Page 1 of 6 123456 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 82
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    North Of The Boarder
    Age
    68
    Posts
    16,794

    Default Digital Batteries

    Bit of a rant to start.

    I am sick of batteries of digital tools going flat just when you need them. Everything from measuring devices to lights.

    I have 2 Vernier, one which last and last with its button battery the other auto turn off only and it discharges in no time even if not used or battery is removed. These two are same battery size.

    Digital angle gauge large hard to come by in 12 months 3 batteries and its hardly used.

    Excellent LED torch/light original batteries no recharge x 3 lasted for ages recharge type batteries AAA

    I am considering buying a 2nd recharge station for in the shed so I can it on hand for AA AAA etc. That doesn't help with button batteries to.


    Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

    Seriously looking at buy or going back to all analogue...............we have a wind up torch

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Age
    2010
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    2,951

    Default

    I have a two pair of verniers, one digital and one mechanical/analogue. After replacing the batteries several times this year, it now sits on the bench. Not only do they go flat, but just before going flat they produce random/ unreliable results which are sometimes not always that obvious.

    My Igaging DRO scales have proven to be quite economical on batteries, even if I forget to turn them off, same with my igaging digital bevel/angle meter. The DRO scales don't worry me because if ever they become an issue with battery life I have a plan to convert to external power supply but so far I they have not given me a need/excuse to follow that up. My analogue vernier scales have become a joy to use in contrast the the problematic electronic ones.

    Short of supplying external power to your vernier, which would be a PITA, go back to analogue. Interesting subject though and I'd be interested to see what others say.

    Simon
    Girl, I don't wanna know about your mild-mannered alter ego or anything like that." I mean, you tell me you're, uh, super-mega-ultra-lightning babe? That's all right with me. I'm good. I'm good.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge SA
    Posts
    3,339

    Default

    I'm lucky in that my digital verniers X 3 use the same battery as my hearing aids they still don't last that long though.
    Kryn

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Far West Wimmera
    Age
    63
    Posts
    2,765

    Default

    I have this "Digital angle gauge" from Carbatec. Digital Angle Rule : CARBA-TEC

    The first one I bought discharged the batteries really fast. I returned it and got a replacement unit. The new one still went thru batteries, but at a more moderate rate. Now I click the battery slide open when I have finished using it. It happily stays in the just open position without moving and the battery does not go flat. The battery slide is opened by pressing on the opposite side from where it comes out. Not ideal, but it does work.

    I had a vernier that did not have auto shut off. I kept leaving it on. It stopped working one day. It was a 200mm which I paid about $90 for many years ago. I bought a cheap 150mm version with the same style head for about $20, and swapped the head. I had to pull the 200mm vernier out of the scrap bin. It now has auto shut off and also auto on. Move the head and it turns on. It does not go thru batteries.

    I have started buying button batteries for these items in packs of 10 or 20 from EPay so I have them available. Until they go flat in the drawer that is. They are cheap, but not always fast to arrive.

    I use LED torches constantly. I carry one on my belt which goes everywhere with me, providing I have my pants on. It uses 3 x AAA batteries, or an 18650 Lithium rechargable. The rechargables last for quite a while, but if it does go flat I can put in Alkalines.

    I bought a computer mouse with a built-in rechargable battery some years ago. It was a total waste of time. I turn my computer on when I am using it and then turn it off when I have finished. The mouse never recharged. It got the flick real quick. I now have a serious dislike of built-in rechargable batteries in anything. When the battery goes flat you are stuffed.

    I bought lots of rechargable AA batteries over a number of years. I have given up using them. They kept failing just when you needed them. Now I mostly buy packs of alkaline batteries from Jaycar.

    A second recharge station is a good idea.

    Dean

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Melbourne Australia
    Posts
    1,128

    Default

    I have much better luck with sticking to the Silver Oxide versions. Even when I type SR44 into Ebay. That's the battery for most of my Mits stuff. Most of the hits are for Alkaline versions in the same package size.

    Regards Phil.

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    2,951

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Machtool View Post
    I have much better luck with sticking to the Silver Oxide versions. Even when I type SR44 into Ebay. That's the battery for most of my Mits stuff. Most of the hits are for Alkaline versions in the same package size.

    Regards Phil.
    Ahh I think you may have explained something for me. I recently found a "cheaper" battery solution for one of my verniers. It's an A72 that are sold in a 5 pack at Safeway. They were a bit cheaper but never seemed to last as long. Now I know why, they must be the alkaline version of the Silver Oxide that it originally used.

    Simon
    Girl, I don't wanna know about your mild-mannered alter ego or anything like that." I mean, you tell me you're, uh, super-mega-ultra-lightning babe? That's all right with me. I'm good. I'm good.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    SA
    Posts
    1,478

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by simonl View Post
    Ahh I think you may have explained something for me. I recently found a "cheaper" battery solution for one of my verniers. It's an A72 that are sold in a 5 pack at Safeway. They were a bit cheaper but never seemed to last as long. Now I know why, they must be the alkaline version of the Silver Oxide that it originally used.

    Simon
    My cheap digital calipers and cheap other digital gauges work fine, and battery life is fair to OK - no complaints.

    I just buy sheets of those cheap button butteries (about 50 ) off of Ebay and they work fine - cost peanuts. Last as long as the good brands.

    You get so many and they're so cheap I gave a couple of rows of them to my neighbor for his caliper.

    They last for ages. I recon I bought the last lot about ten years ago.

    Seems like cheap gauges run well on cheap batteries

    Rob
    The worst that can happen is you will fail.
    But at least you tried.



  9. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Qld. Australia
    Posts
    417

    Default

    A76 is the same as 157, 303, 357, AG13, EPX76, LR44, S76, SG13, SR44 according to one chart I looked at. A lot of these charts are wrong, because the SR44 at least are Silver Oxide. I think the 357 is also Silver Oxide and the same as a SR44. The others I think are all Alkaline. They just put all these together because they are the same size and I think voltage. Mitutoyo use SR44 which are Silver Oxide. I use the SR44 and they last a very long time even if left on occassionally. Tried the LR44 in the Mitutoyo once and they did not work or last very long.
    Nev.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Adelaide
    Age
    59
    Posts
    3,149

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by SurfinNev View Post
    I use the SR44 and they last a very long time even if left on occasionally. Tried the LR44 in the Mitutoyo once and they did not work or last very long.
    Quote Originally Posted by Machtool View Post
    I have much better luck with sticking to the Silver Oxide versions.
    My understanding is that the silver oxide and alkaline versions have different discharge characteristics. A Silver oxide maintains it's voltage level for some time and then suddenly drops while the Alkaline version has a continuous but slow drop. As most of these battery indicators work on voltage, the Alkaline looks to fail almost immediately but will last for longer if you keep in until the device actually stops working - although as Simon says they can give spurious results at low voltage.

    These days I try to limit the number of battery powered devices I have in the shed. for micrometers I prefer the mechanical digital versions for example.

    Michael

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Townsville. Tropical Nth Qld.
    Posts
    1,243

    Default

    Ray, one thing I have noticed with my digital calipers (and I have a lot) is that even when I turn them off, some of them just sit at idle with the LCD display off, because when I pick them up they automatically turn on. These are the ones that eat up the batteries. Also oils ain't oils, when it comes to the capacity or longevity of button batteries.
    Rgds,
    Crocy.

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    N.W.Tasmania
    Posts
    703

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by SurfinNev View Post
    A76 is the same as 157, 303, 357, AG13, EPX76, LR44, S76, SG13, SR44 according to one chart I looked at. A lot of these charts are wrong, because the SR44 at least are Silver Oxide. I think the 357 is also Silver Oxide and the same as a SR44. The others I think are all Alkaline. They just put all these together because they are the same size and I think voltage. Mitutoyo use SR44 which are Silver Oxide. I use the SR44 and they last a very long time even if left on occassionally. Tried the LR44 in the Mitutoyo once and they did not work or last very long.
    I think you will find that anything with an S in its designation, like SR44, S76 and SG13 will be a silver oxide battery. There are other designators as well, (for silver oxide) and many are listed in the link below, and there is also data on capacity, with an S76 having 160 mAh, compared to around 100 mAh for the alkaline LR44s IIRC. Other factors come into play as well such as internal resistance, cold performance and discharge curve shape, which may be significant depending on the load placed on the battery by the device.

    Edit: I have just noticed that the SP76 is listed as alkaline, and the AG76, which one could have reasonably thought to be Silver oxide technology is also alkaline, so there goes my theory on all SX xxx batteries being Silver Oxide.
    Of course one major reason for digital devices for me anyhow, is that my weakening eyesight is easier able to cope with digital outputs than it is trying to read those fine lines on a vernier scale, or even the 64ths on a 6" rule / scale, unless I have good strong lighting, a chrome or stainless scale and preferably an Optivisor or similar magnifying aid.

    Camera Batteries - a complete chart - Photoethnography.com's Classic Camera DB



  13. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    68
    Posts
    1,417

    Default

    For digital calipers you MUST use silver oxide batteries. Not Alkaline batteries. Silver oxide batteries have a slighter higher cell voltage (1.55V), which (unlike alkaline batteries) does remain nearly constant during discharge. Silver Oxide batteries also have a higher capacity than alkaline batteries of same size. And silver oxide batteries keep working at very low temperatures (like when left in a cold unheated workshop overnight). Downside is that SO batteries cost more. Also, do not buy batteries whose use-by date is already off, or will soon expire. You will soon find out that the price of batteries depends on how many years are left until expiry.

    I personally have quite a bit experience with Chinese low cost digital calipers. These that use the chip and capacituve measuring system stolen long ago from the Swiss Sylvac calipers. I have found that some of these calipers draw too much current, and drain the battery much quicker. Also some of these caliper work fine with undervoltage, some not. It is the luck of the draw what you get, unless you buy the somewhat more expensive Chinese versions. The real cheapest offers definitely contain a larger proportions of bad circuits. And for obvious cost reduction reasons, the very cheapest calipers come from factory with worthless alkaline batteries - even if the manual says to use silver oxide. There are manual off and auto off models using this same chip. Anyway, withe these China calipers an alkaline battery lasts about 1 to 2 months, a silver oxide battery about 6 months. For comparison, my Mitutoyo digimatic caliper runs 3 years on one silver oxide battery.

    I also found out that the newer type of Chinese calipers do not use anymore sr44 type batteries, but the flatter CR (lithium type) batteries. I bought one of these newer models, with larger display, and able to display 3 modes (mm, decimal inches, and fractional inches). The battery seems to last about 12 months. It is a newly designed chip inside, not just cloned but apparently really designed and made in China.

  14. #13
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    North Of The Boarder
    Age
    68
    Posts
    16,794

    Default

    Wow what a response thanks to all. I in future when buying button batteries shall look closer as to what I am buying as in Alkaline or Silver Oxide.

    One thing I do not agree on here is price of the tool used!! It doesn't matter if its a cheap $20 or $150 or even $300 tool which needs batteries they still use batteries.

    Yes life of the batteries differs in many of the things I have which uses them some are rechargeable AA AAA, but button batteries . Although somewhere in cyberspace I have seen a set up to charge button batteries in sequence of course many AA AAA's are just that in cylinder form.


    Oh I do have one vernier which I have to remove the battery still just as I go to need to use it the battery is dying erratic or dead.


    I do how ever have a cheap cheap cheap analogue type think it cost me $5 no dial gauge just eye ball for rough measurements.

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    SA
    Posts
    1,478

    Default

    I have one of those cheap digital calipers that you see everywhere and cost about $15 - $20 off Ebay.

    It turns on when you move the slide a significant distance.

    One thing I notice is that if I put it away in the case switched off, and I happen to bump the case, when I open the case it's switched itself back on.

    Almost seems like there is a "G" sensor in it, the way it's reacting.

    Anyone else noticed this ?

    The amount of a bump to set it off doesn't have to be great. The jaws are always fully closed both before and after the event.

    Wierd.

    Rob
    The worst that can happen is you will fail.
    But at least you tried.



  16. #15
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    North Of The Boarder
    Age
    68
    Posts
    16,794

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by nearnexus View Post
    I have one of those cheap digital calipers that you see everywhere and cost about $15 - $20 off Ebay.

    It turns on when you move the slide a significant distance.

    One thing I notice is that if I put it away in the case switched off, and I happen to bump the case, when I open the case it's switched itself back on.

    Almost seems like there is a "G" sensor in it, the way it's reacting.

    Anyone else noticed this ?

    The amount of a bump to set it off doesn't have to be great. The jaws are always fully closed both before and after the event.

    Wierd.

    Rob
    One of mine does the same the one I usually have to remove the battery from as per instruction manual. However this same vernier does strange things when near other electrical gear such as power box of the Jet Mini Lathe number start dancing.

Page 1 of 6 123456 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 3
    Last Post: 29th October 2013, 11:03 AM
  2. AA Batteries.
    By issatree in forum HINTS & TIPS
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 28th August 2012, 09:57 AM
  3. Batteries
    By cookie48 in forum HAND TOOLS - POWERED
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 15th March 2011, 05:45 PM
  4. Batteries.
    By RETIRED in forum HAND TOOLS - POWERED
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 6th November 2000, 05:34 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •