Quote: (Originally Posted by henckell)
I can't understand why the difference in current consumption/battery life is so big between the HH and other computers/controllers. Some manufacturers claim hundreds of hours of diving or years of standby and of course different batteries have different specs, but is the difference (even under good circumstances for the HH) something that should be expected?
The numbers really arent that diifferent once you start looking at the power sources used and the wattage they are able to deliever..
if you are comparing a single AA alkaline cell against a 5 pack, you should compare the life of 5 battery changes against a pack of 5.. The 5 changes would be less - because the smaller voltage cells need to deliever more peak current which derates cells faster but its a fairer comparison.. Thats one of the reasons why a 3.6v AA in the HH lasts longer than even 3 standard AA cell changes...
Look at the CRP2s used my the Insp.. these have a wattage rating about 30% higher than a single 3.6v saft but doesnt last as long... I know I have done 3 weeks of every day diving on a HH (but usually only go 2 weeks for safety), I have never even come close to that on an Insp..
Also compare things like is there an LCD display?, If so is it viewable all the time or does it go to sleep independent of the controller... Size of the display, the larger (physically - not number of characters/lines), usually the more current needed for the backlight and display..
If we look at DC, the VR3 is a good comparison since it can use a single AA as well.. If I take a HH and wake it up every day, I get 3-4 weeks on a AA cell, If I do this to a vr3 (I only tried it on one unit, and 2 different times) which has a smaller display I got 4-5 weeks.. Not much of a difference there..
If you didn't have to track time (integrated DC) then you could stay in standby for much longer time.... on the HH constantly checking the depth sensor does use up resources, once the depth check is eliminated battery life should increase..