I swapped out my Odyssey PC680 for a Shorai LFX18L1-BS12 2-1/2 years ago. Saved 12 pounds and had good performance from the new battery. Until I didn't and it left me stranded.
I flew up to a nearby airport for some night practice and a fuel stop on Monday evening. Startup after fueling proved troublesome, more than usual and I attempted 5-6 starts over 45 minutes and gave up when the voltage started to drop while I cranked. Tied the plane down and found my way home (only a 30 minute drive from home). Drove back up yesterday morning and put the charger on and then back mid afternoon to try to fly it back out. Charger (proper charger in Lithium mode) showed full charge. When I went to start, couldn't even turn a blade, voltage was only 10V. Looks like that's it for the life of this battery, just under 30 months. I secured the plane in a hangar. I didn't look to see the physical condition of the battery.
Now my dilemma. That Shorai battery seems to be in short supply, might be waiting 2-3 weeks for a replacement. I'm pretty sure I can get a new PC680 much quicker (although I haven't checked). I might put the old PC680 back in so I can get it back to my home base but I'm not sure that it has any life in it, it was fading when I changed it out and it's been sitting ever since.
I really don't need those 12 pounds of extra weight, but if I can only get a couple of years out of a battery and have it die suddenly, is lithium really viable long term?
I flew up to a nearby airport for some night practice and a fuel stop on Monday evening. Startup after fueling proved troublesome, more than usual and I attempted 5-6 starts over 45 minutes and gave up when the voltage started to drop while I cranked. Tied the plane down and found my way home (only a 30 minute drive from home). Drove back up yesterday morning and put the charger on and then back mid afternoon to try to fly it back out. Charger (proper charger in Lithium mode) showed full charge. When I went to start, couldn't even turn a blade, voltage was only 10V. Looks like that's it for the life of this battery, just under 30 months. I secured the plane in a hangar. I didn't look to see the physical condition of the battery.
Now my dilemma. That Shorai battery seems to be in short supply, might be waiting 2-3 weeks for a replacement. I'm pretty sure I can get a new PC680 much quicker (although I haven't checked). I might put the old PC680 back in so I can get it back to my home base but I'm not sure that it has any life in it, it was fading when I changed it out and it's been sitting ever since.
I really don't need those 12 pounds of extra weight, but if I can only get a couple of years out of a battery and have it die suddenly, is lithium really viable long term?
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