Advice on New 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