I bought my RV-12 from the builder last June. So this June is my first condition inspection which I’m having an A&P/IA perform. Checking logs I see my Odyssey battery was installed in 2017. Should I consider replacing it during the CI?
Thanks
Charlie
Unless you leave the plane sitting for months at a time, I recommend you DO NOT USE a battery tender for a PC680. SNIP
+1. Every time I hear someone around here complain about batteries going bad at an early age, I find out they have been using battery tenders/minders/etc. An Odyssey battery is very good at holding a charge over several months (assuming you did not abuse the battery). If you abuse the battery (as in let it go flat) consider it dead and replace it. While you may be able to breath some life into it, the damage is done and will come back to haunt you at the worst possible moment.
This seems to be as controversial as primer and cam guard. Lots of anecdotes of successes and failures on either side of the issue, but no real good data with test results. The best solution would appear to be use them frequently. For those who can’t or don’t, a float state charger might be a good option. I have a multi state charger on a WiFi switch and if I don’t fly for more than a week, I flip it on for 5-6 hours. You could also program these WiFi switches to come on every few days. This strategy has served me well for many years, but it’s just another anecdote.
I don't doubt the 3X more expensive Odyssey battery maintainer is a nice piece of equipment. I'm just not convinced it's the only option.. The Tech. Manual tends to indicate the same.