Battery life in a Armada Pro 700 wire tracer

[txgrassguy]

For those of you who have a Pro 700 series tracer, what is the "D" battery life experienced?
I ask since I have this unit and the thing is positively chewing up batteries. I am seeing perhaps three uses before change out is necessary.
In between use the eight "D" batteries are removed.
My old tried and true 521 requires the lantern type dry cell batteries and requires maybe once a year change out - not every third use.

[AI Inc]

I have an 800 and it did have battery issues. I sent it back and they repaired it under warrenty.

[1idejim]

Originally Posted by txgrassguy

For those of you who have a Pro 700 series tracer, what is the "D" battery life experienced?
I ask since I have this unit and the thing is positively chewing up batteries. I am seeing perhaps three uses before change out is necessary.
In between use the eight "D" batteries are removed.
My old tried and true 521 requires the lantern type dry cell batteries and requires maybe once a year change out - not every third use.

This is a difficult question due to all of the variables.

1). Heat - plays a huge role in battery life.
2).Output level - the higher the output, the faster the battery drains.
3). Shelf life and expiration date - not always dependable.
4). Use - how can one determine average useage? what takes me 10 minutes might take another person 10 hours vice-versa.
5). Battery type and style - lantern batteries are meant to last longer under identical situations than A - C - D cells and that's an unfair comparison.
6). The 700 hasn't had any excessive battery consumption issues in its 5 year run to my knowledge. I would think you have a short or circuitry issue and would call Armada. They are great to work with.
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[koster_irrigation]

my batteries have been in since this spring, and are still working fine.

i would call armada and see if they suggest you sending it in. perhaps
its not turning off fully.

[bcg]

I can't answer for the Armada, but both of my 521A's which also use the D-cells need a battery change about once a year. As a fellow Texan, you know how often my locator gets used since I'm only maintenance and repair, probably 6 - 8 times a week in the season.

[1idejim]

Originally Posted by bcg

I can't answer for the Armada, but both of my 521A's which also use the D-cells need a battery change about once a year. As a fellow Texan, you know how often my locator gets used since I'm only maintenance and repair, probably 6 - 8 times a week in the season.

In reality you are prolly using each locator an average of 1 - 2 hrs a week and about 26 weeks a year.

Maybe less, when was the last time you left a flashlight on?
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[bcg]

Actual full busy season is about 33 weeks, I'll still run calls 1 or 2 days a week the rest of the year.

I'm not complaining about changing the batteries 1x a year at all. I typically change them in March whether they're giving me problems or not and keep an extra set in the van. 8 batteries a year is way cheap for what I earn with that tool.

[1idejim]

To answer your specific question Steve.

The 8 D cells for the transmitter should last 50 + hrs.

This depends on the output level.
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[txgrassguy]

Originally Posted by 1idejim

To answer your specific question Steve.

The 8 D cells for the transmitter should last 50 + hrs.

This depends on the output level.
Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks for all of the answers/input but this is what I was looking for.
I'll track the usage a bit more closely and see if it is the machine or my own stupidity.

[mitchgo]

my 521 went in to the repair shop.

I got the 700, my boss forgets the 700 doesn't turn off when you close the lid like the 521 does. I got fresh new batteries with about 2 hours of usage from last week . I'll let you know when it dies hehe.

I recall the 700 not really having problems with the battery but the 800 did