> Below 10.6V they're considered flat > > That's no-load voltage. Under heavy load, like starter, voltage can > be much lower. When load is removed, voltage slowly rises back Yes, I did mean the unloaded terminal voltage, eg a battery that's being sitting for a while, or even a very cold one. A good battery of appropriate capacity would be able to supply the crank current without the voltage dipping significantly -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist