Batteries, Solar Panels, Transponders, etc.

Onward.
It's time for serious discussion of Collision Avoidance Systems and
techniques.
There is no substitute for a good lookout. Don't install all this
instrumentation and expect to be able to fly blind.

These equipment-based topics come to mind immediately.

Batteries.
Solar panels.
Transponders.
Transponder antenna mounting.
Altitude encoders.
Alternatives, ie: FLARM.

and Use and Certification of transponder systems.

Some people are installing Lithium Ion batteries instead of traditional
Sealed Lead Acid. Your experience?
Any more thoughts on the benefits and dangers of Li-Po?

There are a few interesting photovoltaic panels available. For example,
a 5 Watt "Powersheet" can be mounted on the fuselage above the spar.

My only experience with transponders is the Becker ATC 4401 175 Watt
unit. It is easy to fit in a glider panel.
Eric Greenwell has written a great article on transponders. Look on
this web page.
http://www.soaringsafety.org/prevention/articles.html

Transponder antennas need to point down, have a large ground plane, and
have no metal or carbon between them and the outside.
Other mounting problems include clearing the tail of the trailer, and
proximity to the pilot.
I have the plans for an LS-6 antenna mount which goes behind the gear,
inside the fuselage.
The shop where my system was certified was very happy with the output
of the transponder.

The encoder I used was the ACK. It is small, light, comes with a mount,
and uses little electrical energy.

John Carlisle just posted a good review of some alternative systems.
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.a...3fca607295037b
I am installing an Oz-FLARM in my Australia-based glider. Every
aircraft in my club has one. See this article.
http://www.users.bigpond.com/keepits...g/OzFLARM1.pdf

If you install a transponder system, it must be turned on for the
duration of each flight. If the glider batteries are running low, I
would suggest contacting ATC and letting them know you need to turn it
off to maintain the rest of your instrument panel. Then they shouldn't
assume you fell out of the sky.
The transponder and altitude encoder neet to be certified every two
years. The glidere will not pass an annual inspection with an out of
date transponder.

Any experience with new technology or better use of old will be of help
to all who have ever considered flying with some sort of CAS.
Keep your eyes out the window.
Jim