Originally Posted By: Linvol WebbLion caller how long will the batterys last in cold? I have a old wt caller and love it but I carry 2 back up batterys during cold and just switch out. Can you change batterys on MT or have to carry to charger ?
Linvol Webb,
I'm calling in AZ and unless you're in Flagstaff cold for us is a 25 degree morning quickly warming to the low 50's - not exactly frigid. I am waiting for feedback from the gentlemen I've sold callers to in northern states to get a better grasp of cold weather battery performance. I know that the typical order of acceptable cold weather performance/use usually goes from alkaline, to NiMH, to Li-Ion, with NiMH and Li-Ion being the best choices, respectively.
However, that being said I like the fact that you can get either model in a AA battery format or you can choose the Li-Ion option. I choose the AA version so I have maximum flexibility in the field to deal with power issues and/or dead batteries. If I have rechargeables giving me fits, I can immediately switch to Duracell or other premium AA and keep going. Better yet, they're available in just about any convenience store, anywhere on the planet. In a pinch you might have to pay the King's ransom for them, but you won't have to go without.
I am currently using Sanyo Eneloop NiMH AA batteries with great results - the coldest temps so far being in the low 30's. I tend to run a caller for most of the day, as I am on a "normal" stand for more than an hour with as brief a period between stands as I can muster. I've never had to change the batteries in my Mighty Atom during the day for either being dead or for diminished performance. The Sanyos charge up nicely, hold a charge in storage better than other NiMH batteries and have just been solid performers for us.
I wrote a blog article here:
Rechargable NiMH Battries for E-Callers
Also, this is one of the most complete evaluations of the Eneloops I could find on the internet:
Eneloop Evaluation A hot link to this evaluation is included on the blog post.
Note: Most of the reviews I've read suggest the Eneloops be charged in a Sanyo charger for best results. However, the Sanyo batteries can be charged in a car charger designed for NiMH batteries - thus, you can charge and change them in the field if you have a cigarette lighter charger.
Wildlife Tech reports that the Mighty Atom system(s) was/were designed to achieve the maximum battery life possible regardless of the battery type chosen by the user. From what I've seen thus far, I'd say that's an accurate statement.
Thank you for your question. I hope this helps.
Mark Healy