PC680 Odyssey Battery

[Jerry Cochran]

Folks,

I bought this battery 8 years ago during construction of my -6a. I've seen advice to change these every two years but because I am of Scottish heritage decided to let it soldier on. The RV has been flying for 3 years with never a bump in performance of the battery, except of course when I left the master on and drained it completely.

Finally, decided to replace it just for general principle so ran over to Van's and bought a spankin' new one. Before installation tested both side by side with a HF Load Tester and wouldn't you know, they both test exactly the same.

Just wondering if my experience is unique or have others found this level of excellence from these batteries?

I think I'll put the old one in my garden tractor and see what the ultimate life is...


.

[Sam Buchanan]

Originally Posted by Jerry Cochran

Folks,

I bought this battery 8 years ago during construction of my -6a. I've seen advice to change these every two years but because I am of Scottish heritage decided to let it soldier on. The RV has been flying for 3 years with never a bump in performance of the battery, except of course when I left the master on and drained it completely.

Finally, decided to replace it just for general principle so ran over to Van's and bought a spankin' new one. Before installation tested both side by side with a HF Load Tester and wouldn't you know, they both test exactly the same.

Just wondering if my experience is unique or have others found this level of excellence from these batteries?

I think I'll put the old one in my garden tractor and see what the ultimate life is...


.

Jerry,

The PC680 is indeed a remarkable battery.

The advice you have seen for battery replacement every two years most likely originated with 'Lectric Bob Nuckolls recommendation when using the "el cheapo" wheelchair batteries. His rational is a two year replacement cycle is cost effective with the cheap batteries and still guarantees good battery reliability.

But the PC680 has a service life more like what you have seen. 6-8 years in service is not unusual. I plan to run mine until it shows sign of distress, whenever that is (four years so far and one total run-down).

[DocThrock]

I have a 2006 and a 2007 PC680. I also had one in 2003. I killed the first one. The second two are doing well. Even after sitting for 11+ months.

[Sid Lambert]

I see a few STC's involving this battery now. Seems the experimental guys paved the way once again.

[rocketbob]

Would you euthanize a kid that reached age two just because he or she is two?

Keep that original battery in the airplane, my Concorde lasted 10+ years before it finally started getting weak.

[turbo]

seems safe. i am headed for 5 years on my pc 680 then replace. i have a great place of 'disposal' for used stuff at my girlfriends family. they will take anything used and put it to good use especially batterys. i even gave kims dad my old elt batterys i changed out last month. i dont think it is a good idea to wait and see. might cost more than you save. fly more. ps lz NH river bed.

[turbo]

[quote=rocketbob;438099]Would you euthanize a kid that reached age two just because he or she is two?

[nucleus]

in about 4 months of flying. That would be before I found my intermittent short.

Hans

[Mike Macon]

I just replaced my 1997 battery. I thought I had replaced it once but my records did not indicate any change. The date on the battery confirmed it was as old as my airplane. Should be no surprise what I replaced it with and I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was one of their least expensive (around $170.00).

[81T]

Mine is going on 10 years! These things are amazing!