What's the best external battery to power a robot these days? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
What type of Robot?
I use a little black and decker electromate 400 for my 5600
Topcon GPT 9000A.
I use a Power Rite PRB 127 that are 12volt. I have been using the same two for three years now and can still shot topo all day long. They are small (about 3"x5"x4.5") and fit in the robot backpack. ONLY PAID $28.95 each at my local safty supply store.
FYI, This also fits in the battery pack for the Trimble 5700 GPS that your Trimble dealer will charge you up to $200 to replace. Plus they fit my Topcon robot bags and just plug-in to the adaptor cord, so easy.
http://www.powerrite.com/index3.html
I use the same as Scott. I bought mine at Batteries Plus for around $30. I use a 12-volt converter I got from Hayes and this setup will run my Topcon 8003 for a couple of days without recharging. I also rigged mine inside a plastic dry box I bought at a sporting goods store so it stays protected from the elements. The converter is by far the most expensive part of the setup but it's well worth it.
I use a Werker sealed battery similar to what Scott uses. Make sure you get the proper charger for it. The battery guy told me that while you can charge them with a regular car battery charger, they can over charge them and make it swell up. My charger was about $25.
The battery fits nicely into a small camcorder bag available from Walmart for under $20. The Topcon converter also fits in there as well.
About 5 years ago I bought one of these:
http://www.powerstream.com/BP-60.htm
The case is pretty much bombproof. It comes with both an AC charger and a car charger. It has a single jack charger port so you don't have to mess with alligator clips. It has a 12 volt outlet and it is fused. When I bought mine I just called them on the phone and read off the requirements from my Topcon battery and they gave me a recommendation. I'm still on that original battery. It's a pretty sweet setup.
Thanks everybody. I am kind of leaning towards what Ralph uses. I used them before and they are easy to recharge and easy to carry around.
We have used a 600a Autopower from Walmart for years. Also the converter from Hayes. Works great.