How do batteries work?

[TexRob]

It's not real clear. I put the z100 rechargeable batteries on my command module, to get more charge for my transmission of data, but it doesn't seem to do anything. How exactly do these work? I don't see any wires or anything like fuel lines.

Edited December 28, 2013 by TexRob

[flightmaster]

Batteries don't need to be joined to anything, they just work no matter where they are on the ship. They'll give you an added amount of stored electricity (the amount depends on the number and type of battery) of which to use whenever the ship needs it. If you want to recharge these batteries you'll need either solar panels or a generator. Most engines will also charge the batteries.

In order to determine how much battery power you have just either count the number of batteries and multiply that by how much each battery carries or just go to the launch pad and hover your mouse over the Resources tab. This'll show you how much energy storage you have in total as well as the charge/drain rates.

Hope this helps!

[Illiad]

Your batteries need an incoming source of power in order to recharge. All your batteries do is create a longer period without incoming power when you still have power. (engines off, blocked from Kerbol by the Mun, etc)

If you haven't yet unlocked solar panels of any kind, then the only time your batteries will recharge power is when your engines are running.

That is presuming you've got a manned space thing, unmanned are gimped if they run out of charge.

Wires are automatic at build time, you can put batteries anywhere and they will automatically be connected to the things that use their power (SAS, Transmission)

[TexRob]

I'm a dummy. So, now that I see how chained fuel tanks work, I realize it just chains batteries by default. It tends to drain the pod charge first though, so I was afraid I'd hit zero and be out of luck. It continues to drain the batteries after the pod runs out.

Thanks, got it.

[Landge]

Not all engines generate electricity. LV-909's for one. You need to right click on the rocket to see if it has a built-in alternator.