Posted by radioburst on March 05, 2001 at 02:06:36:
In Reply to: battery for the 780XLT posted by Dave A on March 05, 2001 at 00:19:43:
There are all kinds of flashy and really good portable supplies for laptops and such that would be ideal. But if you'd like to do it on the cheap, (now i know you said no car battery suggestions) but how bout a motorcycle battery? It's a lot smaller and can be dropped and sealed into a small pail for portability. cut holes in the lid for the terminal connections. When you've depleted it, throw it on a garage type car charger and keep it on trickle till you need it again. Years ago Monitoring Times ran an article on this type of setup and a lot of readers wrote in and said it was a great idea, but that you just need to vent the pail top so it doesn't build up gas and explode in your face, ruining your day. This has always struck me as great idea too, although i have never put one together because i have always owned portable gear. In the article the guy used that crazy green construction spray foam to seal the battery down in the pail. that stuff might not be inert and could react with the battery...err...negatively, and catch fire...again ruining your day. but whatever works. Just take all the precautions you normally would dealing with heavy duty batteries. Maybe this isnt your bag, but i always thought it was a good cheap plan.