www.odysseybattery.com
3
Publication No: EN-ODY-TM-0002 - February 2015
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.
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 (PC2250) for 5 seconds at 25ºC 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 25ºC 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 25ºC 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 superior to that of equally sized conventional batteries, even when the temperature is
as low as -40ºC. 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 be shipped by road, air or sea.
Tough construction
The rugged construction of the ODYSSEY battery makes it suitable for use in a variety of environments ranging from marine to
trucks and powersports applications.
Mounting flexibility
Installing the ODYSSEY battery in any orientation other than inverted does not affect any performance attribute. There is also no
fear of acid spillage.
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).
