RE: Batteries

["Aahz." <erickkilmer-at-comcast.net>]

> 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.

        How much are we talking here? Since I was using DeWalt motors I was
considering using the batteries they make too but really hadn't looked into
the cost yet. 

> 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.

        My target weight is currently 100lbs but it'll be close. I've yet to
account for the weight of batteries and some electronics.

> 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.


        Overshoot your target battery size. Gotcha.

Aahz.