---------------------------------------------------------- AeroElectric-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Tue 10/15/19: 16 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 08:21 AM - Re: Wiring Diagrams and Pictures (Bill Watson) 2. 08:38 AM - Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries (Ernest Christley) 3. 09:17 AM - Re: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries (Jared Yates) 4. 09:45 AM - Re: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries (Charlie England) 5. 09:46 AM - Re: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries (Charlie England) 6. 09:53 AM - Re: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries (Charlie England) 7. 09:56 AM - Re: Wiring Diagrams and Pictures (bearhawklife) 8. 10:05 AM - Re: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries (ashleysc@broadstripe.net) 9. 10:32 AM - Re: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries (ashleysc@broadstripe.net) 10. 10:53 AM - Re: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries (Charlie England) 11. 12:25 PM - Re: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries (ashleysc@broadstripe.net) 12. 12:49 PM - Re: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries (Ernest Christley) 13. 12:52 PM - Re: Wiring Diagrams and Pictures (Ernest Christley) 14. 01:05 PM - Re: Wiring dsub connectors (Robert L. Nuckolls, III) 15. 01:15 PM - Re: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries (ashleysc@broadstripe.net) 16. 01:36 PM - Re: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries (argoldman@aol.com) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 08:21:16 AM PST US Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Wiring Diagrams and Pictures From: Bill Watson just some random pics from my RV10 build of some years ago. Fuse blocks and firewall ground Dual Battery tray and wiring with ground On 10/9/2019 7:56 AM, bearhawklife wrote: > > This will my first post on the AeroElectric forum and so I hope my first question won't get me banned for asking the proverbial "dumb question" on topic that may have already been covered that I have yet to find... > > I have Bob's book and several others on aircraft wiring. All have been very helpful and I have learned much. > > I am building a Bearhawk 4 Place powered by the IO-540. With the help of Nathan over at B&C and Jason Smith at Aerotronics, I have chosen to go with a dual alternator single battery set up. From Bob's book, I have selected to follow the A12M diagram (attached) as a guide. > > Being that I am a visual person, I get the theory and written concepts, I just need to "see it". For example, indicating on a schematic that the main battery ground goes to the ground bus / electrical panel. Im not sure what that looks like? Or the ground from the engine case to the airframe? Other connections are difficult to imagine as well. I appreciate the routing and wire sizes indicated in the drawings. Just curious if there is a resource for seeing the actual connections. > > Nathan Bainbridge has suggested searching on www.vansairforce.net or just google RV-7 builders log for various builders pics. Which I have but still coming up short. > > Thanks for your help! > > -------- > Currently building a Bearhawk 4 Place. > -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 08:38:44 AM PST US From: Ernest Christley Subject: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries I'm still looking for a solar powered "maintainer" that will work with a L iFePo battery, and would really like a pointer if someone has found a good solution.=C2- I'm using the Scorpion battery to start my 120Hp Corvair. =C2- I'm VERY happy with how fast and how long it will spin the Corvair w hen it is charged, but I've been asking a lot from this battery due to carb issues that I've been having to work through.=C2- Lots of cranking, with out much engine running to recharge. I bought one of the Harbor Freight, solar maintainers.=C2- I put it on an d left it for a few days.=C2- The battery was completely dead when I came back.=C2- The battery was swollen, but I can't be sure if that was from an overcharge or from excessive exhaust heat.=C2- The solar panel says th at it will put out as much as 18V...if I remember correctly...meaning the p anel had the potential to exceed voltage that the battery is rated for.=C2 - Disassembly of the battery found that two of the "bags" were swollen mu ch larger than the the others. I have since added heat deflectors, and repl aced the battery.=C2- (A future investigation is to see if I can remove t he swollen bags, and make a smaller capacity battery out of the remainder.. .to power LED lights in the gazebo in my backyard...not for airplane use.) Getting a slow, battery-friendly charge to an airplane sitting on a ramp is a PIA.=C2- Charging from a car, with it dumping whatever the alternator will produce or whatever the battery will swallow, works, but is cringe-wor thy.=C2- The 100mA output from the readily-available $20 panels takes a l ong time, but WILL top a battery off eventually (18Ahr/100mA =>180hr @ 9h r/day => 20 days).=C2- I find that acceptable, because my plane tends t o sit idle on the ramp for long periods of time anyway.=C2- During that " top off" time, the solar panels are fine on a LiFePo, because the voltage d rops below the max whenever there is a significant load on it.=C2- It's t hat period after the top off, when the panel reaches its open circuit volta ge and exceeds what the battery can accept that potentially kills the batte ry (again, I don't know this for a fact). So, the question is, "Does anyone know of a solar battery maintainer design ed to service LiFePo batteries?" O ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 09:17:39 AM PST US From: Jared Yates Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries Can you make one, by using a 100w solar panel, a charge controller, and a 12v-powered liFe charging circuit? On October 15, 2019 11:45:24 Ernest Christley wrote: > I'm still looking for a solar powered "maintainer" that will work with a > LiFePo battery, and would really like a pointer if someone has found a good > solution. I'm using the Scorpion battery to start my 120Hp Corvair. I'm > VERY happy with how fast and how long it will spin the Corvair when it is > charged, but I've been asking a lot from this battery due to carb issues > that I've been having to work through. Lots of cranking, without much > engine running to recharge. > > I bought one of the Harbor Freight, solar maintainers. I put it on and > left it for a few days. The battery was completely dead when I came back. > The battery was swollen, but I can't be sure if that was from an overcharge > or from excessive exhaust heat. The solar panel says that it will put out > as much as 18V...if I remember correctly...meaning the panel had the > potential to exceed voltage that the battery is rated for. Disassembly of > the battery found that two of the "bags" were swollen much larger than the > the others. I have since added heat deflectors, and replaced the battery. > (A future investigation is to see if I can remove the swollen bags, and > make a smaller capacity battery out of the remainder...to power LED lights > in the gazebo in my backyard...not for airplane use.) > Getting a slow, battery-friendly charge to an airplane sitting on a ramp is > a PIA. Charging from a car, with it dumping whatever the alternator will > produce or whatever the battery will swallow, works, but is cringe-worthy. > The 100mA output from the readily-available $20 panels takes a long time, > but WILL top a battery off eventually (18Ahr/100mA =>180hr @ 9hr/day => 20 > days). I find that acceptable, because my plane tends to sit idle on the > ramp for long periods of time anyway. During that "top off" time, the > solar panels are fine on a LiFePo, because the voltage drops below the max > whenever there is a significant load on it. It's that period after the top > off, when the panel reaches its open circuit voltage and exceeds what the > battery can accept that potentially kills the battery (again, I don't know > this for a fact). > So, the question is, "Does anyone know of a solar battery maintainer > designed to service LiFePo batteries?" > > O ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 09:45:26 AM PST US Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries From: Charlie England That's the general path I'd consider. Perhaps a perusal of hobby sites for a LiFePo charger that operates from a car battery would be a good place to start. Failing that, a small 12V-120vac inverter might get you there in somewhat plug&play fashion, though it would be a lot of monkey motion and not very efficient. solar panel>charge controller>inverter>charger Or..... https://www.amazon.com/DPJ-LiFePO4-Battery-Controller-SL03-4810A/dp/B07JG2V7TB/ref=asc_df_B07JG2V7TB/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385172604940&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702995601745525769&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014228&hvtargid=pla-823507823024&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=78287727493&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385172604940&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702995601745525769&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014228&hvtargid=pla-823507823024 generally, https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS843US843&biw=1920&bih=975&sxsrf=ACYBGNSHIvwnyBkyd9OPRuYg3iDFSaANlA%3A1571157455562&ei=z_WlXYLHIZHQtAWcwrX4Bg&q=solar+charge+controller+for+lifepo4+battery&oq=solar+charge+controller+for+lifepo4+battery+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0i30.199155.213105..214599...0.2..1.443.10450.1j16j19j9j1......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71j35i39j0i22i30j35i304i39j0i8i13i30.YH6jrcsDRBs Charlie On 10/15/2019 11:08 AM, Jared Yates wrote: > > Can you make one, by using a 100w solar panel, a charge controller, > and a 12v-powered liFe charging circuit? > > On October 15, 2019 11:45:24 Ernest Christley wrote: > >> I'm still looking for a solar powered "maintainer" that will work >> with a LiFePo battery, and would really like a pointer if someone has >> found a good solution. I'm using the Scorpion battery to start my >> 120Hp Corvair. I'm VERY happy with how fast and how long it will >> spin the Corvair when it is charged, but I've been asking a lot from >> this battery due to carb issues that I've been having to work >> through. Lots of cranking, without much engine running to recharge. >> >> I bought one of the Harbor Freight, solar maintainers. I put it on >> and left it for a few days. The battery was completely dead when I >> came back. The battery was swollen, but I can't be sure if that was >> from an overcharge or from excessive exhaust heat. The solar panel >> says that it will put out as much as 18V...if I remember >> correctly...meaning the panel had the potential to exceed voltage >> that the battery is rated for. Disassembly of the battery found that >> two of the "bags" were swollen much larger than the the others. I >> have since added heat deflectors, and replaced the battery. (A >> future investigation is to see if I can remove the swollen bags, and >> make a smaller capacity battery out of the remainder...to power LED >> lights in the gazebo in my backyard...not for airplane use.) >> >> Getting a slow, battery-friendly charge to an airplane sitting on a >> ramp is a PIA. Charging from a car, with it dumping whatever the >> alternator will produce or whatever the battery will swallow, works, >> but is cringe-worthy. The 100mA output from the readily-available $20 >> panels takes a long time, but WILL top a battery off eventually >> (18Ahr/100mA =>180hr @ 9hr/day => 20 days). I find that acceptable, >> because my plane tends to sit idle on the ramp for long periods of >> time anyway. During that "top off" time, the solar panels are fine >> on a LiFePo, because the voltage drops below the max whenever there >> is a significant load on it. It's that period after the top off, when >> the panel reaches its open circuit voltage and exceeds what the >> battery can accept that potentially kills the battery (again, I don't >> know this for a fact). >> >> So, the question is, "Does anyone know of a solar battery maintainer >> designed to service LiFePo batteries?" >> >> >> O -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 09:46:49 AM PST US Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries From: Charlie England oops; ignore the Amazon link. Just saw in the details that it only works at higher voltages. On 10/15/2019 11:43 AM, Charlie England wrote: > That's the general path I'd consider. Perhaps a perusal of hobby sites > for a LiFePo charger that operates from a car battery would be a good > place to start. Failing that, a small 12V-120vac inverter might get > you there in somewhat plug&play fashion, though it would be a lot of > monkey motion and not very efficient. > solar panel>charge controller>inverter>charger > > Or..... > https://www.amazon.com/DPJ-LiFePO4-Battery-Controller-SL03-4810A/dp/B07JG2V7TB/ref=asc_df_B07JG2V7TB/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385172604940&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702995601745525769&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014228&hvtargid=pla-823507823024&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=78287727493&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385172604940&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702995601745525769&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014228&hvtargid=pla-823507823024 > generally, > https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS843US843&biw=1920&bih=975&sxsrf=ACYBGNSHIvwnyBkyd9OPRuYg3iDFSaANlA%3A1571157455562&ei=z_WlXYLHIZHQtAWcwrX4Bg&q=solar+charge+controller+for+lifepo4+battery&oq=solar+charge+controller+for+lifepo4+battery+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0i30.199155.213105..214599...0.2..1.443.10450.1j16j19j9j1......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71j35i39j0i22i30j35i304i39j0i8i13i30.YH6jrcsDRBs > > > Charlie > > On 10/15/2019 11:08 AM, Jared Yates wrote: >> >> Can you make one, by using a 100w solar panel, a charge controller, >> and a 12v-powered liFe charging circuit? >> >> On October 15, 2019 11:45:24 Ernest Christley wrote: >> >>> I'm still looking for a solar powered "maintainer" that will work >>> with a LiFePo battery, and would really like a pointer if someone >>> has found a good solution. I'm using the Scorpion battery to start >>> my 120Hp Corvair. I'm VERY happy with how fast and how long it will >>> spin the Corvair when it is charged, but I've been asking a lot from >>> this battery due to carb issues that I've been having to work >>> through. Lots of cranking, without much engine running to recharge. >>> >>> I bought one of the Harbor Freight, solar maintainers. I put it on >>> and left it for a few days. The battery was completely dead when I >>> came back. The battery was swollen, but I can't be sure if that was >>> from an overcharge or from excessive exhaust heat. The solar panel >>> says that it will put out as much as 18V...if I remember >>> correctly...meaning the panel had the potential to exceed voltage >>> that the battery is rated for. Disassembly of the battery found that >>> two of the "bags" were swollen much larger than the the others. I >>> have since added heat deflectors, and replaced the battery. (A >>> future investigation is to see if I can remove the swollen bags, and >>> make a smaller capacity battery out of the remainder...to power LED >>> lights in the gazebo in my backyard...not for airplane use.) >>> >>> Getting a slow, battery-friendly charge to an airplane sitting on a >>> ramp is a PIA. Charging from a car, with it dumping whatever the >>> alternator will produce or whatever the battery will swallow, works, >>> but is cringe-worthy. The 100mA output from the readily-available >>> $20 panels takes a long time, but WILL top a battery off eventually >>> (18Ahr/100mA =>180hr @ 9hr/day => 20 days). I find that acceptable, >>> because my plane tends to sit idle on the ramp for long periods of >>> time anyway. During that "top off" time, the solar panels are fine >>> on a LiFePo, because the voltage drops below the max whenever there >>> is a significant load on it. It's that period after the top off, >>> when the panel reaches its open circuit voltage and exceeds what the >>> battery can accept that potentially kills the battery (again, I >>> don't know this for a fact). >>> >>> So, the question is, "Does anyone know of a solar battery maintainer >>> designed to service LiFePo batteries?" >>> >>> >>> O > -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 09:53:13 AM PST US Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries From: Charlie England Perhaps this one? https://www.amazon.com/PowMr-Controller-Intelligent-Temperature-Compensation/dp/B07H86ZP6C/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?keywords=12v+lefepo4+solar+charge+controller&qid=1571158107&s=lawn-garden&sr=1-4-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExM1BEU1BWMzVQMVVNJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODkxMjUxMVM0VjVWTEFPVjA1UCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTU1MDAwQ1k3N0dDTTBIQ0gxJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ= On 10/15/2019 11:44 AM, Charlie England wrote: > oops; ignore the Amazon link. Just saw in the details that it only > works at higher voltages. > > On 10/15/2019 11:43 AM, Charlie England wrote: >> That's the general path I'd consider. Perhaps a perusal of hobby >> sites for a LiFePo charger that operates from a car battery would be >> a good place to start. Failing that, a small 12V-120vac inverter >> might get you there in somewhat plug&play fashion, though it would be >> a lot of monkey motion and not very efficient. >> solar panel>charge controller>inverter>charger >> >> Or..... >> https://www.amazon.com/DPJ-LiFePO4-Battery-Controller-SL03-4810A/dp/B07JG2V7TB/ref=asc_df_B07JG2V7TB/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385172604940&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702995601745525769&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014228&hvtargid=pla-823507823024&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=78287727493&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385172604940&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702995601745525769&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014228&hvtargid=pla-823507823024 >> generally, >> https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS843US843&biw=1920&bih=975&sxsrf=ACYBGNSHIvwnyBkyd9OPRuYg3iDFSaANlA%3A1571157455562&ei=z_WlXYLHIZHQtAWcwrX4Bg&q=solar+charge+controller+for+lifepo4+battery&oq=solar+charge+controller+for+lifepo4+battery+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0i30.199155.213105..214599...0.2..1.443.10450.1j16j19j9j1......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71j35i39j0i22i30j35i304i39j0i8i13i30.YH6jrcsDRBs >> >> >> Charlie >> >> On 10/15/2019 11:08 AM, Jared Yates wrote: >>> >>> Can you make one, by using a 100w solar panel, a charge controller, >>> and a 12v-powered liFe charging circuit? >>> >>> On October 15, 2019 11:45:24 Ernest Christley >>> wrote: >>> >>>> I'm still looking for a solar powered "maintainer" that will work >>>> with a LiFePo battery, and would really like a pointer if someone >>>> has found a good solution. I'm using the Scorpion battery to start >>>> my 120Hp Corvair. I'm VERY happy with how fast and how long it >>>> will spin the Corvair when it is charged, but I've been asking a >>>> lot from this battery due to carb issues that I've been having to >>>> work through. Lots of cranking, without much engine running to >>>> recharge. >>>> >>>> I bought one of the Harbor Freight, solar maintainers. I put it on >>>> and left it for a few days. The battery was completely dead when I >>>> came back. The battery was swollen, but I can't be sure if that >>>> was from an overcharge or from excessive exhaust heat. The solar >>>> panel says that it will put out as much as 18V...if I remember >>>> correctly...meaning the panel had the potential to exceed voltage >>>> that the battery is rated for. Disassembly of the battery found >>>> that two of the "bags" were swollen much larger than the the >>>> others. I have since added heat deflectors, and replaced the >>>> battery. (A future investigation is to see if I can remove the >>>> swollen bags, and make a smaller capacity battery out of the >>>> remainder...to power LED lights in the gazebo in my backyard...not >>>> for airplane use.) >>>> >>>> Getting a slow, battery-friendly charge to an airplane sitting on a >>>> ramp is a PIA. Charging from a car, with it dumping whatever the >>>> alternator will produce or whatever the battery will swallow, >>>> works, but is cringe-worthy. The 100mA output from the >>>> readily-available $20 panels takes a long time, but WILL top a >>>> battery off eventually (18Ahr/100mA =>180hr @ 9hr/day => 20 days). >>>> I find that acceptable, because my plane tends to sit idle on the >>>> ramp for long periods of time anyway. During that "top off" time, >>>> the solar panels are fine on a LiFePo, because the voltage drops >>>> below the max whenever there is a significant load on it. It's >>>> that period after the top off, when the panel reaches its open >>>> circuit voltage and exceeds what the battery can accept that >>>> potentially kills the battery (again, I don't know this for a fact). >>>> >>>> So, the question is, "Does anyone know of a solar battery >>>> maintainer designed to service LiFePo batteries?" >>>> >>>> >>>> O >> > -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 09:56:50 AM PST US Subject: AeroElectric-List: Re: Wiring Diagrams and Pictures From: "bearhawklife" Mauledriver(at)nc.rr.com wrote: > just some random pics from my RV10 build of some years ago.... Thanks so much! I made contact with Aerotronics and Jason Smith helped me out greatly and supplied me with a custom wiring diagram for my setup. Can't say enough about Aerotronics! -------- Currently building a Bearhawk 4 Place. Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=491827#491827 ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 10:05:33 AM PST US From: ashleysc@broadstripe.net Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries Hi Ernest; Please consider what I am going to say to be a "data point," not a recommendation. I have a "Battery Tender" LiFePO4 battery and a "Battery Tender" maintainer, which is specifically designed for the given battery. I have had very good luck with this combination. It has been in the plane since wiring started, and allows checking each circuit as it is installed. Recently I have started the engine about a dozen times and the battery has lots of energy to start the 2700 cc six cyl. Corvair engine. I leave the maintainer on all the time, except when the plane is out of the hangar for running. The battery is in the engine compartment, which gets quite hot during engine runs. So far the battery shows no ill effects. Please note the aircraft has not yet flown. Cheers! Stu. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ernest Christley" Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 7:18:37 AM Subject: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries I'm still looking for a solar powered "maintainer" that will work with a LiFePo battery, and would really like a pointer if someone has found a good solution. I'm using the Scorpion battery to start my 120Hp Corvair. I'm VERY happy with how fast and how long it will spin the Corvair when it is charged, but I've been asking a lot from this battery due to carb issues that I've been having to work through. Lots of cranking, without much engine running to recharge. I bought one of the Harbor Freight, solar maintainers. I put it on and left it for a few days. The battery was completely dead when I came back. The battery was swollen, but I can't be sure if that was from an overcharge or from excessive exhaust heat. The solar panel says that it will put out as much as 18V...if I remember correctly...meaning the panel had the potential to exceed voltage that the battery is rated for. Disassembly of the battery found that two of the "bags" were swollen much larger than the the others. I have since added heat deflectors, and replaced the battery. (A future investigation is to see if I can remove the swollen bags, and make a smaller capacity battery out of the remainder...to power LED lights in the gazebo in my backyard...not for airplane use.) Getting a slow, battery-friendly charge to an airplane sitting on a ramp is a PIA. Charging from a car, with it dumping whatever the alternator will produce or whatever the battery will swallow, works, but is cringe-worthy. The 100mA output from the readily-available $20 panels takes a long time, but WILL top a battery off eventually (18Ahr/100mA =>180hr @ 9hr/day => 20 days). I find that acceptable, because my plane tends to sit idle on the ramp for long periods of time anyway. During that "top off" time, the solar panels are fine on a LiFePo, because the voltage drops below the max whenever there is a significant load on it. It's that period after the top off, when the panel reaches its open circuit voltage and exceeds what the battery can accept that potentially kills the battery (again, I don't know this for a fact). So, the question is, "Does anyone know of a solar battery maintainer designed to service LiFePo batteries?" O ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 10:32:00 AM PST US From: ashleysc@broadstripe.net Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries Hi Charlie; You have not explained the reason for your focus on "solar." Is it because there is no 110V. electrical system in your hangar? Cheers! Stu. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Charlie England" Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 9:43:05 AM Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries That's the general path I'd consider. Perhaps a perusal of hobby sites for a LiFePo charger that operates from a car battery would be a good place to start. Failing that, a small 12V-120vac inverter might get you there in somewhat plug&play fashion, though it would be a lot of monkey motion and not very efficient. solar panel>charge controller>inverter>charger Or..... https://www.amazon.com/DPJ-LiFePO4-Battery-Controller-SL03-4810A/dp/B07JG2V7TB/ref=asc_df_B07JG2V7TB/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385172604940&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702995601745525769&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014228&hvtargid=pla-823507823024&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=78287727493&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385172604940&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702995601745525769&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014228&hvtargid=pla-823507823024 generally, https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS843US843&biw=1920&bih=975&sxsrf=ACYBGNSHIvwnyBkyd9OPRuYg3iDFSaANlA%3A1571157455562&ei=z_WlXYLHIZHQtAWcwrX4Bg&q=solar+charge+controller+for+lifepo4+battery&oq=solar+charge+controller+for+lifepo4+battery+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0i30.199155.213105..214599...0.2..1.443.10450.1j16j19j9j1......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71j35i39j0i22i30j35i304i39j0i8i13i30.YH6jrcsDRBs Charlie On 10/15/2019 11:08 AM, Jared Yates wrote: Can you make one, by using a 100w solar panel, a charge controller, and a 12v-powered liFe charging circuit? On October 15, 2019 11:45:24 Ernest Christley wrote:
I'm still looking for a solar powered "maintainer" that will work with a LiFePo battery, and would really like a pointer if someone has found a good solution. I'm using the Scorpion battery to start my 120Hp Corvair. I'm VERY happy with how fast and how long it will spin the Corvair when it is charged, but I've been asking a lot from this battery due to carb issues that I've been having to work through. Lots of cranking, without much engine running to recharge. I bought one of the Harbor Freight, solar maintainers. I put it on and left it for a few days. The battery was completely dead when I came back. The battery was swollen, but I can't be sure if that was from an overcharge or from excessive exhaust heat. The solar panel says that it will put out as much as 18V...if I remember correctly...meaning the panel had the potential to exceed voltage that the battery is rated for. Disassembly of the battery found that two of the "bags" were swollen much larger than the the others. I have since added heat deflectors, and replaced the battery. (A future investigation is to see if I can remove the swollen bags, and make a smaller capacity battery out of the remainder...to power LED lights in the gazebo in my backyard...not for airplane use.) Getting a slow, battery-friendly charge to an airplane sitting on a ramp is a PIA. Charging from a car, with it dumping whatever the alternator will produce or whatever the battery will swallow, works, but is cringe-worthy. The 100mA output from the readily-available $20 panels takes a long time, but WILL top a battery off eventually (18Ahr/100mA =>180hr @ 9hr/day => 20 days). I find that acceptable, because my plane tends to sit idle on the ramp for long periods of time anyway. During that "top off" time, the solar panels are fine on a LiFePo, because the voltage drops below the max whenever there is a significant load on it. It's that period after the top off, when the panel reaches its open circuit voltage and exceeds what the battery can accept that potentially kills the battery (again, I don't know this for a fact). So, the question is, "Does anyone know of a solar battery maintainer designed to service LiFePo batteries?" O
Virus-free. www.avast.com ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 10:53:08 AM PST US Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries From: Charlie England Well, because Earnest asked for a solar powered charger. Did I miss something? On 10/15/2019 12:08 PM, ashleysc@broadstripe.net wrote: > Hi Charlie; > You have not explained the reason for your focus on "solar." Is it > because there is no 110V. electrical system in your hangar? > Cheers! Stu. > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > *From: *"Charlie England" > *To: *aeroelectric-list@matronics.com > *Sent: *Tuesday, October 15, 2019 9:43:05 AM > *Subject: *Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries > > That's the general path I'd consider. Perhaps a perusal of hobby sites > for a LiFePo charger that operates from a car battery would be a good > place to start. Failing that, a small 12V-120vac inverter might get > you there in somewhat plug&play fashion, though it would be a lot of > monkey motion and not very efficient. > solar panel>charge controller>inverter>charger > > Or..... > https://www.amazon.com/DPJ-LiFePO4-Battery-Controller-SL03-4810A/dp/B07JG2V7TB/ref=asc_df_B07JG2V7TB/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385172604940&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702995601745525769&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014228&hvtargid=pla-823507823024&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=78287727493&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385172604940&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702995601745525769&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014228&hvtargid=pla-823507823024 > generally, > https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS843US843&biw=1920&bih=975&sxsrf=ACYBGNSHIvwnyBkyd9OPRuYg3iDFSaANlA%3A1571157455562&ei=z_WlXYLHIZHQtAWcwrX4Bg&q=solar+charge+controller+for+lifepo4+battery&oq=solar+charge+controller+for+lifepo4+battery+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0i30.199155.213105..214599...0.2..1.443.10450.1j16j19j9j1......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71j35i39j0i22i30j35i304i39j0i8i13i30.YH6jrcsDRBs > > > Charlie > > On 10/15/2019 11:08 AM, Jared Yates wrote: > > Can you make one, by using a 100w solar panel, a charge > controller, and a 12v-powered liFe charging circuit? > > On October 15, 2019 11:45:24 Ernest Christley > wrote: > > I'm still looking for a solar powered "maintainer" that will > work with a LiFePo battery, and would really like a pointer if > someone has found a good solution. I'm using the Scorpion > battery to start my 120Hp Corvair. I'm VERY happy with how > fast and how long it will spin the Corvair when it is charged, > but I've been asking a lot from this battery due to carb > issues that I've been having to work through. Lots of > cranking, without much engine running to recharge. > > I bought one of the Harbor Freight, solar maintainers. I put > it on and left it for a few days. The battery was completely > dead when I came back. The battery was swollen, but I can't > be sure if that was from an overcharge or from excessive > exhaust heat. The solar panel says that it will put out as > much as 18V...if I remember correctly...meaning the panel had > the potential to exceed voltage that the battery is rated for. > Disassembly of the battery found that two of the "bags" were > swollen much larger than the the others. I have since added > heat deflectors, and replaced the battery. (A future > investigation is to see if I can remove the swollen bags, and > make a smaller capacity battery out of the remainder...to > power LED lights in the gazebo in my backyard...not for > airplane use.) > > Getting a slow, battery-friendly charge to an airplane sitting > on a ramp is a PIA. Charging from a car, with it dumping > whatever the alternator will produce or whatever the battery > will swallow, works, but is cringe-worthy. The 100mA output > from the readily-available $20 panels takes a long time, but > WILL top a battery off eventually (18Ahr/100mA =>180hr @ > 9hr/day => 20 days). I find that acceptable, because my plane > tends to sit idle on the ramp for long periods of time > anyway. During that "top off" time, the solar panels are fine > on a LiFePo, because the voltage drops below the max whenever > there is a significant load on it. It's that period after the > top off, when the panel reaches its open circuit voltage and > exceeds what the battery can accept that potentially kills the > battery (again, I don't know this for a fact). > > So, the question is, "Does anyone know of a solar battery > maintainer designed to service LiFePo batteries?" > > > O > > > > Virus-free. www.avast.com > > > > <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> > -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 12:25:36 PM PST US From: ashleysc@broadstripe.net Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries Hi Charlie; No; I confess I didn't go far enough back in the e-mail chain to see who the original questioner was. The subject still begs the question: Does Earnest not have access to 110 V. in his hangar? Or does he tie-down outdoors? Or does he want to recharge battery(s) while camping at remote strips? Knowing situs would help determine best choice of hardware. Cheers! Stu. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Charlie England" Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 10:51:48 AM Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries Well, because Earnest asked for a solar powered charger. Did I miss something? On 10/15/2019 12:08 PM, ashleysc@broadstripe.net wrote: Hi Charlie; You have not explained the reason for your focus on "solar." Is it because there is no 110V. electrical system in your hangar? Cheers! Stu. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Charlie England" Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 9:43:05 AM Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries That's the general path I'd consider. Perhaps a perusal of hobby sites for a LiFePo charger that operates from a car battery would be a good place to start. Failing that, a small 12V-120vac inverter might get you there in somewhat plug&play fashion, though it would be a lot of monkey motion and not very efficient. solar panel>charge controller>inverter>charger Or..... https://www.amazon.com/DPJ-LiFePO4-Battery-Controller-SL03-4810A/dp/B07JG2V7TB/ref=asc_df_B07JG2V7TB/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385172604940&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702995601745525769&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014228&hvtargid=pla-823507823024&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=78287727493&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385172604940&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702995601745525769&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014228&hvtargid=pla-823507823024 generally, https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS843US843&biw=1920&bih=975&sxsrf=ACYBGNSHIvwnyBkyd9OPRuYg3iDFSaANlA%3A1571157455562&ei=z_WlXYLHIZHQtAWcwrX4Bg&q=solar+charge+controller+for+lifepo4+battery&oq=solar+charge+controller+for+lifepo4+battery+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0i30.199155.213105..214599...0.2..1.443.10450.1j16j19j9j1......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71j35i39j0i22i30j35i304i39j0i8i13i30.YH6jrcsDRBs Charlie On 10/15/2019 11:08 AM, Jared Yates wrote:
Can you make one, by using a 100w solar panel, a charge controller, and a 12v-powered liFe charging circuit? On October 15, 2019 11:45:24 Ernest Christley wrote:
I'm still looking for a solar powered "maintainer" that will work with a LiFePo battery, and would really like a pointer if someone has found a good solution. I'm using the Scorpion battery to start my 120Hp Corvair. I'm VERY happy with how fast and how long it will spin the Corvair when it is charged, but I've been asking a lot from this battery due to carb issues that I've been having to work through. Lots of cranking, without much engine running to recharge. I bought one of the Harbor Freight, solar maintainers. I put it on and left it for a few days. The battery was completely dead when I came back. The battery was swollen, but I can't be sure if that was from an overcharge or from excessive exhaust heat. The solar panel says that it will put out as much as 18V...if I remember correctly...meaning the panel had the potential to exceed voltage that the battery is rated for. Disassembly of the battery found that two of the "bags" were swollen much larger than the the others. I have since added heat deflectors, and replaced the battery. (A future investigation is to see if I can remove the swollen bags, and make a smaller capacity battery out of the remainder...to power LED lights in the gazebo in my backyard...not for airplane use.) Getting a slow, battery-friendly charge to an airplane sitting on a ramp is a PIA. Charging from a car, with it dumping whatever the alternator will produce or whatever the battery will swallow, works, but is cringe-worthy. The 100mA output from the readily-available $20 panels takes a long time, but WILL top a battery off eventually (18Ahr/100mA =>180hr @ 9hr/day => 20 days). I find that acceptable, because my plane tends to sit idle on the ramp for long periods of time anyway. During that "top off" time, the solar panels are fine on a LiFePo, because the voltage drops below the max whenever there is a significant load on it. It's that period after the top off, when the panel reaches its open circuit voltage and exceeds what the battery can accept that potentially kills the battery (again, I don't know this for a fact). So, the question is, "Does anyone know of a solar battery maintainer designed to service LiFePo batteries?" O
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________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 12:49:04 PM PST US From: Ernest Christley Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries Stu,JNX doesn't have any hangar's available, so I'm parked on the ramp unt il they build some more. The $26 box may be the best choice, Charlie, except that it looks like over kill and will it run of such a small panel.=C2- I might be better off bui lding my own circuit.=C2- The idea being to not leave something sitting o n the outside of the airplane that I would be too upset about when someone walked off with it.=C2- Airplane people are an honest bunch overall, but there is always that one guy. I must say though, that I was hoping that someone had found one of the pane ls that I could just plug into the always hot cig-lighter socket. On Tuesday, October 15, 2019, 3:26:08 PM EDT, wrote: Hi Charlie;No; I confess I didn't go far enough back in the e-mail chain t o see who the original questioner was. The subject still begs the question: Does Earnest not have access to 110 V. in his hangar? Or does he tie-down outdoors? Or does he want to recharge battery(s) while camping at remote st rips? Knowing situs would help determine best choice of hardware.Cheers!=C2 - =C2-Stu. From: "Charlie England" Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 10:51:48 AM Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries Well, because Earnest asked for a solar powered charger. Did I miss somethi ng? On 10/15/2019 12:08 PM, ashleysc@broadstripe.net wrote: Hi Charlie;You have not explained the reason for your focus on "solar." Is it because there is no 110V. electrical system in your hangar?Cheers!=C2- =C2-Stu. From: "Charlie England" To: aeroelectric-list@matronics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 9:43:05 AM Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries That's the general path I'd consider. Perhaps a perusal of hobby sites for a LiFePo charger that operates from a car battery would be a good place to start. Failing that, a small 12V-120vac inverter might get you there in som ewhat plug&play fashion, though it would be a lot of monkey motion and not very efficient. solar panel>charge controller>inverter>charger Or..... https://www.amazon.com/DPJ-LiFePO4-Battery-Controller-SL03-4810A/dp/B07JG2 V7TB/ref=asc_df_B07JG2V7TB/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=38517 2604940&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702995601745525769&hvpone=&hvpt wo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014228&hvtargi d=pla-823507823024&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=78287727493&hvpone=& hvptwo=&hvadid=385172604940&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702995601 745525769&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014228&hvt argid=pla-823507823024 generally, https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS843US843&biw=1920&bih= 975&sxsrf=ACYBGNSHIvwnyBkyd9OPRuYg3iDFSaANlA%3A1571157455562&ei=z_WlXYL HIZHQtAWcwrX4Bg&q=solar+charge+controller+for+lifepo4+battery&oq=solar+ charge+controller+for+lifepo4+battery+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0i30.199155.213105 ..214599...0.2..1.443.10450.1j16j19j9j1......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71j35i 39j0i22i30j35i304i39j0i8i13i30.YH6jrcsDRBs Charlie On 10/15/2019 11:08 AM, Jared Yates wrote: Can you make one, by using a 100w solar panel, a charge controller, and a 1 2v-powered liFe charging circuit? On October 15, 2019 11:45:24 Ernest Christley wrote: I'm still looking for a solar powered "maintainer" that will work with a Li FePo battery, and would really like a pointer if someone has found a good s olution.=C2- I'm using the Scorpion battery to start my 120Hp Corvair.=C2 - I'm VERY happy with how fast and how long it will spin the Corvair when it is charged, but I've been asking a lot from this battery due to carb is sues that I've been having to work through.=C2- Lots of cranking, without much engine running to recharge. I bought one of the Harbor Freight, solar maintainers.=C2- I put it on an d left it for a few days.=C2- The battery was completely dead when I came back.=C2- The battery was swollen, but I can't be sure if that was from an overcharge or from excessive exhaust heat.=C2- The solar panel says th at it will put out as much as 18V...if I remember correctly...meaning the p anel had the potential to exceed voltage that the battery is rated for.=C2 - Disassembly of the battery found that two of the "bags" were swollen mu ch larger than the the others. I have since added heat deflectors, and repl aced the battery.=C2- (A future investigation is to see if I can remove t he swollen bags, and make a smaller capacity battery out of the remainder.. .to power LED lights in the gazebo in my backyard...not for airplane use.) Getting a slow, battery-friendly charge to an airplane sitting on a ramp i s a PIA.=C2- Charging from a car, with it dumping whatever the alternator will produce or whatever the battery will swallow, works, but is cringe-wo rthy.=C2- The 100mA output from the readily-available $20 panels takes a long time, but WILL top a battery off eventually (18Ahr/100mA =>180hr @ 9 hr/day => 20 days).=C2- I find that acceptable, because my plane tends to sit idle on the ramp for long periods of time anyway.=C2- During that "top off" time, the solar panels are fine on a LiFePo, because the voltage drops below the max whenever there is a significant load on it.=C2- It's that period after the top off, when the panel reaches its open circuit volt age and exceeds what the battery can accept that potentially kills the batt ery (again, I don't know this for a fact). So, the question is, "Does anyone know of a solar battery maintainer desig ned to service LiFePo batteries?" O | | Virus-free. www.avast.com | ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 12:52:58 PM PST US From: Ernest Christley Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Wiring Diagrams and Pictures Beautiful work, Bill, and I wouldn't change a thing. But, just a suggestio n for other people considering those fuse blocks.=C2- You can get fast-ta bs that have the wire exiting at 90 degrees.=C2- It really cleans up the wiring, and allows the bundle to lie flat. On Tuesday, October 15, 2019, 11:21:53 AM EDT, Bill Watson wrote: just some random pics from my RV10 build of some years ago. Fuse blocks and firewall ground Dual Battery tray and wiring with ground On 10/9/2019 7:56 AM, bearhawklife wrote: et> This will my first post on the AeroElectric forum and so I hope my first qu estion won't get me banned for asking the proverbial "dumb question" on top ic that may have already been covered that I have yet to find... I have Bob's book and several others on aircraft wiring. All have been ver y helpful and I have learned much. I am building a Bearhawk 4 Place powered by the IO-540. With the help of N athan over at B&C and Jason Smith at Aerotronics, I have chosen to go with a dual alternator single battery set up. From Bob's book, I have selected to follow the A12M diagram (attached) as a guide. Being that I am a visual person, I get the theory and written concepts, I j ust need to "see it". For example, indicating on a schematic that the main battery ground goes to the ground bus / electrical panel=C3=A2=82=AC=C2 . I=C3=A2=82=AC=84=A2m not sure what that looks like? Or the grou nd from the engine case to the airframe? Other connections are difficult t o imagine as well. I appreciate the routing and wire sizes indicated in th e drawings. Just curious if there is a resource for seeing the actual conn ections. Nathan Bainbridge has suggested searching on www.vansairforce.net or just g oogle =C3=A2=82=AC=C5=93RV-7 builders log=C3=A2=82=AC=EF=BD for va rious builders pics. Which I have but still coming up short. Thanks for your help! -------- Currently building a Bearhawk 4 Place. | | Virus-free. www.avast.com | ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 01:05:38 PM PST US From: "Robert L. Nuckolls, III" Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Wiring dsub connectors At 01:42 AM 10/15/2019, you wrote: > > >I'm replacing a Narco AT150 transponder with a Stratus ES.?? The >wires running to the Narco, which uses?? are 18 gauge wires and >Molex connectors.?? The Stratus specifies 22 gauge and dsub >connectors, but I'm sure bigger wire is OK. > >The problem is crimping the wires.?? I bought a Daniels AFM8 >crimping tool five years ago when I installed a Garmin GNS 430.?? I >have the positioner for 22 gauge wire, but I've lost the positioner >for the 18 gauge wire.?? My question is: should I crimp the dsub >pins onto 22 gauge wire and solder the wires to the 18 gauge wires, >or spend $50 on a new positioner (which one? it's hard to tell from >the catlogs I've looked at) so I can crimp the pins directly onto >the 18 gauge wires? That 18AWG citation for the Narco was overkill. A number of manufacturers have called out some rather 'conservative' wire sizes for their DC input pins . . . a practice that I don't really understand. None the less, upgrade situations like you've encountered do present a problem. I'd splice 22AWG pigtails on the ends of your 18AWG just before they drop into the D-sub. This po' boy's solder sleeve technique works good . . . lasts a long time. https://tinyurl.com/c5v2xvm Bob . . . ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 01:15:36 PM PST US From: ashleysc@broadstripe.net Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries Hi Earnest; Well, you're right: Solar appears to be the best alternative [or a very long extension cord (chuckle)]. I'm sorry your aircraft has to sit outside. Cheers! Stu. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ernest Christley" Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 12:47:23 PM Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries Stu, JNX doesn't have any hangar's available, so I'm parked on the ramp until they build some more. The $26 box may be the best choice, Charlie, except that it looks like overkill and will it run of such a small panel. I might be better off building my own circuit. The idea being to not leave something sitting on the outside of the airplane that I would be too upset about when someone walked off with it. Airplane people are an honest bunch overall, but there is always that one guy. I must say though, that I was hoping that someone had found one of the panels that I could just plug into the always hot cig-lighter socket. On Tuesday, October 15, 2019, 3:26:08 PM EDT, wrote: Hi Charlie; No; I confess I didn't go far enough back in the e-mail chain to see who the original questioner was. The subject still begs the question: Does Earnest not have access to 110 V. in his hangar? Or does he tie-down outdoors? Or does he want to recharge battery(s) while camping at remote strips? Knowing situs would help determine best choice of hardware. Cheers! Stu. From: "Charlie England" Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 10:51:48 AM Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries Well, because Earnest asked for a solar powered charger. Did I miss something? On 10/15/2019 12:08 PM, ashleysc@broadstripe.net wrote: Hi Charlie; You have not explained the reason for your focus on "solar." Is it because there is no 110V. electrical system in your hangar? Cheers! Stu. From: "Charlie England" Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 9:43:05 AM Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries That's the general path I'd consider. Perhaps a perusal of hobby sites for a LiFePo charger that operates from a car battery would be a good place to start. Failing that, a small 12V-120vac inverter might get you there in somewhat plug&play fashion, though it would be a lot of monkey motion and not very efficient. solar panel>charge controller>inverter>charger Or..... https://www.amazon.com/DPJ-LiFePO4-Battery-Controller-SL03-4810A/dp/B07JG2V7TB/ref=asc_df_B07JG2V7TB/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385172604940&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702995601745525769&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014228&hvtargid=pla-823507823024&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=78287727493&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385172604940&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702995601745525769&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014228&hvtargid=pla-823507823024 generally, https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS843US843&biw=1920&bih=975&sxsrf=ACYBGNSHIvwnyBkyd9OPRuYg3iDFSaANlA%3A1571157455562&ei=z_WlXYLHIZHQtAWcwrX4Bg&q=solar+charge+controller+for+lifepo4+battery&oq=solar+charge+controller+for+lifepo4+battery+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0i30.199155.213105..214599...0.2..1.443.10450.1j16j19j9j1......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71j35i39j0i22i30j35i304i39j0i8i13i30.YH6jrcsDRBs Charlie On 10/15/2019 11:08 AM, Jared Yates wrote:
Can you make one, by using a 100w solar panel, a charge controller, and a 12v-powered liFe charging circuit? On October 15, 2019 11:45:24 Ernest Christley wrote:
I'm still looking for a solar powered "maintainer" that will work with a LiFePo battery, and would really like a pointer if someone has found a good solution. I'm using the Scorpion battery to start my 120Hp Corvair. I'm VERY happy with how fast and how long it will spin the Corvair when it is charged, but I've been asking a lot from this battery due to carb issues that I've been having to work through. Lots of cranking, without much engine running to recharge. I bought one of the Harbor Freight, solar maintainers. I put it on and left it for a few days. The battery was completely dead when I came back. The battery was swollen, but I can't be sure if that was from an overcharge or from excessive exhaust heat. The solar panel says that it will put out as much as 18V...if I remember correctly...meaning the panel had the potential to exceed voltage that the battery is rated for. Disassembly of the battery found that two of the "bags" were swollen much larger than the the others. I have since added heat deflectors, and replaced the battery. (A future investigation is to see if I can remove the swollen bags, and make a smaller capacity battery out of the remainder...to power LED lights in the gazebo in my backyard...not for airplane use.) Getting a slow, battery-friendly charge to an airplane sitting on a ramp is a PIA. Charging from a car, with it dumping whatever the alternator will produce or whatever the battery will swallow, works, but is cringe-worthy. The 100mA output from the readily-available $20 panels takes a long time, but WILL top a battery off eventually (18Ahr/100mA =>180hr @ 9hr/day => 20 days). I find that acceptable, because my plane tends to sit idle on the ramp for long periods of time anyway. During that "top off" time, the solar panels are fine on a LiFePo, because the voltage drops below the max whenever there is a significant load on it. It's that period after the top off, when the panel reaches its open circuit voltage and exceeds what the battery can accept that potentially kills the battery (again, I don't know this for a fact). So, the question is, "Does anyone know of a solar battery maintainer designed to service LiFePo batteries?" O
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________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 01:36:24 PM PST US From: argoldman@aol.com Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries My understanding is that the LiFePo batteries have incredibly slow self-di scharge rate. That being the case, is a maintainer charger necessary? Of course is there is current drain via a clock or other drainer the mainta iner may be helpful. Rich -----Original Message----- From: Ernest Christley Sent: Tue, Oct 15, 2019 12:18 pm Subject: AeroElectric-List: Maintainer's for LiFePo batteries I'm still looking for a solar powered "maintainer" that will work with a L iFePo battery, and would really like a pointer if someone has found a good solution.=C2- I'm using the Scorpion battery to start my 120Hp Corvair. =C2- I'm VERY happy with how fast and how long it will spin the Corvair w hen it is charged, but I've been asking a lot from this battery due to carb issues that I've been having to work through.=C2- Lots of cranking, with out much engine running to recharge. I bought one of the Harbor Freight, solar maintainers.=C2- I put it on an d left it for a few days.=C2- The battery was completely dead when I came back.=C2- The battery was swollen, but I can't be sure if that was from an overcharge or from excessive exhaust heat.=C2- The solar panel says th at it will put out as much as 18V...if I remember correctly...meaning the p anel had the potential to exceed voltage that the battery is rated for.=C2 - Disassembly of the battery found that two of the "bags" were swollen mu ch larger than the the others. I have since added heat deflectors, and repl aced the battery.=C2- (A future investigation is to see if I can remove t he swollen bags, and make a smaller capacity battery out of the remainder.. .to power LED lights in the gazebo in my backyard...not for airplane use.) Getting a slow, battery-friendly charge to an airplane sitting on a ramp is a PIA.=C2- Charging from a car, with it dumping whatever the alternator will produce or whatever the battery will swallow, works, but is cringe-wor thy.=C2- The 100mA output from the readily-available $20 panels takes a l ong time, but WILL top a battery off eventually (18Ahr/100mA =>180hr @ 9h r/day => 20 days).=C2- I find that acceptable, because my plane tends t o sit idle on the ramp for long periods of time anyway.=C2- During that " top off" time, the solar panels are fine on a LiFePo, because the voltage d rops below the max whenever there is a significant load on it.=C2- It's t hat period after the top off, when the panel reaches its open circuit volta ge and exceeds what the battery can accept that potentially kills the batte ry (again, I don't know this for a fact). So, the question is, "Does anyone know of a solar battery maintainer design ed to service LiFePo batteries?" O ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Matronics Email List Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post A New Message aeroelectric-list@matronics.com UN/SUBSCRIBE http://www.matronics.com/subscription List FAQ http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/AeroElectric-List.htm Web Forum Interface To Lists http://forums.matronics.com Matronics List Wiki http://wiki.matronics.com Full Archive Search Engine http://www.matronics.com/search 7-Day List Browse http://www.matronics.com/browse/aeroelectric-list Browse Digests http://www.matronics.com/digest/aeroelectric-list Browse Other Lists http://www.matronics.com/browse Live Online Chat! http://www.matronics.com/chat Archive Downloading http://www.matronics.com/archives Photo Share http://www.matronics.com/photoshare Other Email Lists http://www.matronics.com/emaillists Contributions http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.