SonexBuilders.net

Hello Everyone,

I am considering a new battery before winter sets in. I checked out the many posts on batteries, but did not see any with respect to actual use of this type battery. Is there anyone using a LiFePO4 battery in their Sonex? If so, is there a favored brand? I am a consumer that will generally opt for quality and longevity over price.

Thanks again!
Aldo

I used the ballistic (aerovotz) in my waiex for a year. Worked flawlessly. Until I left the master on and drained it. It's now a paper weight. They don't respond to being discharged below 9 volts well.

I have had an "AeroLithium" LiFePO4 battery in my Waiex since day one, (Sept '13) 130 + Hours. I did run mine down once, also because I left my master ON. Mine went to 2 volts and wouldn't take a charge…. Tried to contact Aerolithium, but never got a response (more on this later)… anyway, I thought I too had a $350 paper weight, but after a couple days I checked voltage and it was up to 8 volts. At this voltage the special charger started to work and it balance charged back up to 14.40 volts. This was about a year ago and it's been trouble free since.

Now, back to AeroLithium… their website is still up, but I've tried to get in touch with them several times with no luck. I like their product and would buy again. But they ain't around no more (apparently).

So… when I recently built another battery box to fit the AeroLithium battery, (My original box was built to fit the Odyssey PC535 I think) I also got dimensions for the EarthX ETX??C. They are the same as my current battery and this would be my replacement if mine ever fails.

One more note. These Lithium batteries don't have the capacity that a large lead acid does, so, when you're doing your ground run ups and adjusting aeroinjector and things, multiple starts,I use an old Concorde Battery I have laying around to save the LiFePO4 battery. Good Luck.

I think the Earth-X batteries have a huge advantage, they have a battery monitor system built in. I have been experimenting with Shorai LiFe batteries (on my boat, Waiex not yet flying) and find that the energy capacity for high discharge stuff like powering my electric dinghy is actually pretty good. But, if you run them down below half or so they are hard to get back up. Sometimes using an old fashioned charger for a little while will do the trick.

I think the earth-x batteries will avoid these problems by just shutting down before they overdrain. Maybe that is or isn't good depending on the situation.

There's been good info on the RV website lately worth takng a look at.

Gordon

Yes, Earth X is the battery that claims to self protect itself from low voltage. I talked to them at a local flyin this summer.

I too tried to resurrect my dead LiFePO4 by connecting a surrogate 12v lead acid battery to fool the special charger. No joy. Its a 2 lbs paperweight.

Aerovoltz just resells Ballistic batteries. They just put a sticker on them and sell them as aviation batteries. Go to the Ballistic website and they are very popular with motorcycle and watercraft. But the same price as an Aerovoltz on Wicks and ACS.

The batteries work great and spin the engine very fast on startup. They are silly light too. 2 lbs vs. 15 lbs. They work better than the Odyssey when cold, but you are at risk of killing it by being stupid like me.