Improper battery selection, use, installation and care are the
cause of numerous wireless system failures.
Alkaline Batteries: Alkaline batteries such as Mallory’s
DURACELL® or Eveready’s ENERGIZER® provide the
most reliable operation in wireless transceivers.
The use of low cost carbon-zinc batteries is NOT recom-
mended.
Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries: These batteries can save
you money in the long run, as they can be recharged. Typical
battery life is about 90% of the length of time alkaline batter-
ies last.
Cold Temperatures and Batteries
The battery life times listed in this section are at room tem-
perature. Alkaline and Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries service
hours falls off significantly at low temperatures due to battery
chemistry. Alkaline batteries typically have less than half their
room temperature service life if used at freezing 32° F (0° C).
Due to the service hours reduction of Alkaline and Nickel
Metal Hydride batteries at low temperature the user will need
to change batteries more often.
Another solution is using Lithium AA cells if beltpacks are to
be used in very cold temperatures. Lithium batteries, like the
Energizer® E2 Lithium AA cells, are excellent batteries at
cold temperatures. At the temperatures of 15° F (-9° C),
Lithium AA cells will last about 7 times longer than Alkaline
batteries. that equates to 2 hours for Alkaline vs 14 hours for
Lithiums. However, the tradeoff is Lithiums cost more and
are less friendly to the environment than alkalines.
Battery Life:
RKP-4
Alkaline, 8-10 hours typical
Nickel Metal Hydride, 7-9 Hours typical
WARNING:
Do not place an alkaline RKP-4 battery pack in any battery
charger. Severe charger and battery pack damage may result.
Energizer®is a registered trademark of Union Carbide Corporation.
Duracell®is a registered trademark of Duracell Inc.
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