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We've talded about these batteries ad nauseum in the past - but for the
record, if you use an RG battery, install an adjustable voltage regulator
and set the output with an accurate (like  0.1% FS) DVM to the charge
voltage recommended by your battery manufacturer. Recombinant Gas sealed
lead acid batteries require a slightly different charge voltage than the
standard aircraft units and you must get it right - or keep buying new
batteries every six months or so, depending on how often you fly.

The difference in voltage might not seem significant but it is. Usually, the
standard regulators in our airplanes will be set for a standard, wet cell
battery - only a few tenths of a volt away from where it needs to be for a
RG. The difference is not insignificant when considering battery life. Set
the correct charging voltage and your RG will last and last. Leave your
regulator at the "normal" setting and RG batteries will seem like a poor
investment.

If the weather's nice tomorrow, I'll get down to the hangar and measure the
exact terminal voltage required by the Concorde RG-25 in my airplane. Other
Concorde RG units should need the same setting. Will report here as soon as
I get the data. (The only reason I can't say what it is now is that I've
forgotten, since it was done a long time ago).

Dan Schaefer

Dan Schaefer

LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.