Flying with Lithium Batteries

[Rege-PA]

Hi, I am planning a prospecting trip to Australia with a TDI Pro and a GPX 5000, are there any problems with getting these batteries there? Has any one flown with them?
Thanks, any info or ideas appreciated.

 

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[Sandman]

I don't know the availablity of the batteries, but can tell you the voltages are different with the Lithium and might not give good service.

 

[spartacus53]

As far as I know lithium batteries may not necessarily be the best choice either. Lithium batteries better on items that require a higher voltage, like digital cameras. I had used lithium in my detector and didn't get any noticeable advantage in additional usage. Stick with a regular battery, much cheaper in the long run.

 

[U.K. Brian]

The Tdi is supplied with a Lithium battery as standard as high power pulse machines need "High Power"....in fact two batteries are supplied and you don't have the option of using anything else as it needs 14.4 volts and 500 ma of current and there's no space to go to a larger battery pack.

If you look at the box the detector is supplied with you will see a big warning notice "Forbidden in Passenger Aircraft". If an airline spots them you will end up sending the detector home in a taxi. Some cruise lines also won't allow lithium ion as they are dangerous and they don't want them to be recharged on board.

The new TDI SL, lightweight and not as deep version, uses standard rechargables so no problems. I would enquire what the airline you intend to travel on policy is. There are some that will allow these batteries to be transported out of the detector in an approved fire/explosion proof box. As for Australia there were several posts two years back re Australian airlines not allowing the import of even new uncharged batteries from China. They would have to be brought in by sea.

 

[Frankn]

Maybe you could Fed X them to a friend or destination location in advance.

 

[Ism]

I flew domestic, had to put Li-Ion in checked luggage (they can't be in the passenger compartment). Not sure about international. Its fairly easy to check with the airline.

 

[goldentruth]

To Rege-Pa: It may sound funny but Minelab is Auzzie, they are sure to have those batterys for your GPX 5000 in Austraila. Please correct me if I am wrong. maybe drop a dime and ask them @ Minelab. The other MD, I don't know. Good luck friend. (Brother Franklin has a good idea!) Peace.

 

[U.K. Brian]

At around $600 US I doubt if he would want to buy a battery before he really needs to.

 

[goldentruth]

At around $600 US I doubt if he would want to buy a battery before he really needs to.

Sorry, I did not know they are that much. I guess you are right not to pick one up in Aust. I have seen many dealers when ya buy a GPX 5000 who offer to throw in another additional battery pack so you have 2 packs.
Did not mean to talk out of my hat. I almost bought a Minelab but I never knew the parts are pricey. Mercy!

 

[Frankn]

I do not think I would buy a detector that used a $600 dollar battery. Battery technology is advancing to fast for one reason. Li is new, but L-polymer is out there now and so is L-Fe. The Li is good for 3-5 years. It is good for about 1k recharge cycles and they the charge it can hold drops slowly with each charge.

 

[goldentruth]

I do not think I would buy a detector that used a $600 dollar battery. Battery technology is advancing to fast for one reason. Li is new, but L-polymer is out there now and so is L-Fe. The Li is good for 3-5 years. It is good for about 1k recharge cycles and they the charge it can hold drops slowly with each charge.

Frankn: That is a modest & Logical theory for most of value & price, I never thought of replacement of an expensive battery per cost. It is like you almost have to pay for Maint once the battery(s) have lost their life. Kodos to you for this observation. Personally I do not like to spend/buy things at full price & I like to get as much info with promise of results before I spend more than $500 to $900 of my money on a upgrade. That's me. Thanks for the info again which changes my mind about a later delema/pitt fall. As a previous Contractor I always turn over eqpt. before it gets too old and get value out so I can re-invest in newer eqpt. Kinda like MD's might have to move them before being obsolete unless it is a vintage sweetheart model that has been great.
Have a great day Bud.