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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: frank mccune on July 11, 2017, 06:35:44 PM

Title: Recharging battery in flight box ??
Post by: frank mccune on July 11, 2017, 06:35:44 PM
       Hello All:

      Is there any reason why I should not recharge the lead-acid battery in my flight box by attaching the battery charger to the posts on the panel for the 12v fuel pump or the starter? The instrument panel is one of those ubiquitous panels that sell for about $15.00.

                                                                                                             Tia,

                                                                                                              Frank McCune

                                                                                                       
Title: Re: Recharging battery in flight box ??
Post by: Gary Dowler on July 11, 2017, 07:03:36 PM
This is a good question and I will be anxious to hear what people have to say.  I cant see why it would hurt off hand, as long as amperage is kept low. 
Title: Re: Recharging battery in flight box ??
Post by: peabody on July 11, 2017, 07:06:16 PM
Should work just fine....unless there is a diode lurking (highly unlikely).
Use a trickle charge....a high amp unit might fry wires
Have fun!

Title: Re: Recharging battery in flight box ??
Post by: George Truett on July 11, 2017, 07:39:11 PM
It is typical to charge through the starter plug ins and I have done so for years.  The fuel pump posts may have more going on for the fill/drain feature, personally I would not use those because I just don't know.
Title: Re: Recharging battery in flight box ??
Post by: Motorman on July 11, 2017, 09:55:14 PM
Frank, charge through the starter plugs and nothing else. They go directly to the battery.

MM
Title: Re: Recharging battery in flight box ??
Post by: frank mccune on July 12, 2017, 06:29:21 AM
     Hello All:

     Thanks for all of the prompt replies.

     I got this revelation while working on my flight box.  I replaced the electronic panel and looked at how I had been charging the battery.  I had external charging leads that I used as connections while charging the battery.  I did not care for these exposed leads as they were always energized.  By attaching my battery charger via "banana plugs" plugged into the starter connections, I thought that this would make a better method of charging the battery.  I asked due to the fact that I had very little idea if there was a solid state device in the circuit that I wild damage.  It appeared as a go but...  Good old Occam! 

                                                                                                         Be well,

                                                                                                         Frank McCune