Battery Options
Moderators: GAHorn, Karl Towle, Bruce Fenstermacher
Battery Options
In February 2012 I purchased a Concorde RG-25XC. New ones are now $53.00 more than in 2012 Mine has seemed to lack the twisting power the last few times I have flown it and I don't want to find myself stranded. Wondering if my best option is to purchase another one or consider the Odyssey route Is the field approval quagmire worth the hassle and would I be any better off in the end Looks like Spruce has the best prices on batteries.
OLE POKEY
170C
Director:
2012-2018
170C
Director:
2012-2018
Re: Battery Options
I'd first put a charge on the battery, then do a full discharge capacity test to see what condition it's really in. Then an equalizing (constant current) charge, and test it again. Chances are you can get it up to 90%, and you're good to go for another couple of years. By then there might be a Li-ion battery approved. That's my plan, anyway.
Re: Battery Options
Have you checked all the wiring? Made sure all the connections are clean and tight? I was bit disappointed with my new Odyssey until I tightened the stud on the solenoid that come loose. (Note I said stud, not connection. The stud had actually backed out of the solenoid.)
The 337 for the Odyssey was pretty straightforward. That being said I wouldn't bother unless you really needed the weight and/or space (like I did).
DEM
The 337 for the Odyssey was pretty straightforward. That being said I wouldn't bother unless you really needed the weight and/or space (like I did).
DEM
Re: Battery Options
How much of a weight difference is there between a Gill, Concord and an Odyssey?
Re: Battery Options
Concorde RG-25XC weight = 23.5 lbs 24 ah's
Gil RG-25S = 25.0 lbs 18 ah's
Odyssey PC 680 = 16 lbs (not sure this is comparable model) 16 ah's
Gil RG-25S = 25.0 lbs 18 ah's
Odyssey PC 680 = 16 lbs (not sure this is comparable model) 16 ah's
OLE POKEY
170C
Director:
2012-2018
170C
Director:
2012-2018
Re: Battery Options
Thanks! 9 pounds can make a difference. specially if folks have a bigger motor up front and forward CG issues.
Re: Battery Options
Agreed David. In my case I am not necessarily concerned about weight. Cost and performance are my hot buttons
OLE POKEY
170C
Director:
2012-2018
170C
Director:
2012-2018
Re: Battery Options
Frank, I hate to tell you this...but I'd suggest you FIRST have your battery properly charged and do a capacity-check....and if it checks out...., next check for proper GROUNDS such as battery to airframe and battery to engine, and battery to starter.... then suspect that lightweight starter you have.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
Re: Battery Options
Did anyone other than me ever use Pep Boys garden tractor batteries tn their airplane? They used to cost about $20 and were the exact same size as a Gill 25 series and I used to just put a new one in every annual. They always seemed to work just fine.
BL
Re: Battery Options
No batteries cost $20 anymore. The battery for my '88 Honda that used to cost $40 at Walmart is now $100.
Re: Battery Options
blueldr wrote:Did anyone other than me ever use Pep Boys garden tractor batteries tn their airplane? They used to cost about $20 and were the exact same size as a Gill 25 series and I used to just put a new one in every annual. They always seemed to work just fine.
Absolutely NOT!
I NEVER used Pep Boys garden tractor batteries because WalMart was $2 cheaper!
(This was in my 206 to ferry it to annual inspection, of course, where it was replaced with a Gill....and long before anyone here could hold me accountable.)
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
Re: Battery Options
Gotta love statute of limitations...
Keep your speed up, Blackhawk on final behind you.
Re: Battery Options
I just installed an an atlee dodge battery box as my original box was full of holes. I used the recommended battery and this is fully approved, also installed a sky tech starter at the same time. I needed a new battery at the same time, his saved a few pounds and seemed like a logical upgrade.
http://www.fadodge.com/index.php?option ... &Itemid=53
http://www.fadodge.com/index.php?option ... &Itemid=53
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- Posts: 3481
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Re: Battery Options
I just had to replace the Concorde RG-25 XC battery in -15D. It lasted 6 years and cost $275 to replace from Aero Performance in Ft Worth, who is owned by the same folks that own Spruce. The last Concorde RG-25XC I had also lasted 6 years. Looks like Concorde RG-25XC batteries last 6 years, at least in my airplane.
Richard Pulley
2014-2016 TIC170A Past President
1951 170A, N1715D, s/n 20158, O-300D
Owned from 1973 to 1984.
Bought again in 2006 after 22 years.
It's not for sale!
2014-2016 TIC170A Past President
1951 170A, N1715D, s/n 20158, O-300D
Owned from 1973 to 1984.
Bought again in 2006 after 22 years.
It's not for sale!
Re: Battery Options
Richard, curious if you use a battery charger/maintainer when your aircraft is not in use?
Karl
'53 170B N3158B SN:25400
ASW-20BL
'53 170B N3158B SN:25400
ASW-20BL