Guys and Gals,

I'm wanting to install an Odyssey battery in my Maule MX7-180B. I'm just trying to find what the experiences of others is and how the field approval process went?

Thanks in advance,
Tom

Years ago I ordered everything on-line from West Coast Batteries, though the Odyssey's are getting to be common enough that you should be able to source locally. I have the PC-680 spinning a Lycoming 360 high-compression, driving the comm radio, mode C transponder and tach, backup for the GPS. No alternator, I use their special charger to top up every 6 hours or so. In a Maule with a full electrical you won't have a problem.

I see the PC-680 has an FAA certified equivalent SBSJ-16 that is approved for Supercubs, the blurb says can be used on other aircraft but will require field approval. Should be easier on your AME's paperwork than the vanilla PC-680.

I bought their handy little aluminum box to mount it, four holes into four #10 nutplates on the firewall and done.
http://www.odysseybatteries.com/accessories/hd680_545.htm

I used the same mount and modified it a little bit. I'm running the PC 545 to turn over my little 2-stroke. I just switched over and so far it's been great.

I've had the Odyssey PC 680 for over 100 hours now...great battery. Here's a pic of my firewall install, what you can't see in the pic is the battery sits on a 1" x 1" by 3/16th aluminum angle. the bracket holding it to the firewall is steel: http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_log.php?user=Bushcaddy&project=271&category=4651&log=111935&row=1

I have been using the 680 my Rans S7's for several years with excellent results .. Easier "certification" with ELSA or EAB aircraft...hehe


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I installed an SBS-J16 a few years ago in my C150/150, and the field approval was a slam dunk. However I did just install it in the existing battery box. A new (firewall) mounting arrangement might involve a g-test (pulling on it with the fishing scale). A lot depends on how good of a relationship you &/or your IA have with the local FAA inspector.
It's been in the airplane about 2-1/2 years now, and no problems-- it turns over the O-320 just fine, even though it mounts way in back with a long cable. Where is the battery located in that Maule now? Unless you need to change the CG, you might wanna just put the Odyssey in the stock box like I did.

I've been using (and selling ) firewall mounted battery's --++ First pc-680,s and SBS J16 and battery boxes of
My design (see https:edmaircraft .com) for pictures etc. 1st battery I had on. My 182 went 11 years before I retired if. Tim Ave ry was one of my first customers on .his first 182 over 10 years ago. Done pipers,Cessna,s maule,s Navions,Beech,s expemntals etc. Won't ever again put a wet cell battery in airplane.

[quote="TomKatz"]Guys and Gals,

I'm wanting to install an Odyssey battery in my Maule MX7-180B. I'm just trying to find what the experiences of others is and how the field approval process went?

Thanks in advance,


See chapter 10 AC 43.13 b1 and use accordingly . Field approval. Not required ------ AC 43.13 will do if you have a I.A. to sign off 337 Been there done that .

I installed the SBS J16 battery 12 years ago in a 170 with 180 up. Put it in existing battery box with a hard foam shim. Two years ago, I retired that battery, for no reason other than it was old. That old battery has been starting a lawn tractor ever since.

We field approved it, but that's because My mechanic wanted it bomb proof. I see no reason to FA it though.

Great battery,in any case.

MTV

182 STOL driver wrote:...See chapter 10 AC 43.13 b1 and use accordingly . Field approval. Not required ------ AC 43.13 will do if you have a I.A. to sign off 337 Been there done that .

Does that apply to changing the battery, or also to the new location & mounting?

hotrod150 wrote:

182 STOL driver wrote:...See chapter 10 AC 43.13 b1 and use accordingly . Field approval. Not required ------ AC 43.13 will do if you have a I.A. to sign off 337 Been there done that .

Does that apply to changing the battery, or also to the new location & mounting?

All -Battery and location ----- You need a new Weight & Balance when done

It's a fairly simple 337 matter for your IA. Just use the SBS J16 battery approved for supercubs as the cells have a padding built into the case which is why they are approved. Anyway, we did both the box and the battery in a 172 tailwheel bird I had. The battery will spin a lyc 180 horse and, if you are having charging problems like I did with a generator system, you will get about 4 starts from the battery. After we put a B&C small alternator in, that problem went away. All in all, it's a pretty seamless mod.

I want to thank everyone for their contribution to this thread. It is very helpful. As it stands, I am going to go to an Odyssey firewall mount. If this is too much for my FSDO, I will try for the Odyssey in the existing battery tray under the passenger seat on the MX7-180B.

Thanks again Guys!

TomKatz wrote:I want to thank everyone for their contribution to this thread. It is very helpful. As it stands, I am going to go to an Odyssey firewall mount. If this is too much for my FSDO, I will try for the Odyssey in the existing battery tray under the passenger seat on the MX7-180B.

Thanks again Guys!

When dealing with FSDO it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Ask 1 question of 10 FAA inspectors and get 12 different answers .

Just installed SBS J16 in my 170A using an F. Atlee Dodge firewall mounted box. Battery is STC'd for 170, 180, and 185 if using the Atlee Dodge box. Very happy with both units so far. I don't see anything listed at the Atlee Dodge website for the Maule, however. If you can get the field approval, you'll love the the battery, it saved nine pounds from my old G25.