Purple-Days
Well-Known Member
Couple of thoughts on the battery.
First question: Is at an engine starting battery or a deep-cycle battery? I think car batteries should not be run under 85% of their capacity or you risk damage to the battery. A deep cycle is made to be drained much further and drained repeatedly.
The PD draws 7.2 Watts. There are formulas you can use from there (see: trolling motors + battery drain, or such) .
BUT, before doing a lot of math... That's like two bedroom night lights. I know
a single car interior dome light left on will drain a car battery overnight, or used to, so I wouldn't try running a PD more than a few hours on a standard battery. Long enough to enjoy the Drive-In Theater double feature, without worry, in most cars, I believe*. Of course battery condition, type, capacity, age and state of charge etc. will all be factors.
*Don't call me for a jump.
A fellow was asking about the bits I use to bore a PD. The big ones are called Forstner Bits. They have several uses in woodworking, but most commonly they provide a smooth bore and a flat bottomed hole. I have and use two types, the carbide (blue bits) are pretty aggressive, the HSS (black) make a fine cut and are easier to handle, but require sharpening by hand.
First question: Is at an engine starting battery or a deep-cycle battery? I think car batteries should not be run under 85% of their capacity or you risk damage to the battery. A deep cycle is made to be drained much further and drained repeatedly.
The PD draws 7.2 Watts. There are formulas you can use from there (see: trolling motors + battery drain, or such) .
BUT, before doing a lot of math... That's like two bedroom night lights. I know
a single car interior dome light left on will drain a car battery overnight, or used to, so I wouldn't try running a PD more than a few hours on a standard battery. Long enough to enjoy the Drive-In Theater double feature, without worry, in most cars, I believe*. Of course battery condition, type, capacity, age and state of charge etc. will all be factors. *Don't call me for a jump.
A fellow was asking about the bits I use to bore a PD. The big ones are called Forstner Bits. They have several uses in woodworking, but most commonly they provide a smooth bore and a flat bottomed hole. I have and use two types, the carbide (blue bits) are pretty aggressive, the HSS (black) make a fine cut and are easier to handle, but require sharpening by hand.
