PAL Gold eating batts.

[RonM]

While comparing my PAL Gold to my Brinkmann (aka Walmart LED) I decided to check if the PAL 9V batt was still good. Sure enough, it was down to 6.1V. That helped explain why I didn't think it was nearly as bright as the Brinkmann. Replaced the battery and now it is brighter but still not as bright as the forementioned LED.

Now here is the problem. I've only had the PAL for three or so months and this is the 2nd battery I've run down. I use it frequently, but no where near the 18 hours it's supposed to run on high. My guess is I'm getting about as many hours out of it as I would from a mini-maglite. What gives. Anyone else having similar results?

Thanks - RonM

 

[Brock]

Well since the light eats about .03 mA all the time that might have something to do with it. Are you using alkalines? An alkaline 9v has 595 Ma in it so, 595 /.03 or over 2 years, a carbon zinc has 200 Ma in it or 200 days. Now that is only on that really dim mode. If you add 10 hours of high use to that I would guess 6 to 9 months would be about right. I know I have gone back in my flashlight drawer only to find the light had been in blink mode for a day or so

Maybe some of the PAL's use more power in that really dim mode, just a guess.

Brock

 

[DDS]

RonM: I have had the same problem but have not used it near as much as you. I just tonight replaced my second battery (alkaline Duracell). I guess the always on dim mode is what is eating up these batteries.

Dave

<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by DDS on 11-11-2000 at 07:48 PM</font>

 

[RonM]

Yeah. I think that always on mode is depleting the the alkaline 9V batts faster than they say. I can't imagine getting any where near the 2.5 years the manufacturer claims. Also, I've never accidentally left the light in one of the other modes for any period of time.

 

[RonM]

Lithium would help, but would increase cost. This is supposed to be about long battery life compared to regular flashlights. If I'm not getting that then much of the benefit is gone. Too bad since the PAL is a really great concept.

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

..it definately helps with the PALs if you appreciate the always-on function. I find it ingenious - it is an absolutlely foolproof way of always being able to find the flashlight! And when you aren't looking for it, it's the night light...I leave them around the house strategically located to light steps, the cordless phone handset, etc..

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

...why not try using lithium 9 volt batteries in the PAL? ...

 

[RonM]

I wonder if the makers of the PAL ever considered adding an off mode as well. The sequence would be as follows: off, "always on", low, high, strobe. Now if the circuitry only allows four choices, I'd be willing to give up strobe in favor of gaining off.

I do like the always on mode, but I don't "always" need it.

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

sounds like it's time for someone to rig a 'kill switch' for the PAL! ..just a trip to Radioshack to find a tiny switch and put it in the circuit somewhere...who's ever first wins a long-lived PAL...:>)

 

[Brock]

I am with Ron on this one, I would gladly give up the strobe for a true off mode. I also really like the really dim mode, but when it is in a drawer for 2 months I don't need it to be glowing all the time.

Brock