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Batteries in console by Fine Offset

Posted: Tue 06 Aug 2013 5:32 pm
by nitrx
I've running my fine offset now for almost 4 years I never changed the batteries in the console , should I replace them for some reason ?

Re: Batteries in console by Fine Offset

Posted: Tue 06 Aug 2013 6:18 pm
by robynfali
Do you mean the console or the remote transmitter?

The console draws power when plugged into the computer via USB, so draws very little or no power from the batteries, if you mean the external transmitter, thats something to be proud of!! If it is that though, my personal thought would be to change them before winter sets in

Re: Batteries in console by Fine Offset

Posted: Tue 06 Aug 2013 6:39 pm
by nitrx
No not the transmitter almost 4 years should be very long , I mean the console I know it uses power from the PC but I'm not sure if the batteries will damage the console if they are too old.

Re: Batteries in console by Fine Offset

Posted: Tue 06 Aug 2013 6:55 pm
by robynfali
Batteries, depending on quality do have a risk of leaking, and yes that would damage the console

Re: Batteries in console by Fine Offset

Posted: Tue 06 Aug 2013 7:22 pm
by nitrx
I better replace them in that case

Re: Batteries in console by Fine Offset

Posted: Tue 06 Aug 2013 7:32 pm
by iceberg
Be careful when changing batteries you don't want spikes in you data, that's what happened to me.

I think its better you close cumulus when you change your batteries.



If other members have other better solutions let me know. These is for fine offset stations.

Thanks Tony.

Re: Batteries in console by Fine Offset

Posted: Tue 06 Aug 2013 9:54 pm
by sfws
You should be able to look at the batteries in the console without removing, disconnecting or stopping anything (other than removing the battery compartment cover), to see if they show any sign of ageing, corrosion or leakage, particularly at the ends (where the battery enclosing material is folded also where the battery and console make contact). After that you can make a better judgement as to when to replace batteries, than simply taking an arbitrary age. Some will last longer than others, probably more dependent on batch than make!

Might be worth doing a search of the forum for advice re batteries and their replacement. For instance I think people suggest you move the console close to the transmitter so as to mimimise the time for the transmitter and receiver to recognise each other again. I know each time I replace batteries I end up with data problems (spikes and or gaps) and I suspect it is because the Fine Offset console memory gets corrupted somehow. So I definitely think you want to pick the moment to change batteries to be just after Cumulus has completed a measurement and processing cycle, but as to what else is critical I have not got it right yet, so I'm not the person to advise you!

Re: Batteries in console by Fine Offset

Posted: Wed 07 Aug 2013 6:40 am
by nitrx
Thanks for the tips.

Re: Batteries in console by Fine Offset

Posted: Fri 09 Aug 2013 12:01 pm
by nitrx
I've replaced the batteries of the WH1080 console 'just in case' , the console stayed attached to the computer Cumulus shut down everything went fine no issues.