Satlook Lite ...suitable batteries ??

[Vipersan]

I'm hoping someone can answer this for me as I don't want to buy the wrong type ..
I recently got one of these meters very cheap through my brother in law ...
Aquired from a car boot sale ..
Nice meter ...but sadly the AA sized batts inside ...labelled EMITOR ...dont look anything special ..just 8x 1600 mah NI MH...are highly suspect..
So ..I'm assuming anything around the same capacity will do ..
I can get
8 x Duracell AA 2500mAh Duralock PRE / STAY CHARGED Ni-Mh Rechargeable Batteries
for about £14
Will these be a suitable replacement ?
I dont want to damage the meter or internal charger ...
Currently holding a charge for only about 10 to 15 minutes..
??
rgds
VS

 

[Captain Jack]

The batteries that came with mine didn't last long at all. Especially when driving the motor back and forth. Was highly frustrating when it just gives up on the job.

In the end, I just used a generic 12v power supply for it. I never did get on with mine, so sold it on pretty quickly.

 

[Vipersan]

The batteries that came with mine didn't last long at all. Especially when driving the motor back and forth. Was highly frustrating when it just gives up on the job.

In the end, I just used a generic 12v power supply for it. I never did get on with mine, so sold it on pretty quickly.

Yep these green Emitor brand batts look a bit cheap n cheerful ...which is why I was considering the Duracell upgrade..
Higher capacity ...and a five year life _apparently_

 

[Captain Jack]

If you're intent on using it on batteries, get as high a capacity as you can. I am not sure how much you can squeeze into an AA battery though...

 

[Vipersan]

If you're intent on using it on batteries, get as high a capacity as you can. I am not sure how much you can squeeze into an AA battery though...

Not so much bothered about using batts at ground level ...but up a ladder with it hung around my neck ...
Not happy about being up there in the first place ...but with trailing 12v supply leads ...even less happy..
lol

 

[Channel Hopper]

Not so much bothered about using batts at ground level ...but up a ladder with it hung around my neck ...
Not happy about being up there in the first place ...but with trailing 12v supply leads ...even less happy..
lol

You could always carry up a mains extension lead......

 

[Sat1969]

Vipersan,

Did you buy the Duracell batteries ?
Are they compatible with the Satlook lite?

Thanks

 

[Vipersan]

I did ..and they are holding up quite well ..

rgds
VS

 

[jeallen01]

Also seriously consider Panasonic (were Sanyo-branded until recently) Eneloops which, as I use them for battery grips on DLSRs and other heavy consumption products, are long-reputed as being some of the very best and long-lived NiMh AA cells, and they hold their charge extremely well over long periods of storage.

Just today, I got back some 2yrs old cells that I had lent to a fellow U3A member because he had been saying that his wife finds it difficult to sleep and so has a radio on all night but the batteries never last long enough for a full night. He was very pleased that the Eneloops (Black "Pro" version, not the slightly cheaper "normal" ones which are White) lasted a full 12hrs and more, and much longer than a set of Maplins NiMh ones and I think he will now buy some + a decent charger. - even made a minor "announcement at today's mtg to that effect!

If you want to try them, you can find both types on many websites including Amazon - but do get a decent dedicated NiMh charger!

 

[Sat1969]

Also seriously consider Panasonic (were Sanyo-branded until recently) Eneloops which, as I use them for battery grips on DLSRs and other heavy consumption products, are long-reputed as being some of the very best and long-lived NiMh AA cells, and they hold their charge extremely well over long periods of storage.

Just today, I got back some 2yrs old cells that I had lent to a fellow U3A member because he had been saying that his wife finds it difficult to sleep and so has a radio on all night but the batteries never last long enough for a full night. He was very pleased that the Eneloops (Black "Pro" version, not the slightly cheaper "normal" ones which are White) lasted a full 12hrs and more, and much longer than a set of Maplins NiMh ones and I think he will now buy some + a decent charger. - even made a minor "announcement at today's mtg to that effect!

If you want to try them, you can find both types on many websites including Amazon - but do get a decent dedicated NiMh charger!

Thank you for your valuable input.
What is a decent dedicated NiMh charger for the Eneloops pro ?

 

[Channel Hopper]

Just today, I got back some 2yrs old cells that I had lent to a fellow U3A member because he had been saying that his wife finds it difficult to sleep and so has a radio on all night but the batteries never last long enough for a full night. He was very pleased that the Eneloops (Black "Pro" version, not the slightly cheaper "normal" ones which are White) lasted a full 12hrs and more, and much longer than a set of Maplins NiMh ones and I think he will now buy some + a decent charger. - even made a minor "announcement at today's mtg to that effect!

Her sleep might improve with the radio off, or in another room.

 

[jeallen01]

Sat1969
This is the battery charger that I have (but the Continental 2-pin version): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sanyo-Eneloop-Charger-Inc-Batteries/dp/B000N64EL2.

Does not charge very quickly but does do the job (and handy to take on holiday with the 2-pin plug).

Edited here as the original link does not now show up:

Here is an interesting review on AA battery chargers:

(PS: there are quite a number of other charger reviews linked from the same page)
That review appears to show that one particular Techline charger is the all around best for the reviewer - but from what I found earlier, the same ranges of chargers is also sold under several other names including Youshiko - and this one seems to do pretty much the same as the reviewed one but has a 12V input option, so you can charge batteries in the car and so on https://www.amazon.co.uk/Youshiko-Y...1-1&keywords=youshiko+nimh+aa+battery+charger

Would probably buy that, or something very like it, and some of the black Eneloop Pro (and not the slightly cheaper White) batteries if I was buying the same thing today.

None of these things are very cheap but you get what you pay for!

 

[rbdaves]

My Satlook Lite battery pack has given up. I've been looking around for a replacement battery pack and am having trouble finding a source.
Just to be clear, the battery pack in my Satlook Lite meter has six inline batteries and they are enclosed in a plastic sleeve with connecting wires and a plug. I can't just insert six batteries as there is no connecting points inside the battery compartment. I found one replacement battery pack at Solid Signal, I think. It is about $40.00. In reading up on the Emitor battery for this Satlook Lite, it doesn't get high marks, so I'm looking for something with more oomph. Any help out there?

 

[archive10]

My Satlook Lite battery pack has given up. I've been looking around for a replacement battery pack and am having trouble finding a source.
Just to be clear, the battery pack in my Satlook Lite meter has six inline batteries and they are enclosed in a plastic sleeve with connecting wires and a plug. I can't just insert six batteries as there is no connecting points inside the battery compartment. I found one replacement battery pack at Solid Signal, I think. It is about $40.00. In reading up on the Emitor battery for this Satlook Lite, it doesn't get high marks, so I'm looking for something with more oomph. Any help out there?

Strange - my SatLook Lite has eight individual cells that can be individually removed and replaced.

 

[archive10]

Here's the back of mine with the battery compartment exposed.
Just out of interest, can you post a pic of your battery pack and the back of the meter?

 

[PaulR]

In case it's not obvious it looks as though your meter uses AA size NiMH batteries. Seven cells equates to 8.4v, assuming that there isn't another row of cells underneath.

 

[jeallen01]

@rbdavies
Could you not just fit a DC-input socket to the meter case, with the terminals connected to the end contacts in the battery compartment, and use an external battery pack made up of whichever cells you want (and with a suitable charger for the batteries, or the pack, of course)?

PS: there are a lot of 8.4v battery packs & chargers on e**y for £10 upwards because they are used for bike lamps - like this one:Rechargeable 18650 8.4V Battery Pack Pouch for CREE XML-T6 LED Bike Light Head | eBay

 

[rbdaves]

Strange - my SatLook Lite has eight individual cells that can be individually removed and replaced.

You are right. My Satlook Lite battery pack has 8 batteries. However, they are inline and enclosed in a plastic sheath.

In case it's not obvious it looks as though your meter uses AA size NiMH batteries. Seven cells equates to 8.4v, assuming that there isn't another row of cells underneath.

There is a single row of AA batteries with a label "AA*8 9.6V 2500 MAH"
I purchased this Satlook Lite in 2014.

 

[rbdaves]

@rbdavies
Could you not just fit a DC-input socket to the meter case, with the terminals connected to the end contacts in the battery compartment, and use an external battery pack made up of whichever cells you want (and with a suitable charger for the batteries, or the pack, of course)?

This is possible, However, I've found a replacement battery pack at SolidSignal.com for $40.00 (US). Looks like this is the only option.

PS: there are a lot of 8.4v battery packs & chargers on e**y for £10 upwards because they are used for bike lamps - like this one:Rechargeable 18650 8.4V Battery Pack Pouch for CREE XML-T6 LED Bike Light Head | eBay

Wouldn't work. The battery pack in this device consists of AA*8 9.6V 2500 MAH.

 

[rbdaves]

Here's the back of mine with the battery compartment exposed.
Just out of interest, can you post a pic of your battery pack and the back of the meter?
View attachment 101168