Electrical Failure

[WaiexB22]

EarthX batteries have a BMS that will shut the battery off under certain conditions to protect the battery. In a plane that doesn't require power to run that might be acceptable (still not to me). I don't use EarthX because my Corvair airplane requires power to run and having the electrical system shut down isn't something I can take a chance on.

Dale - Are you running one battery or two?

[daleandee]

EarthX batteries have a BMS that will shut the battery off under certain conditions to protect the battery. In a plane that doesn't require power to run that might be acceptable (still not to me). I don't use EarthX because my Corvair airplane requires power to run and having the electrical system shut down isn't something I can take a chance on.

Dale - Are you running one battery or two?

One - Odyssey PC680

Dale
3.0 Corvair/Tailwheel

[WaiexB22]

Thanks!

[daleandee]

Just today I replaced a Odyssey PC680 battery in a Corvair powered Zenith 701 for a friend. His battery was eight years old (2016) and still cranking the plane just fine. We were assisiting the A&P with the condition inspection. I had suggested that the battery be replaced because several months ago he left the ignition on overnight and completely killed that battery. After recharging, it performed flawlessly but for the sake of safety (the Corvair requires power to run) a fresh battery was installed.

For those that apparently do not know the difference between a flooded lead acid battery and a Absorbent Glass Mat battery I suggest doing a bit of research and see why AGM is much better and then consider why Odyssey batteries receive a very high grade in the AGM department. Are there cheaper batteries that I can buy for my airplane? Nope, nada, no way ...

https://www.autonationmobileservice.com ... lead-acid/

Dale
3.0 Corvair/Tailwheel

[Skippydiesel]

Dale FYI:
Every motorcycle battery that I used in my last aircraft (current one came with an EarthX already fitted) was a motorcycle AGM.
All gave excellent service and at a very competitive price.
Anything sold under/with the name AIRCRAFT/AVIATION is at a premium cost.
Sometimes this is deserved but more often not.
Sometimes there is no choice (certified aircraft) but where there is you may be pleasantly surprised at what other cost effective options there are in the marketplace - you just have to be willing to check it out (do your homework ie know the dimensions of the battery, minimum CCA's, terminal type/orientation/ etc before you start, only look at sites with full specification including weight))

[GordonTurner]

I have installed dual Shorai LiFePo batteries in my Corvair powered Waiex. I purchased them directly from Shorai and found a 15% off discount code online somewhere that worked. Either one can crank the motor, and there is provision to parallel them if needed. Normally, one or the other is sitting completely isolated from the electrical system ready to directly power the secondary ignition if something happens to the electrical system/other battery/primary ignition.

The batteries are super light, not cheap but reasonably priced, and quality seems high. And no BMS to shut them down (yes, that means you better not forget to turn off your master). I also installed a thermocouple on each battery so I expect to get a warning if things aren’t going well.

[GordonTurner]

If anyone is interested, here’s a 10% coupon. Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick as they say :)

[Art Tiller]

I have a similar issue with my new to me Sonex AeroVee. I have had just a few flights in my airplane. The last couple of flights my MGL Stratomaster went blank on me taxing in to my hangar. Did a little trouble shooting and have decided that my 8 year old EarthX is due for replacement.

So, if my battery box will accept it, I may buy an Odyssey PC680 AGM. $155 vs $699 for the EarthX. Changing it out every three years seems like a good deal.

[Bryan Cotton]

So, if my battery box will accept it, I may buy an Odyssey PC680 AGM. $155 vs $699 for the EarthX.

The EarthX ETX680 is $379 at ACS.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/ ... key=402696

I'm still an EarthX fan. Weight is the enemy.

[daleandee]

So, if my battery box will accept it, I may buy an Odyssey PC680 AGM. $155 vs $699 for the EarthX.

The EarthX ETX680 is $379 at ACS.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/ ... key=402696

I'm still an EarthX fan. Weight is the enemy.

I'm solidly in the Odyssey PC-680 camp and with an electrically dependant airplane I intend to stay there. I've been using these for many years and never had a failure. (I do have one that is nearly ten years old in my Z-turn that I suspect may not make it through another winter).

Weight may be the enemy but I heard a wise man make a statement that I took to heart:

"Don't trade anything for reliablility! What ever you can get in exchange for reliability isn't worth it."

FWIW,

Dale
3.0 Corvair/Tailwheel