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PC680 swap to EarthX vans battery tray compatible?

Majorpayne317641

Majorpayne317641

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Has anyone done a one for one swap with the EarthX ETX680 using the stock vans battery tray?

I was thinking about doing a full conversion and buying the 680C but decided against it to provide options in case I get stranded with an EarthX. My goal is to use EarthX and if I am at an out base and the battery crumps for whatever reason I could go to the aviation parts store and get a standard one by Odyssey PC680 to get me home. With that goal in mind will this idea work using the stock vans box?
 
I used the BB-MU2 box from Earth X, it fits onto the same place that the standard box goes, only you only use 4 screws instead of 6.

PXL_20250605_021939656.jpg
 
Majorpayne317641 said:
Has anyone done a one for one swap with the EarthX ETX680 using the stock vans battery tray?

I was thinking about doing a full conversion and buying the 680C but decided against it to provide options in case I get stranded with an EarthX. My goal is to use EarthX and if I am at an out base and the battery crumps for whatever reason I could go to the aviation parts store and get a standard one by Odyssey PC680 to get me home. With that goal in mind will this idea work using the stock vans box?
Click to expand...
Yes, I replaced one in a customer's RV-7 on the firewall and it was a drop in replacement. I replaced my PC-680 with the 680C and had to modify the original battery box. Next annual the old box will be replaced with the aluminum box from EarthX.

If you run the EarthX too low to take a charge, a booster or another battery can be used to trick the BMS into taking the charge (ask me how I know).
 
Raymo said:
Yes, I replaced one in a customer's RV-7 on the firewall and it was a drop in replacement. I replaced my PC-680 with the 680C and had to modify the original battery box. Next annual the old box will be replaced with the aluminum box from EarthX.

If you run the EarthX too low to take a charge, a booster or another battery can be used to trick the BMS into taking the charge (ask me how I know).
Click to expand...
I modified Van's battery tray in my RV-8 when I transitioned from Odyssey to EarthX. Had I known I was to go this route I would have put the lightweight EarthX up front along with the relays. This would have saved much wiring hassle to the aft part of the aircraft, starter cable weight as well. I went to EarthX for its superior cranking power. Van's battery tray is designed to attach the battery and starter relays unlike the battery holder depicted above. Something to consider.
 
Mine will be on the firewall as that’s where my PC680 is now. I also noticed the new ETX680s show a dimension of 3.0in instead of 3.1in which is what I think it may have been in the past. Thanks for the help! I’m looking forward to trying this battery.

Side note, another reason why I want to keep compatible with a PC680 the overnight shipping on a EarthX should something go wrong is over $450. Vs $200 at the parts store for an Odessey same day.
 
I just replaced my PC680 with an EXT900. They give you fireproof foam inserts and with one stuck on each side of the battery it was a perfect fit in my existing tray. However, the terminals on the EarthX are centered whereas the terminals on the Odyssey are offset. Since I have a bar that goes across the top I needed extra clearance. I did this by using additional foam inserts from EarthX to raise the bar up, and I also had to source some longer screws and shims for that bar.

Ask for extra foam inserts when you place the order.

I am so glad I did this upgrade!
 

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Prescott Flyer said:
I just replaced my PC680 with an EXT900. They give you fireproof foam inserts and with one stuck on each side of the battery it was a perfect fit in my existing tray. However, the terminals on the EarthX are centered whereas the terminals on the Odyssey are offset. Since I have a bar that goes across the top I needed extra clearance. I did this by using additional foam inserts from EarthX to raise the bar up, and I also had to source some longer screws and shims for that bar.

Ask for extra foam inserts when you place the order.

I am so glad I did this upgrade!
Click to expand...
I see you may be in a hot environment. I am as well.

Have you found it necessary to install a blast tube on the battery? I’m thinking of doing this in case of long taxi times of a big airport or attempting to cold soak the battery to reduce the effects of post engine shutdown heat.
 
Majorpayne317641 said:
I see you may be in a hot environment. I am as well.

Have you found it necessary to install a blast tube on the battery? I’m thinking of doing this in case of long taxi times of a big airport or attempting to cold soak the battery to reduce the effects of post engine shutdown heat.
Click to expand...
My plane (RV-14A) located near Tampa has thermocouples located inside the front of the battery box’s. One stock Vans location (upper passenger side FWF) and the other lower pilot side FWF. The upper firewall Earth X battery never exceeds 125 F in operation and 130 F even after being heat soaked after a fuel stop. Lower battery operated hotter and does have a blast tube on it. Of course, adding a blast tube can't hurt.
 
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