Advice on New Batteries

[Reed501]

We're buying new batteries and wondering what batteries do you guys use and what do you think of them? What batteries do you suggest?

[InFlight]

There might be a slight difference in the stated amp*hrs of the various batteries that are approved (All are around 17 amp* hrs). The white Andy Mark ones are universally popular, and they often have free shipping to some selected FRC events where they have a booth.

Battery's are heavy, so the shipping cost can be substantial. See which legal ones have the lowest combined purchase & shipping cost to your location. There really aren't any huge performance advantages between the legal batteries.

[pilleya]

In the rules there are a series of specifications that Robot Batteries must adhere to:

A. Nominal voltage: 12V
B. Nominal capacity at 20 hour discharge rate: minimum 17Ah, maximum 18.2Ah
C. Shape: Rectangular
D. Nominal Dimensions:7.1 in x 3in. x 6.6 in (+/- .1 in. for each dimension)
E. Nominal weight: 11lbs to 14.5 lbs
F. Terminals: Nut and bolt style

Teams should be aware that they may be asked to provide
documentation of the specifications of any battery not listed above.

In regards to acquiring suitable batteries, most teams use Genesys batteries as they are distributed in the KOP every year, 1 per non-rookie 2 per rookie, even Aussie teams get them although it can’t be very efficient to ship boxes of lead and acid around the globe. We can’t bring them with us to events outside of Australia, so we usually end up borrowing some from other friendly teams to supplement the two batteries issued to International teams at events. Andymark sells two different types of battery MK and Power-Patrol, I haven’t had much experience with the Power-Patrol batteries, but I know that the MK batteries are good. Realistically there isn’t going to be a big difference between brands of batteries.
Another recommendation is to replace the supplied nuts and bolts with Nylock Nuts, as this will prevent connectors becoming loose and resulting in intermittent power supply

http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-0844.htm

http://www.andymark.com/battery-p/am-3062.htm

[arichman1257]

Which ever batteries you choose, make sure to use lock/star washers on the terminals. The KOP batteries come with lock washers but other brands may not. If you don't receive more than a nut and bolt for each terminal then you must get some. If you don't use them it can cause loose connections and cause your robot to have less functioning time.