EarthX ETX6A User manual

ETXLithium
BatteryUser’s
Manual
Copyright© 2016 EarthX, Inc. All rights reserved. The information contained in this document is the property of EarthX, Inc.
EarthX reserves the right to make changes to its documents or products without notice. It is the responsibility of each user to
ensure that all applications of EarthX’s products are as intended and safe based on conditions anticipated or encountered during
use. The EarthX logo is a trademark of EarthX, Inc.
111017_N

E T X S E R I E S L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
Table of Contents
Overview........................................................................................... 1
Technology Inside.............................................................................1
Battery Cells....................................................................................1
Battery Management System (BMS)...............................................1
ETX –Hundred Series ....................................................................2
Specifications.................................................................................... 4
Discharge Versus Temperature.........................................................9
Self-discharge Rates....................................................................... 10
Discharge Curves............................................................................ 11
Installation....................................................................................... 13
Battery Installation.........................................................................13
Fault Monitoring Installation (ETX Hundred Series) ......................14
Charging ......................................................................................... 16
Storage ........................................................................................... 17
Troubleshooting .............................................................................. 18
Regulations..................................................................................... 20
Terminology .................................................................................... 20
I C O N K E Y
Valuable information
Caution

E T X S E R I E S L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
1
Overview
EarthX’s ETX Lithium batteries are designed as a maintenance free replacement for the 12
volt lead-acid or lithium batteries. To ensure a smooth replacement process, ETX batteries
are similar in dimensions to many OEM motorsport or power sport batteries. The ETX
lithium battery consists of 4 Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) cells in series and one or
more in parallel with built in electronics to protect the battery from over-discharge, over-
charge, balance the individual cell’s charge level, short circuit protection and temperature
protection to prevent overheating.
Failure to follow all application use, installation, charging, and storage instructions may result
in battery damage and or fire!
Technology Inside
Battery Cells
Our batteries use cells made of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4). This chemistry is one of
the highest performance and safest on the market today.
Lithium batteries are fundamentally different than lead-acid batteries. A lithium battery
voltage remains relatively constant while discharging, while voltage for a lead-acid battery
decreases. A lithium battery’s storage capability is nearly 100% usable (measured as Amp-
Hour, Ah); while a lead-acid battery designed for motorsports typically only has 30% useful
storage. As such, 2Ah lithium battery has the equivalent “useable” capacity to a 6Ah lead-
acid. Also, a lithium battery’s cranking power is stronger, for the voltage while cranking is
generally higher. But when the lithium battery runs out of power it does so more abruptly.
LiFePO4cells by the nature of their chemistry are 3.3 volt. 12V lithium batteries are created
by using 4 cells in series (technically it is a 13.2 volt battery, but nominally full charge voltage
is >13.3V). Lead-acid batteries are also made with cells in series (6 cell). The difference is
that lithium cells are a dry cell technology, where the cells are packaged individually. In a
lead-acid battery the cells are package in the same case with an acid solution that supports
the transfer of charge from higher voltage cells to ones with a lower voltage. Lithium cells
cannot do this, so the cell’s charge level will diverge with repeated charge/discharge cycles
and age. This condition reduces the performance of the battery (reduces capacity), for the
battery charge level is only as good as the charge level of the weakest cell. Moreover,
charging a battery with unbalanced cells results in one or more cells reaching the maximum
charge (voltage) level before the rest of the cells in the series, which leads to over-charging
of the cell(s).
Battery Management System (BMS)
The ETX Lithium battery’s integrated BMS continuously monitors each cell’s voltage. If the
voltage of a cell exceeds the others, the BMS circuits will work to reduce that cell’s charge

E T X S E R I E S L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
2
level. This ensures that the charge level of all the cells remains equal, even with the high
discharge (> 100Amps) and charge current (>10Amps) of your vehicle.
A cell can be permanently damaged if over-charged (over-voltage) or over-discharged
(drained) just one time. The BMS has circuitry to disconnect the battery from the
load/charging system (your vehicle) if the voltage exceeds 15.5 volts (an over-charge
condition). The ETX Hundred Series batteries have enhanced over-charge protection; see
the ETX - Hundred Series section below for more details. The BMS also disconnects the
battery from the load if it is drained to less than 5% remaining charge (an over-discharge
condition). An over-discharged battery typically has a voltage less than 11.5V. If the BMS
disconnects the battery, the voltage reading of the battery will be zero volts. Excessive
cranking protection logic includes temperature monitoring to limit “high current use”
(engine cranking) to 10 -30 seconds in any 60 second period. If a low impedance load is
connected to the battery, which causes the battery volts to instantaneously dip below 6V, the
battery will disconnect from the load to protect the cells and BMS from damage (short
circuit protection). The ETX series is designed for short circuit protection > 1000 amps.
Our lithium cells together with our BMS create the safest lithium battery on the market, with
more starting power, and longer life.
The features of our ETX Lithium Batteries;
Flexible battery connection –with center mounted terminals and terminal adapters,
the same batteries can be used in either left or right side polarity applications.
Longer Storage Life –there is no need to float charge in the off season
Environmentally Friendly –no hazardous chemicals and it can be recycled
Fast Charge –can be fully charged in less than an hour (if charged at the maximum
recommended charge rate )
Maintenance Free!
No Special mounting direction (could even be mounted up-side-down)
Will Not Freeze or Boil Over –Lithium batteries are dry cell technology and will not
freeze or boil ever
ETX –Hundred Series
The ETX “Hundred Series” was specifically designed for the experimental aircraft market
(models include the ETX680C, ETX680, ETX900, ETX1200). Only the ETX “Hundred
Series” battery models are recommended for use as the primary aircraft battery (starter
battery). In addition to the features found in the ETX series motorsports batteries, critical
electronic circuits are redundant, the over-charge protection is enhanced and fault indication
is included.
All components associated with main electronic battery disconnect are redundant. The
built-in redundancy ensures that no single point failure results in the battery unintentionally
disconnecting. The design aligns with the requirements for a FAA approved lithium
battery as per RTCA performance specification DO-311.

E T X S E R I E S L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
3
In the event of a charging system failure where the voltage increases to above 15.2V, the
resistance to charging current increases, and above 16V the charging current is completely
blocked. This design offers charge voltage protection up to 40V, exceeding the requirements of
RTCA’s performance specification DO-311.The discharge current (current out of battery) is
unaffected in this situation.
The battery’s micro-controller monitors all failure modes, and reports failures with a built-in
LED indicator and discrete output. The discrete output for external fault monitoring is a
single wire connection with ¼” quick connect terminal. The output is a “current sinking”
type circuit (see diagram below) that can handle 100mA (connects the discrete output to
battery ground if a fault is present). This output can be connected to an external 12V LED
or general purpose discrete input of an EFSI. The fault output has two states; flashing (5
second cycle time) or solid. The flashing fault can indicate that the battery needs to be
charged (check voltage of the battery and if less than 13.3V, you need to charge it) or it can
indicates an abnormal condition with the batteries lithium cells such as one or more cells are
over-discharged (>80% depth of discharge) or over-charged or cell voltage imbalance. The
solid fault indicates a BMS hardware failure. For example, if the micro-controller fails the
fault indication output is activated (on solid).

A sustained fault can indicate a serious issue with the battery or vehicle charging system that
requires immediate attention. Discontinue use until the issue is resolved and the battery no longer
indicates a fault. Continued use of a faulty battery can result in a cell rupture, the release of
flammable vapors, smoke and or a fire.

E T X S E R I E S L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
4
Specifications
Model: ETX6A-discontinued model as of 4-2016
Nominal Voltage
13.2 V
Ah (lead-acid equivalent)
6
Ah (1 hour discharge rate)
2.5 (1C rate)
Pulse Crank Amps (PCA)
140A (3 sec @ 25 °C, voltage >9V)
Cold Crank Amps (CCA)
80A (modified SAE test, 3 sec@ 0°F,
voltage >7.2V)
Max Continuous Discharge Amps
20A
Standard Charge Voltage
13.9 - 14.6 V
Maximum Charge Voltage
15 V
Recommended Charger/Maintainer
Amps
.8 - 2A
Max Charge Amps
12A (from vehicle charging system)
Life (Charge cycles)
4000 cycles @ 1C discharge rate, 25°C
(20% depth of discharge)
2000 cycles @10C discharge rate, 25°C
(80% depth of discharge)
Life (Years)
8 Years
Weight
1 lb. (.5Kg)
Dimensions
4.5in x 2.6in x 3.7in
(113mmX66mmX95mm)
Environmental Rating (resistance to
water intrusion)
IP 66 (wash down with a high pressure
washer)
Operating Temperature
-30 °C to +60 °C
Storage Temperature
-40 °C to +70 °C
Model: ETX12A, ETX12B (ETX12B discontinued as of 4-2016)
Nominal Voltage
13.2 V
Ah (Lead-acid equivalent)
12
Ah (1 hour discharge rate)
4 (1C rate)
Pulse Crank Amps (PCA)
220A (3 sec @ 25 °C, voltage >9V)
Cold Crank Amps (CCA)
135A (modified SAE test, 3 sec@ 0°F,
voltage >7.2V)
Max Continuous Discharge Amps
40A
Standard Charge Voltage
13.9 - 14.6 V
Maximum Charge Voltage
15 V
Recommended Charger/Maintainer
Amps
.8 - 5A
Max Charge Amps
20A (from vehicle charging system)
Life (Charge cycles)
4000 cycles @ 1C discharge rate, 25°C
(20% depth of discharge)
2000 cycles @10C discharge rate, 25°C
(80% depth of discharge)
Life (Years)
8 Years

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5
Weight
1.3 lb. (.6Kg)
Dimensions
ETX12A 4.5in x 2.6in x 3.7in
(113mmX66mmX95mm)
ETX12B 5.3in x 2.6in x 4.1in
(135mmX66mmX105mm)
Environmental Rating (resistance to
water intrusion)
IP 66 (wash down with a high pressure
washer)
Operating Temperature
-30 °C to +60 °C
Storage Temperature
-40 °C to +70 °C
Model: ETX18B, ETX18C, ETX18F
Nominal Voltage
13.2 V
Ah (Lead-acid equivalent)
18
Ah (1 hour discharge rate)
6.2 (1C rate)
Pulse Crank Amps (PCA)
340A (3 sec @ 25 °C, voltage >9V)
Cold Crank Amps (CCA)
230A (modified SAE test, 3 sec@ 0°F,
voltage >7.2V)
Max Continuous Discharge Amps
60A
Standard Charge Voltage
13.9 - 14.6 V
Maximum Charge Voltage
15 V
Recommended Charger/Maintainer
Amps
.8 - 8A
Max Charge Amps
30A (from vehicle charging system)
Life (Charge cycles)
4000 cycles @ 1C discharge rate, 25°C
(20% depth of discharge)
2000 cycles @10C discharge rate, 25°C
(80% depth of discharge)
Life (Years)
8 Years
Weight
2.2 lb.(1Kg)
Dimensions
ETX18B 5.3in x 2.6in x 4.1in
(135mmX66mmX105mm)
ETX18C 5.9in x 3.4in x 4.5in
(150mmX86mmX115mm)
ETX18F 5.9in x 3.4in x 3.6in
(150mmX86mmX93mm)
Environmental Rating (resistance to
water intrusion)
IP 66 (wash down with a high pressure
washer)
Operating Temperature
-30 °C to +60 °C
Storage Temperature
-40 °C to +70 °C
Model: ETX24C, ETX24D
Nominal Voltage
13.2 V
Ah (Lead-acid equivalent)
24
Ah (1 hour discharge rate)
8 (1C rate)

E T X S E R I E S L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
6
Pulse Crank Amps (PCA)
420A (3 sec @ 25 °C, voltage >9V)
Cold Crank Amps (CCA)
270A (modified SAE test, 3 sec@ 0°F,
voltage >7.2V)
Max Continuous Discharge Amps
80A
Standard Charge Voltage
13.9 - 14.6 V
Maximum Charge Voltage
15 V
Recommended Charger/Maintainer
Amps
.8 - 10A
Max Charge Amps
40A (from vehicle charging system)
Life (Charge cycles)
4000 cycles @ 1C discharge rate, 25°C
(20% depth of discharge)
2000 cycles @10C discharge rate, 25°C
(80% depth of discharge)
Life (Years)
8 Years
Weight
2.6 lb. (1.2Kg)
Dimensions
ETX24C 5.9in x 3.4in x 4.5in
(150mmX86mmX115mm)
ETX24D 6.9in x 3.4in x 6.1in (175mm
X86mm X155mm)
Environmental Rating (resistance to
water intrusion)
IP 66 (wash down with a high pressure
washer)
Operating Temperature
-30 °C to +60 °C
Storage Temperature
-40 °C to +70 °C
Model: ETX36C, D &E
Nominal Voltage
13.2 V
Ah (Lead-acid equivalent)
36
Ah (1 hour discharge rate)
12.4 (1C rate)
Pulse Crank Amps (PCA)
680A (3 sec @ 25 °C, voltage >9V)
Cold Crank Amps (CCA)
320A (modified SAE test, 3 sec@ 0°F,
voltage >7.2V)
Max Continuous Discharge Amps
100A
Standard Charge Voltage
13.9 - 14.6 V
Maximum Charge Voltage
15 V
Recommended Charger/Maintainer
Amps
.8 - 15A
Max Charge Amps
60A (from vehicle charging system)
Life (Charge cycles)
4000 cycles @ 1C discharge rate, 25°C
(20% depth of discharge)
2000 cycles @10C discharge rate, 25°C
(80% depth of discharge)
Life (Years)
8 Years
Weight
3.9 lb. (1.8Kg)
Dimensions
ETX36C5.9in x 3.4in x 4.5in
(150mmX86mmX115mm)
ETX36D 6.9in x 3.4in x 6.1in (175mm

E T X S E R I E S L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
7
X86mm X155mm)
ETX36E 6.6in x 3.4in x 6.9in (166mm
X86mm X175mm)
Environmental Rating (resistance to
water intrusion)
IP 66 (wash down with a high pressure
washer)
Operating Temperature
-30 °C to +60 °C
Storage Temperature
-40 °C to +70 °C
Model: ETX48E
Nominal Voltage
13.2 V
Ah (Lead-acid equivalent)
48
Ah (1 hour discharge rate)
24.8 (1C rate)
Pulse Crank Amps (PCA)
1200A (3 sec @ 25 °C, voltage >9V)
Cold Crank Amps (CCA)
600A (modified SAE test, 3 sec@ 0°F,
voltage >7.2V)
Max Continuous Discharge Amps
150A
Standard Charge Voltage
13.9 - 14.6 V
Maximum Charge Voltage
15 V
Recommended Charger/Maintainer
Amps
.8 - 30A
Max Charge Amps
120A (from vehicle charging system)
Life (Charge cycles)
4000 cycles @ 1C discharge rate, 25°C
(20% depth of discharge)
2000 cycles @10C discharge rate, 25°C
(80% depth of discharge)
Life (Years)
8 Years
Weight
7.7 lb. (3.5Kg)
Dimensions
6.6in x 3.4in x 6.9in
(166mm X86mm X175mm)
Environmental Rating (resistance to
water intrusion)
IP 66 (wash down with a high pressure
washer)
Operating Temperature
-30 °C to +60 °C
Storage Temperature
-40 °C to +70 °C
Model: ETX680/ETX680C
Nominal Voltage
13.2 V
Ah (1 hour discharge rate)
12.4 (1C rate)
Pulse Crank Amps (PCA)
680A (3 sec @ 25 °C, voltage >9V)
Cold Crank Amps (CCA)
320A (modified SAE test, 3 sec@ 0°F,
voltage >7.2V)
Max Continuous Discharge Amps
100A
Standard Charge Voltage
13.9 - 14.6 V
Maximum Charge Voltage
15 V
Recommended Charger/Maintainer
.8 - 15A

E T X S E R I E S L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
8
Amps
Max Charge Amps
60A (from vehicle charging system)
Life (Charge cycles)
4000 cycles @ 1C discharge rate, 25°C
(20% depth of discharge)
2000 cycles @10C discharge rate, 25°C
(80% depth of discharge)
Life (Years)
8 Years
Weight
4.1 lb. (1.9Kg)
Dimensions
ETX680 6.5in (L) x 3.1in (W) x 6.6in
(H)
166mm(L)x79mm(W)x168mm(H)
ETX680C 5.9in (L) x 3.4in (W) x
4.5in (H)
150mm(L)x86mm(W)x115mm(H)
Environmental Rating (resistance to
water intrusion)
IP 66 (wash down with a high pressure
washer)
Operating Temperature
-30 °C to +60 °C
Storage Temperature
-40 °C to +70 °C
Model: ETX900
Nominal Voltage
13.2 V
Ah (1 hour discharge rate)
16 (1C rate)
Pulse Crank Amps (PCA)
840A (3 sec @ 25 °C, voltage >9V)
Cold Crank Amps (CCA)
400A (modified SAE test, 3 sec@ 0°F,
voltage >7.2V)
Max Continuous Discharge Amps
150A
Standard Charge Voltage
13.9 - 14.6 V
Maximum Charge Voltage
15 V
Recommended Charger/Maintainer
Amps
.8 - 20A
Max Charge Amps
80A (from vehicle charging system)
Life (Charge cycles)
4000 cycles @ 1C discharge rate, 25°C
(20% depth of discharge)
2000 cycles @10C discharge rate, 25°C
(80% depth of discharge)
Life (Years)
8 Years
Weight
4.9 lb. (2.2Kg)
Dimensions
6.5in (L) x 3.1in (W) x 6.6in (H)
166mm(L)x79mm(W)x168mm(H)
Environmental Rating (resistance to
water intrusion)
IP 66 (wash down with a high pressure
washer)
Operating Temperature
-30 °C to +60 °C
Storage Temperature
-40 °C to +70 °C
Model: ETX1200

E T X S E R I E S L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
9
Nominal Voltage
13.2 V
Ah (1 hour discharge rate)
24.8 (1C rate)
Pulse Crank Amps (PCA)
1200A (3 sec @ 25 °C, voltage >9V)
Cold Crank Amps (CCA)
600A (modified SAE test, 3 sec@ 0°F,
voltage >7.2V)
Max Continuous Discharge Amps
150A
Standard Charge Voltage
13.9 - 14.6 V
Maximum Charge Voltage
15 V
Recommended Charger/Maintainer
Amps
.8 - 30A
Max Charge Amps
120A (from vehicle charging system)
Life (Charge cycles)
4000 cycles @ 1C discharge rate, 25°C
(20% depth of discharge)
2000 cycles @10C discharge rate, 25°C
(80% depth of discharge)
Life (Years)
8 Years
Weight
7.7 lb. (3.5Kg)
Dimensions
6.6in (L) x 3.4in (W) x 6.9in (H)
168mm(L)x86mm(W)x175mm(H)
Environmental Rating (resistance to
water intrusion)
IP 66 (wash down with a high pressure
washer)
Operating Temperature
-30 °C to +60 °C
Storage Temperature
-40 °C to +70 °C
Discharge Versus Temperature
We use a similar Cold Cranking Amp test standard as the lead acid battery manufacturers
(SAE test performed at 0°F, but 3 second discharge time vs 30 second). As such, our
battery with a similar CCA rating as a lead acid battery should provide the same cranking
performance at 0°F. But, below 0°F an equivalent lead acid battery will outperform a
lithium battery (see the graph below).

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10
Self-discharge Rates
The self-discharge rate is dependent on temperature. At high temperatures (>25°C), the
cell internal resistance decreases so the self-discharge rate increases. See the graph below
for self-discharge rates (in % per month) versus temperature.
0
20
40
60
80
100
-40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
% of Peak Cranking Amps
Temp Deg C
Cranking Amps vs Temp
Lithium
Lead Acid
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
40
50
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Temperature Deg C
Discharge Rate (%/Month)
Self Discharge Rate vs Temp

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Discharge Curves
Voltage is not a good indication of the state-of-charge in lithium batteries. The first
graph below shows the state-of-charge versus voltage at a 1C discharge rate for the
ETX12 (representative of the ETX series batteries). Typically, lithium batteries require
advanced methods like current counting to track the charge level. As seen from the
graph, the voltage only varies .4V for nearly 80% of the discharge cycle at 25 deg C.
13.4V is a good indication of full charge, while 12.8V is an indication of full discharge at
25 deg C.
The two graphs below illustrates that usable Ah is nearly the same regardless of the
discharge rate, with the voltage remaining above 11.5V for most of the discharge cycle.
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
0 1000 2000 3000 4000
V
mAh
ETX12A/B Discharge Curve (1C Rate)
25 Deg C
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
0 1000 2000 3000 4000
V
mAh
ETX12 Discharge Curve (4Ah, 25DegC)
1C
2C
10C

E T X S E R I E S L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
12
Like lead acid batteries, lithium batteries’ discharge performance is lower as the
temperature decreases, meaning the voltages and the Ah are lower. The graph below
shows the ETX12 discharge curves at a 1C rate over a wide operating temperature range.
Note: there is 20% decrease in Ah and discharge voltage at -30deg C as compared to 25
deg C. All the EarthX ETX series batteries exhibit similar discharge curve profiles.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
V
Ah
ETX36/680 Discharge Curve
(12Ah, 25DegC)
.1C Rate
.5C Rate
1C Rate
1.5C
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
0 1000 2000 3000 4000
V
mAh
ETX12A/B Discharge Curve (1C Rate)
-10 Deg C
-30 Deg C
25 Deg C

E T X S E R I E S L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
13
Installation
Battery Installation
Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are very robust, but if mishandled or misused they can
rupture and they can burn. Never disassemble the battery or disable the built-in Battery
Management System (BMS). Never jump start a battery from a car battery. Never expose
the battery to fire or temperatures above 200° F or 100° C. Never short-circuit the positive
and negative terminals of the battery. Follow these steps to properly and safely install your
new ETX Lithium battery.
1. Remove the old battery, while paying attention to the routing and placement of
wires, cables and protective covers.
2. Check the battery cables and connectors for corrosion or damage. Pay special
attention to the positive battery cable (red cable), checking for cuts or wear marks in
the insulation. Clean and or replace the battery cables as
required.
3. (Skip this step if you don’t have front mounted terminals
or 5mm screws) If your vehicle’s battery cables connect
to the front of the battery, or uses 5mm screws, then you
will need to use our battery terminal adapter. Connect
the terminal adapter to the battery at this time. Make
sure the Phillips screws are securely fastened (30-35in-
lbs), but do not over-tighten.
4. Measure the length, width and height of the
original battery. In some cases, the ETX Lithium
battery will be smaller than the original. Use the
included foam spacers to make the new battery
the same or slightly bigger than the original. In
some cases multiple adhesive backed foam
spacers will have to be stacked together. For our
larger batteries, like the ETX18C or ETX24C use
two stacks of foam on each end of the bottom of
the battery to build up the height (see the picture to the right).
5. Place the battery in the vehicle and check that it is a snug fit.
6. Connect the positive (red) cable first. Make sure the Phillips screw is securely
fastened (30-35in-lbs), but do not over-tighten. Next, connect the negative (black)
cable. Do not connect the battery in reverse polarity (positive to negative or
negative to positive).
7. Re-install the battery holder or strap and tighten securely. Re-secure all the wires and
cables with zip-ties or other fasteners.

E T X S E R I E S L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
14

Be careful that the positive battery terminal does not or will not touch any metal parts of the
vehicle.
Fault Monitoring Installation (ETX Hundred Series)
The ETX Hundred Series batteries have a discrete output that can be connected to many aircraft
Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) electronics or to a remote mounted LED. The
diagrams below detail the required connections for both type installations.

Installation of the battery in the cockpit is not recommended, unless the battery is properly vented
over-board.
To test the internal LED and or external LED, touch the fault monitoring wire to battery
negative.
The discrete output for external fault monitoring is a single wire with ¼” quick connect terminal.
The ¼” quick connect terminal is an insulated “female” type and should be compatible with most
other manufacturers insulated male ¼” quick connect terminals. The following two examples
detail how to connect the fault monitoring output to an EFIS general purpose discrete input. The
EFIS DC source negative must be referenced to the battery negative (this is the standard
configuration).
Fault Monitoring Connection to Dynon Avionics EFIS

E T X S E R I E S L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
15
Fault Monitoring Connection to Garmin EFIS
The following example details how to connect the fault monitoring output to a remote 12V LED.
The positive wire (anode, typically the red wire) of the LED should be connected to the electrical
bus (positive), and the negative of the LED (cathode, typically the black wire) should be
connected to the fault monitor wire of the battery.

E T X S E R I E S L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
16
Charging
Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the battery!
The ETX Lithium battery is shipped fully charged if ordered directly from EarthX, so try to
start the vehicle without charging. If ordering from an authorized dealer, it is recommended
you check the voltage first and if it is above 13.3V, continue to install and start vehicle. If at
any time the vehicle will not start or the battery seems low, charge it for the recommended
time and charge rates shown below and disconnect the charger when charging is complete.
The recommended charge rates are detailed in the specification section above. The
maximum charge rate in the specification section is related to the vehicle charging system.
Never exceed the maximum charging amps for your battery.
This table shows typical charging times for the different ETX series batteries:
Model
Charging Amps
Charging Time
ETX6
1 amp
3 hour
2 amp
1.5 hour
3 amp
45 min.
ETX12
1 amp
4 hour
3 amp
1.5 hour
5 amp
45 min.
ETX18
1 amp
6 hour
5 amp
1.2 hour
8 amp
45 min.
ETX24
1 amp
8 hour
5 amp
1.5 hour
10 amp
45 min.
ETX36/
ETX680
ETX680C
1 amp
12 hour
5 amp
2.5 hour
15 amp
45 min.
ETX900
1 amp
16 hour
5 amp
3 hour
20 amp
45 min.
ETX48/
ETX1200
1 amp
24 hour
5 amp
5 hour
30 amp
45 min.
Lithium batteries have a very low self-discharge rate which means the battery, if
disconnected from your vehicle, could “hold its charge” for a year. That said, modern
vehicles like touring style motorcycles use power from the battery even with the key in the
off position. In those cases we recommend disconnecting a battery cable from the battery
during long term storage (greater than 2 months) or using a charger.

E T X S E R I E S L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
17
The ETX Lithium battery is compatible with most “modern” lead-acid battery chargers or
4cell LiFePO4 battery chargers. By “modern” we mean a charger that automatically turns
off when the battery is fully charged, a charger with a micro-processor, or a charger with
multiple mode charging. The “full charge” voltage for the ETX Lithium battery is 13.3V or
higher. Some lead-acid battery trickle chargers maintenance mode voltage can be below
13.3V, which is too low for a lithium battery. For example, the Battery Tender JR has a
maintenance mode voltage of 13.3V which is compatible, whereas the original Battery
Tender has a maintenance mode voltage of 13.2V which is too low for a lithium battery.
Never charge a faulty battery (a battery that will not accept a charge or hold a
charge).
Never use the de-sulfate setting on your charger. Be sure the charger’s output
voltage level does not exceed 15V. If the charger does not display the voltage reading, then
use a voltmeter to check the voltage while charging.
If the battery gets hot while charging, discontinue charging and use.
Do not charge battery in temperatures above 140 degrees F (60C), or in direct
sunlight.
When charging a battery, place it on a non-flammable surface, and remove any
flammable items nearby.
For maximum battery and vehicle starting system life, do not crank an engine
for more than 10 seconds within any 1 minute period.
Storage
If the vehicle is to be put in storage for an extended period of time, disconnect the battery
cable to eliminate drain from the vehicle’s electrical system. A fully charged battery can be
put in storage for over a year without charging.
Our batteries can be stored at temperatures between -40°C to +70°C. Our batteries have no
liquid inside and will not freeze.
Do not incinerate or expose to open flames!

E T X S E R I E S L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
18
Troubleshooting
The ETX Lithium battery is an extremely reliable battery with a longer useful life than
comparable lead-acid batteries.
Despite the high reliability, you may encounter situations where the battery does not operate
as expected. Here are some potential issues you may encounter with the appropriate
troubleshooting procedures.
Problem
The charger shuts down during the first few seconds of charging.
Possible Causes and Solutions
Are you using a Constant Voltage (CV) charger? CV chargers may trip when first connected
to a drained battery due to a high inrush of current. If this happens, reset the charger and try
again. If the problem continues, try using a different charger.
Problem
Zero voltage at the terminals or un-stable voltage (voltage reading drifts slowly to zero).
With a lead-acid battery, finding a very low voltage at the terminals often indicates the
battery has reached the end of its life. With an ETX Lithium battery this may not be true.
Possible Causes and Solutions
The ETX series lithium battery has built-in over-discharge protection circuitry, which
automatically disconnects the battery if the voltage drops below 11.5 volts (98% discharged).
When the battery is “disconnected”, the voltage at the battery terminal should be zero.
Some volt-meters may initially indicate a voltage, but it will decay to zero within ten seconds
or so. For a drained battery, simply connect the battery to a charger to restore charge
(charge with 2A for 20-30 minutes), and then re-check the voltage. If the voltage is 12.8V or
greater, the battery should be ok and can be fully charged. Not all chargers will charge a
battery that displays zero volts, so check our website for a list of compatible chargers, and
specifically chargers that will work for recharging an “over-discharged” battery for which the
BMS’s over-discharge protection has activated. This condition is sometimes referred to as a
BMS reset.
Problem
The battery seems to suddenly stop working.
Possible Causes and Solutions
A lithium battery voltage remains relatively constant while discharging, but when the battery
runs out of power it does so abruptly. Try charging the battery for 30-60 minutes at 1 –2
Amps. If the battery still does not work, or the measured voltage is less than 12V, the
battery may be permanently damaged and needs to be replaced.
Problem
The battery does not hold a charge.
Possible Causes and Solutions
There may be a problem with the vehicle charging system: While the charging system is in
operation, it should output approximately 13.9 -14.6 volts. If the voltage is below this level,
the charging system needs to be repaired.