Odyssey PC-680 Battery Problems: Please Chime In - Page 4

kjlpdx · #31 09-03-2014, 11:55 PM

so have I. I used to use the harbor freight ones for years and no problems. then bought a $40 intelligent tender and went thru 2 pc680 in 3 years. I'm thinking this last one was simply because I left the master on AND the tender plugged in, which ran it to zero volts, whereas when I left the master on before the charger wasn't plugged in and would only run down to 8-10 volts.

Steve Gavitt · #32 09-04-2014, 06:26 AM

Just had my 2nd pc680 failure in 4 yrs. The first was probably my fault as I let it run down and abused it during initial testing. However the 2nd one was installed in December 2012 and was never run down, I fly every week and never used a charger. Just went out last week and it didn't have enough power to start. It charged back up to 12.9 V in a matter of minutes ( trickle charge) but stil wouldn't start. Took it to Pep Boys and they said it only had 70 out of 220 CCA. I plan to check the solinoid and other potential sources of battery drains.

Wayne Gillispie · #33 09-04-2014, 06:40 AM

Are we not seeing a pattern here yet? I really think AGM technology still needs some engineering work before jumping into the next new whiz bang battery type. If it is like most things I sell, the quality in materials is just not there anymore.

Toobuilder · #34 09-04-2014, 06:48 AM

I'm wondering if the "pattern" is the over use of battery chargers. After all, our airplanes generally have alternators just like cars do - and how many of us put the charger on our cars when we get home from a drive?

JBPILOT · #35 09-04-2014, 09:56 AM

Do not recall an RV-12 owner having a problem with this battery. No question the demand is light by comparison. Most start in 3 seconds. I put a charger on it once before 1st start, and have not since. Mine is 5 years old, and shows no sign of loss. Light demand likely explains low or no problems using the Rotax engine.

BobTurner · #36 09-04-2014, 03:52 PM

Okay, I've been watching this thread for a while. Here's my story.

I have a PC-925 in an RV-10. It's mounted on its side (they say that's okay).
I'm now on my second one in three years. Here's the symptom:
Voltage reads 12.7 volts. But turn on the avionics and after just 3 minutes it's down to 12.1 volts. After that, further decreases proceed slowly. If I put it on Odyssee's recommended charger, it charges and changes to maintenance/trickle charge in just a few minutes. Voltage is 12.7. But turn on the avionics, get the same quick drop to 12.1. The battery acts as if it has lost the top 30% of its capacity. Both batteries have displayed the same symptoms. I tried the "drain down then re-charge" multiple times, with little success.

Can being on its side be a factor?

Wayne Gillispie · #37 09-04-2014, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobTurner

Okay, I've been watching this thread for a while. Here's my story.

I have a PC-925 in an RV-10. It's mounted on its side (they say that's okay).
I'm now on my second one in three years. Here's the symptom:
Voltage reads 12.7 volts. But turn on the avionics and after just 3 minutes it's down to 12.1 volts. After that, further decreases proceed slowly. If I put it on Odyssee's recommended charger, it charges and changes to maintenance/trickle charge in just a few minutes. Voltage is 12.7. But turn on the avionics, get the same quick drop to 12.1. The battery acts as if it has lost the top 30% of its capacity. Both batteries have displayed the same symptoms. I tried the "drain down then re-charge" multiple times, with little success.

Can being on its side be a factor?

I have a 925L on its side and a 680 aux upright beside it. 3 yrs and no problems with 925L. 12.8 V after sitting 3-4 weeks. Can't say the same for the 3rd 680.

crabandy · #38 09-04-2014, 09:41 PM

My first PC680 purchased new last year lasted 11 months. I used it for avionics/electrical systems testing for about 2 months before I started flying it, but only put the odyssey charger on it after 30-45 min of use. Since my first flight last December it hasn't seen the charger at all, flying at least once every 2 weeks and 70ish hours in 8 months. Thankful it died on my very next flight after returning from OSH

, no issues noted in the flights previous to it failing. After 2 rounds on the charger it did start the airplane for a local flight. The next day it was dead, after several rounds on the charger about 30 minutes total it started the airplane. Right after charging the voltage would read 12.6 volts, but no amps for starting.

Steve Gavitt · #39 09-05-2014, 08:19 PM

Found a prior discussion on issue: http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?t=108220

This thread describes exactly what is happening to my battery. It sounds like AGM batterys if not completely charged between flights promotes sulfation. I have a new battery on order but will try to desulfate my old battery. I may need to rethink my battery maintenance procedures or actually have maintenance procedures. I plan to try the "Batteryminder" with desulfation capability. Also it sounds like I need to discharge the battery a little before placing on the charger.

rockwoodrv9 · #40 09-05-2014, 10:51 PM

Im not sure what to order now. I am about ready to get a battery and I am all set up for the 680. I am not sure I want one after reading about all the troubles. I for sure will not buy one until I am completely finished building and ready to start flying. I will pick up a cheap car battery to use for testing.

I don't need the light battery because I have a 9A with a Catto up front. Maybe I should just get an old fashioned battery! Any thoughts?