"Eric Greenwell" wrote in message
news:ja3wj.4512$O64.3149@trndny03...
ZZ wrote:

I agree. I usually install my PDA in the glider either fully charged or
nearly so. That's why I said 280ma minus 80ma is ABOUT 200ma.

Knowing this and the approximate draw by other equipment in the glider
should get me close enough to properly match a battery pack to expected
flight time.

It's more about "big enough", rather than "matching". Unless it involves
serious dollars or effort, put in one that's enough for possible future
additions, like a transponder and one of those brighter, panel-mounted
screens that are available now, and then make sure it's big enough to run
everything for serveral flights without charging. Need a 7 ah battery but
got room for an 18 ah unit? Go for it!

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
* Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

* Updated! "Transponders in Sailplanes" http://tinyurl.com/y739x4
* New Jan '08 - sections on Mode S, TPAS, ADS-B, Flarm, more

* "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation" at www.motorglider.org

Yes, Eric. But keep an eye on the maximum weight of the "non-flying parts".
A heavy lead acid 18AH battery might put some gliders over that limit.