>Since we're installing new Trojan 125 gulf cart batts, we'd like to be able to equalize them. Make sure your new batteries are able to be equalized. I believe the only battery type that can be equalized are traditional lead-acid, or flooded-cell batteries with vented caps. Sealed, gel-cell, etc. batteries should not be equalized. >We will be purchasing a new VHF radio. We'd like advice as to a couple that are simple. We don't need to use it to talk a mile or so away. Simplicity of operation and signal strength are not related. Most if not all non-handheld VHF marine radios have two transmission signal strengths-- 1 watt (typical) and 25 watts. So you'll get this transmission capability no matter which fixed base radio you select. We have had great success with VHF radios from Icom and Standard Horizon. Look at their websites and determine which of their VHF radios have the features and simplicity of operation you require. Generally the lower priced models have the fewest features, which some people could interpret as being the simplest to operate. But even the most expensive, feature-loaded radios are very easy to operate in terms of their basic channel selection, receiving and transmitting functions. The complexity tends to be in their scanning options, added capabilities like loud hailing and intercom, remote or wireless remote microphones, and so on. Keep in mind that marine radios are like TVs and DVD players--- there aren't that many outfits that actually make them from scratch. Many of the brands are actually radios manufactured by someone else to certain specifications, sometimes lower specs than the manufacturer's own branded radios. Furuno, for example, (who for the most part does make their own stuff) markets a VHF marine radio that's actually an Icom 502 with a different faceplate on it in Furuno gray. So my recommendation would be to choose something from the Icom or Standard Horizon lines. ______________________________ C. Marin Faure GB36-403 "La Perouse" Bellingham, Washington

Just to add to Marin's right-on-the-money advice, if your lead acid batteries have those caps that capture water vapor and return it to the battery, take them off before equalization. Top off the water of all cells before commencing, and while equalizing, watch cell battery temp. There is a limit. I think it is 125F. Not 100% sure.... Lee On Oct 10, 2007, at 9:28 PM, Faure, Marin wrote: ...Make sure your new batteries are able to be equalized. I believe the only battery type that can be equalized are traditional lead- acid, or flooded-cell batteries with vented caps. Sealed, gel-cell, etc. batteries should not be equalized.