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**sfldiver** · 27th April 2008, 16:32

Kev, I've tried all different types of batteries, from the 3.6V Safts ($5.50 US each) to the Eveready 1.5V Lithiums ($2.50 US each) to the Duracel 1.5V Alkalines ($.50 US each).

I'VE HAD THEM ALL FAIL ON ME WHILE DIVING!

The porblem is that the Hammerhead Handsets built in volt meter doesn't measure current, so you'll never know if the battery has enough current to fire the selanoid at any given point in time.

Fortunately, I have a VR3 with the 4th cell, so when my handsets shut down, as they did last week in the Keys in the middle of my deco hang during my second dive, I can rely on my VR3, which is generally more conservative. I currently considering activating my second handsets deco, to ensure that I have double redundancy during longer deco dives.

I'm actually pretty frustrated with the whole battery thing and my handsets shutting down from time to time. I've become obsessive about ensuring that I have fresh batteries in my handsets. Fortunately, I buy Duracels in bulk and they only cost $.50 US, so if I play with my hadsets too much, like when I'm setting up my unit and it takes longer than usual, I just dump the battery and replace it with a new one, So I'm constantantly putting my handsets to sleep so it won't drain the battery.

On a previous thread, Kevin Jurgensen suggested using 1.5V Alkalines and switching them every day of diving, which is what I do. However, if I anticipate doing more than 3 to 4 hours of diving in a day, I use the Safts, which are more expensive, but do generally last longer; however, even with the Safts, I still don't know when to change them, so I do it daily as well, if I've done more than 4 hours of diving.

Good luck!

27th April 2008, 16:32	#5 (permalink)
sfldiver S.C.R.U.B.'S Photographer Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pompano Beach, FL Posts: 792	Re: O2ptima Hammerhead/s Batteries Kev, I've tried all different types of batteries, from the 3.6V Safts ($5.50 US each) to the Eveready 1.5V Lithiums ($2.50 US each) to the Duracel 1.5V Alkalines ($.50 US each). I'VE HAD THEM ALL FAIL ON ME WHILE DIVING! The porblem is that the Hammerhead Handsets built in volt meter doesn't measure current, so you'll never know if the battery has enough current to fire the selanoid at any given point in time. Fortunately, I have a VR3 with the 4th cell, so when my handsets shut down, as they did last week in the Keys in the middle of my deco hang during my second dive, I can rely on my VR3, which is generally more conservative. I currently considering activating my second handsets deco, to ensure that I have double redundancy during longer deco dives. I'm actually pretty frustrated with the whole battery thing and my handsets shutting down from time to time. I've become obsessive about ensuring that I have fresh batteries in my handsets. Fortunately, I buy Duracels in bulk and they only cost $.50 US, so if I play with my hadsets too much, like when I'm setting up my unit and it takes longer than usual, I just dump the battery and replace it with a new one, So I'm constantantly putting my handsets to sleep so it won't drain the battery. On a previous thread, Kevin Jurgensen suggested using 1.5V Alkalines and switching them every day of diving, which is what I do. However, if I anticipate doing more than 3 to 4 hours of diving in a day, I use the Safts, which are more expensive, but do generally last longer; however, even with the Safts, I still don't know when to change them, so I do it daily as well, if I've done more than 4 hours of diving. Good luck! __________________ *Currently piloting & shooting...* Dive Rite O2ptima FX Rigged w/ a Dsix Custom Aluminum Frame, Nomad Wing, Transpac Harness and VR3 Computer w/ VPM-B/E & a 4th Cell Sensor Link.* Canon PowerShot G9 Digital Camera Rigged in a Patima-PDCH 2008 G9 Aluminum Housing w/ an Inon UWL-100 Achromat Wide Conversion Lens, 2 Inon UCL-165M67 Close-Up Lenses and 2 Inon Z-240 Strobes. Last edited by sfldiver : 27th April 2008 at 16:36.*
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