Heating Pelagic MH8A (Shearwater) transmitter

[taimen]

Today I had conncetion issues with one of my wireless transmitters. When changing battery for troubleshooting I noticed the whole transmitter was running hot (almost burning hot), especially the CR2 battery when I removed it.
Curiously, with a new battery it seems to work normally for two dives and doesn't overheat.
Anyone experienced similar issues?

 

[runsongas]

was the battery installed the correct way?

 

[taimen]

Yes it was. It had been used for at least 50 dives without issues. I also didn't find any signs of water in the battery comparment. My surface interval was about 9 days.

 

[runsongas]

possible could be an internal short in the battery then

 

[taimen]

Yes, quite surprising with a quality (Duracell) CR2 battery. Or is that typical in some circumstances?

 

[dmaziuk]

Even if it has a protection circuit for external short, I suspect an internal short would probably bypass it.

Check the manufacturing date: they have a limited shelf life. However AFAIK in non-rechargeables internal shorts are mostly caused by physical damage: you need to bang or squeeze it hard enough. If it's just been sitting on a shelf too long, it may not last, but it shouldn't fry itself.