Home Made GPU

[Iceman]

Building a GPU to facilitate Compressor Rinses and Wash for our 206L1.

Any advice on what type and rating of 12 volt vehicle batteries to connect in series?

Have the APU plug and cables plus 28volt charger already.

Thanks

 

[Heliian]

We had one that was 2 large truck batteries, standard maintenance type that worked great.

Nice thing is that you can still charge the batteries with a 12v charger.(more convenient with 24v charger)

NOTE:  use good heavy cables, keep them short and ensure really good connections on the batteries. Use solid wire to connect the 2 batts in series( or parallel if using 24v batteries).

Charge after every use once they've cooled and weekly if not used.

Cheers

 

[Norm]

I got very frustrated with the company while on a job up north one time. I was pleading with them to send a battery and constantly fighting with the machine to start. No battery arrived so I made my own GPU. Little unit worked some wicked, loved it!! Hope the pics help.

[Iceman]

Not much help as I was looking for advice on what type and rating of batteries would work best but thanks anyway guys.

[sven]

Iceman,

 

If I zoom in on Norm's pictures it appears that he used AC delco DC24 batteries. They are a 12 Volt 75 Amp Hour battery.

If you are working in a shop, I would recommend the Bus or Large truck (tractor trailer) batteries as Heliian suggested.

I worked in a shop with the bus batteries GPU setup and we rarely had any problems motoring engine for compressor wash on 206L3 and 407.

Remember starter limits. I believe from a starter limit perspective, Bell Helicopter consider this a "Battery" motoring.

Good luck.

[Heliian]

We used 4d or  8d truck batteries.  They have a higher amphr rating and can handle multiple crankings.  The bigger, the better but you want to keep it portable. 

[Iceman]

My options appear to be fairly limited on this island and getting batteries specially shipped is a pain in the A$$. Settled for a couple 600 amp CC, low maintenance type. Thanks again, will post a picture of the finished product.