Just got done building this launch system. As you know this system uses a 12 volt battery. My question to you is, what is my best buy for a battery? I was in a battery store the other day getting a new battery for my cyclocomputer and glanced at some motorcycle batteries. Dang. Not real cheap! I'd appreciate any advice!

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SAM #0354

What's your definition of cheap? I use a lawn tractor/motorcycle battery that I picked up at Farm & Fleet - if memory serves, it was about $25.00. Was it much more than that where you looked?

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www.wooshrocketry.org NAR Sec. 558
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battery stores tend to have higher prices(you pays for them having a wide selection of batteries).
rex

Yeah I think the cheapest one I saw was around $40.00 in Batteries PLUS. I have a Farm and Fleet not too far from me so I'll give them a look when I actually go to buy a battery. I just wanted to see what options you vets have went with. Thanks!

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SAM #0354

On the common stuff, I agree. D cells, C cells, 9V, etc, are usually lowest priced at WalMart and other discount department stores.

OTOH, the exotic stuff is often not found there. And even Radio Shack, with its quite impressive offering, doesn't have all the stuff that you can find at Batteries Plus.

So, if I'm looking for that 7Ah gel cell for my launch controller, I'm probably not gonna get it a WalMart. They do carry jump start batteries which are frequently adapted for rockets, but are more expensive than the 25 dollar gel cell I got a Batteries Plus.

So, while I agree I can get a better deal on flashlight batteries somewhere else, battery stores are still good places to look for launch controller batteries.

Doug

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YORF member #11

Do you have any cordless tools? I have the Aerotech launch controller and I have used at one time or another:

2 - 7.2V RC car batteries

2 - 9.6V RC batteries

12 V black and decker cordless tool battery

18V black and decker cordless tool battery (I used it today!)

All the batteries are relatively lightweight and work great.

I soldered micro clips onto the Aerotech battery leads to grab the contacts of the batteries.

No Extra battery costs!

Great advice on the cordless stuff, I hadn't even considered using something like that. Not sure my little cordless drill has an adequate battery for launching rockets

I might try that or maybe I'll give BatteriesPLUS another look. I didn't really take a whole lot of time to check all their stuff. And I'll give F&F a look too. I like that store anyway. Thanks for all the tips fellas!

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SAM #0354

I once had a jump start battery, was pricey in the $50 range (well pricey for a 12V battery, cheap for a jump start battery).

It gave me a lot of versatility though.
I could:

1) charge it at home off of household current
2) charge it on the way to a site with a plug into my cigarette lighter in the car
3) launch with a converted 12V plug
4) use the other socket for some other 12V item

and most importantly
5) help the beautiful damsel in distress get her car started.

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Bernard J. Herman Ohio RLS

Starport Sagitta Rockets
email bherman@sagittarockets.com

NAR # 97971 SR

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We're looking for a few good Catos, please tell us about any you may have had. Survey of Anecdotal Malfunctioning Engines or S.A.M.E.

Keep in mind you don't need a huge battery. I use a small Werker 5AH sealed lead acid battery, and it has plenty of capacity for launching all day. Even after dozens of launches, it has barely dropped capacity, and tops off in just a few minutes.

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Paul
If we weren't all crazy, we would go insane - Jimmy Buffett
NAR #87246 www.wooshrocketry.org

I will definitely look into this! Thanks buddy!

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SAM #0354