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Thread: What Battery Do You Use?

  1. #1

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    Default What Battery Do You Use?

    My Odyssey PC 680 battery gave out today after 15 years of service! Before I go out and buy another PC 680, I want to find out what improvements in battery technology have been made in the last 15 years, and what other Kitfox flyers are using.
    Michael Meyers
    KF IV
    Las Vegas, NV

  2. #2
    Senior Member ken nougaret's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Battery Do You Use?

    Wow, 15 years, Thats the kind of endorsement that leads me to getting an odyssey 680 for my project. I was going to get the earthx lithium but am worried about a lithium fire. The size of the 2 batteries is the same. Im going with the odyssey.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: What Battery Do You Use?

    I use a Scorpion, I'll try to find the part number. It's same size as PC-680
    but cranks my IO-240B a lot better, cost less as well.

    I replaced my PC-680 with it, and I would buy another.

    I'm sure you can find one here:

    http://www.scorpionbattery.com/

    Jeff

  4. #4
    Senior Member SkySteve's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Battery Do You Use?

    I bought an Odyssey PC625 in 2007. I just bought a new one for my Kitfox and put the old one in my 4 wheeler. I only bought a new one because the battery in my 4 wheeler gave out and I thought it might be time for a new one in the Kitfox. The 625 is 2 lbs lighter than the 680, has higher CCA and higher reserves.
    Steve Wilson
    Huntsville, UT
    Kitfox 85DD
    912A / 3 Blade Taper Tip Warp Drive
    Convertible Nosewheel & Tailwheel
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  5. #5
    Senior Member Dave S's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Battery Do You Use?

    Kitfox Guy,

    We have a unique electrical system.....added the aux alternator, separate busses for each alternator and two PC 680's - and a cross tie.

    The Primary 680 was installed in 2007 prior to the airworthiness inspection and a brand X gel battery from Batteries + for the secondary. The Brand X died after 15 months & replaced that with a PC 680.

    To date, both 680's are doing fine - with the "resting" voltage right where it was when new. Cranking speed and capacity does not seem to have changed any since new - engine spins over like it should on either or both batteries.

    Sincerely,

    Dave S

  6. #6
    Senior Member kmach's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Battery Do You Use?

    EarthX , 36C I believe is the model I put in last summer , lots of power and light.
    Kevin,

    Kitfox Outback
    912 ULS
    Airmaster AP332CTFH-WWR70W
    Summit Aircraft Wheel Skis
    C-FOXW

  7. #7
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    Default Re: What Battery Do You Use?

    I'd add a comment about the PC-680's, I was pretty enamored with mine at
    first as it was better than the stock B&C, however when I was looking into
    the Scorpions (which are used a lot on motorcycles). I realized the specs
    were better than the PC-680, and where my IO-240 could be a bear to start
    in the cold with the PC-680, it is considerably easier with the Scorpion which
    has a lot more Cold Cranking Amps. It also cost a LOT less than the PC-680

    I have a really big quick disconnect under the instrument panel, and use
    it to plug in a car battery as a booster for really cold weather if I can't preheat.
    Nothing in the tail is cranking the IO-240 when the temps are
    zero if it isn't heated first.

    I don't know anything about the EarthX, they look good, but seem like they're expensive.

    Regards,
    Jeff

  8. #8
    Senior Member kmach's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Battery Do You Use?

    Yes,
    The EarthX are pricey, but in the weight savings they might be worth it if weight is an issue, I think it weighs around 3 lbs or less and has 360 cca if I remember right. My old battery was 200 CCA and 12 lb. I notice a huge difference on starting, but I also have the high torque starter now as well with the new uls.
    Kevin,

    Kitfox Outback
    912 ULS
    Airmaster AP332CTFH-WWR70W
    Summit Aircraft Wheel Skis
    C-FOXW

  9. #9
    Super Moderator Av8r3400's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Battery Do You Use?

    …and the Earth-X batteries are really fun when they spontaneously explode, melt and spray scalding hot blue goo all over the place.





    No, it's not my airplane, but a friend's Avid.

    I'll stick with my heavy Odyssey 680. Mounting it in the tail helps the airplane handle better, anyway.
    Av8r3400
    Kitfox Model IV
    The Mangy Fox
    912UL 105hp Zipper
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  10. #10
    Senior Member kmach's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Battery Do You Use?

    That doesn't look good! What circumstances led to this? Overvoltage ?

    I have had mine for only six months, 45 hrs airtime , so far so good.
    I know in the instructions they warned about improper boosting.I should look for the book.
    I believe the factory is using these , so time will tell I guess.
    Kevin,

    Kitfox Outback
    912 ULS
    Airmaster AP332CTFH-WWR70W
    Summit Aircraft Wheel Skis
    C-FOXW

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