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  The
standard avalanche transceiver battery test (as specified in EN 300 718) requires
that the transceiver is left in transmit mode for 200 hours at 10C (50F)
and it should then be able to receive a signal for at least one hour at -10C
(14F). The transceiver comparison table displays
the manufacture's stated battery life. For example, when the table lists
"250/15", it means that the manufacture states that the transceiver can receive for
at least 250 hours (presumably at 50F) or receive for 15 hours
(presumably at 14F).
Always use fresh, high quality, alkaline batteries and replace them before they get
low. All of the batteries should be replaced at the same time using the same brand.
Never use rechargeable batteries.
Beginning with version 3.2, the
Mammut Pulse can accept either alkaline or lithium
batteries. Lithium batteries are lighter, last longer, don't corrode, and are more expensive.
Note that you must change an internal setting in the Pulse before changing the battery
type.
The batteries should be removed if you are not going to use the transceiver for a
longer period of time (e.g., at the end of your winter) to prevent damage due to battery
leakage. You should also remove the batteries if you ship your transceiver, because
the transceiver may be exposed to extreme temperatures and pressure changes during
shipping. Leaking batteries will void most transceiver warranties. According to Mammut,
you should return your transceiver to have the terminal contacts replaced if you see
any corrosion on the terminals.
Digital transceivers display the strength of the batteries on the screen. Some manufactures
say that there is still enough reserve in the batteries to operate when the battery
level displays 0%. Here are some manufacture's statements regarding their battery indicators:
- The Mammut Pulse manual says the
beacon will send for at least 20 hours and then receive for one hour when the battery
indicator says 20%.
- The Pieps DSP/Tour manual says
that these transceivers will send for at least 20 hours and then receive for one
hour when the battery indicator says 1%. "As long as the PIESP <sic>
DSP/Tour shows > 1%, you still can do a full 1-day-tour."
The consequences of your batteries dying before you should be obvious.
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