BANG! The messenger is dead. ;-) My friend has just done this. I thought it a good idea, but thought that many people would have already done it if it was; hence, the message to this group. You have answered that it is a bad idea - OK - so he countered that it was. I don't have the chemistry background to argue with him, so rather than assume that he is correct, I'm getting a consensus. Knowing that your friend is sitting there with a potential bomb between his legs, wouldn't you want to explore the options? Especially if he's writing some very esoteric code for one of your projects ... Ed -----Original Message----- Rick C. wrote: Why are you fixated on car batteries? They are totally useless for battery backup systems. The plates are designed for heavy short duration loads *ONLY*. They will sulfate out quicker. It's just not worth the trouble. Rick > -----Original Message----- -- http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu