DS10A and Low Battery Warnings

[Jeff M]

I am getting annoying low battery warnings with a few of my DS10A (older door sensor).  I am using rechargable NiMh batteries, which seem to be slightly larger in diameter than standard AA batteries.  I know the problem is not the batteries since I swapped them with a fresh set.  I am thinking that the battery contacts on the sensor is a problem.  Anyone else having this problem with these sensors?

[Alan V]

I wouldn't use NiMh batteries in the DS10A.  These batteries have a beginning-of-life (BOL) voltage of 1.2V.  Alkaline batteries have a BOL voltage of 1.5V.  So the DS10A is starting off with a lower voltage of 2.4V instead of 3.0V.  This is probably not a good idea.

[Jeff M]

I am using NiMh cells in my DS12A sensors without any problems.  Perhaps the older DS10A are more sensitive to voltage levels. 

[dave w]

I am using NiMh cells in my DS12A sensors without any problems.  Perhaps the older DS10A are more sensitive to voltage levels. 

How often do you recharge?

[Jeff M]

I had low battery warnings just a few weeks after installing the system at my girlfriends house.  I installed all freshly recharged cells last weekend, and one of the sensors reported a low battery this morning.  At my house, I am using the DS12A sensors with the same brand of battery (except the DS12A use AAA instead of AA) and I have not had to replace the batteries, and it has been a few months at least since I installed the system.

So in other words, the low battery warning appeared well before I should have had to recharge the batteries.

[dave w]

Thanks!

[Alan V]

The X10 door sensors draw very little current.  NiMh batteries have relatively high leakage with self-discharge rates of 0.5% to 1% per day.  So I wouldn't think this would be a good application for NiMh batteries.  Only my opinion.  Use whatever works for you.

[Jeff M]

I use the low self-discharge NiMh for this very reason. 

[Jeff M]

Thanks for the advice to use standard alkaline AA batteries instead of rechargeable.  The DS10A just do not have a tolorance for the lower voltage of NiMh batteries.  About how long do AA alkaline batteries last in these sensors?

[Alan V]

Not sure.  I don't keep track of it.  I think the quiescent current is probably in the microamps, however I have never measured it.  The higher current draw is when the device has to transmit and flash the LED.  So it's dependent on how often you open your door.

[Tuicemen]

Thanks for the advice to use standard alkaline AA batteries instead of rechargeable.  The DS10A just do not have a tolorance for the lower voltage of NiMh batteries.  About how long do AA alkaline batteries last in these sensors?

I've used regular alkaline aa bateries in all my ds10s.
I get on average 2 years though I've had some go three. it depends on how often they are tripped.
One point to note, I even use these at the cottage and even with no heat in the winter months they still last 2 years.
Maybe I'm just lucky!

[Jeff M]

Two years?  Really?  I'm impressed.  I hate the thought of using disposable batteries, but two years life is more than reasonable.  It's difficult being green!  I was able to use one of my extra DS12A sensors for my girlfriends front door, and they get along with NiMh batteries just fine.  Her windows with the DS10A sensors hardly get opened so battery life should not be a problem.


















 

[Tuicemen]

I'm not suggesting one depend on a two year life span especially for well used openings.
I try to change the important openings once a year.

I also had tried rechargeables but figured recharging every month or two (my experience) off set the benefits.

[Jeff M]

One last question and then this topic is over.  When I replace the batteries in a sensor, the Low Battery message still shows on the console.  I had to clear memory and register the sensors over again.  What is the proper way to clear this message after replacing  batteries? 

[Tuicemen]

Which console are we talking about?
I think a re-register is the only way with a DS7000