Odyssey PC1200 Owner's Manual - page 11
3
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Publication No: US-ODY-TM-001 - April 2011
www.odysseybattery.com
INTRODuCTION
The ODYSSEY
®
battery ingeniously uses absorbed glass mat (AGM) valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) technology to offer, in
one package, the characteristics of two separate batteries. It can deep cycle as well as deliver serious cranking power - it is
like an athlete who is both a champion long distance runner and an excellent sprinter. Traditional battery designs allow them
to either deep cycle or provide high amperage discharges for applications such as engine starting. The ODYSSEY battery
can support applications in either category. ODYSSEY batteries are capable of providing engine cranking pulses of up to
2,250A for 5 seconds at 25ºC (77ºF) as well as deliver 400 charge/discharge cycles to 80% depth of discharge (DOD) when
properly charged. A typical starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) battery, for example, is designed to provide short-duration,
high-amperage pulses; it performs poorly when repeatedly taken down to deep depths of discharge or if they are placed on
a continuous trickle charge, such as when they are used to crank a backup generator. A traditional battery resembles either
a sprinter or a long distance runner; an ODYSSEY battery will do both - provide short duration high amperage pulses or low
rate, long duration drains.
WHy uSE ODySSEy
®
BATTERIES?
Guaranteed longer service life
With an 8- to 12-year design life in float (emergency power) applications at 25°C (77°F) and a 3- to 10-year service life
depending on the nature of the non-float applications, ODYSSEY batteries save you time and money because you do not have
to replace them as often. Unlike other AGM VRLA batteries, the ODYSSEY battery is capable of delivering up to 400 cycles
when discharged to 80% DOD and properly charged.
Longer storage life
Unlike conventional batteries that need a recharge every 6 to 12 weeks, a fully charged ODYSSEY battery can be stored for
up to 2 years at 25°C (77°F) from a full state of charge. At lower temperatures, storage times will be even longer.
Deep discharge recovery
The ease with which an ODYSSEY battery can recover from a deep discharge is extraordinary. A later section on storage and
recharge criteria discusses test data on this important topic.
Superior cranking and fast charge capability
The cranking power of ODYSSEY batteries is double to triple that of equally sized conventional batteries, even when the
temperature is as low as -40°C (-40ºF). In addition, with simple constant voltage charging there is no need to limit the inrush
current, allowing the battery to be rapidly charged. Please see the section titled Rapid charging of ODYSSEY batteries for
more details on this feature.
Easy shipping
The AGM valve-regulated design of the ODYSSEY battery eliminates the need for vent tubes; further, no battery watering
is required and there is no fear of acid burns or damage to expensive chrome or paint. Because of the starved electrolyte
design, the ODYSSEY battery has been proven to meet the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) criteria for
a non-spillable battery. They can easily ship by highway, air or sea as specified on our MSDS sheet that can be found at
www.odysseybattery.com.
Tough construction
The rugged construction of the ODYSSEY battery makes it suitable for use in a variety of environments ranging from vacuum
to 2 atmospheres (29.4 PSI).
Mounting flexibility
Installing the ODYSSEY battery in any orientation does not affect any performance attribute, except for the PC1800
battery which should be installed right side up. There is also no fear of acid spillage. However, inverted installation is not
recommended.
Superior vibration resistance
ODYSSEY batteries have passed a variety of rigorous tests that demonstrate their ruggedness and exceptional tolerance of
mechanical abuse. Please see the section titled Shock, impact and vibration testing for more details on these tests.
Ready out of the box
ODYSSEY batteries ship from the factory fully charged. If the battery’s open circuit voltage is higher than 12.65V, simply install
it in your vehicle and you are ready to go; if below 12.65V boost charge the battery following the instructions in this manual or
the owner’s manual. For optimum reliability, a boost charge prior to installation is recommended, regardless of the battery’s
open circuit voltage (OCV).