well, the decision has been made

["Jon \"Sheer\" Pullen" <sheer@sheer.org>]

Test Pack #2 [aka Real Pack #1] for Quantum Mechanic [my EV] will be 22
(originally was going to be 24, but there just wasn't space) NiZn 12-100
cells from Evertroll. This will give the car a curb weight of 3100 lbs, and
approximately a 50-50 weight distribution front-back, assuming we can really
cram four of the NiZn cells up front, a matter which is still somewhat in
debate.

Each cell will have a Rudman Reg [hopefully with Regbus if Rich will let me
upgrade] tuned to 2.02vpc, or 12.12vpb. [Unless people on the list think
this isn't the best idea..]

A thermistor on a cell in the center of the pack will provide pack temp
information. Charging and discharging will be inhibited at appropriate
points, and the information will also be available on the dash. [I knew I
was keeping the temp guage around for something]

My next challenge is to reverse-engineer the inverter's serial protocol. ;-)
I've got RS232 tapping equipment, and I already know the baudrate, spacing,
etc, so this shouldn't really be that difficult. I want to be able to query
the inverter as to pack volts and amps. [I'm also going to have a seperate
rs232 voltmeter for pack volts when off]

I am _very_ open to suggestions for ways to reduce the risk of damaging this
somewhat pricy pack.

As a side note, I also notice that I'm approaching  the GenII EV1's weight
and battery watt-hour capacity, if not it's drag coefficient.

We're still planning a belly pan and rear wheel covers to help lower the CD.
[Those of you who are familiar with the Insight already know about those
rear covers]. Again, any advice gratefully accepted.

By the way, 264 * 280 = 73 kw, or 98 HP for a 3100 lb car. While I won't be
winning any drag races with it, it should be plenty able to keep up on the
freeway.

I'll be spending all day weds and most of friday working on battery racks
for it and putting it back togeather.. just got back from the local metal
wholesaler, with more aluminum than yuo can shake a stick at, to make the
battery boxes out of.