batteries!

kadiera · #1 06-22-2009, 08:15 AM

Last night we did a controlled trial run of the battery pack DH has been working on for our LTV 1150.

We got nearly 3.5 hours on it, which is about what we were hoping for. The goal was something lighter than the car battery, and less expensive than the lithium ion batteries, that would last about the same amount of time as most of our O2 canisters - so, enough battery to go to the store or out to dinner or to the doctor, without having to have a wagon or stroller just for the battery.

Now to make a cloth cover for the battery pack, and ensure it can be tied to the vent....

lynn · #2 06-22-2009, 12:29 PM

Wow - great job- keep us posted on how you are doing. I'm back to the large car battery for Joseph since I killed the lithium and cant afford new ones right now. Do you have the standard backpack for the vent?(grey/green color::not the blue lithium transport one) We had this one first and it is much nicer than the blue one--(it has actual backpack straps not just a carry handle) I used to strap my lithium to it with a canvas bag and carbinder (sp?) clips.

kadiera · #3 06-22-2009, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lynn

Wow - great job- keep us posted on how you are doing. I'm back to the large car battery for Joseph since I killed the lithium and cant afford new ones right now. Do you have the standard backpack for the vent?(grey/green color::not the blue lithium transport one) We had this one first and it is much nicer than the blue one--(it has actual backpack straps not just a carry handle) I used to strap my lithium to it with a canvas bag and carbinder (sp?) clips.

Yeah...we have the gray one. DH broke the carry strap on it when the vent fell over and smashed the clip. But I really like the backpack straps.

I'm waiting on a final cost (and pictures, and hopefully instructions). I think the total cost was on the order of $300, and that got us enough batteries for 3 sets.

It definitely needs some sort of cover though, because he used PVC pipe to hold the batteries, and I can imagine the unwanted attention we'll get carrying around pipes with wires sticking out the ends....

Alex's mom · #4 06-22-2009, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kadiera

It definitely needs some sort of cover though, because he used PVC pipe to hold the batteries, and I can imagine the unwanted attention we'll get carrying around pipes with wires sticking out the ends....

That's really funny. Forget flying with that setup - they probably wouldn't even let you into the airport.

Seriously though, I can't wait to see pictures. I'm very impressed your dh can do this sort of thing.

Alethia · #5 06-28-2009, 07:49 PM

How about using some flat, rectangular tupperware or similar to house the batteries? If it were lined with a thin layer of fire-retardant foam or non-slip rubber matting it could make quite a good battery housing. It would look less suspicious than the lengths of pipe, but I love that image, LOL!!

My dad looked into this as well, but since we get our batteries provided it was more of an intellectual than a practical exercise. If we were feeling wealthy, then NiMH batteries would make an awesomely long lasting battery.......