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Old 03-10-2012, 10:16 PM   #87 (permalink)
brucepick
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Location: Eastern CT, USA
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Outasight - '00 Honda Insight
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Gen-1 Insights
90 day: 54.18 mpg (US)
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Cali98Civic,

I wrote and spoke several times with the people at Odyssey (Kathy).

I learned that the Odyssey batteries have somewhat unique charging requirements. Granted "unique" isn't supposed to be a relative term but you can't charge them the same as regular lead acid batteries. I do believe you should be using one of the Odyssey brand chargers, and you also need to ensure it's one they specifically recommend for your particular battery model.

Their chargers - I'm pretty sure - have a desulfation mode to help correct "capacity degradation". Maybe not the least expensive ones. I think you'll need to research it in some detail.
Odyssey charger descriptions
Odyssey charger manuals

My hope is that my setup will avoid battery degradation. I'm using a LiFePO4 pack, as you're likely aware if you've been following this thread. The pack has a "Protection Circuit Module" built in, which is a kind of passive Battery Management System, it balances the cells following charging. The charger is built for LiFePO4 cells. I disconnect the car from the Li pack before charging; at that time I keep it connected to the regular lead starting battery to maintain the car's computer and radio settings etc.

The lead acid battery only starts the car currently; it seems to last a week just fine. I think I'll charge it from AC on weekends.

I'd like to replace the lead acid battery with a deep cycle lead acid of same size. I could use that to power the headlights to give the Li pack a break; it should power a longer drive time that way. However with the daylight savings changeover this weekend, I'll not be driving with headlights daily so I don't think the charge drain from headlights will be a major issue till November. When I occasionally do a long road trip at night, I'll knuckle under and power the car off the alt plus starting battery.
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Last edited by brucepick; 03-10-2012 at 10:25 PM..
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