More fun flying The Predator.

[loftus]

You did not say what sort of engine you have (if AirCam, I assume Rotax) but I'm a bit surprised if your EFI engine needs more electrons to get started than my old-school "choked" carb one, especially when it's cold and been sitting... is it because two engines?
I am pretty sure mine sits longer in colder than yours ever does, haha.

Yes Rotax. No the starting is nothing to do with the EFI just cranking power is significantly better with the Lithium batteries- at least EarthX, so turning over and start up is much faster than I experienced with traditional lead acid batteries.
I had 3 motorcycle type batteries die on me over 3 years, all on the ground, but granted they were not Odyssey. The ability to monitor the EarthX battery in flight also just provides me with a little more sense of security. Supposedly lithium also hold a charge better if they are not on a charger. I'm not arguing for or against lithium, just mentioning a couple of the advantages of lithium. Starting problems are not usually an issue with Rotax, but I imagine with Lycoming or Continental engines more cranking power may be advantageous.

 

[MikeBoyette]

We always used Odyssey batteries until the last few years Dad was in business. He started using Lithium/iron batteries. They worked pretty good and were very light without the fire hazard Lithium/ion batteries posed. He was using Battery Tender brand. Not the top of the line but reasonably priced.

 

[rcflier]

Hmm, my instructor bought a new, expensive orange battery - which didn't even last one winter. My old MTO has the battery, that came with it four years ago. I have never had to charge it - not even after twice sitting still for half a year. The cheapest gel cell battery possible... You can never tell...

 

[WaspAir]

Let me toss in a lead-acid endorsement. I got over 11 years out of a single battery in my Miata, an OEM Panasonic. Wish I could find more like it easily.

 

[Sv.grainne]

While I was still doing boat electrical systems I did some monstrous Li battery system installs. Think thousands of amp hours. Lithium was/is the way to go, period. Low self discharge, rapid recharge times, weight, etc. You may need to upgrade your regulator, but that's it.

I have an Earth X.

 

[Aerofoam]

While I was still doing boat electrical systems I did some monstrous Li battery system installs. Think thousands of amp hours. Lithium was/is the way to go, period. Low self discharge, rapid recharge times, weight, etc. You may need to upgrade your regulator, but that's it.

I have an Earth X.

My building is still on a 24kwh flooded battery, but I will buy Lifepo when it starts sagging.
I have 5kwh rack mount lifpo in my van and it runs an AC unit.
It is the best choice, but has some drawbacks.
It doesn't function below freezing, or above 113F and it's not supposed go over 135F even during storage.
Many places in the SW US can exceed those temps in direct sunlight. For winter use, there are some that are heated, but then you need more capacity and an insulated compartment....

 

[aerolithium]

The ability to monitor the EarthX battery in flight also just provides me with a little more sense of security.

What is it exactly are you monitoring that is uniquely special about the EarthX brand ?

 

[loftus]

What is it exactly are you monitoring that is uniquely special about the EarthX brand ?

I don't know if it is unique to the EarthX brand. I just happen to have EarthX. As I recall you make a competitive lithium battery, and possibly your battery has a similar system. But it's explained on Page 4 of the manual in this link, that explains what the various warning light signals mean.

https://earthxbatteries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ETX_Manual_111017_AA1.pdf

I've upgraded my regulators as sv.Grainne refers to above - I have B&C instead of the stock Ducati regulators using terminal 5 for charging warning lights as well. With EFI and electrical fuel pumps just want as much reassurance as possible that I have some time to get on the ground should I have a charging or battery failure. Could add a backup battery, but that gets more complex. As I have twin engines I have also not added an additional alternator as is recommended with single engine Rotax EFI systems. Here's a photo showing my battery warning and charging lights

 

[aerolithium]

yes, the chart basically explains voltages. Which, any variances are usually monitored by a volt meter and ammmeter already in most panels.
Since the EarthX BMS has no temp sensor's, , I'm not sure of the fault lights value in determining anything. Especially trying to decipher the different mono colored flashes while in flight. But, it makes buyers " feel good " which is the primary purpose.

 

[loftus]

yes, the chart basically explains voltages. Which, any variances are usually monitored by a volt meter and ammmeter already in most panels.
Since the EarthX BMS has no temp sensor's, , I'm not sure of the fault lights value in determining anything. Especially trying to decipher the different mono colored flashes while in flight. But, it makes buyers " feel good " which is the primary purpose.

For me if the fault light persists in any fashion, something's wrong that I can't fix in the air and it's time to land as soon as I can. Hopefully with all the information at hand I can be warned of any impending battery failure which would of course shut down both engines.
On Page 3 of the manual, they indicate that they do have over temperature protection, and on the chart on page 4 the short flashing sequence is supposed to indicate a temperature issue.
Anyway not here to advocate pros and cons of any system, I've been pleased so far with EarthX performance and tech support.