Lifpo4 Batteries

[Kenneth Doucette]

Is anyone using Lifepo4 batteries in your Gyro? Looks like the motorcycle batteries drop some 10 lbs. of weight off the standard 15 lb. lead acid battery. I am thinking of switching but have seen the alternator diodes can be blown if the BMS shuts off the battery while the alternator is running. has this issue been solved in these Lifepo4 motorcycle batteries? If not, is there another solution to be able to use them?

 

[AviomaniaTexas]

I have one in my new Aviomania Duo and have used them in all my gyros.

 

[Kenneth Doucette]

Thanks Tom!

 

[AviomaniaTexas]

Thanks Tom!

Here's the one on my Duo: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CG1HBQFP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[Sv.grainne]

I use one in my Gyro.

 

[Smack]

I have an EarthX LiFeOP4 battery in my Aviomania.
Very light.
Holds a charge quite a while unattended and charges right back up.

 

[Sv.grainne]

I'm also using the EarthX

 

[scottessex]

They are great, you can get then at batteries plus. or Amazon also.

 

[Mike Leimetter]

I’m using a NoCo

 

[AirCommandPilot]

I had one on my Air Command from "Battery Tender". It would start the Yamaha and run the electric pre-rotator with no problems. It would hold a charge for months on end. Very lightweight.

 

[mcross1882]

Same as most everyone else I also use EarthX in my Aviomania. I tried Aerovolt lithium but it was horrible and looks like they are no longer available on spruce.

Also I highly recommend watching this video below on why you want to use Lifpo4 batteries instead of just regular lithium ion. (He crushes both types)

 

[Aerofoam]

Look up "Will Prowse's" you tube channel. He takes apart and tests a lot of these products.
Many times the expensive one is just a rebranded version of one that is 1/3 the price......

 

[wolfetrucking]

Is anyone using Lifepo4 batteries in your Gyro? Looks like the motorcycle batteries drop some 10 lbs. of weight off the standard 15 lb. lead acid battery. I am thinking of switching but have seen the alternator diodes can be blown if the BMS shuts off the battery while the alternator is running. has this issue been solved in these Lifepo4 motorcycle batteries? If not, is there another solution to be able to use them?

I have been using one for about 5 years with no issues mine is from Batteries plus, saves 12 lbs compared to pc680 oddesy, it's a 20 amp hr rating, dimensions are close enough to oem, it's fits with no modifications.

 

[Jazzenjohn]

I've been using them for many years. I haven't had many problems at all. They don't like to be discharged and cold at the same time. I'm talking Michigan cold. I've been using Battery Tender batteries which I could get at Cabelas but I'm not sure you can get them anymore. I liked them because they had posts at all 4 corners and each could be side or top connection. They were reasonably priced too.

 

[vkmaynard]

Installed an Autocraft FP-7 in Sep 2019 on my newly purchased used Sportcopter. Lots of power with no degradation. Zero battery tender used. Can source same battery on Amazon since not available at Advance Auto now.

Victor

 

[Kenneth Doucette]

Thanks, everyone. I added one to my machine!

 

[Sv.grainne]

As a side issue. I replaced the Ducati reg/rectifier on my 912 with one of the units made by B&C Speciality. Charge voltage higher at idle.

 

[gyroplanes]

I put a LiPo on the old Dave Prater gyro and electric start on the MAC. It worked great.
I just put a NOCO lithium on my Sycamore. One of the previous posts scared me a bit as after starting my Sycamore (914 Rotax) effortlessly, and restarting it with someone else at the controls, it quit starting the gyro after 3 tries. I jumped it with my NOCO jump pack (great unit) and taxied it around. it was dusk and I had all my lights on.. The lights all went out and surprised me a bit. As I headed back to the hangar the engine started misfiring and died.
I believe that once running, the alternator would easily carry the engine and lights load. I also believed that the magneto(s) would keep the engine alive. I had an ah ha moment when I remembered that I have 2 electrical fuel pumps, one as a reserve. But neither will run and magnetos won't run an engine that isn't getting fuel. I need an Auxiliary battery and system to switch to it. Bummer, I thought it was ready to fly?

What do you 914 operators do for redundancy?

 

[Sv.grainne]

What rectifier/regulator are you using? Standard Ducati?