Author Topic: Battery Life (Read 1036 times)

rustyg61 · « **on:** April 24, 2011, 09:13:24 PM »

What kind of life can I expect to get out of my battery that powers the electronics? How will I know when it is fixing to die, does it begin to distort, or just quit working? Does low voltage on the battery harm the electronics? I have been practicing several hours a day everyday lately & I don't want it to die in the middle of a gig! It seems like I read that it should last about a year, but how much playing time is included in that estimate? Any suggestions for a routine change out schedule? I know I should keep a spare, but if I'm not going to use the spare for 3 or 4 months it may not be good when I need it.

Thanks!

jazzyvee · « **Reply #1 on:** April 25, 2011, 10:02:05 AM »

I don't do too many gigs these days maybe 6 or 7 per year but I play my Alembics a lot at home so when it comes to gigging I always check the charge on the battery with my tongue. I'm pretty good at determining if it has much charge left by that method. If It doesn't sting I change it for a new one. So Far I've never had one fail on a gig.

I've taken batteries out that have sounded fine but on the tongue test they were pretty dead so I changed them anyway.

I would say if you have any doubts about the charge left in a battery, change it before the gig. Remove the risk.

Jazzyvee

rustyg61 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 25, 2011, 01:38:07 PM »

Thanks Jazzyvee! I will keep a spare just in case & change mine before any big gig. I do bring my Jazz bass as a backup if the battery ever dies mid set. I was just curious if anyone had a set schedule where they change them every 6 months, or whatever.

lbpesq · « **Reply #3 on:** April 25, 2011, 01:53:35 PM »

I picked up a small battery tester. I always test my batteries before a gig and always bring backups. I've seen people do the tongue test, ala Jazzyvee, but could never do this myself ... I cringe even thinking about it! I guess I'm just the kind of guy who doesn't like pain. I also stay away from roller coasters. I've never understood the concept of spending money to feel like you're going to die! lol

Bill, tgo

rustyg61 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 25, 2011, 02:02:26 PM »

Hey Bill, I'm with you on the tongue testing! I have friends who do that too & I never have, never will! I have a battery tester that works just fine! I wish they could put test holes in the plates so you can test the battery without having to pull the plate off. I guess that would attract a bunch of dust & lint inside the electronics that would not be good for them. I used to love roller coasters when my kids were young, not so sure I would enjoy them as much now! I prefer the Harley for that kind of thrill, at least I'm in control!

lbpesq · « **Reply #5 on:** April 25, 2011, 02:09:00 PM »

Someone is making a battery tester that just plugs into the 1/4 jack, but all the reviews I read panned it. When someone gets it right, such a beast will be most welcome around here.

Bill, tgo

rustyg61 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 25, 2011, 02:29:25 PM »

That is a great idea!

lembic76450 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 25, 2011, 03:18:25 PM »

I have an idea, just plug a new 1/4 switchcraft into the jack without the jacket and test at the terminals with a multi meter. Should work, right??

rustyg61 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 25, 2011, 03:20:21 PM »

I thought it would too, but I tried it & got no voltage reading.

mike1762 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 25, 2011, 03:25:32 PM »

To answer the how do you know its going bad portion of your question: the tone will start sounding distorted and will go from bad to worse fairly quickly. There is no chance of finishing out a gig with a weak battery, so always keep spares on hand.

rustyg61 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 25, 2011, 03:28:06 PM »

Thanks Mike! That's the answer I was looking for! How long do your batteries usually last?

mike1762 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 25, 2011, 07:24:31 PM »

I play several hours a day and I would guess that I get about 6 months between changes. Don't forget to unplug when you're not playing or it will continue to drain the battery.

(Message edited by mike1762 on April 25, 2011)

mica · « **Reply #12 on:** April 25, 2011, 07:34:25 PM »

I usually suggest to change every 6 months or so to avoid surprises. You can pick something like the Summer and Winter Solstice or other bi-annual event in your life to remind you it's battery changin' time.

And yes - unplug when you are not playing - good for the battery and good for not tripping over the cable and causing damage.

rustyg61 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 26, 2011, 03:31:55 AM »

Thanks Mike & Mica! I do unplug it when I'm not playing, even at the gigs during breaks for both reasons you suggested Mica! I don't need anyone tripping over my cable & yanking the bass off the stand!

bigredbass · « **Reply #14 on:** April 27, 2011, 09:37:37 AM »

In the old music store days, I tried the 'tongue tester' on the batteries that came with the BOSS pedals, just to check before they went out the door to their new home. They used to straighten my eyebrows, could not understand why a BOSS battery was noticeably stronger. One day during a phone conversation with Roland service, I asked about this, and the guy says, 'Oh yeah, they charge them up to 10, 10.5 volts so they'll last on the shelf a long time.' Bought a battery tester the next day . . . .

J o e y