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Deputy
USA
27 Posts |
 Posted - 08/16/2013 : 18:30:31
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I installed a new Energizer battery (the one recommended on this forum) that was pre-charged in my GMC-300E. Today I took the device out to test it. When I came home it showed that it had used a slight amount of juice on the meter. So I figured I would charge it back up. After 15 minutes the gauge showed it was still charging. So I unplugged the USB cable. The gauge read a full charge. I plugged it back in and after 30 minutes...still charging. So I unplugged the USB cable. The gauge read a full charge. I think the auto-shutoff circuitry on these devices is NOT working. I also suspect that this problem is the reason why factory batteries are overheating and then leaking out. The charging circuit isn't disconnecting after a full charge and the batteries are being overheated/overcharged. I suggest that other users check their devices to see if this problem also exists with their units. If it does, do NOT trust the charging meter.
Either check frequently by pulling out the USB cable, or do a timed recharge. BTW...my geiger is a brand new unit I just received a coiuple of days ago. Version GMC-300E. Revision 3.01. |
Edited by - Deputy on 08/16/2013 19:54:43
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| Reply #1
ZLM
1261 Posts |
Posted - 08/16/2013 : 20:51:44
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To extend the battery life, the unite uses a small current to charge. Standatd charging hours is 4-6 hours. For some battery may be longer. The battery indicator is indicating the current battery voltage. The actual charging circuit checkes charging current to determain if the battery is full.
Do not warry the overchage, the circuit will take care it. |
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| Reply #2
Deputy
USA
27 Posts |
Posted - 08/17/2013 : 08:05:12
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Okay, thank you ZLM. I appreciate the clarification.  |
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| Reply #3
Dan
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 08/17/2013 : 19:34:10
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What I learned and found out myself...
My GMC-300 will not show charged (solid bat icon) if the light brightness is higher than "2",
The household adapter has 2 lights, red and green, when the green light goes out, the unit is charged...(Brightness level "2" or lower or Geiger counter turned off)
I changed my battery out for the 175mah energizer and the charging time went up a little (about 8 hours with unit on) but the run time went to about 12+ hours with a light level of "5"...
It is a great idea to change the battery for a 175mah energizer 9V (8.4v) rechargeable. After 3 charging cycles capacity increases a little...
When you check the battery voltage on the menu, when it reaches 9.9 volts it says charged. after 7.0 volts the cpm drops and the battery icon is empty, no "low battery" warning but the gauge.
The charging circuit does seem to charge the battery nicely...
I have not tried the car adapter or the power saving mode yet... |
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| Reply #4
ZLM
1261 Posts |
Posted - 08/18/2013 : 08:15:12
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| The unit LCD back light uses a lot of power. Try to avoid using the back light when unit running on the battery. Set the back light timeout to 3-4 seconds and turn on the power saving mode. |
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Topic |
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Battery meter not working
