Zenix IQ batts dying fast

[mitaccio]

I just picked up a BD Zenix IQ, haven't made the P4 mod yet (it's in the mail). I had a fresh set of rechargable Ni-Mh 2000mAH in. Went on a run in light rain at 40 or so degrees. The batteries died in less than 20 minutes. I thought maybe there was a bad charge, so when I got home I put in a new set of batteries. After about 45 minutes, the battery level indicator stopped displaying. When I went to switch the brightness on the center bulb, it switched over to the smaller side bulbs and the batt indicator went to red? Is there something wrong with my headlamp? I need to be able to use this for atleast 1 hour at a time before the batts die. Suggestions?

 

[acourvil]

There's definitely something wrong. I get ~1:30 at full output on a set of freshly charged Eneloop Ni-Mh batteries (or about the same on a single Li ion).

 

[mitaccio]

just called black diamond. They are going to swap it out for an Icon for just $10!:twothumbs

I live in Salt Lake, so BD is local for me and I can pick it up today.
Great Customer Service

 

[hopkins]

Before you swap can you do a current measurement to see if it is really
draining 2amps+ from 2000mAh batteries. -ie dead after 45minutes
Was the lamp hot to the touch?
I think if it would melt the bezel if it was operating at nearly 5 watts!
Curious:huh::huh::huh:

 

[mitaccio]

It did get VERY hot to the touch, enough that the plastic started to feel a bit "squishy". I checked the batteries and they are charging to 2300 mAH, so I know it isn't the batts. I am going to switch because I like the reflector and the added voltage the Icon has. But I know my Zenix isn't working properly with rechargable or standard batteries.

 

[hopkins]

Yes , I agree you're doing the right thing returning it.
One thing we know now is that Black Diamond does not do
current drain tests on all the Zenix IQ headlamps it makes.
This should have been caught during functional test.