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AR15.COM
10/28/2010 6:09:35 PM EDT
So I have some new trail cameras. They use 4 D cells each. My question is on a D cell it shows 1.5 volts.

When I check with a volt meter and check voltage when should I change out batteries?? I had the cameras out for a few weeks and the batteries were dead after less then a month. I checked the batteries after 2 weeks and they read 1.363 volts.

So when is a battery actually dead??

Thanks in advance
10/28/2010 6:13:50 PM EDT
[#1]
when they quit working.
10/28/2010 6:15:15 PM EDT
[#2]
I kinda got that part figured out. Im looking for better advice
10/28/2010 6:16:46 PM EDT
[#3]
Just saying
10/28/2010 6:19:36 PM EDT
[#4]
It depends more on the needs of what you are powering.  If it needs 2.3volts to run, when the batteries fall below that, they are dead to that device.  

Now, if you have a flash light, it would then stil be able to use them, it just wouldn't be as bright as with new batteries.  

If you measure your batteries when they are brand new, they will likely be from 1.6-1.75volts each depending on actual age and storage (even before you had them).
10/28/2010 6:31:57 PM EDT
[#5]
Thanks, I will see if I can research and see what the cameras requirements are
10/28/2010 6:33:22 PM EDT
[#6]
Tyipcally, a fresh, brand-new alkaline D cell will measure just a tad less than 1.6 volts.

By the time it's no longer measuring any higher than 1.3 volts, replacement is in order.
10/28/2010 6:40:03 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Tyipcally, a fresh, brand-new alkaline D cell will measure just a tad less than 1.6 volts.

By the time it's no longer measuring any higher than 1.3 volts, replacement is in order.


Thanks. I was guessing half .75 volts. If this is the case though I will change batteries when they reach 1.3 I dont want to miss good pics because of weak batteries
10/28/2010 6:44:55 PM EDT
[#8]
Really, you just need a good supply of low voltage devices for those batteries to get "promoted" too.  

Ds are tough, other than lighting.
10/28/2010 6:54:27 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Really, you just need a good supply of low voltage devices for those batteries to get "promoted" too.


Yep.

Even at 1.3 volts, they'll still work pretty well in LED flashlights (Mag-Lite and similar). However, they're also more prone to leaking as they discharge, so you don't want to push your luck too far.