Building my first boombox

[Scratchy]

Wow, that's a very detailed write-up.
Perhaps I'll create a Boombox sticky and add the link to your write-up.
Based on the number and length of these boombox threads, I really think there should a separate forum for just boomboxes.
41Hz could become the defacto source of all that is boomboxes & increase sales or the AMP6 too!!

One work of advice though, do not let the VRLA become fully discharged. If it does become quite discharged, then make sure you recharge it right away. These batteries suffer from sulfation if left in a discharged state for any length of time. Also you will increase the number of charging cycles over the life of the battery, the less you discharge it.
If you only discharge it to 60% instead of say 40% you will extend the life of this battery greatly.
Then again, if the cost of replacing the battery every two or 3 years of constant use is not a concern, then this will not be an issue for you.

[amsaarin]

Feel free to link to our write-up if you wish.

Thanks for the tips regarding VRLA batteries, that's good to know!

[V-bro]

Wasn't it you who posted a link to a document of how to handle VRLA batteries properly Scratchy? If so do you still have that link somewhere?

[Scratchy]

Yes I did, but I can't find it, even with the advanced forum search.
I recently saw you quoting this post in a thread as well, but I can't find this either....

I'll have another look when I have more time.

[Scratchy]

Here it is:
http://www.41hz.com/forums/showthread.php?3976-Amp6-project-design-check!!&p=33277#post33277

Keeping SLA's fully charged (with a trickle charge) when not in use will prolong their life.

Everything you ever wanted to know about SLA's and more:
http://www.jaycar.com.au/images_uploaded/slabatts.pdf

Generally speaking manufacturers recommend that SLA batteries are not stored in a discharged state,
nor allowed to remain in such a state for very long. This results in a condition known as sulphation,
which is effectively a permanent reduction in energy storage capacity. In fact to avoid sulphation
and achieve the longest battery life, it's usually recommended that batteries be recharged when
the open-circuit cell voltage falls to 2.10V corresponding to about 70% of total capacity.
This corresponds to a terminal voltage of 12.6V for a 12V battery.

SLA batteries typically achieve a working lifetime of about 300 - 500 cycles, depending on the depth of
cycling and the operating temperature.

Perhaps I'll have to sticky this in the Power Supply section.
Sadly the SMPS sticky is in a different section than the Transformer PS sticky.
http://www.41hz.com/forums/forumdisp...er-Supply-Kits
http://www.41hz.com/forums/forumdisp...rs-and-casings

Now we have a Battery PS sticky - which section should this go in?
Would be nice to have all three in the same section.
I'll figure out something....

[squawk]

Aspiring bicycle mounted boomboxer posting to say a big thanks for the new sticky thread:

http://www.41hz.com/forums/showthrea...reads-amp-info

Clearly loads of info on this forum, nice to have it all indexed too now. Big Thanks.