New Partnership w/EarthX batteries
- Thread starter carllee
- Start date
Malaga
- Aircraft Year
- 1979
- Aircraft Type
- 114A
- Reg Number
- N411DP
- Serial Number
- 14517
Carlee, you posted in 2020 about the EarthX battery it just got certified for 12V commanders this year July 2024 and I just installed one in my aircraft 114A N411DP. It's an amazing bit of kit, I've never had my engine crank so well I've got top notch compressions and the dear old Concorde sometimes would not turn the engine though the first compression I would release the key and catch it on the rebound and that would take it through and I'd get a start. The warning light cable is a pain to install but altogether well worth the effort. Cheers David FAA A&P/IA in Spain
Lawrence Massachu$etts
- Aircraft Year
- 1975
- Aircraft Type
- 112/A
- Reg Number
- N1226J
- Serial Number
- 226
Some more feedback. I also just installed the EarthX battery and it's delightful. Somewhat of a chore to work the vent tubing and then run the line for the annunciator light as @Ailerondave mentioned, but that's a one-time task.
I did opt for the recommended trickle charger as per EarthX as it's also more than just a trickle charger. It can also supply 5 amps of current which is enough for playing with avionics in the hangar. Plus it does keep the battery topped off. Do NOT try to charge with conventional chargers.
Cost isn't too bad (relatively speaking). I was about $1100 for the TSO'd EarthX battery with the install kit, but then the Concorde brick it replaced is now about $600 with the shipping. 26.6 lbs increase in useful load.
I did opt for the recommended trickle charger as per EarthX as it's also more than just a trickle charger. It can also supply 5 amps of current which is enough for playing with avionics in the hangar. Plus it does keep the battery topped off. Do NOT try to charge with conventional chargers.
Cost isn't too bad (relatively speaking). I was about $1100 for the TSO'd EarthX battery with the install kit, but then the Concorde brick it replaced is now about $600 with the shipping. 26.6 lbs increase in useful load.
CapnJake
New member
Knik, Alaska
- Aircraft Year
- 1976
- Aircraft Type
- 112TC
- Reg Number
- N112LB
- Serial Number
- 13058
I changed it out two weeks ago at annual, and did the work myself. The wire is a pain, but it’s manageable. The tubing is stiff and awkward, but it works. The install manual is already out of date; the hole size for the light is wrong, the wire goes with the bundle along the starboard center console, and the spacer is different. But the 26.6 pounds of weight is remarkable. The engine start is so easy. If your battery is getting tired, it’s well worth the effort. My previous battery was never logged, and unknown age.
Pulled out 65 pounds of carpet and 26 pounds of battery. Feels like progress.
Cheers.
Pulled out 65 pounds of carpet and 26 pounds of battery. Feels like progress.
Cheers.
- Aircraft Year
- 1974
- Aircraft Type
- 112 Hot Shot
- Reg Number
- N1144J
- Serial Number
- 186
Don't really need the drain line, if your battery box is in good shape. Vents drain into box, box is vented overboard. Kinda just extra effort adding a vent line to bypass a vent line
They probably couldn't figure out how to do a logbook entry for a battery that wasn't specifically approved for your plane.
Cincinnati, OH
- Aircraft Year
- 1998
- Aircraft Type
- 114TC/115TC
- Reg Number
- N114AD
- Serial Number
- 20020
Item of interest for those making the switch,...
Doesn't hurt to carry the special EarthX recommended charger in your baggage compartment just in case you end up someplace needing maintenance or end up with an accidentally discharged batt. (they come in both 12V and 24V versions) It will give you the ability to use it instead of whatever the maint shop has on hand to charge batts. Completely automatic charging functions and a unit that may be left plugged in overnight.
Doesn't hurt to carry the special EarthX recommended charger in your baggage compartment just in case you end up someplace needing maintenance or end up with an accidentally discharged batt. (they come in both 12V and 24V versions) It will give you the ability to use it instead of whatever the maint shop has on hand to charge batts. Completely automatic charging functions and a unit that may be left plugged in overnight.
- Aircraft Year
- 1974
- Aircraft Type
- 112 Hot Shot
- Reg Number
- N1144J
- Serial Number
- 186
I agree. Good to have on hand. I have to say though, as the first to install the EarthX, it'll be 6 years in December, except during gear swings at annual, I've NEVER, connected it to a battery charger/maintainer.
Last edited:
Glendale, AZ
- Aircraft Year
- 1977
- Aircraft Type
- 112TCA
- Reg Number
- N91GM
- Serial Number
- 13184
Has there been any improvement in cold weather performance with the new one's?
- Aircraft Year
- 1974
- Aircraft Type
- 112 Hot Shot
- Reg Number
- N1144J
- Serial Number
- 186
I didn't know it was a problem? I've started mine below 32f. I suppose there are those that fly well below that, but that brings with it a lot of other challenges, so not sure the battery would be your first concern
Glendale, AZ
- Aircraft Year
- 1977
- Aircraft Type
- 112TCA
- Reg Number
- N91GM
- Serial Number
- 13184
When I'm up in Show Low the temperatures will drop below zero. I have a setup that preheats both the cabin and the engine but I always wondered about switching to lithium in those conditions.
- Aircraft Year
- 1974
- Aircraft Type
- 112 Hot Shot
- Reg Number
- N1144J
- Serial Number
- 186
Yes, I agree. The cold does have a negative affect on the performance of lithium batteries, but I figure most would do as you do and pre heat their planes. If not, lead acid is still an option.
Last edited by a moderator:
CapnJake
New member
Knik, Alaska
- Aircraft Year
- 1976
- Aircraft Type
- 112TC
- Reg Number
- N112LB
- Serial Number
- 13058
Yeah, the IA and I talked it over as to easiest method to comply with the instructions. So we decided to simply push into the existing drain as the teflon tube slid right in. Then I cut the C spacer down the middle to give a chanel for the tubing and some trimming on the ends for the side tubing. Simple enough. I don't know if my battery box was original or newer. The drain was centrally located, and the instructions showed it at one of the corners. the battery was touching the tubing, but not pressing on it with the spacer installed, so seemed fine.Don't really need the drain line, if your battery box is in good shape. Vents drain into box, box is vented overboard. Kinda just extra effort adding a vent line to bypass a vent line
They probably couldn't figure out how to do a logbook entry for a battery that wasn't specifically approved for your plane.
Attachments
Lawrence Massachu$etts
- Aircraft Year
- 1975
- Aircraft Type
- 112/A
- Reg Number
- N1226J
- Serial Number
- 226
To avoid kinks in the teflon tubing, I ended up buying some stainless 1/4" U-couplers, drilled a hole through the EarthX foam spacer, and was able to route the line down to the drain where I have it held into place with some silicone adhesive.
My drain is also in the center below the battery box as @CapnJake mentioned