Computer Battery

[catgirldiver]

I have a Genesis React Pro dive computer. It takes a battery that Radio Shack carries. Has anyone used a Radio Shack brand battery while diving? Are these batteries the same as the ones you get at the LDS or is there a difference? Please advise.

Thank you,
Catgirldiver

 

[jonnythan]

A battery is a battery.. if it's the right size and voltage, go ahead and use it.

 

[pete340]

A battery is a battery.. if it's the right size and voltage, go ahead and use it.

Not so, unfortunately. Cheap batteries sometimes deliver lower voltage under load than good ones with the same voltage rating. And they often won't last as long, making any apparent savings illusory. Which is not to say that the Radio Shack batteries mentioned won't work, just that there's more to it than size and voltage.

 

[Gary D.]

Just get them from someone that sells of batteries so the storage life is shorter. Don't get them from a Ma & Pa store that will sell one a year and they have 3 cases of them.

Gary D

 

[Marek K]

A battery is a battery.. if it's the right size and voltage, go ahead and use it.

Concur. About the only difference you'll notice is the price.

Follow the instructions for how to change the battery carefully, though. The battery covers are just plastic. I assume the outer battery hatch is black, and turns a fraction of a turn to lock and unlock... Don't force it when putting it back on! If it doesn't turn, then the inner cover and/or o-ring aren't in correctly.

Another question is whether you'll need a new o-ring. If you do, the size should be -026... o-ring sizes are standard, and you should find some for pennies at a hardware store. Or your LDS... right after you tell them why you didn't buy the battery from them!

Worst case, if the battery compartment floods and you catch it promptly, the most you'll damage is the battery... as far as I know, the battery compartment is sealed from the electronics.

--Marek

 

[Buoyant1]

speaking of batteries....from someone that doesn't dive QUITE as often as he would like to (altough the season is here and I expect to go more frequently) do you leave them in the computer, or take them out?

Mine have been dormant for almost 2 months now...

 

[herman]

Unless I miss my guess it's a standard 2032 style that you can buy almost anywhere (my wifes Genesis and my Oceanic both use them). I have found them at Lowes H&G, Kmart, Walmart as well as most drug chains. Duracells are the common brand and while there is most likely nothing wrong with RS brand (they also carry Duracell if I remember correctly) but I would go with a brand name if possible.

Personally, I leave them in unless it's going to be a long time (year) between dives. These batteries are designed to stay in place until they discharge. IMO,you are taking more of a chance of distroying the computer by not getting the Oring to seat correctly than from a leaking battery.

 

[Buoyant1]

I figure as much, since the manual really doesn't make much fuss over it. (unless they expect you to use it every day)

Unless I miss my guess it's a standard 2032 style that you can buy almost anywhere (my wifes Genesis and my Oceanic both use them). I have found them at Lowes H&G, Kmart, Walmart as well as most drug chains. Duracells are the common brand and while there is most likely nothing wrong with RS brand (they also carry Duracell if I remember correctly) but I would go with a brand name if possible.

Personally, I leave them in unless it's going to be a long time (year) between dives. These batteries are designed to stay in place until they discharge. IMO,you are taking more of a chance of distroying the computer by not getting the Oring to seat correctly than from a leaking battery.

 

[mike_s]

Unless I miss my guess it's a standard 2032 style that you can buy almost anywhere .

You can buy the 2032 just about anywhere like you said. I buy mine at WalMart.


The Genesis React PRO used the CR-2450 per the owners manual
http://www.genesisscuba.com/manuals/REACT_PRO_Owners_Manual.pdf

This battery is very similar in size to the CR2032. (about the size of a quarter)


I meant to check at Walmart the other night to see if they had them, but I couldn't remember the battery number off the top of my head.

As for Radio Shack, traditionally their batteries brand aren't as good as Energizer or Duracell. If you can fkind a Duracell or Energizer brand, I'd get that instead. It'll last longer and it's no fun having your dive computer battery go dead.

-Mike

 

[Marek K]

As for Radio Shack, traditionally their batteries brand aren't as good as Energizer or Duracell. If you can fkind a Duracell or Energizer brand, I'd get that instead. It'll last longer and it's no fun having your dive computer battery go dead.

Why? Who makes batteries for Radio Shack?

I could see the "major" manufacturers making them for the RS brand; but I could also see RS buying them from a more-doubtful and therefore cheaper source.

In any case, RS's advantage is that they carry a lot of obscure battery types... though the CR-2450 is pretty common.

Plus, I don't know about the Genesis, but my Oceanic and Aeris hockey-pucks give a low-battery warning well before they give out.

Can anyone confirm that these hockey-puck computers take an -026 o-ring? I ordered some -026's, and it does look to be the right one... though I haven't installed one yet...

--Marek