Lithium Batteries in GPS

edsr · 09-12-2003, 09:28 AM

Last Saturday NorRiver Dave and I took a newbie tuna fishing.

Before we left Depot bay I put two new lithium batteries in my handheld GPS, a Garmin 76s. Approximately three hours later the batteries quit. Another set of lithium were installed and again three hours later failed. My conclusion is that lithium batteries are not the correct batteries to use in a GPS.

THE WARNING -- DON'T USE LITHIUM BATTERIES IN YOUR GPS!!

We did catch five albies and had a long wet ride back when the SW wind picked up.

Sorry to be so long in posting this observation but my couputer and " electrical stuff" have been up and down for the last 10 days with no emails at all.

edsr

Miss B Haven · 09-12-2003, 09:32 AM

Interesting since my cell phone with Lithium Ion Bats lasts at least 5 times as long as the last one with Ni-cads. Laptops computers are all switched to Li-ion for this reason as well.

You're not comparing to non-rechargable bats are you? They will always outlast a rechargable battery but of course it's one time use and toss.

Reef Diver · 09-12-2003, 09:35 AM

edsr,
There is also a possibility it is problem with the Garmin unit.
I had a Magellan hand held that walked thru batteries like that and sent it back to the factory. They sent me a new Magellan back in its place.
RD

edsr · 09-12-2003, 10:39 AM

It was my understanding also that the lithium batteries would last longer. Imagine my surprise.

I am going to run a test on alkaline batteries to see if it is the unit and not the batteries - will report back here upon completion of test.

edsr

Mr. Fisherman · 09-12-2003, 02:31 PM

Ed, that model has options to turn off the barometer and compass features that helps to save on batteries. Something you might want to check. No point powering those features if you are not using them

Badger · 09-12-2003, 07:52 PM

edsr, different types of electronics perform better with different types of batteries (alkaline, lithium, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCd), etc.). Wish I could spit out a few general rules of what works best with what, but I can't. My dad was a patent attorney for a battery manufacturer, I'll see if he has for guidance for GPS's.

What size does the model 76C use AAs? I've got a few Garmins -- 12XL and 176C (& 162, but its hard wired) -- that both use AA's. Does your 76C have capabilities for external power? The 176 does, great for on/off boat use.

I use Rayovac NiMH rechargeables when I can, they seem to work well in both of my handheld GPS's and my digital camera and its nice when they're fully interchangable. Take 8-10 when I leave for the weekend, throw em in the charger when I get home. If I have to buy throwaway's, I use alkalines.

Once you find the right type works best for your unit, I'd look into rechargables. 4-5X times intial cost and 20X use -- well, you do the math. Rayovac's battery charger works with rechargeable alkalines, NiMH & NiCd in AA, AAA, C or D sizes. Pretty economical when you go through them the way I do. WallyWorld & Home Depot are probably best places to find them.

Best bet is to check your your users manual and see what Garmin recommends for the unit. It should say what types work best AND what types not to use. Looked for my Garmin manuals but couldn't find them tonight, they must be on the boat.

Nofish · 09-13-2003, 06:56 AM

edsr,
I run a Garmin eTrex as my backup GPS and use lithium AA batteries. I have used the same batteries now for four days of tuna fishing and two other days chasing bottom fish. As suggested above, there may be something not so right about your unit or perhaps there is a capability problem. My experience is that the lithium batteries are worth the extra dough. Good luck with this...Bob

bull285 · 09-13-2003, 08:43 PM

edsr, I haven't seen it mentioned so I thought I'd mention it. The GPS has a setting for the type of battery installed (alkaline, NiCd, NiMH or Lithium Ion). All four types have a different profile under discharge. If your unit is set to the wrong mode it can show that the batteries are at a much different state of charge than they actually are. Just a sugestion.

edsr · 09-15-2003, 11:42 PM

Thanks all for your input.

The compass was on for a short time and then turned off on that trip last Sat.

This unit uses two AA batteries.

The battery saver mode was employed.

I will check to see if there is a special setting for the lithium batteries.

I did a check over the week-end using alkaline batteries and they lasted about 10 hours so there may be a different setting for alkaline batteries.

edsr