 Poster: A snowHead
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Don't know anything about these, but I can't see the logic of buying batteries which can be recharged, but you use them like disposible batteries and dispose of them after first use 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
|
rob@rar,....I think you might have got the wrong end of the stick.......They are likened to disposable batteries because they come fully charged. They are supposed to have the life of a disposable, but can be recharged over 500 times and they are rated to -10 C degrees. I wondered if anyone here knows how they perform in the mountains across a spectrum of conditions or if anyone has come across any reviews, etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
I know that I've often had phones showing very little power on a cold day on the mountain but which have come back to life once we'd been in a warm bar for 10-15 mins so that's why Li-ion tech is no use.
But is that the only issue with rechargables in tranceivers?
| Quote: |
| they also perform very well at low and even sub zero (-10ºC) temperatures |
We often get temps below that: -15, -20 is pretty common in Jan. But, how well do they rate at -10 and how fast do they drop off below there.
I think we have a very specialist need here and one which is potentially life or death - it would indeed be ideal to build rechargable technology into tranceivers: the ability to bring them back each day and stick them on charge overnight would be great.
These batteries do definitley look good so far, but I'd really like to know more before I trusted them for this purpose.
What do the tranceiver manufacturers have to say?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
BernardC, ahh, I see. Thicky baton to me please 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
admin, ....manufacturers (that I have checked Pieps & BCA) only state ...batteries...Alkaline....rechargeable batteries not recomended.
You are correct, there is a very specialist need and any uncertainty is a risk not worth taking. I will e-mail them though to get their views. The -10 C rating is possibly within parameters, as transceivers should be worn close to the body and underneath any outer shell, but varying conditions are not specified. Like you, I have sometimes found mobile phone batteries very succeptible to cold, not so much 'dry' cold, but when there is also a lot of moisture in the air, etc. A battery specialist would probably be able to give a reasoned view on these, but that I am not....!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One of the major problems with Li-ion batteries in transcievers is the dischsarge characteristic, they maintain full output right up to the point of death, disposables show a more gradual drop off in output voltage. If you put Li-ion's in a device not designed for them a battery charge indicator would show full charge right up the point of the battery going dead, the last thing you need in a transciever.
Why none's designing new kit to take this technology I don't know, maybe an operating temperature issue?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Quote: |
The -10 C rating is possibly within parameters, as transceivers should be worn close to the body and underneath any outer shell
|
That thought occurred to me... in passing.
But, it's all very well that your tranceiver works away quietly under your jacket while your breaking a sweat... when u don't need it. When it actually matters, you may be under snow, having had your jacket ripped away from you. Although the harness [hopefully] is in tact, there could still be a few inches of snow jammed between you and the xceiver.
At the other end of proceedings, everyone has their xceivers out, in their (probably gloved) hands scanning for your signal. Those units will be at the ambient temperature within minutes and wherever your unit has ended up, if the seekers' ones aren't working, you're stuffed.
I think low temp performance is fairly important 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
....very pertinent point! ..... though the cover shell of the transceiver will still provide an important layer of insulation, the margins are very fine. Most alkaline batteries are rated to -18 C, which is a major difference in real terms.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Some clarity from the transceiver manufacturers which might be of general interest.......
REPLIES RECEIVED:
BCA - DTS TRACKER
Thank you for your inquiry on batteries that can be used with the Tracker.
The Hybrio battery described is a new battery developed by French manufacturer, UniRoss. UniRoss is a specialist in the rechargeable battery industry. These may be very good batteries in the long run, but there is little information about their quality at this time.
Like most avalanche transceiver manufacturers, Backcountry Access will only recommend alkaline batteries for use in the Tracker DTS avalanche beacon. This is largely due to the reasons described below:
Alkaline batteries have a very steady and predictable discharge rate. This allows our beacon to give a very accurate and predictable account of the battery life each time the user turns on the beacon. The Tracker DTS is programmed for alkaline batteries.
Lithium batteries may last longer, but its discharge rate is not as predictable, causing what would seem to be high-side false readings for battery life. this is largely in part because the Lithium tend to drain slowly at first, and then pickup speed as they reach the end of their usable life. This could result in your beacon telling the user they have full-power and then failing a few hours later while in the backcountry.
While the shape and size of AAA/LR03 batteries will vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, we have designed in this variance by installing spring clips on the negative terminal of each battery seat. A manufacturer such as Duracell or Energizer who specialize in manufacturing high-quality batteries should suffice.
It is also recommended that you replace your batteries at the beginning of each season, regardless of what battery strength the Tracker DTS will tell you.
PIEPS:
Usually you can use all high quality alkaline batteries. We use power Line batteries like Panasonic standard batteries
I don´t know this new hybrid battery. I belief is a improved NiMH battery (re-chargeable)
You can use re-chargeable batteries for beacon clinics, but please do not use this re-chargeable batteries on ski tour.
I´ll check this new type and try to give you an answer as soon as possible.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
This is new tech?
rich, I suspect that the problem is self-discharge as they sit unused. Hard to believe no one's asked beacon mfgs about Sanyo Eneloops or Titanium Enduro before.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
|
I worked in battery research for 7 years and BernardC hits the nail on the head. Although working for Duracell... hmmmmm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scarpa, .....didn't know you were such a live wire....... 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
Scarpa, ....A question that you might know the answer to....I use Duracell M3 batteries, buying them in packs of 8 normally & using 3 in my transceiver. What is the 'shelf life' of the remaining batteries - still in their packet...?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
They should have a date on them, but I've used them when about 5 years over that. There is an increased chance of leakage though. Shelf life was about 6-7 years from what I remember. I worked on zinc air technology though, those tiny hearing aid cells.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
Scarpa, .....if all fails read directions....! Best before 2012...They may just make the Olympics then!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
So I'd say 2017 as long as you don't leave them laying about in the appliance hehehe. To be honest - keep em for non essential usage - your life is a little too precious... yes BC... even yours 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
have come across these or know anything more about them....?
