Lead Acid Batteries?

Does anyone have any recommendation/cautions about using a lead-acid battery vs a sealed battery for powering heaters/fans? The lowest output I have seen have been in the 160 amp range, vs the 12 amp sealed battery. The cost differential is substantial; $45 for the sealed vs $23 for a small equipment battery. What am I missing here?

Jud

Sealed has a lot of advantages for batteries that have to be moved around. A drop or two of sulfuric acid really can do damage quickly, and it can happen in so many different ways. Even simply charging a lead acid battery can cause a little leakage if things don't go just right.

By the way--I don't quite understand your statements regarding amp ratings. Are you confusing the amp-hour versus amperage itself?

Alex

Another thought: Using three dewheater strips, a secondary heater and mirror fan, what is the risk of just powering from the car battery cigarette lighter? Other than tripping on the cord.

Jud

"Never use a car battery if an AGM is within walking distance" ;o)

I use a couple 200 amp AGM batteries to run the scope drive, DSC, 2 cameras, 2 laptops and dew straps when needed. I charge with solar panels during the day and have spent a week out away from power in the DARK of New Mexico. I use "Anderson power pole" connectors on everything so it is simple to set up and multi-port adapters are available. I can even power my Ham radio gear from the batteries. The attached picture shows the batteries on a shelf of the tripod which makes great ballast that improves stability.

John
CCD-Freak
WD5IKX

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Thanks guys. Was hoping for input from an experience base. I will likely go with a 12 AH sealed battery, or higher if I can find it. Right now I am using old 4 AH sealed batteries and one barely lasts the evening just running the fan. My base will be modified to conviently hold the battery of choice and I just wanted to touch some bases before deciding.

Jud

Here's Mark Keitel's interesting write-up on batteries:
http://aajonahfish.com/sinewave_power.htm

dan

I use a relatively inexpensive Marine Deep Cycle Battery from Walmart, cost $65. If you need more power, then you can just buy two for the $130 and have enough power without spending too much money.
I have not had any issues with out gassing or dry cells, in fact I have never had to add water in two years. It is rated at 115 amp hours and runs a large laptop that uses a bit of current, my ST2k camera and the G-11 mount for two nights. Never tried to run any longer than that though.
A good charger is really important, one that will charge according to battery type and also will shut off when fully charged, so no boiling or over charging occurs.
These batteries are a bit heavy, but they hold a lot of power. They also have wing nut connectors as well as normal terminals making it easy to wire them for use with items.

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