Starting an 0540 carburetor engine in an R44 requires an RG24-15 (24v) battery. After I neglected the battery for a few months the capacity was slightly reduced. The ship is still airworthy but, the absorption phase is slowly coming to an end.

As usual RHC’s customer service/tech-support is outstanding. I sent an email requesting an AOG order about 14:00 PST and I had a UPS tracking number by 16:00 PST! Also tech-support confirmed part numbers etc.

I have a battery minder on my skywagon, the pig tail lives on the battery, push in the hangar and it’s plugged in SOP, if it’s not flying it’s on the minder

Only 44s I flew were for a 7 day a week high volume tour operation and they didn’t have issue minus burning a occasional starter (high temp etc).

Calling in a AOG $$, that’s a working ship?

NineThreeKilo wrote:I have a battery minder on my skywagon, the pig tail lives on the battery, push in the hangar and it’s plugged in SOP, if it’s not flying it’s on the minder

Only 44s I flew were for a 7 day a week high volume tour operation and they didn’t have issue minus burning a occasional starter (high temp etc).

Calling in a AOG $$, that’s a working ship?

I appreciate the reply. A “Trickle” charger is definitely a smart addition. I paid the price for neglect.

My philosophy on this helicopter is fly it as much as I can. It’s a private ship and all the flight time except 4.5 hours from the factory test flights are me. I received my license about (3) weeks before delivery. It was ordered when I had (10) hours dual! I took a gamble that I was smart enough to figure out how to fly a R44. At first I wasn’t too sure! Now, (5) years later, it fits me like a soft leather glove.

AOG is not for every situation but, I love getting tasks done fast and efficiently. My wife is even more of a task master (42 years ARMY).

UPS tracking has the replacement battery delivered around noon tomorrow. That’s insanely good service!

Not to take this too far off track…but what’s the best trickle charger that won't toast a lead acid battery…I have researched this topic but can find a consistent answer….I try to fly weekly but as fall and winter approach my flight gaps usually increase…..

Airdave100 wrote:Not to take this too far off track…but what’s the best trickle charger that won't toast a lead acid battery…I have researched this topic but can find a consistent answer….I try to fly weekly but as fall and winter approach my flight gaps usually increase…..

I apologize, I meant a smart charger not “Trickle” charger. “Trickle” is an archaic process.

My sailboat has a shore power charger that is both a maintenance and power source. But, I forgot the brand! Sorry about that.

Airdave100 wrote:Not to take this too far off track…but what’s the best trickle charger that won't toast a lead acid battery…I have researched this topic but can find a consistent answer….I try to fly weekly but as fall and winter approach my flight gaps usually increase…..

I like batteryminder, Ive gotten away with the non aviation version, works great

8GCBC wrote:

NineThreeKilo wrote:I have a battery minder on my skywagon, the pig tail lives on the battery, push in the hangar and it’s plugged in SOP, if it’s not flying it’s on the minder

Only 44s I flew were for a 7 day a week high volume tour operation and they didn’t have issue minus burning a occasional starter (high temp etc).

Calling in a AOG $$, that’s a working ship?

I appreciate the reply. A “Trickle” charger is definitely a smart addition. I paid the price for neglect.

My philosophy on this helicopter is fly it as much as I can. It’s a private ship and all the flight time except 4.5 hours from the factory test flights are me. I received my license about (3) weeks before delivery. It was ordered when I had (10) hours dual! I took a gamble that I was smart enough to figure out how to fly a R44. At first I wasn’t too sure! Now, (5) years later, it fits me like a soft leather glove.

AOG is not for every situation but, I love getting tasks done fast and efficiently. My wife is even more of a task master (42 years ARMY).

UPS tracking has the replacement battery delivered around noon tomorrow. That’s insanely good service!

Nice!

Helicopters and floats are my favorite flying by miles, I just wish they paid as well as jets

R44s are fun ships, I always thought a part time gig flying those hog hunts would be fun

A battery tender is a good idea for an airplane that sits a lot, yeah,
but I've never seen the need for one with an airplane that flies often.
Seems like that might mask the symptoms when a battery starts going bad.
End result of which might be the starter failing to turn the engine over after the airplane's been sitting out somewhere overnight,
or even just parked out all day long in the cold.
A friend of mine had his airplane refuse to turn over after only about 10 days on not flying it:
"oops, forgot the plug in the battery tender".
I told him that IMHO a battery should be able to go that long without a tender unless it was bad.
"No, the battery's fine".

hotrod180 wrote:A battery tender is a good idea for an airplane that sits a lot, yeah,
but I've never seen the need for one with an airplane that flies often.
Seems like that might mask the symptoms when a battery starts going bad.
End result of which might be the starter failing to turn the engine over after the airplane's been sitting out somewhere overnight,
or even just parked out all day long in the cold.
A friend of mine had his airplane refuse to turn over after only about 10 days on not flying it:
"oops, forgot the plug in the battery tender".
I told him that IMHO a battery should be able to go that long without a tender unless it was bad.
"No, the battery's fine".

Agreed, charger can hide a bad battery. If a battery/electrical-system is in decent shape it should start easily after a month. I have owned (3) IO540s and a month was never an issue with a good battery.

Installed the new RG24-15!!! The battery maintains over 26v resting and spins the O540 very (very) fast for instantaneous ignition.

I’m ready now for a backcountry flight, heading over the Cascades…then SoCal. Brah-da. I’m also waiting for a guy to help me with SB-112 next week however.

Yes, that’s Jeff Clark at Half Moon Bay. Great place to refuel.