Looking for a way to temp. secure a battery.

[mhorowit]

I've been toting a gel celll battery to power my GPS and handheld.
I strapped it in place where the passenger's heels might go. It's a temp. installation because I take it in/out and don't want to go thru the paperwork to make it a permenent part of the a/c.

The other day I was thinking about the structural integrity of what I was doing. Although the battery is strapped firmly in place, I have no idea how the plastic buckles would withstand a violent maneuver.

So - I'm looking for a way to temporarily mount a battery in a secure manner.

Suggestions? - Mike

[Yellow Duck]

Re: Looking for a way to temp. secure a battery.

Mike, I built a battery box and screwed it into the floor, putting it against the seat on the floor in the center. and run the wires through a fuse for my GPS, Com, and I/C. Works great. I also have the Turbo Alternator. My IA just signed it off with a 337, no big deal.

[Richard Boyer]

Re: Looking for a way to temp. secure a battery.

metal buckles??

It would have to be one heck of a violent manuever to break those buckles. Especaily if the battery is in tight. At that point the battery might be the last thing you are worried about!

It gets pretty bumpy here in the south in the summer. Even with 4 point restraints, my head has hit the ceiling! I wouldn't think that your straps and buckles would break even under that load.

How about some kind of bracket under the seat?

Richard Boyer
N95791
Georgetown, TX

[ROllerton]

Re: Looking for a way to temp. secure a battery.

I got one of those soft sided coolers for lunch and stuff, the kind thats made of fabric and padded, and has a zipper. Put a 3/8 plywood floor in it. Stick the battery, and a FUSE (!) in it and then pad it with styrofoam blocks to make it snug. Zip it up and run the power lead out (a lighter outlet on a cord that you get at the auto parts store) and then run the seat belt thru the handles on the bag to tie it down to the seat. Or in the baggage sling.

Be sure to put a fuse in line with the battery, it has enough amps to do some welding (or is that cutting) in the event of a short, or worse it can overheat and explode if shorted. I used a simple inline fuse holder (auto parts store again) conencted to the battery with a 5amp fuse in it.

[jrzangger]

Re: Looking for a way to temp. secure a battery.

Bob,

Similar thoughts! I also use a cloth/plastic insulated food container and an inline fuse. However, I just put it beneath my legs unattached. Just like everything else in the plane that might fly around in turbulence. Have never had it move yet though.

[Yellow Duck]

Re: Looking for a way to temp. secure a battery.

Guys for what it is worth. I made a small Batt case from alum and screwed it to the floor. The Batt is from Radio Shack, 12 V 13 amp/hrs. Also very inexpensive and weighs just a few lbs. Located on the flool in the center against the seat. With most of my wiring coming in from under and through the soft board in the front of the seat at the bottom.I have a master switch and 12V lighter plus a very small light on my instrument panel which tells me if I forget to turn it off.

Guess I will need to take pictures while I have the seat out. Works great and the batt can not move, my intercom is velcroed to the same case. The ant wire for my com comes through from the rear of the seat and set in the center also, very easy to operate. Everything together and wire are very short and not messy. I have head sets and use the push to talk on the radio with my right hand. The I/C is voice activated. Very simple.

Just need to find my camera

[mhorowit]

Re: Looking for a way to temp. secure a battery.

I'd like to see that! - Mike

[gusc]

Re: Looking for a way to temp. secure a battery.

I'm going to use a portable starter battery, very powerful and has a lighter plug in plus clips.

Haven't rigged it up yet but it has a carry handle and self contained charger.

[Yellow Duck]

Re: Looking for a way to temp. secure a battery.

Look under "Yellow Duck Electrical" Go to my site and I have a few pictures.