diode mixing circuit) is $50 US (plus shipping).  The 
price for a relay controller with a PIC-based mixing circuit will be 
determined after Joe and I have a chance to exchange information and we 
make sure everything works as expected.

        Frank P.