Pro-Track batteries

[wildblue 7]

Aren't they supposed to last a couple years? I've had my Pro-Track for 6 months maybe, it started acting up this weekend. It didn't record 4 jumps (yes it was on, I even checked it a few times in the plane, but once I got to the ground it had shut off)
Doesn't it have a low battery warning? I changed the batteries, and it recorded the next jump, so I'm assuming that's what it was. I leave it on the ECO setting, and usually shut it off at the end of every day as well.
What's your experience with them?

[Craig 0]

According to the manual for automatic on/off battery life should be aprox. 1.5 years or 300 jumps. For Economize it states "Extended battery life time, depending on jumping frequence." For the low bat. warning the manual says that it will sound a continuous alarm tone for 5 sec. when climbing through 1,000 feet...I think right after the altitude setting tones, and "LOW BAT" will flash every 7 seconds when the unit is in jump mode. Now, for what the Pro Track will ACTUALLY do if the batteries are low is anyone's guess. I have only had mine for 2 weeks and use "automatic" mode so can't offer any more help.

[skybytch 273]

That's actually about normal for someone who jumps a lot, from what I've heard. Checking the dive info often can cause the batteries to run down faster, as can forgetting to shut it down at the end of each jumping day, downloading the info to your 'puter, etc...
pull and flare,
lisa
----
I am a nobody.
Nobody's perfect.
Therefore, I am perfect!

[asarip 0]

I had problems with the batteries before. I got my Pro-Track two months ago. The first pair was a total flat out, and the replacement didn't help either. They started acting up barely a month after the replacement. It acted pretty much the same way as yours. Maybe you should try changing the batteries. It works for me.

[RemiAndKaren 0]

Both my wife and I have Pro Ditters (I know I know, not the same) but the batteries last less then a year on 'em... and the case: well, mine is all cracked up, and its going to the manufacturer as soon as I gat a chance and take the time to do it... We bought them pretty much as they came out (must have been December 97).
Remi

[skybytch 273]

Quote

The first pair was a total flat out, and the replacement didn't help either.

Okay, I know less than nothing about batteries so I may be totally full of BS here... but perhaps the unit you purchased had been sitting on a shelf for awhile and the batteries were partially discharged before you even put them in your ProTrack??
pull and flare,
lisa
----
I am a nobody.
Nobody's perfect.
Therefore, I am perfect!

[weid14 0]

those type of batteries have a shelf life, and I've heard about a whole lot of Pro-Dytter batteries being bad (from the batery manufacturer) - they do last about 150 jumps (that means mine is due any time now). I try not to use the display adn shut it off if I'm traveling with my helmet. Remember, if you're changing batteries to wait before installing the new ones (teh manual says how long). When my last set went bad, it sounded a long tone around 1000 feet. Didn't go dead for a few jumps, then I changed batteries. My teammates went dead, then came back to life on climb one jump - he ended up leaving early (like 5000 feet).

[Aviatrr 0]

Quote

Aren't they supposed to last a couple years? I've had my Pro-Track for 6 months maybe, it started acting up this weekend. It didn't record 4 jumps (yes it was on, I even checked it a few times in the plane, but once I got to the ground it had shut off)

Mine lasted about 8 months and around 100 jumps in economy mode.. Not exactly what the manual stated - but the batteries were already installed in my Pro-Track when I got it.. They put 'em in at the factory, I assume.. Even though the unit is not used while on the shelf, if the batteries are in it, they will drain.. My second set has only been in there about 2 months..

Quote

Doesn't it have a low battery warning?

Yes.. It will give a long(5-7 second) beep at 1,000ft during climb, after it gives the normal indication of highest altitude set.. It will then flash 'low bat' every few seconds.. Mine lasted 10 jumps after that started happening..
Mike

[apoil 0]

Worst problem so far is finding the damn replacement batteries. L&B are aware of their limited availability even in full service electronics and hardware shops. They are still manufactured, it just seems like no other devices use them.
Anyway, I too have experienced battery life FAR shorter than the manual suggests. Living in a very warm climate mayb be contributory. I do put it in ECO mode, but I'm lucky to get even a year (100-200 jumps) out of a set.
You mentioned manually switching it off? How do you do that? Is that a feature of the later models? I just leave it alone in ECO mode and it switches off after 15 hours or something.

[gman 0]

To manually shutdown the unit, run through the display menu until "ECO" is shown. Simultaneously press the "Mode & Set" buttons and hold it until you see a countdown timer go from 500 to 0, at this point you will here a "beep". Release both buttons and the unit is now "off".
-G.M.L.-

[freaksister 0]

I had my other one about 8 months before I lost it and it never went dead. When I bought my first one, it came with batteries installed, and two extra in the box. The free replacement L&B sent me also came installed with batteries and had two extra. So I had four batteries and a brand new unit. I just gave away a set of batteries to a jumper at the DZ a couple of weeks ago. You people should hang around me, LOL. :) j/k
On another note, I leave my Pro-Track in ECO mode all the time, unless I am flying commercially, then I always make sure and turn it off manually.
Sis
"The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it." Oscar Wilde

[skymonkey 0]

You can purchase these batteries through the Radio Shack online catalog. works for me
McKill