Odyssey PC 680

[BobTurner]

Originally Posted by BobTurner

I'll be honest and say I really don't understand how these batteries work. On my CHARGER, it charges at 14.7 volts until fully charged. After that, it drops back to a 13.5 volt float charge. What happens if I run my alternator at 14.7 volts, after the battery is fully re-charged? Is there a risk of boiling the electrolyte? How high is too high?

I think I can answer my own question. I previously worked off the Odyssey warranty page, where it said "alternator must put out between 14.0 and 14.7 volts". But it sounds like the low end of this range is not very good for long battery life. Since I have a Plane Power with nonadjustable regulator, I'll see if I can fool it with a series diode in the sense line.

[Carl Froehlich]

Originally Posted by BobTurner

I think I can answer my own question. I previously worked off the Odyssey warranty page, where it said "alternator must put out between 14.0 and 14.7 volts". But it sounds like the low end of this range is not very good for long battery life. Since I have a Plane Power with nonadjustable regulator, I'll see if I can fool it with a series diode in the sense line.

A standard Plane Power alternator works just fine with an Odyssey battery (or two like I have). Just run it.

Carl

[BillSchlatterer]

Odyssey puts out a really good technical manual on the PC680. Most of the questions and issues in this thread are addressed. In particular, the issues around charging between 14.2 and 14.7 are explained. There is a really interesting chart showing the impact of charging at the low end versus 14.7 which is the recommended charge voltage.

http://www.odysseybattery.com/docume...M-002_1214.pdf

I have used three PC680s in my RV7 over the past 8 years. Two were changed "just because" ... one was dead in the saddle. Have seen a lot of them at KORK (we have 22 flying RVs and 21 are using PC680's) and generally, we have seen good service life out of all the batteries.

Bill S

[xkahoona]

I have now been flying over a month since I installed a Earthx 900. After using two Odyssey 680 batteries in six years what a difference. I have dual Grand Rapids that would drop off line when I started and now everything is ok. When starting my IO 360 before the starting proformance was poor. Now it's is amazing.

[airtractor8]

Originally Posted by Kevin Horton

I gave up on Odyssey batteries, as the newer ones aren't nearly as long lasting as my first one. I was running out of room in the basement to store the dead ones.

I'm currently using a Full River FT230, which is a drop-in replacement, with the same dimensions as the PC680. Full River was recommended to me by an Australian RVer. I haven't had it in long enough to come to any conclusion, but I have no complaints with it yet.

Hi Kevin

It's now been three years on your Fullriver battery. Any updates? How is it performing for you? I am due a new battery very soon and the FT230 looks like a good option.

[Kevin Horton]

The Full River FT230 is still installed, and apparently working well. I'd have no concern about buying another one if this one died today. Note: I know nothing about the manufacturer, and how likely it is that the new ones are made with the same process, to the same specs, in the same factory, as the one I have. YMMV.

[Paul 5r4]

I agree with your thoughts on the Odyssey battery. I had one and it served me well although it NEVER, even when new, turned the prop with any "gusto." It always seemed "tired." I flew a lot so it was a well maintained battery. When it was time to replace it I noticed the new ones and all those battery numbers were LOWER than the original. The original never did great. From another thread on VAF, I learned of the APEX which cost IIRC about $35 +shipping. The odyssey was over a hundred. The apex with shipping came in at less than half. Anyway, I've been flying with it a year or so and have NO mind you... NONE... complaints. It's easily much more powerful than the Odyssey and turns the prop with that gusto I like to see. I know there are others out there that do a good job as well. I'm done with Odyssey.
Just looked it up. Current price 31.99. Here's the link to their site if interested.
https://www.apexbattery.com/apex-bat...h-battery.html

IMG_0603 by Paul Gray, on Flickr