EarthX ETX680C - Page 2

Flyingbeard · #11 09-01-2020, 08:03 AM

Wow, Thanks for the quick replies overnight!

First off, I am going to call EarthX this morning and I will post what I find out. The Battery fault light is flashing red, the charger is a OptiMate 5 amp Lithium Battery Charger Model TM-291 with BMS reset. This Charger goes into save mode and then after a few minutes (the charger) starts flashing red.

FYI: I charged the good battery overnight and was able to use that battery for starting with no issues.

I will post again as soon as I talk with the people at EarthX.

walter · #12 09-01-2020, 08:09 AM

I had a similar experience - battery in save mode after a complete discharge. I called EarthX and was told to leave the battery on the EarthX recommended charger overnight. The following day, in the late afternoon, the battery was finally fully charged.

Carl Froehlich · #13 09-01-2020, 08:26 AM

Some very good information - what I would put into the “required reading” bucket for builders planing their system design.

On “what will I really get for Amp-Hr capacity”, remember that documentation is just a start. Run all the panel loads you would have for IFR flight and time how long it takes for your buss voltage to go below your level of pain. Then decide if this meets your tolerance threshold. If not, work how you will mitigate it. For me I set 2+ hours of full panel IFR capability as the design requirement.

Side note - if you are going to great lengths to beat some life back into an abused battery (no matter what type) I suggest you bite the bullet and just replace it. I consider an abused battery too much of an unknown for my airplane.

Carl

Flyingbeard · #14 09-01-2020, 09:23 AM

Hi All and thanks for the replies. I spoke with Kathy from EarthX this morning, they are sending a shipping label to return the battery for repair or replacement.

Her customer service was great, she listened to my issue and worked to help me.

Just what you would expect from a vender on VAF.

I will update in a few weeks as I am flying for my day job till the 14th.

219PB · #15 09-01-2020, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetmart

Has anyone installed a set of battery charger leads for periods of inactivity?

I installed a cigarette lighter plug for each of my batteries. Can use it to charge my batteries as well as plug accessories into.

climberrn · #16 09-01-2020, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetmart

Has anyone installed a set of battery charger leads for periods of inactivity?

Yes. I have a set of leads wired to the battery in the oil door with the plug for their charger. Also made a cable that fits the charge plug (always hot, fused) with a cigarette plug on the other end. Can charge phones when camping, outside the plane with the master off.

jmra72a · #17 09-01-2020, 08:34 PM

Call EarthX. They worked with me to resolve a problem I had with the Battery Control Module. They were able to repair it for a nominal charge as my battery was also out of the 2 year warranty.

Ezburton · #18 09-02-2020, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by climberrn

Yes. I have a set of leads wired to the battery in the oil door with the plug for their charger. Also made a cable that fits the charge plug (always hot, fused) with a cigarette plug on the other end. Can charge phones when camping, outside the plane with the master off.

When I got the battery charger from EarthX, it came with ring terminal leads and which has an idiot proof, water-tight capped plug on the other end. That plug connects to the one on the charger. I leave that on the battery and pop the hatch and charge as needed. Saves a lot of pain compared to the big alligator clips.

Flyingbeard · #19 09-02-2020, 10:40 AM

Hi Guys, Here is a photo of my charger plug in set up:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/4u4UiqhBcvfqFte88
It's pretty simple and accessible through the oil service door.

bakercdb · #20 09-02-2020, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 219PB

I installed a cigarette lighter plug for each of my batteries. Can use it to charge my batteries as well as plug accessories into.

I tried this, but changed for a more purpose plug. The problem is that with the charger, the tip of the plug is hot (vs non powered for an accessory). When I inserted the plug with the charger plugged in, I too often grazed the inside of the receptacle with the powered tip. Blown fuse.