ACCUMULATOR TROUBLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21113, 22 February 1932, Page 13

ACCUMULATOR TROUBLE.

OPERATING BATTERY SET. "Constant Reader" writes: "We have a five-valvo battery set and tlie accumulator is a source of trouble, as we have to carry it two miles to get, charged. I wish to know if it is possible to work it with a few wet cells that we could charge ourselves. At present we are working it on six dry cells, but they only run for about half an hour each night, and get very weak doing it. Please tell me through the notes if there is anything to take the place of accumulator and tho cost of same." "Constant Reader" has two alternatives. Ho can purchase five, dry cell valves, costing about 13s 6d each, and dispense with the accumulator. Hie wet tube uses about 250 m.a., or one-quarter of nil amp. an hour and thus five-valve set used for four hours a day would consume 5 amps, a day. As the capacity of the average battery is about 80 amps, it will be seen that the use of wet tubes is not very economical. The dry valve consumes about 60 m.a. an hour. On the other hand, provided the district is served with electricity it would be cheaper in the long run to purchase a charger, costing about £3, and charge tho accumulator off tho mains.