Re: Batteries

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

Aahz. wrote:
  >     Speaking batteries, they are my next big investment for this
> project. What is everyone using? Sealed Lead Acid, Nickel-Metal Hydride, or
> NiCad and where did you get them?
> 

Unless you've lots of money you'd like to invest in your tank, you 
probably want to stick with Sealed Lead Acid/Gel Cell batteries.  Plan 
on carrying at least 200 Volt-Ah (i.e., 12v -at- 16Ah or 24v -at- 8 Ah) for a 
typical hour of battling with typical motors over typical terrain.  Of 
course the exact amount depends on your motor/drive configuration, the 
amount of weight your vehicle can carry, the cost of batteries in 
different sizes, etc.

In general, you don't want to drain standard lead acid batteries too 
much, or you will significantly reduce their operational life.  Most of 
them are constructed to either provide a burst of energy for a short 
time (starter batteries) or relatively low amounts of energy over long 
times (emergency lights).  They make "deep cycle" batteries that are 
designed for heavy drains, but they cost a lot more than standard cells, 
because they sell fewer of them.  Also, you can generally by larger 
batteries for only slightly more than smaller size batteries (probably 
because of market economics), so if you can afford the extra weight and 
room, it's usually better to go with larger batteries than you really need.

        Frank P.