Unusual battery usage in a Cab1 handheld

I’d bet on one of the batteries having an internal short or defect.

@rplst8 posted:

I’d bet on one of the batteries having an internal short or defect.

My other option I was going to suggest is that many of these older CAB1 remotes by now have had battery tray area damage, and far too often people rig the terminals with all kinds of methods- wire, brass or other metal strip, aluminum foil, etc.

The problem with all batteries is the can outer metal casing is negative, and the pressed in stamped front piece with the nub forms the positive terminal. They are often insulated, but damage over time and or metal being used for a makeshift battery terminal could easily short out the single cell. Again all it takes is something metal or conductive to short the outer casing to the terminal post which can be even worse if the battery outer wrap insulating material is damaged near the positive end.

Again, my gut says it has nothing to do with the electronics- but could be either a cell failing- or modified or otherwise defective battery terminal shorting that specific battery.

Thanks Rplst8, possibly, however I do rotate batteries and the ones that deplete recharge normally. I'm pretty sure it is never the exact same battery placed back in the third position, but yet that position is the one invariably comes up drained.

John

Thanks Vernon, I have done no mods to the terminals, I'm the original owner and it is factory stock. As I said the batteries are used in a random order.

John

@John Meyncke posted:

Thanks Vernon, I have done no mods to the terminals, I'm the original owner and it is factory stock. As I said the batteries are used in a random order.

John

OK, so the problem is- the electronics ONLY use the batteries in (edit- wired or placed in) series in the tray.

The middle cells that you say are dying- are not in any way drained or connected individually to the electronics.

That leaves- the battery- or the tray.

EDIT- you claim it's not that one cell because of random usage and replacement= the battery tray and contact(s) shorting out that cell.

Ok, many thanks I'll get it on the work bench and inspect closely. I'll update my findings. I was curious if others had experienced this situation with the handhelds.

John

Why do you use rechargeable batteries? I just use standard Duracell batteries and they last over a year. Maybe you should just try some standard batteries.

What ^^Vernon said.  It HAS to be coincidence because the intent is that the four batteries together in series with each other provide more than 5VDC.

What you might do, is  make sure the plus and minus terminals for the suspect battery position don't show any continuity, not even at high ohms.  (Measure the terminals when the tray is empty.)

Good input, very much appreciated. I will do the continuity test and see what it shows.  Interestingly, I actually had the same result of a depleted 3rd battery effect when using regular batteries. As you can probably surmise, I'm a pretty decent shade tree mechanic...an electrical engineer...not so much

John

Hi I've known many techs who use Tenergy battery's including myself and never had a problem you know you need to recycle battery on a charger which runs them completely down and then recharges them! these resets them and they will fully charge again, this needs to be done so the rechargeable batteries will give a longer life!

Alan

@Alan Mancus posted:

Hi I've known many techs who use Tenergy battery's including myself and never had a problem you know you need to recycle battery on a charger which runs them completely down and then recharges them! these resets them and they will fully charge again, this needs to be done so the rechargeable batteries will give a longer life!

Not true for recent NiMh batteries.

Proper Care and Feeding: NiMH Battery FAQs

Q: What is meant by battery memory?

"A: Older generation and batteries with other chemical make-up were subject to a memory effect. This is when a battery must be fully drained before recharge or their capacity is reduced. The New Generation of NIMH batteries do not develop a memory effect and can be recharged at anytime during usage cycle. When uncertain about battery charge level or condition, recharge it."

Is it necessary to fully drain Ni-MH batteries before recharging them?

"NimH life can be enhanced substantially by never discharging them fully on any occasion."