Stinky Batteries

[pris]

I got soooo skunked this morning. I woke up at 5 am so I could go down to Laguna Beach. I've been thinkin' about it for at least 2 weeks. I had everything ready to go (or so I thought). Noelle even went with me so she could have a nice morning walk on the beach. We arried and didn't have to pay for parking, because it was before 8am, and walked down the stairs to go to the beach. I got a tone right off of the stairs and it was a quarter! Immediately after that, my MD went nutso. I turned the sensitivity way low, but it didn't matter. I noticed that my battery level showed one bar and these are brand new batteries. I had just put them in on Friday!!! I walked around after that thinking that I would just hunt until it died. I didn't hear anything for about 15 minutes after the quarter, so I tested it against my metal scoop. Nothin'.
I was so but I decided I was just going to try and find a convenience store and pay $15 for 4 batteries (that's what tourists pay, right). I walked all the way up the stairs again and got to my car. I decided to take my wallet out of my backpack, which was in my trunk, but noticed that I didn't have my wallet! What the heck was wrong with me? No the night before, so I really had no excuse except for stupidity. Well, I walked back to the beach and told Noelle, who proceeded to laugh. I had a bit of a cry because I was so sad I was missin' all the jewelery, which made Noelle laugh even more. I got over it and enjoyed the ocean for a bit, then we left.

So, my question is this. If your MD has one bar, shouldn't it still work?

[IronClad]

If your MD has one bar, shouldn't it still work?

Nope ...Pretty much dead. Not sure what detector you use or the type of batteries, but if its down to ( 1 ) bar, your most likely trying to operate the unit with 1 battery....not gonna happen.

Sorry about your unfavorable hunt, but at least you got to spend an nice day at the beach with Noelle, and theres nothing wrong with that.

Always have a spare set of batteries. My old detecting buddy used to tape an extra set right to the bottom of his detector. He got tired of walking back to the car for them. I carry extra in a side pocked of my pouch.

Good Luck, and plan another day to go.

[bigjohn]

my whites acks up about half way. at 50% no go.

[Steve in PR]

Sorry to hear that everything went to heck, Pris. I know the feeling too.......unfortunately. Been there, done that.

[JCWhite]

Been there, done that..... I am trying to carry a spare set all the time but it's hard to keep up with.

[9976277]

Pris; I have a question; you have the ACE 250-do you find that detector to work OK in the sand?--either wet or dry-at the beach--Thank you-----

[DougsGraphics]

I guess I'm really spoiled with my Minelab Explorer II. It gives you a couple warning bleeps then just plain turns off when the power level gets too low. I always keep the rechargable pack in the machine till it goes, then slap in the pack with alkalines I keep in reserve. Once the rechargable is ready to go again, I pop it back in and keep the alkaline pack in reserve. Oh, and I always keep a large quantity of alkalines in the back of the truck -- just in case!

[COMMANDR]

Sorry to hear about the battery problem at the beach. Nothing like fresh batteries for the machine to feed on. My Minelab X70 works until the batteries are flat. I have detected for a hour or so (with headphones) with 1 bar. I have a pouch/VibraProbe belt that I carry and have a spare set of batteries for the X70 and the VibraProbe. The spare sets are alkaline cells but I run recharable Nickel Metal Hydrides (NIMH) 2650mAh in the X 70. They provide about 10 hours before the battery icon shows 1 bar. All metal detecting is done with headphones, which extend the battery life.

HH

Gary

[pris]

I was using brand new? batteries that I only had about 1/2 hour's use. Sure didn't think they would waste away so quickly. I've only taken my Ace250 to the beach a few times. Only the dry sand is huntable, though.

Thanks everyone, for your replies. I guess I just need to have an extra set of juice on hand.

[The TINMAN]

I,ve had Brand New batteries that did the same so I Always keep spares with me, in fact for the holidys or my Bday or anything where I know someone is going to give me something I'm not gonna use or like, I just tell them ahead of time Batteries Please. Sorry your day on one hand Stunk but you & noelle did get to go to the beach. Tomarrow will bring a new day and more favorable times. Glad it was just batteries & Nothing wrong with Your Detector.

The TINMAN