The International Cessna^® 170 Association

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.

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.

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

How much of a weight difference is there between a Gill, Concord and an Odyssey?

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

Thanks! 9 pounds can make a difference. specially if folks have a bigger motor up front and forward CG issues.

Agreed David. In my case I am not necessarily concerned about weight. Cost and performance are my hot buttons

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.

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.

No batteries cost $20 anymore. The battery for my '88 Honda that used to cost $40 at Walmart is now $100.

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.)

Gotta love statute of limitations...

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

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, curious if you use a battery charger/maintainer when your aircraft is not in use?