NiMH is a much better alternative than NiCd.  I can't say whether the WattHours
per pound is better than lead-acid, I've never checked.

On 10 Mar 2004 at 0:24, vanagon wrote:

> Hi Phil,
> Hey are there any good battery options for limited use as aux battery power?
> I am wondering specifically about ni-cad or similar for the vanagon.
> There are many power tools today that use the rechargeable 12 battery packs.
> the price seems to be coming down quite a bit.
>
> I am thinking with LED technology for lighting and low draw laptops for DVD
> players etc, that most accessories are beginning to be very low draw, and
> frankly, I have had a deep cycle battery in my 2nd compartment and it went
> bad after about 3-4 years, I believe it was because of non use and that I
> really didn't cycle it well, Thus, my question for using nicads.
>
> I am thinking about 1/3 to 1/2 of the normal capacity and hopefully weight
> savings as well.  I am thinking Nicads can cycle thousands of times and can
> easily be recharged with a small solar panel.
>
> Doug
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Phil Zimmerman" <phil.zimmerman@MAIL.CRCN.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2004 11:54 PM
> Subject: Re: optima batteries
>
>
> > On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 00:20:37 -0500, Joy Hecht <jhecht@ALUM.MIT.EDU> wrote:
> > >If Optimas are definitely better, I'll get one - but I'd like to know why
> > >I'm doing it!
> >
> > Hi Joy,
> > Hope you are enjoying your journey.... sounds like it, from your posts???
> >
> > Aaah, to buy an Optima or something else? Many opinions, quite a few
> > experiences from the list-members and lots of battery voodoo too.
> >
> > My biased opinion. I use one. Satisfied with its performance but my set-up
> > is not under the drivers seat. I am assuming here that you are considering
> > installing a second battery in the 'stock' 2nd Battery position under the
> drivers
> > seat?
> >
> > One of the best recommendations for Optima's is from Larry Chase in
> Roadhaus.
> > Most evenings Larry draws both his Optima's down to below 10.5Vdc. Has
> done
> > this for a year.... night after night and day after day... if you catch my
> drift here?
> > The Optima's in this case, proved their worth. Not that other Batteries
> couldn't or
> > would not perform as well.
> >
> > A couple of points to ponder. The second Battery Location in most Vanagons
> is not vented to the
> > outside. Meaning, most installations will utilize a sealed battery for
> reasons of safety... no
> > hydrogen out-gassing during most moderate, safe recommended, rates of
> charge. But, some will
> > say.... by the nature of the Vanagon charging system..... most 2nd
> Batteries will never see a high
> > rate of charge and not out-gas! See, here starts Battery Voodoo 101. Have
> I lost you yet Joy???
> >
> > To simplify the task. The Optima is a high quality sealed battery
> (AGM-Optima calls itself). Will not
> > out-gas under MOST charging conditions. Other, meaning less expensive
> sealed lead-acid
> > batteries, will perform equal to the Optima (do not listen to Optima's
> marketing Bla, bla..bla) But
> > most sealed lead-acid batteries that will fit into the Vanagon have less
> Amp-Hour capacity than
> > the Optima. Not a whole lot less but significant. Something on the order
> of 35-45 Amp-Hr for the
> > average sealed lead-acid's and around 55 Amp-Hr for the Optima's that will
> fit into the Battery
> > Box.
> >
> > So, is the Optima worth its premium price? Could probably buy two 'other'
> sealed Batteries for the
> > price of one Optima..... possibly even three. Unless you are going to put
> extreme stress on your
> > second battery for an extended period of time the Optima is probably more
> Battery for the dollar
> > than one needs. Most, run of the mill, sealed batteries that will fit into
> the Vanagon's small
> > compartment will satisfy most lighting, moderate sound system and moderate
> 12 to 110 converter
> > needs of the average user. I am generalizing here so take this as "advise"
> and not for the
> > non-average camper that is attempting to dry camp for a week and run a
> 27-inch TV six hours a
> > night. Hell, a dozen Optima's wouldn't even do that!
> >
> > Hope i have not added further confusion to your question. I will post this
> and then duck for the
> > flame I may have started. Happy trails Joy..
> > Phil Z.
>

------
Tom Ring K0TAR, ex-WA2PHW  EN34hx
85 Westphalia GL Albert
96 Jetta GL The Intimidator
taring@taring.org

"It is better to go into a turn slow, and come out fast, than to go into a turn fast
and come out dead." Stirling Moss