Battery Capacity

The Model 8718B Meter uses a custom rechargeable battery. Under normal conditions, the battery provides about 20 hours of use before it must be recharged. The two features on the 8718B that significantly increase the current draw and therefore reduce the operating time are the back light and the RS232 serial port. It is for this reason that the default condition upon turn-on for both these features is off. Operating time with the back light on is about 6.5 hours. This is normally sufficient for a full day of measurements but it is a factor that must be considered.

Checking Battery Status

To check the battery status...

1.Access the menu system by pressing the function key that corresponds to the legend below MENU on the bottom line of the display.

2.Press 4 to select BAT/LITE from the First Menu Screen. A new screen will appear that indicates both battery status and back light status.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B

A

T

T

E

R

Y

 

 

 

 

l

 

 

 

L

 

I

G

 

H

 

T

 

 

L

E

V

E

L

=

 

9

0

%

 

 

l

 

I

 

S

 

 

O

 

F

 

F

 

 

T

I

M

E

=

1

8

H

R

S

 

 

l

O

 

N

 

 

 

 

O

 

F

F

 

F1 F2 F3 F4

3.The bar graph indicates the approximate charge level of the battery. The charge level is also shown as a numerical percentage on the left side of the third line of the display.

The estimated operating time under the current operating conditions is shown on the left side of the bottom line of the display. Turning the back light on, for example, reduces the operating time significantly.

76

Operating the Meter