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Date: Mon, 28 Nov 2005 15:59:42 -0500
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From: "Dan Schaefer" <dfs155@adelphia.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] B and C Batteries
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Scott wrote:

>>>>Dan,

>>>>>Interesting.  It appears that not all Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries
are the same.<<<<

You got that right, Scott! The last project I had under my wing before
retiring from the B-1 division of Rockwell (then Boeing) was developing a
supplier for fleet-wide replacement of NICad batteries with 25 AH SLAB's and
chargers (two per airplane). The reasons for the change were many and varied
which I won't go into here - suffice it to say, the AF wanted it.

After extensive investigation, the battery chosen is produced by Hawker
Energy Systems in Wales (UK). As far as I could tell, the ingredients Hawker
and other potential suppliers used was nearly the same (emphasis on
"nearly") but, as one engineer at Hawker put it, "you gotta know when to
spit in the brew". I'm sure he was alluding to the fact that there was some
subtle but effective differences in various manufacturer's components.
Whatever, from what I've heard on the list, when I have to change the
battery in my flying garden tractor, I'll give B&C a try, since I can't
readily get a Hawker battery here in the states.

Incidentally, FWIW, leaving any kind of a lead acid battery sit uncharged
for even as short a time as two to three weeks will drastically shorten it's
life, or even kill it, due to the process know as sulfation. Sulfation may
or may not be reversible but requires what is referred to as a "hot-shot
charger" to even try, which most of us are unlikely to have in our tool kit.

Dan Schaefer
LNC2