F75 LE--When do you change your batteries?

[Roland58]

On my F75, I changed my first set of batteries when the three part scale had lost the top third and using it for quite a while after that, but, before it lost the middle third. At what point do you change your batteries? Top third gone? Middle third? or Last third? Will the machine operate at full efficiency until the batteries are dead? Is there a warning before it quits?
The batteries seem to last a very long time. I have noticed that using the pinpointer will make the top third disappear if the batteries are on their way down, but, it comes back when the pinpointer is turned off. I guess the pinpointer feature uses more power. Also, I have hunted for a while with the top third missing, quit for the day and went out the next day with the top third back again for hours before going away again. I knew the alkalines would self-recharge to a small degree, but, this was surprising.

I used the rechargeable batteries one time...... I didn't let them run completely down, but, they didn't last near as long, not worth it to me.

[DKinPA]

Hey Roland....I have the 75 LTD and I run the batteries until the bottom bar starts blinking. I have actually run with that bar blinking for well over an hour several times and did not notice any negative effect from it.
I have averaged over 40 hours per set of batteries in my LTD this year. I use Costco brand alkalines.

HH

Dave

[Roland58]

Hey Roland....I have the 75 LTD and I run the batteries until the bottom bar starts blinking. I have actually run with that bar blinking for well over an hour several times and did not notice any negative effect from it.
I have averaged over 40 hours per set of batteries in my LTD this year. I use Costco brand alkalines.

HH

Dave

Thanks, Dave.........that is exactly the information I was looking for. I have been using the bulk package of alkalines that Sam's puts out under their "Member's Mark" brand. They work as well as any of the popular brands and much le$$! I always carry spare batteries for the F75 and my Pro Pointer, but, now I will wait longer to replace the F75's!!

[DKinPA]

Roland............absolutely!! Let them AA's run out, as a matter of fact I hit a nice coin target one evening while my battery indicator was blinking and until I finished digging and replacing the plug my batteries had died completely...........and.....the target I dug was a wheat penny that was about 4" deep, so I don't think you lose any power until they go completely.

I know what you mean about the battery price!!! I get 48 Kirkland brand at Costco for $10.49 and I think they last longer than the "other" brands. My LTD came from the factory with Ray O Vac alkalines and I only got about 30 hours from that set.

Good Luck!! Keep posting those finds....I'll need the motivation to make it through winter....LOL!!

HH

Dave

[Roland58]

Thanks again, Dave. Yeah, I'll keep the finds coming, as long as I am finding something worthwhile. I call the principle of an older school here in town that I don't think has been detected at all (he seemed very surprised by the request and said he would have to ask someone else if it was okay). I assured him that I would be removing any trash items I found, especially, those that could be harmful to "little Johnny" if he fell on it and that my digging would be done in a non-destructive manner with a knife. I know there won't be any real old coins, but, there may well be some silver to be had as the school is over 50 years old.

[Bart@Big Boys Hobbies]

I got something in my head that if the batters are a bit weak I may not get true performance or depth. I know that's not probably true but batteries are cheap. Well...... sorta.....lol

HH!!

[Roland58]

Bart, your line of thinking was the same as mine, however, after talking with number of folks that are a LOT smarter than myself, I have come to believe that the F75 will continue to function well until the batteries are gone. I was changing mine when the first of the three bars was gone, but, for the last few hunts, I have been using the last two bars and all is well and finding some pretty deep and small targets, i.e. 8" - 9" dime. I picked up a tiny little earring the other day that was ringing in as a dime and it was, at least, 6" deep. When that second bar is gone, I'll change my batteries. Note: If your batteries are about to change a bar, you will notice using the pinpointer will make it drop and then it will come back when you stop pinpointing.

[Bart@Big Boys Hobbies]

Really Good observation. I will try that out myself!