Batteries for the ATP

[Forrest Mc]

I originally used Energizer batteries in my ATP, but soon changed to the cheapest battery I could conveniently find; Enercell batteries from Costco. I don't see any difference in life or strength of tone from them. I did try Energizer rechargeable, but they ran down too quickly. I was afraid that the frequent changing would weaken the compartment seal or increase the chances of breaking the battery holder. Being retired, I get a lot of use out of the ATP, as much as 15 hours a week, so the detector doesn't sit idle much.
Does anybody besides me think there should be an arrow on the battery holder to indicate up? I think I'll go etch one on right now, then go hunting.

 

[BigCatDaddy]

I know what you mean about that battery door, I put it on upside down most every time!! This last battery change, I put in a set of Lithium batteries. Got 9 hrs. on them so far and still showing full charge. They are expensive, but the way the ATP goes thru batteries and the wear on the battery door when changing, might be worth it.

 

[OldCrusty]

I put a small piece of paper label with "this side up" on it because I, like you had a 50/50 chance of getting it backwards which I usually did. Works for me...

 

[Johnny Cache]

When I slide the battery pack back in, then put the little cover back on, it wants to nick and slice at the wire running to the coil. I have to make sure that I hold the wire out of the way to avoid this problem. Slight pain in the butt, but no biggie. I am impressed with the battery life, especially compared to my old detector that took 8 AA batteries.

 

[1ringedingy]

Yeah, we will see differences in battery types but lets face it.. Us old farts just don't see as well anymore. We should figure out a way to mark them in such a way that we could install them by feel or in subdued light.

Ray

 

[Blink]

I have had my battery pack terminal break and I was told that some of the cheaper batteries are just a bit longer than name brands and that might be the cause. Has anyone else run into this problem ? I have marked the top of my battery cover with a very small drop of white paint so I always know, that's up.

 

[marcomo]

I have had my battery pack terminal break and I was told that some of the cheaper batteries are just a bit longer than name brands and that might be the cause.

Yes, that can be true. The name brands are made to exact specs and the cheapies can be slightly off in their sizing.

The only cheaper batteries I've used that I've found comparable to the name brands are Walgreens. But even that isn't universal accross sizes. I haven't noticed any significant performance differences in the Walgreens D cell and 9 volt compared to Energizer/Duracell. I've used multiple sets of Walgreens AAs and they have been noticably inferior to Energizer AAs in my AT Pro.

Big Cat, I'd be interested to hear how long it takes you to get down to one bar with lithium batteries. Even if the cost per hour is slightly higher, less battery changing might make lithiums a reasonable alternative.

 

[BarnacleBill]

n/t