Battery and charger source

Angel Figueras · Posted: Mon Sep 16, 2002 11:51 am Post subject: Battery and charger source

I must purchase a backup battery and charger for Vegas. Where do you guys find the best prices on the stock battery, no look-alikes? And OEM chargers?

Ideas? (this should be a hot potato)

Angel

Rob Martin · Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2002 9:40 pm Post subject: Battery and charger source

Give Curtis a try at Acceleration Karting in Las Vegas.

They have a pretty active Rotax group in Vegas and he may be able to get what you need for a fair price.

[ September 17, 2002: Message edited by: Rob Martin ]

John Leary · Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2002 3:11 pm Post subject: Battery and charger source

Batteries.com has 12 Volt 7AH batteries for $17.49 shipping is $2.to $5 depending how fast you want it. 12 Volt 7AH Here I don't know why anyone would want to pay three times that for a OEM battery

[ September 18, 2002: Message edited by: John Leary ]

Angel Figueras · Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2002 3:58 pm Post subject: Battery and charger source

The only reason I am paying through the nose is because I want to stay legal for the Rotax Nationals....otherwise, I would most definately be using the look-alikes.

Angel

Nick Weil · Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2002 5:40 pm Post subject: Battery and charger source

quote
Quote:

I don't know why anyone would want to pay three times that for a OEM battery

The OEM battery actually has a slightly higher Amperage rating.

I have ONLY sold two $300 ignition coils EVER...
Both to people who prefer to run the $25 battery.

Sounds like a bargain to me. In fact, would it be unscrupulous if I sold the $25 battery and recommended it in our webstore?

Nick Weil
SpeedQuest Website

Angel Figueras · Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2002 5:39 am Post subject: Battery and charger source

Touche Nick!! Penny wise, pound foolish.

Angel

George Jounakos · Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2002 6:24 am Post subject: Battery and charger source

While it is true that the OEM battery has a slightly higher amp hour rating, the amp hour rating shows the storage capacity of the battery. It only shows maximum energy that can be drawn from the battery and how long the battery will deliver its rated voltage at a given load. If using a 12V7A battery has caused damage there must be something else wrong. One thing that can kill an ignition is charging the battery with the circuit breaker ON. This can allow over-voltage spikes to reach the ignition. These over-voltage spike are normal for some chargers.(yes, even the Rotax ones)

Jeff Cloud · Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2002 8:51 am Post subject: Battery and charger source

I agree with George. Ignition boxes cannot be damaged by a higher amp-hour rated battery. Maybe a higher voltage battery. You guys do realize that there is nothing special about the FIAMM batteries. They are a standard European brand just like Die-hard over here. The model for the Rotax kart has been track tested for vibration I'm sure.

I run a Panasonic battery that looks exactly the same as the FIAMM on the outside and has the same specs. No problems after 3 months of sprint racing. I also bought a nice YUASA peak charger from a motorcycle shop since my Rotax one quit. I prefer it's performance and features to the Rotax one.

Jeff

Angel Figueras · Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2002 9:36 am Post subject: Battery and charger source

Ok! then from this thread I can surmise the following:
If you are racing in the series, you are forced to run the spec battery; no questioning this.
However, if we run local club races, etc. I don't believe the issue of whether the battery we run is OEM or not is going to matter.

So name a source for the Panasonic and Yuasa charger? For the OEM, I'll go to Nick.
Thanks all.

Angel Figueras

George Jounakos · Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2002 9:52 am Post subject: Battery and charger source

One source for the Panasonic battery is Digi-Key (www.digikey.com). This is a major US electronics supplier. They have over 1000 in stock at $22.95 each. Panasonic part number = LC-R127R2P1, Digi-Key part number = P218-ND

[ September 19, 2002: Message edited by: George Jounakos ]

Blake Newson · Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2002 12:28 pm Post subject: Battery and charger source

Angel:
I am holding a Panasonic LC-R127R2P1 in my hand right now, (OK I put it down so that I could type) I paid just $22 CDN for this battery! It lasted about half of one practice day and then croaked. It will not accept a charge or even spin my starter. This means that it shook apart inside. On the other hand my original FIAMM is in it's second season and running strong. I realize that the FIAMM batteries cost way too much in North America, but I know of several other people who have tried "equivalent" batteries, and they haven't lasted. Perhaps the FIAMM (Italian division of GS batteries) does something a little different in their construction, or perhaps it's the luck of the draw with FIAMM, Panasonic or any other compatable battery. I don't think any of us know for sure. Unfortunately, my next battery purchase will be an expensive FIAMM.
Good luck with whatever you choose!

George Jounakos · Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2002 1:35 pm Post subject: Battery and charger source

Blake, I think you are 100% right about the luck of the draw. I recently helped someone that went through 3 different FIAMM batteries until he got one that would last the whole day. One of them that failed now has a 'rattling' sound inside it. I think it's a matter of luck.

Angel Figueras · Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2002 9:28 pm Post subject: Battery and charger source

George and Blake: Any experience with the Panasonic Battery?? The FIAMM is a piece of poop from all I have heard. It is NOT made for a high vibration environment.

Angel

Lee Jashinsky · Joined: 17 May 2002 Posts: 302

HI Angel,

I have 2 of the stock batteries and have no problems with them this season. I charge both up before going to the race, and if I have access to power at the track I will put the charger on to keep the battery topped off. I have yet needed to switch to my back up battery at the track. Just my experiance. P.S. bought my extra battery from PITTS. See you on Sunday?

George Jounakos · Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2002 2:46 am Post subject: Battery and charger source

Angel, I have not used the Panasonic on my kart but I have used it for other things. Most batteries of this type are the same inside. In fact the FIAMM and the GS brand are made by the same company in Japan. The biggest problem with any of these batteries is not vibration. Shock is what kills them. Hitting a curb or big bump generates a large G force shock to the inside of the battery. The result is a 'popped' internal vent or a broken plate. Either way the battery becomes poop.