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When Do You Change Batteries?
- Thread starter SixBits
- Start date
Like the others, I don't use rechargeable batteries but I use 1 bar as a guideline for changing.
I did, on one occasion, at the end of the day, hunt for about an hour on only 1 bar and the ATPro seemed to work fine. It was still at 1 bar after the hour (std Duracell copper tops).
I did, on one occasion, at the end of the day, hunt for about an hour on only 1 bar and the ATPro seemed to work fine. It was still at 1 bar after the hour (std Duracell copper tops).
I generally change batteries when I notice the detector turns on at two bars as opposed to going down to two bars in the middle of detecting.
The nice thing about LSD rechargeables (like Eneloops) is once you get past the initial cost, it only costs about 3 cents worth of electricity per battery to recharge.
So unlike alkalines, I don't feel compelled to push them really low to get the most for my money.
With the AT Pro anyway, there's no performance difference between alkalines and LSD rechargeables and the run time between each type is similar.
LSD rechargeables don't have as long a shelf life as alkalines, but the difference is insignificant since the current Eneloops are said to retain 70% power after five years of non-use. And there is no memory effect like the older style rechargeables used to have. The current style Eneloops can be recharged 2100 times, improved from the older Eneloops which were good for 1000-1500 recharges.
The nice thing about LSD rechargeables (like Eneloops) is once you get past the initial cost, it only costs about 3 cents worth of electricity per battery to recharge.
So unlike alkalines, I don't feel compelled to push them really low to get the most for my money.
With the AT Pro anyway, there's no performance difference between alkalines and LSD rechargeables and the run time between each type is similar.
LSD rechargeables don't have as long a shelf life as alkalines, but the difference is insignificant since the current Eneloops are said to retain 70% power after five years of non-use. And there is no memory effect like the older style rechargeables used to have. The current style Eneloops can be recharged 2100 times, improved from the older Eneloops which were good for 1000-1500 recharges.
I use rechareable batteries and change them at two notches. I noticed whenever I had strong signals, the detector ate up more energy. Also pinpointing takes away more energy, so I change at two notches. I have three reachargeable packs and one new pack usually with me. I also have a new volt battery for the propointer available. I always had problems with 9 volt rechargeable batteries in the past, and that's why I don't use them anymore.
Grilled Scallops
New member
There is voltage regulation circuitry in all Garrett detectors. This means new or "half dead" batteries makes no difference. Run it down to the last bar and you're good - ain't life grand? Other detectors, not so much. There exist detectors that will show signs of instability and depth loss after the voltage from the batteries starts dropping enough. However, there also exist detectors that will take very powerful battery packs that are not typically manufactured on a large scale and are usually custom built. These much more powerful battery packs can boost your performance. Don't stick these in your VLF or you will be sorry.
I have always used rechargeables (Energizer and Eneloops) recharged by a portable solar panel; I am so good. This has been for the four years with AT Pro. No problems. Anyway, I try to always change them out and recharge them 2 bars. Again, no problems. Have fun with the AT Pro; in my opinion, the best <10' underwater detector out there.
aj
aj
When mine "loses" one bar from the top I know I am going to change batteries soon , when the second bar from the top starts flashing or drops off I change the batteries. At that point many batteries seem to start draining quicker and its inevitable they are going to be changed soon anyway so I may as well just put in a fresh set and not have to worry about it for a while. If I keep the batteries fresh then I never have to wonder if that might be the source of any squirrely behavior from the detector. Usually my old used batteries wind up in tv remotes or kids toys , etc. for the rest of their usefulness before they finally wind up in the trash.
LarryFluckiger
New member
I just use regular alkaline batteries. When my AT Pro gets down to one bar, I make sure I have spare batteries in my pocket, but then I just keep on detecting until the batteries are nearly dead. The AT Pro lets me know they're used up by giving me a solid continuous tone (if I remember right). Then I just change them right in the field and slip the old ones into my junk pouch. So far I haven't noticed any decrease in performance with weak batteries. I can only get out to detect about 2 or 3 hours per week, so my batteries last a long time.
Changing the batteries, HUMMMMMMMM duh when they die. LOL LOL no all kidding aside, I go out with a fresh pack , if at the beginning of the hunt i test the power to see half the charge gone. Do you want to take the chance of loosing the batteries when your deep in the woods or walked a long way to the beach far from your car or home or a place where you can purchase batteries.
Your choice, HH & God bless. Think smart not work hard!
Your choice, HH & God bless. Think smart not work hard!
WaterWalker
Well-known member
My ATPro is the only detector of 6 I currently use that has a battery indicator on it.
I use only a high grade rechargeable and keep a run time tally of each set. I recharge them at 11 hours.
I might top them off earlier if I plan a long trip.
I have never let my ATPro run its batteries to a dead state. Bars are either at 1 or 2 bars at the 11 hour mark.
My ATX...I have run the batteries dead, just as an experiment. After getting the low battery warning...I still had about 45 minutes left to detect before the battery died.
I can not remember what my Infinium nor SurfMaster PI do when their battery goes dead. I have to guess I have never let them run all the way down.
My 2 Excaliburs will give a low battery warning and die within 5 or 10 minutes.
I power my other detectors with a good grade 9V Alkaline battery. As these detectors are not used frequently like the my water detectors are, I may use a battery for a year or more, then just replaced out of precaution from leakage. I always start a planted club hunt with a fresh battery! And carry one in my pocket, jut in case. I do not leave batteries in a detector when the detector is hanging out in my basement, not in use, and waiting to be called back into service. This goes for all other battery powered devices I have. Non rechargeable batteries used as camera, clock, back-up, remote control, smoke and CO detectors etc. are all replace at least once a year. They are also removed from the device if it will not be in use for more that a month.
Only battery problem I have every had was one winter day...I got to all dressed, walk to the water's edge an turned the detector on only to find out I had not replaced the rechargeable battery pack! BUMMER, luck I was only 4 miles from home...20 minutes later I was detecting in the water. I now check the detector before leaving home and take a spare on all trips.
I use only a high grade rechargeable and keep a run time tally of each set. I recharge them at 11 hours.
I might top them off earlier if I plan a long trip.
I have never let my ATPro run its batteries to a dead state. Bars are either at 1 or 2 bars at the 11 hour mark.
My ATX...I have run the batteries dead, just as an experiment. After getting the low battery warning...I still had about 45 minutes left to detect before the battery died.
I can not remember what my Infinium nor SurfMaster PI do when their battery goes dead. I have to guess I have never let them run all the way down.
My 2 Excaliburs will give a low battery warning and die within 5 or 10 minutes.
I power my other detectors with a good grade 9V Alkaline battery. As these detectors are not used frequently like the my water detectors are, I may use a battery for a year or more, then just replaced out of precaution from leakage. I always start a planted club hunt with a fresh battery! And carry one in my pocket, jut in case. I do not leave batteries in a detector when the detector is hanging out in my basement, not in use, and waiting to be called back into service. This goes for all other battery powered devices I have. Non rechargeable batteries used as camera, clock, back-up, remote control, smoke and CO detectors etc. are all replace at least once a year. They are also removed from the device if it will not be in use for more that a month.
Only battery problem I have every had was one winter day...I got to all dressed, walk to the water's edge an turned the detector on only to find out I had not replaced the rechargeable battery pack! BUMMER, luck I was only 4 miles from home...20 minutes later I was detecting in the water. I now check the detector before leaving home and take a spare on all trips.