Author Topic: Is there a better way to check battery level... (Read 507 times)

toddharris · « **on:** September 13, 2015, 07:48:29 AM »

Hi, love gigging my SC Dlx, but hate having to open the electronics cavity and pull the battery ahead of gigs to check remaking power. Is there a device, cable or way to use the output jack of the bass to see the level? Best regards, Todd

jazzyvee · « **Reply #1 on:** September 13, 2015, 09:28:40 AM »

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Batt-O-Meter-Guitar-Preamp-Battery-Tester/dp/B002Q0PPS4

I have one of these but seem to have misplaced it in the house.

toddharris · « **Reply #2 on:** September 13, 2015, 11:30:56 AM »

That's the ticket! Perfect and thanks so much. $17 on eBay! What a time saver!

willgunn · « **Reply #3 on:** September 13, 2015, 12:19:31 PM »

Thanks for the great tip, Delano - I just ordered one myself from Amazon....$16.99 including shipping!

room037 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 13, 2015, 04:14:23 PM »

Hi,

Alembic use switch jack for 1/4 phone. ( I think all models use it, not only series instruments.)
So This checker is not working, it is for stereo jack as ring - sleeve wiring power supply.

Eiji

smokin_dave · « **Reply #5 on:** September 13, 2015, 04:14:55 PM »

Just ordered one myself too.Had no idea such a useful tool of this type existed.Groovy.

toddharris · « **Reply #6 on:** September 13, 2015, 05:21:17 PM »

Fiji, thanks for that. What a shame. Would have been perfect. Hey Jayzee - did yours work on an Alembic?

lbpesq · « **Reply #7 on:** September 13, 2015, 09:36:26 PM »

Me too! Too bad it won't work with a Series instrument (18v)

Bill, tgo

room037 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 13, 2015, 09:58:42 PM »

It's not voltage issue, you never reach battery wirering from 1/4 phone.
If you want to use this battery tester, you can change switch jack to stereo jack (TRS jack).
I did it my Hamer B12-S with activator circuit.
I don't use this tester, but stereo jack wirering is working fine.

Series instrument are different because stereo wirering.
It means tip and ring for signal. There is No way to covert.

P.S.
Anniv. Circuit is stereo wirering for signal as Series inst.
It needs switch jack.

Eiji

(Message edited by room037 on September 13, 2015)

(Message edited by room037 on September 13, 2015)

terryc · « **Reply #9 on:** September 14, 2015, 01:00:39 AM »

Non series electronics using 9V battery especially top grade alkaline will last about a year(depending on use and not left plugged in)
See Must Reads/FAQ section.
I have a built in indicator...front face LED's, when they go dull I recharge the battery as I use very expensive rechargables

jazzyvee · « **Reply #10 on:** September 14, 2015, 04:37:56 AM »

I haven't used mine for years because I can't find it but i'm pretty certain it worked fine as it was in my orion guitar case when I was scared about it going flat during a gig. Unless that is, for the reasons others have mentioned above it was mis-reporting. I will have another look for it when I get home and report back.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #11 on:** September 14, 2015, 12:05:19 PM »

There you go guys I even filmed it in action plugged into my Orion guitar. It shows I have 3 hrs battery life left.. Not sure how that's worked out.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4yo0hc0aapj1jcu/IMG_1249.MOV?dl=0

terryc · « **Reply #12 on:** September 14, 2015, 01:29:22 PM »

Current drain of circuit/battery current remaining I would imagine

room037 · « **Reply #13 on:** September 14, 2015, 09:09:04 PM »

I modified this way for my Alembicised Hamer.

Most of the active circuit instruments are wired with stereo (TRS) jack.

I found a description about How to use Batt-O-Meter at Japanese distributor web site.
The description said it only work on such circuit. (that I said Stereo TRS jack)

Wait for a while to click on Amazon, check the cavity first !

Eiji

hieronymous · « **Reply #14 on:** September 16, 2015, 01:08:57 PM »

Eiji san - Alembicized 12-string Hamer - I bet that is amazing!