Figure 5. Control board for pressure chamber. 



TEST PROGRAM 



The first tests of lead-acid batteries were conducted as part 

 of an operational dive of the bathyscaph. Two 12 -volt and 

 one 6 -volt automobile batteries were obtained and encapsu- 

 lated, using the methods discussed above and shown in 

 figures 3 and 6. These batteries were wired through means 

 of relays actuated from within the cabin to power two exper- 

 imental plankton samplers. The batteries functioned very 

 well to depths of over 19, 000 feet but were not used exten- 

 sively because the plankton samplers malfunctioned. 



After these tests the batteries were allowed to remain in 

 their oil bath for some time, and it was discovered that the 

 oil was slowly dissolving the "tar" used to seal the battery 

 tops. This problem has been solved in succeeding tests by 

 coating the battery tops with an epoxy resin which prevents 

 the oil from carrying away the sealant. 



