1 minute of two way radio is sufficient to deplete the battery beyond starting capabilities.
Seriously? I agree it uses more to tx than rx but what sort of battery won't run a radio prior to start?
I notice few of you advocate pulling the prop through a dozen or so compressions on a cold start. I find doing so helps, as does using multigrade oil, and priming a couple of pumps before pulling the prop through. I don't have a beacon to turn on, or a stall warner. But I can yell clear prop in five languages. And it is loud, and with the door open. Then wait five seconds......
Oh, and I need a good battery to work the shower of sparks on the mags, which I admit is unusual. Means hand swinging on a flat battery is not very useful as an option. A bit feeble, yes, but not completely dead. Jump leads are your friend here.